Microsoft to Offer Zune Filling Station Kiosks

Gizmodo reports today that Microsoft plans to provide Zune "Filling Stations" or kiosks in retail stores and food chains like McDonalds and Starbucks. Picture if you will walking into Starbucks, hearing a song you like, then using the WiFi connection to buy the song and download it to your Zune right there.

It's a compelling scenario I must say and a surprisingly clever bit of marketing on Microsoft's part. They are thinking beyond the regular computer-download scenario and looking for something more creative. We still need to see how much it will cost (and as one commenter suggested) how much DRM they will attach to these songs, but on the face of it, it is an excellent idea.

The Zune will probably at best ding the iPod market share, but what it has the great potential to do is push Apple to continue to improve the iPod experience. Competition can be healthy and I think you will see some Zune features in the iPod in future releases.