Like Starbucks, But Different

Well, the 3.0 Zune update came out today and so far, it's just what we expected. But, lo, what is this we hear? We can get free Wi-Fi access on our Zune? At McDonald's? Unfortunately, this courageous new partnership will only offer this opportunity at approximately 9,800 McDonald's restaurants and we can't be sure how exactly these select locations will be chosen. There's a McDonald's down the street from us and we're keeping our fingers crossed.

There's something strikingly peculiar about the juxtaposition of Apple's iPod pairing with Starbucks and Zune teaming up with McDonald's. Isn't McDonald's supposed to be a fast food establishment? Isn't the whole point to enter the premises, get your food quickly, scarf it down, and leave? By contrast, Starbucks seems to be all about savoring your cup of coffee and relaxing in the corporate-approved atmosphere.

We don't expect Zune owners to rejoice over this exciting new collaboration... it's likely to get the lukewarm reception of the short-lived McDonald's Wi-Fi for Nintendo DS users. Unfortunately for McDonald's, their establishments simply aren't places for lingering. And they'll need something more than Zune Wi-Fi to change that.

Fortunately for Zune, their partnership is really with Wayport, who could probably get Zune users a little more Wi-Fi access than browsing for tunes between Big Macs.

[Via Wi-Fi Net News]