Somewhere, in a dark and slimey alleyway... (Score 1)

...Paul Thurrott is waiting to create a Social Network (tm) with someone else with a Zune.

I actually like the idea of being able to share songs from my mp3 player. Other posters have suggested that sharing content would be limited to streaming or previews. I hate to think so, but it would make more sense for Microsoft to restrict the sharing functionality in such a way. Microsoft is very keen to form partnerships with the content industry. This has been demonstrated through their investment in DRM technologies such as MS's Janus platform for content sales and secure distribution), Windows Media Player, "Plays for Sure" and the DRM restrictions in the Media Centre and Xbox 360 platform. Although, even if it wasn't restricted in some way, I do see the wireless sharing aspect of the Zune to be a cool, but minor feature. When people are listening to their MP3 players, they're *not* communicating with other people! You don't know what their listening to and they probably don't know if you where in the slightest bit interested! Also, without looking at the screen, how would you know that someone wants to share songs? An audible alarm would be the obvious solution but that would just be nasty. Many people keep their players in pockets, covers, bags or armbands whilst their using them. Who walks around staring at their mp3 player all the time?! This feature would really only come into it's own when you wanted to trade songs with friends. Especially in a similar social context to the way that people trade ringtones, "Have you heard this? Do you want me to send it to you"

Just my $0.02...