Microsoft plans to add a social component

[Mike]

Pretty interesting news.

The patent describes a way to personalize content on the PMP, just like how TiVO automatically finds and records programs based on previously recorded shows. Microsoft says that this service evaluates content based on the user’s media device as well as related actions to infer the user’s preferences. If a user makes a playlist that his or her friends like, they can subscribe to that playlist. Zune-friends will also get notifications if that playlist is updated, and an option to update their own playlists. With the WiFi feature, the Zune can even be updated automatically with friends’ favorite music when users go to WiFi hotspots.