Microsoft and McDonalds Strike Zune Wi-Fi Deal

CNET News reports that Microsoft, which is officially releasing its Zune 3.0 software on Tuesday, is also announcing a deal to give Zune owners free Wi-Fi access at McDonald’s outlets.

“The McDonald’s deal is important because although every Zune has built-in Wi-Fi, the devices can only access free Wi-Fi hot spots that don’t have a browser interrupt. That severely limits the types of public locations from which people can download songs wirelessly.”

As the report points out, the Zune’s new Channels and FM radio-related features work best over Wi-Fi; the new deal with McDonald’s gives Zune owners another 10,000 compatible hotspots to work with. All new Zunes will come preloaded with the 3.0 OS, while owners of older Zunes can download the free update here.

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