Zune to get rid of the iPod

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If you have an iPod or have been thinking of getting one, the new Zune media player is coming out soon. There's been a lot of press about the new Zune player that Microsoft is releasing, but it's difficult to find any great photos or information on it—especially since the marketing hasn't really begun. The best part is, Apple owns the market, so anything Microsoft does in the entertainment arena is still underdog, so more risks will probably be taken to get your business.

Anyways, here's are a few great links to some public information on it:

https://www.microsoft.com/presspass/presskits/zune/default.mspx
https://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2006/sep06/09-14ZuneUnveilingPR.mspx

Some highlights of the press announcements:

  • "The Zune experience centers around connection — connection to your library, connection to friends, connection to community and connection to other devices."
  • "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."
  • "The Zune device features wireless technology, a built-in FM tuner and a bright, 3-inch screen that allows users to not only show off music, pictures and video, but also to customize the experience with personal pictures or themes to truly make the device their own."

Photos are on the Zune.net site

Comments

  • Anonymous
    September 29, 2006
    Don't forget the most important feature - It doesn't play any of the music purchased from Microsoft's music partners such as Napster, Rhapsody, Yahoo, or even MSN Music.

    Huge mistake that will doom Zune.
  • Anonymous
    September 30, 2006
    If you read the Zune document in the first link, you'll notice the following:

    Zune software can automatically import your existing music, pictures and videos from iTunes and Windows Media® Player in a variety of formats, including your existing playlists and song ratings.

    The way I take this is, I can download music from any place I already do, and import it into my Zune player...am I missing something?