A first-time Zune user would probably wonder how and where to download Zune. Fortunately, Microsoft was already anticipating this issue even before they launched the Zune a few years back. Thus, they made sure that people would be able to get various downloads by making their own content-providing site. This place is known as the Zune Marketplace.
What Is It?
For premium Zune downloads, the Zune Marketplace is the first thing you should check out. It is accessible on the Internet through the URL zune.net and one can register to browse the site for free.
More Than a Market - The Zune Marketplace, however, is basically just that: a market. It offers Zune users the opportunity to download millions of files in various content types for them to enjoy on their Zune players. This includes music, movies, music videos, audio books, images, software, and games. This content can all be used on the Zune and can also be used on the PC, with the exception of some of the games and software that is specifically designed for use on the Zune only.
Download Music and Videos - The Zune Marketplace is a site that offers more than 3 million DRM-free songs, music videos, video podcasts, and almost anything and everything that entertains Zune users. With the simple click of a mouse, a member can download anything that is on the site and downloads are unlimited for as long as a person remains a member. The cost for membership is on a monthly basis for about $15.
What Does DRM-Free Mean?
All music in Zune Marketplace is DRM-free which basically means that is offered without Digital Rights Management. These formats are popular on the internet at present and can be downloaded from this place as well as from iTunes and Napster. There are issues regarding DRM-free music, the most important being that songs may be of lesser quality but this is not always the case. In fact, stores like the Zune Marketplace provide high quality songs as well.
Why Should I Join?
One-Stop Marketplace - The great thing about the Zune Marketplace is that it is the best place to download Zune material. But more than just downloading stuff, it is a great place to get to know other people who are a part of the Zune community. You can discover new music through them, make new friends, and subscribe to material that you never imagined would entertain you. You can do all this just by signing up and making your own Zune Card.
The Zune Card - The Zune Card allows you to get your own profile page and Zune Tag which is how people will identify you on the site. You can customize your own Zune Card and manage your Zune account over the internet.
Monthly Membership - You can purchase your monthly membership through your account so that you can have access to unlimited downloads that you can share with your community friends. Additionally, more than being able to download Zune material you can participate in various discussions in the Zune forums.