Microsoft to release further Zune services in Australia

Microsoft is looking to expand its Zune services in Australia, but we're not getting the full deal.

While video rental is already possible for Xbox Live users in Australia, Microsoft has committed to video purchases and rentals across the Xbox Live, Windows Phone 7 and Windows platforms this spring, bringing the services to light just in time for coming Windows Phone 7 devices.

Much like iTunes does for Apple's products, the Zune software will act as the synchronising client for Windows Phone 7 devices, and has also been updated to support streaming of high-definition video to Windows PCs. Content is tied to a Windows Live account, with the ability to transfer content between Windows Phone 7 handsets and Windows PCs. This includes being able to play content on either phone or PC, switch devices and then resume playback on the other device.

Australian's, however, will not get access to music purchases, nor to Microsoft's monthly music subscription service called "Zune Pass", with purchases and subscription expanding only into the UK, France, Italy and Spain, and purchases only into Germany.

The new Zune services will offer "forthcoming integration with ... Kinect for Xbox 360", allowing media control through the motion control system.