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Friday, June 20, 2008

The ZUNE 2nd Generation - Doom for the iPod?


Microsoft Zune 8GB Flash Player
Move over iPod! There's a "ZUNE" CONTENDER in town!


After picking up my new Microsoft Zune 8GB Flash portable device*, I have a few things to say about it. The main pad is a cinch to use, a swipe of your finger to the right advances to the next song, video or whatever mode you are in. There are dedicated buttons for play/pause and back.

1. It's Sleek, light-weight, and classy. (like an iPod)
2. Does podcasts (like an iPod)
3. Plays .wma as well as .mp3 files, as well as .wmv (Not like an iPod)
4. It's got a cool Social function that detects and allows you to connect with another Zune and transfer entire songs from that Zune to yours and Vice - Versa - wirelessly! (Not like an iPod)
5. Available in Black, Red and Pink (I don't think like an iPod)
6. Oh and did I mention it's way cool?


Specifications:

-Released 13 Jun/08. Boasting a wafer-thin profile, 8GB of storage, intuitive touch controls and a host of totally unique features, the Zune is taking Canada by storm. With new and amazing features like Wireless Sync, Zune-to-Zune sharing, and more, there’s nothing else out there like it.

Audio Support For Mac: No
Audio Support For Windows: WMA, MP3, CBR, VBR, AAC
Battery Life: Up To 24 Hours Audio/ 4 Hours Video
Charge Time: 2 Hours (90%), 3 Hours (Full)
Display: 1.8" Colour
Included Accessories: Headphones, Sync Cable, 3x Foam Earpiece
Ports: Zune Sync, Headphone Jack
Product Warranty: 1 Year Limited Parts & Labour
Size: 41.4(W) x 91.5(H) x 8.5(D) mm
Skip Protection: Yes
Storage: 8GB
Weight: 47 g
Windows Requirements And Software: Windows XP/Vista With Zune Marketplace

Price: Futureshop CDN$ 189


So far - it seems superior to an iPod - and though it requires the Zune software to be on your PC, (same as iTunes, but sleeker again!), as soon as you plug it into an open USB port it charges and syncs with your PC. I loaded 2500 songs and about the same number of pictures and a couple of movies. That went fairly quick, but future sycs will be even faster.

And sorry iTune users, the Microsoft Zune will not play music purchased thru iTunes, but it will play music from sources, say, that are not technically approved. It also plays DRM protected music.

*Also available as a 4GB Flash (CDN$139), and an 80GB Hard Disk (CDN$249)

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