
Microsoft has released their latest Zune software upgrade, and while it finally offers gapless playback and features the return of the playlists, though not quite as robust as they once were, the most notable difference on the Zune itself is the ability to view and play your friends' playlists directly from your Zune rather than having to run over to your browser, so long as you both are Zune Pass subscribers. This feature takes about 100meg per friend's card.
Don't worry if you're not a Zune Pass subscriber though, you can still see the playlist, you'll just have to flag the track you dig for purchase later when you get to a computer. And when you do get to your browser, you'll find that the video store is now full of 4,800 music videos and downloadable TV shows for $2 a pop. You'll have to stick to YouTube and other social video networks to share original content, for now, but Microsoft has left that particular door open. In fact, the social aspect of the device is increasing dramatically.

