What the Microsoft Zune's Wi-Fi CAN do:
- Connect to other nearby Zunes
- Transfer songs to other Zune users on a 3x3 policy. Plainly stated, the media will last for 3 days or 3 listens before it expires. As an added benefit to you, the media will remain catalogued if you choose to buy it later.
- Send and receive image files for unlimited viewing. It seems that license holders for copyrighted images aren't as important as license holders for copyrighted music.
What the Microsoft Zune's Wi-Fi CANNOT do:
- Connect to the Internet. Let that one sink in a little bit.
- Download songs directly to the Zune via the Zune Store
- Sync to your PC via Wi-Fi
So it seems that Microsoft has officially crippled any worthwhile feature within the Zune's wireless connections. It can be assumed that this was to keep it's DRM loving counterparts happy that a broken wireless antenna is a lot safer than giving consumers features they can actually use.
Update: It seems that the reporters have been somewhat trigger happy in shooting down Zune. According to SlashGear the 3 plays / 3 days limitation applies only to DRM crippled songs sent by a friend from his Zune. MP3 songs sent by friends will play forever. That is certainly good news. Thanks to anubis66 for the update!
Source:
Engadget