Microsoft Announces 2nd Generation Zune Music Player
Microsoft announced three new models of its Zune music player on Tuesday. The new models mirror Apple's iPod Nano and iPod lines by introducing a flash-based 4GB/8GB at $149 and $199 along with a larger 80GB hard-drive based model at $249. The previous 30GB Zune will continue to be sold at $199.99, and receive a software update bringing it up to par with the new Zune features.
All Zunes feature Wi-Fi connectivity for sharing songs as well as automatic wireless syncing to PCs. Over the air purchasing, however, is not presently available on the new Zunes. Other features include a touch-sensitive navigation button allowing users to slide their finger up/down/left/right to navigate around the screen.
In addition, Microsoft also announced that they would be selling more than 1 million songs in DRM-free MP3 format. They've also introduced podcasts and music videos selections. Wired's hands on with the units also describe a new social networking site called Zune Social which compiles a list songs you play on your PC or Zune so friends can see what you are listening to.
Microsoft has reportedly sold 1.2 million Zunes since its launch in November 2006. The new Zunes are expected to ship in November 2007, but provide no Mac OS X support.
Other Notes:
- Wireless sharing ("squirting") now only limited to 3 plays (previously limited to 3 plays or 3 days, whichever came first)
- You can now share a song that's been shared to you.
- Supports h.264 and MPEG4 video
- FM Tuner
- Syncs with Windows Media Center (Can copy TV shows from the PVR)
- Flash version: 1.8" Screen (Zune) vs 2.0" Screen (Nano)
- HD version: 3.2" Screen (Zune) vs 2.5" Screen (iPod Classic)
- No more Brown color option
All Zunes feature Wi-Fi connectivity for sharing songs as well as automatic wireless syncing to PCs. Over the air purchasing, however, is not presently available on the new Zunes. Other features include a touch-sensitive navigation button allowing users to slide their finger up/down/left/right to navigate around the screen.
In addition, Microsoft also announced that they would be selling more than 1 million songs in DRM-free MP3 format. They've also introduced podcasts and music videos selections. Wired's hands on with the units also describe a new social networking site called Zune Social which compiles a list songs you play on your PC or Zune so friends can see what you are listening to.
Microsoft has reportedly sold 1.2 million Zunes since its launch in November 2006. The new Zunes are expected to ship in November 2007, but provide no Mac OS X support.
Other Notes:
- Wireless sharing ("squirting") now only limited to 3 plays (previously limited to 3 plays or 3 days, whichever came first)
- You can now share a song that's been shared to you.
- Supports h.264 and MPEG4 video
- FM Tuner
- Syncs with Windows Media Center (Can copy TV shows from the PVR)
- Flash version: 1.8" Screen (Zune) vs 2.0" Screen (Nano)
- HD version: 3.2" Screen (Zune) vs 2.5" Screen (iPod Classic)
- No more Brown color option
Top Rated Comments
(View all)
57 months ago
Yuck!
this is what should happen with Zunes:
http://hideapod.com/
I would probably get one of those if they were real.
57 months ago
No OS X support. :(
Yeah, that sux. But WiFi syncing and a DRM-free store (or rather a store with some DRM-free songs). Apple will have to up the ante on the next gen.
57 months ago
I would probably get one of those if they were real.
That is the funniest product EVER
57 months ago
Wow. A free update for old Zunes.
Wouldn't it be nice if Apple could emulate this. The inner workings of the 5.5G iPod and the 6G iPod are the same. Why can't apple send an update so 5.5G iPod owners could also get the new interface?
This is a plus for Zune.
Wouldn't it be nice if Apple could emulate this. The inner workings of the 5.5G iPod and the 6G iPod are the same. Why can't apple send an update so 5.5G iPod owners could also get the new interface?
This is a plus for Zune.
57 months ago
On the one hand, the features/specs are still lackluster compared to even 4G iPods. On the other hand, with Apple locking up a lot of UI/design patents in the iPod (scroll wheel, menu system, et al.) there really isn't much wiggle room to compete head on with the iPod.
And what is with the green colored Zunes? It kinda looks like a Halo-edition Zune, but, not.
And the dock/pad thing is HUGE. WTF?
And what is with the green colored Zunes? It kinda looks like a Halo-edition Zune, but, not.
And the dock/pad thing is HUGE. WTF?
57 months ago
Wow. A free update for old Zunes.
Wouldn't it be nice if Apple could emulate this. The inner workings of the 5.5G iPod and the 6G iPod are the same.
How do you know? And Apple has already done this before: 5G iPods got many of the features that were introduced in 5.5G.
57 months ago
Yuck!
this is what should happen with Zunes:
http://hideapod.com/
Awesome site. Try and order one......lol.
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