About the Zune
Face it, we live in a time that demands wonderful electronic gadgets and demands that the next one be better than the one we have right now! In that spirit, Microsoft has finally stepped forward out of the darkness as the one true challenger to Apple’s iPod for supremacy in the MP3 player arms race.
With their first true entry, the Microsoft Zune, those crazy kids at the computer power have come up with an extremely powerful piece of media playing madness that will finally make Apple shake a little. Forget about being rivaled by Creative Labs, Sony, or Philips, those were just a competitor based on price. Microsoft brings the Zune into the marketplace as a worthy adversary, here’s why:
- First off, the Zune makes a powerful impression with the ability to play virtually all types of media like video, music, podcasts, and pictures, but here is a kicker for Microsoft fans. If you are a fan of playing Microsoft’s Xbox 360 then you can sync it up with your Zune and play one on the other! Sound cool?
- For all of the wonderful things that the iPod brought into the media player landscape, the one major flaw criticized in the last year is the size of the Video iPod’s video screen. The Microsoft Zune steps up with a screen that starts out .5” larger anyway and then is available in either portrait or landscape mode! Watch as you feel comfortable!
- If you become a Zune junkie and you get all of your friends involved you will have fun with the fact that you can share music between two Zune’s! That’s right, if you are using your Zune and someone else is in the room with one you can send music or messages back and forth! Not a bad incentive that the folks at Apple weren’t onto.
- One thing that Apple does bring to the table that may rival the Zune is that the iPod is available in different sizes and memory capabilities. With the Zune you have only one choice, the 30GB video Zune player, though it does come in three different colors.
- What some complained about in the beginning of the MP3 player wars was the fact that they could take the player to the gym, but not be able to tune into their favorite radio station if need be. With the Zune you can use your built-in FM tuner to listen to radio stations when the mood strikes.
- Don’t get concerned about missing out on new opportunities or ways to use your Zune, the player is configured to update you every time an update is available. No fine tuning needed, this is part of the player straight out of the box.
- Finally, don’t think that Microsoft is only trying to get players onto the market and not take advantage of the massive market for those looking to purchase tracks. The Zune Marketplace will rival iTunes in an effort to bring the music to the consumer without the middle man, or as you know them, CDs.
