Microsoft just released the second beta update for Windows Media Player 11, which provides some performance improvements, bug fixes, and integration with Windows Media Connect within the program. In the release notes, Microsoft commented that users can now automatically share their WMP libraries with compatible devices over a wireless network. Although you might not be seeing as many noticeable improvements in this latest beta build, integration is still in progress with URGE, a joint initiative between Microsoft and MTV to provide a music download service to compete with Apple Computer’s iTunes. You can now download it via Microsoft's website.

The fact that Microsoft has yet to add a podcast directory to WMP 11, similar to iTunes, which would allow me to subscribe and manage my podcasts on my portable devices, is still my biggest complaint about the program - And the reason why I don’t use it. I understand that the term “podcast” helps promote the iPod (notice the “pod” in each word?), but maybe Microsoft will find success by simply appealing to commonly used Internet jargon. Now, with a Microsoft-made media device on the horizon, named Zune, Microsoft could refit the word “podcast” to fit Zune. Maybe, a “zunecast”?