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Microsoft Zune 2.0: More memory, more models… more of the same?
Today Microsoft unveiled the company's new lineup of Zune players. The Zune, for those of you who might need a refresher, is the software giant's rambling, confused answer to the iPod: a music player that supposedly gives you more features (in the form of sharing music via Wi-Fi), but then cripples them (automatically deleting shared songs after playing them three times).
The new flotilla of Zunes includes both a larger-capacity, 80GB hard-disk version ($250) and two smaller flash-memory models (4GB and 8GB, $150 and $200) — essentially counterparts to the iPod Classic and iPod Nano product lines, respectively. The new devices still erase shared music after you've played it three times, but now you have an unlimited amount of time to listen (the old Zune used to erase shared music after three days, played or not). You can also wirelessly share other media (photos and the like — no word if that self-erases) and sync your player to your PC over Wi-Fi.
The wireless syncing is welcome, and something Apple could learn from. But the unimpressive capacities and ho-hum form factor only serve to highlight that Microsoft is about a year behind Apple in this game. Maybe the new online-networking aspect, Zune Social, will give Bill Gates and co. a much-needed boost. But somehow I doubt it.
Via Microsoft
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By Paduch at 2:20 PM ON 10/03/07
I hope this comes to Canada soon. I particularly like the feature where you can sync it directly to Media Center and watch recorded TV on it.
By predacorp at 6:44 PM ON 10/03/07
List of useful stuff we'll leave out of the Zune!
1.Bluethooth
2.make it view just about everything on the net!
3. Flash friendly software (the real U-Tube!)
By murcielago05 at 7:09 PM ON 10/03/07
peter....you are an ipod fanboy....admit it allready.
the Zune 2 (80gb) beats out eerything apple is offering...the only thing apple has an edge on is space, with the ipod classic having up to 160gb.....thats it, which I dont care about, since my Zune is a 30gb, and I only have 10gb full.
It has a different design, they got rid of the center button, and are now calling the squicle the "zunepad", which will make playing simple games on it much easier. its lighter and thinner then the first gen Zune, and the screen size went from a 3.0 inch, to a 3.2 inch, a nice and noticable upgrade. It also has a new (and nice) UI.
The Zune 2 - The ipod Killer has arrived.
By SGCTeam1 at 8:56 AM ON 12/22/07
Cool little toy. I'd take it over an Ipod
By GEN Hammond at 3:12 PM ON 12/26/07
Very nice
By scriptspring at 11:12 PM ON 12/26/07
The botton is better! Love the layout and ease of use.
By richie at 10:23 PM ON 12/28/07
this should be the best gadget for 20007.
By BillWillGhost at 3:25 PM ON 12/29/07
The Zune is a great personal device for pictures and music. I don't have one yet, because I can't afford one, but I will have one someday.
By NomAnor at 8:43 PM ON 12/30/07
I would definitely choose the Zune over an iPod. The FM transmitter is a cool feature as well as it being able to broadcast through an Xbox.
By Cipher at 6:22 PM ON 01/23/08
If you are considering of buying a zune, do it. I have one and for the past year it has been working great. And every time a new zune interface comes out I get it for free because Micorsoft is great like that>>.
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Cipher:
If you are considering of buying a zune, do it. I have one and for the past year it has been working great. And eve...More »