Microsoft Corp. this week updated its Zune portable digital media players with new features that allow to get more content much quicker than previously thanks to new firmware and software. In addition, the world’s largest software developer maker updated the Zune family with players that have more storage capacity.

Starting next week, every Zune portable media player will let consumers wirelessly download or stream millions of songs on the go using Wi-Fi access points. In addition, free software and firmware updates will give Zune owners the ability to discover, tag and purchase songs directly from the built-in FM radio, wirelessly access the Zune Marketplace store on the go, and tap into interactive, personalized music recommendations.

“Digital music services really come alive when they help people find not only the music they know they like, but the music they didn’t know they would love. With the combination of subscription, wireless access to millions of tracks, and powerful discovery features like personal recommendations and the ability to buy music from FM radio, Zune is taking the digital music experience to the next level,” said Chris Stephenson, general manager of global marketing for Zune at Microsoft.

Microsoft is also expanding its device lineup with new 16GB slim-line Zune for $199 and 120GB classic Zune for $249 as well as shiny new blue-on-silver and sleek all-black color schemes. The new features will begin rolling out on September 16, 2008.

The update of the Zune family seems a little bit disappointing at first since the company did not unveil any brand-new incarnations of music player. However, what it noticeable is that Microsoft has been consistently improving functionality of the very original Zune digital media player that was introduced first in late 2006, boosting value of the device without additional fees.

Tags: Microsoft, Zune