Microsoft has unveiled the new "Zune" media player.
http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=6657
With Apple dominating the market can the WiFi features of the Zune make a difference? I look at these and think, "hey that's pretty cool, but what if I never see another Zune? It's worthless unless everyone else has the same player." Also I question Microsoft's DRM stance and their music management ability. I never liked WMP which, and that is another knock against it.
What do you guys think? Do we finally have a player that can take on the mighty iPod? And I have to admit, the iPod Scroll Wheel is a really nice feature.
http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=6657
Microsoft Corp. has unveiled details of the first products to be released under its Zune brand. These products are designed around sharing, discovery and community. The companys says the Zune experience centers around connection, connection to personal library, connection to friends, connection to community and connection to other devices.
Available this holiday season in the United States, Zune includes a 30GB digital media player, the Zune Marketplace music service and a foundation for an online community that will enable music fans to discover new music.
The Zune device features wireless technology, a built-in FM tuner and a bright, 3-inch screen that allows users to not only play music, pictures and video, but also to customize the experience with personal pictures or themes.
Initially Zune will come in three colors: black, brown and white.
Wireless Zune-to-Zune sharing lets consumers spontaneously share full-length sample tracks of select songs, homemade recordings, playlists or pictures with friends between Zune devices. Users will be able to listen to the full track of any received song up to three times over three days. If the user then wants to buy a song, it can be done right from the device and purchased from the Zune Marketplace.
The platform provides means to users to import existing music, pictures and videos in many popular formats and browse songs on Zune Marketplace, where tracks can be purchased individually or through a Zune Pass subscription that allows the download of as many songs as wanted for a flat fee.
To get started with music and videos out of the box, every Zune device is preloaded with content from record labels such as DTS, EMI Music?s Astralwerks Records and Virgin Records, Ninja Tune, Playlouderecordings, Quango Music Group, Sub Pop Records, and V2/Artemis Records.
Three accessory packs help Zune users enjoy their music where they want to, at home or on the road. The packs and the individual accessories, all designed exclusively for Zune, will be available at launch:
# The Zune Car Pack includes everything needed to hit the road with a Zune device, such as the built-in FM tuner with AutoSeek and the Zune Car Charger.
# The Zune Home A/V Pack integrates Zune with the TV and music speakers: Zune AV Output Cable, Zune Dock, Zune Sync Cable, Zune AC Adapter and the Zune Wireless Remote for Zune Dock.
# Zune Travel Pack is a set of five products designed to keep friends and family entertained on the road: Zune Premium Earphones, Zune Dual Connect Remote, Zune Gear Bag, Zune Sync Cable and the Zune AC Adapter.
Microsoft is also working with accessory manufacturers Altec Lansing, Belkin Corp., Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO), Dual Electronics, Griffin Technology, Harman Kardon and JBL, Integrated Mobile Electronics, Jamo International, Klipsch Audio Technologies, Logitech, Monster Cable Products Inc., Speck, Targus Group International Inc. and VAF Research
With Apple dominating the market can the WiFi features of the Zune make a difference? I look at these and think, "hey that's pretty cool, but what if I never see another Zune? It's worthless unless everyone else has the same player." Also I question Microsoft's DRM stance and their music management ability. I never liked WMP which, and that is another knock against it.
What do you guys think? Do we finally have a player that can take on the mighty iPod? And I have to admit, the iPod Scroll Wheel is a really nice feature.