Los Angeles - Microsoft's (NASD: MSFT) Zune digital media player gained a bit of the MP3 player market share in NPD Group's latest rankings, now accounting for 4% of the total market, up from 3% in the first quarter of 2007, Wired.com reported.

Los Angeles - Microsoft (NASD: MSFT) recently doled out one-time bonus checks to independent digital music distributors including The Orchard (NASD: ORCD) and IODA, apparently to balance out the reported $1 per Zune sold it has granted to major labels including Universal Music Group, Hypebot reported. Both distributors plan to share the revenue with their label and artist partners.

Redmond, Wash. - Microsoft (NASD: MSFT) announced on Tuesday that it has added more than 800 downloadable TV show episodes from NBC Universal (NYSE: GE), Viacom (NYSE: VIA), Time Warner (NYSE: TWX), Liberty Media (NASD: LINTA) and other providers to the online store for its Zune portable media player. Notable in the deal is NBC Universal's inclusion, as the company's programs disappeared from Apple's iTunes Store in December following disputes over pricing and bundling. "Partnering with Zune will allow us to develop innovative content offerings for their customers, including flexible pricing and packaging options beginning this fall," said JB Perrette, president of NBC Universal Digital Distribution.

Redmond, Wash. - As a result of Microsoft shuttering its MSN Music store in favor of its Zune Marketplace, the company has told MSN Music customers that the licenses for the songs they purchased can be updated for the last time up until Aug. 31 -- after which time the songs cannot ever again be transferred from the devices on which they are currently stored, according to reports.

Chicago - Microsoft has partnered with Genius Entertainment to offer a limited edition Zune digital media player that will feature classic artwork from legendary U.K. band Joy Division's album "Unknown Pleasures," Pitchfork reported. The occasion for the promotion is the June 10 DVD release of "Control," a documentary about the band by Grant Gee to be released by Genius Entertainment.

Redmond, Wash. - Microsoft (NASD: MSFT) on Tuesday introduced its second-generation Zune digital media players, including the 80GB, hard drive-based Zune 80 ($249), and two flash-based, 8GB ($199) and 4GB ($149) models. The new devices offer improved battery life; redesigned Zune software; a new "Zune Pad" touch-sensitive navigation button; and wireless syncing of music libraries.

Redmond, Wash. - Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) said this week that its entertainment and devices division, which includes its Xbox video game business, reported a profit of $165 million in the company's fiscal first quarter, fueled in large part by the release of "Halo 3" for the Xbox 360. The profit compares with a loss of $142 million in the same period a year ago. Revenues at the Xbox unit were also up 91%, to $1.93 billion.

London - Following a leak of the details by retailer Amazon.com, Microsoft has confirmed plans to release its second-generation Zune digital media players in the U.S. on Nov. 13, The Register reported. The company will offer 4GB ($149), 8GB ($199) and 80GB ($249) models, with the two flash-based models sporting a 1.8-inch screen and the hard drive-based model to feature a 3.2-inch display.

Los Angeles - Microsoft plans to introduced its second-generation Zune digital media player on Oct. 16, Engadget reported, citing a source inside Microsoft. The company will reportedly offer two versions: a smaller, Flash-based model available in 4GB and 8GB capacities, and an 80GB hard drive-based model. Both will feature a "squircle" for navigation -- basically, a rounded square-shaped button that can be pressed "from any side," the source said.

Redmond, Wash. - Microsoft said this week that hip-hop artists Kanye West and Talib Kweli will offer exclusive tracks on the Zune Marketplace for its Zune digital media player. Featured will be a remix of West's "Can't Tell Me Nuthin" feat. Young Jeezy, and Kweli's "Hush." Kweli will also compose a custom playlist on the Zune Marketplace, while Zune.net will feature an exclusive interview with Kanye.

Redmond, Wash. - Microsoft on Wednesday announced that it will cut $50 off the price of its 30GB Zune digital media player, which will now sell for $199.

Redmond, Wash. - Microsoft announced on Monday that it has partnered with concert promotion giant Live Nation, to market its Zune digital media player at 28 U.S. concert venues this summer. The company will erect Zune Spots where consumers can try out the devices. Microsoft also said its Zune On the Road program, which provides financial and tactical support for emerging artists, will work with artists including Great Northern, CSS, Ladytron, LCD Soundsystem and MIMS.

New York - Microsoft launched a unique promotion this week for its Zune digital media players, partnering with Turner Broadcasting's Adult Swim to distribute the devices to television media buyers, executives and press at the network's Upfront advertising presentation. Guests at an Adult Swim party were provided with 30GB Zune players that came pre-loaded with a video presentation hosted by Turner Classic Movies' Robert Osborne, in addition to full episodes from new and returning series, original music and still photos.

San Francisco - In the wake of major label EMI's decision to sell unprotected songs on iTunes and other services, Microsoft said it plans to begin selling songs for its Zune player without digital rights management (DRM) security that restricts their use, CNET News.com reported.

San Francisco - Microsoft has released an awaited software update for its Zune music and media player, which addresses issues such as skipping of purchased songs and battery life, and offers faster syncing with a PC.

Los Angeles - Microsoft is developing a new version of its Zune portable music and media player that doubles as a cell phone -- in direct competition to Apple's recently announced iPhone -- according to CrunchGear, a TechCrunch Network blog.