Microsoft has released an update for its Zune digital media player that will allow the device to work with Windows Vista.

When the device launched in November, the Zune supported only Windows XP and Windows XP Media Center Edition. 

The lack of Windows Vista support was considered an embarrassing snafu for Microsoft, providing a further indication that the product was rushed to market.

Microsoft promised at the time that a patch would be made available to coincide with the launch of Windows Vista on 30 January.

In addition to adding Vista compatibility, the update also tweaks several of the Zune's internal workings to make for easier installation.

The update is available for download from the Zune website.