Zune is Coming

Will the Microsoft Zune digital media player be the stop sign to iPod domination?

The Zune device isn't what you would call an "mp3 player," more like a "media player" for your hands. Unlike the Apple iPod "with video," the Zune is like the banana split of Digital Media players. It has a little of everything and it seems to all be good (in theory anyway).

The Zune has a 30GB disk capacity, not too surprising, but it contains innovative wireless technology. This device allows you to share full-length sample tracks, playlists, pictures and home-made songs from one Zune to another via wireless. There are some tricks though...

The full length sample songs are playable three times on the 'shared' Zume player for three days. The new host of the songs is not allowed to re-share them to others, those hosts must get the song from an original (licensed) source.

If you like the shared songs you can flag them as such and they will show up in Zune Marketplace on your next visit so that you can purchase them yourself.

Full Features

• Wireless 'Zune-to-Zune' sharing. Share, to a limit, with friends and enemies.
• Personalized Zune. The device comes in three base colors which can be combined with a double-shot finish created by the overlay of one color on another. Basically, it's personal to a point... you'll probably find many "same personality" devices if enough friends buy into the Zune.
• Large color screen. 3-inch bright LCD video screen that works in portrait and landscape mode.
• 30GB player. Stores up to 7,500 songs, 25,000 pictures or 100 hours of video. Obviously size and quality make a difference in this factor.
• Zune Pass. You can download as you go or get a "zune pass" which seems to be similar to an XBL subscription.
• FM-Tuner. Local radio stations including some of the song text that comes across on some FM stations. This is for those that still listen to "terrestrial music" and don't have satillite.

Of course, there will be accessories and bundles. The Car Audio Pack, Zune Docking system, sync cable, wireless remote, AC adapter, A/V output cables, travel gear bag, dual connect remote, earphones, storage case and more.

How to kill iTunes

Zune software can import your existing music automagically from iTunes and Windows Media Player in a variety of formats. It can also use your existing playlists and song ratings, as permitted by the online service where the original songs were purchased.

The Zune Marketplace replaces the old iTunes interface (although it has similar features from what I can tell). Buy, download, sync with ease and for those that hate credit cards, you can utilize the Microsoft Points system to buy content on the marketplace (sound familiar).

In the End...

Microsoft is using their knowledge and power from Xbox Live and applying those theories and principles to the music market. Smart idea. Now, will they carry through to victory and make Apple work harder to keep market share? Competition usually works out in our, the customers, favor so it should be a good time.

Rock on.

Thanks to Dsmooth for hooking me up with the Zune press kit for all the goodies