Microsoft’s Zune set to debut internationally

Microsoft is laying the Windows Phone 7 groundwork by officially releasing Zune internationally. The company has also announced all of the pricing plans for the different services included in Zune. As you will see some countries will get more stuff that others but this was expected givin how hard it is to secure music and video rights on a worldwide scale. The Zune Desktop Software with Windows Phone 7 support  (version 4.7) will serve as the basis of this international expansion and will be available for download in 20 countries.

Zune to Expand Multiscreen Entertainment Services Into International Markets

Major entertainment companies provide music and movie catalog to the U.K., France, Italy, Germany and Spain.

REDMOND, Wash. – Sep. 20, 2010 – Microsoft Corp. today announced the further international expansion of Zune, its digital entertainment service. This fall, Zune will expand its music and video footprint and bring the free Zune software, Zune Marketplace online store, Zune Pass1 music subscription service and enhanced features on Zune.net to new markets, providing a comprehensive entertainment experience on Windows-based PCs, on the go with Windows Phone 7 and in your living room through Xbox LIVE.

“The integration between Zune, Windows Phone 7 and Xbox LIVE is an exciting expansion in our entertainment offerings,” said Craig Eisler, corporate vice president, Interactive Entertainment Business Group at Microsoft. “Zune enables users to access the entertainment they want, wherever they want it – and now, more people than ever will be able to enjoy the freedom and flexibility that the Zune service offers.”