Microsoft is really going after an iPod-dedicated market with the Zune but they are doing it in a good way. At first I didn’t think that Microsoft was going to be able to hold their own when it came to stacking up against Apple but the Zune specifics appear to be quite impressive.
It is going to have:
- 30GB hard drive
- Built-in FM tuner
- 3.0-inch screen
- 802.11 wireless
Everyone thought it was a sure thing that Apple’s next generation iPod was going to have built-in wireless capabilities but that proved to be just a rumor. Not only will the Zune have the wireless but it will also have an FM tuner! That is pretty sweet because every now and then I get sick of listening to the same songs on my iPod and it would be nice to shake things up a bit by listening to the radio.
As far as looks go I’m not too sure about the brown model that they are going to have available. However, I could see it being one of those “fashion statements” that will probably start off a little slow and it will all of a sudden be the color that everyone wants.
News Source: Gizmodo
That side by side is really helpfull to compare them. I’m surprised they actually have the same resolution.
The Zune is actually more impressive than I thought it would be. Microsoft should make 2 models though, one with a 30gb hdd, and one with 60gb or maybe 80gb? The screen is really nice though and that FM tuner can be useful sometimes.
The thing I was wondering is, is the little wheel a touch-wheel like on the iPod, or is it some kind of wheel that actually turns, or is it just 4 buttons made to look like a wheel?
Unfortunately it is just made to look like a touch-wheel but it is actually buttons. It will be interesting to see how easy it is to scroll just using a button.
Looks nice, i wonder how the wireless will work.
With the wireless, you can actually send songs to other Zune players. Sounds sweet, but the problem is that the player wraps each mp3 you send in the new Zune 3day/3play DRM. That’s right, you’re allowed to play the song 3 times in 3 days. And this applies to any mp3 you send, not just previously DRM’d songs.
Still, the player looks awesome.
My problem with the zune is that its not part of the play4sure that MS has been selling us for a while now. I like play4sure and have purchased devises that supported it. Now it looks like Microsoft is going to dump it I guess.
Does the Zune also handle podcasts?
That picture on the Zune menu looks odd, but typically M$. They don’t get that people like the minimalistic style of the iPod.
I hadn’t heard about that limitation before…that does suck but it is understandable.
I haven’t seen anything for sure but some bits and pieces that I have read say that it will not support podcasts.
I too am impressed with Microsoft’s creation. The Zune seems fully equipped and ready to stand its ground in a very competitive market. With features such as wireless capabilities and an FM tuner, Microsoft is allowing their version of the MP3 to go places that Apple has only been rumoring they would go. Wireless music sharing is an advanced feature, but the problem is that a person is only allowed to interchange among other Zune users. Other sites like [mytechlists.com] have their own reasons why Apple should be afraid of Microsoft’s latest creation. They agree with the sharing capability and the style, and also mention the ability to download to the television and either buy or rent songs using a monthly subscription feature. I believe no one company should have control of the market. If better editions exist and are offering better prices and services, people should be excited to grow and learn what else is available.
No Zune for me then.
For me the weight is going to make the difference.
Well, my brother recently bought a Zune after having an iPod, and he said that he likes the Zune better. The downside is that it doesn’t have the Clickwheel like the iPod, but other than that he said it was pretty nice.
i have a zune and i love it, i have even heard many ipod owners complain about their ipod videos and wish they had bought a zune
I would want it just for the built-in FM radio. That is a nice feature, and I’m still in awe that the iPod doesn’t have that. I guess it forces people to purchase more music though.