Rumors and speculation about Microsoft’s new iPod-killer have been floating around for some time now, but today Microsoft announced the Zune officially. So is it the iPod killer Microsoft claims it to be? My initial reactions are mixed. First strike against the Zune is the design. This thing is just straight-up UGLY. Not really sure what someone was thinking releasing a brown version, but so be it. I can hear the jokes about the brown one already. I can say a few things about it too, but we won’t go there. 
I think part of the appeal of the iPod is it’s sexiness. The Zune just doesn’t ooze with that sexiness of the iPod. Maybe it’s the black wheel sticking out of the center, and that horrid bezel surrounding the scroll wheel and screen. I dunno. My second beef is something that’s hard to ding Microsoft on, no integration with iTunes or music purchased from the iTMS. Again, this is a major problem for ALL manufacturers, not just Microsoft. Apple has a lock on iTMS and they aren’t about to let the other kiddies play in the sandbox. One question I have for the Microsoft folks is why such a small hard drive (30GB)? I suspect it was to keep initial costs down, but this could really be an issue for media junkies like me who have over 80GB of content sitting in my iTunes. I would really like to see a model in the 80-120GB capacity. So what else am I griping about? Sit down…this is unexpected…but NOTHING else seems to be a deal-breaker on the Zune so far.
So what did Microsoft do right? Plenty. Can this really kill the iPod? I suspect YES. It’s not going to be an easy battle, but with future iterations of the product, as the user feedback pours in and the product team assimilates that feedback, I suspect we will see a modified form factor, much like Apple has refined the iPod from what it was when they first released it. Folks, this is a serious piece of hardware and Apple should be SCARED. REAL SCARED. Here’s the things that Microsoft LISTENED to their users and not only took away, but actually IMPLEMENTED them into their product:
- WiFi – You can share your media with friends now. iPod users have been asking for this for ages.
- Built-in FM Tuner – Yet another feature the iPod community has been screaming for.
- Widescreen QVGA Screen – this was a no-brainer. What has Apple been thinking lately?
- Formats Gallore – the Zune supports h.264, MP3, AAC and WMA. Choices. Fancy that?
- Multi-formats in the Media Manager – The media manager will also handle photos! Nice.
Other key features include Microsoft’s Zune Marketplace. Details are sketchy, but Microsoft claims that there will be millions of songs to choose from in a variety of formats. You will be able to import your media from iTunes and Windows Media Player, with the exception of items purchased on the iTunes Music Store. As I mentioned before, that’s a real bummer, but beyond Microsoft’s control. The Zune WILL however allow you to share full-length songs with your friends via the WiFi connection. Shared songs can be played for up to three days, and if you like the tunes, you can flag it for purchase and connect directly to the Zune Marketplace to purchase the song. Way cool. The Zune will come pre-loaded with a bunch of tunes and Microsoft will be offering an all-you-can-eat option called a Zune Pass subscription. No word on pricing for the Zune or anything else for that matter. Part of the Microsoft PR and full pics after the jump..
Technorati Tags: Cool Gear, Microsoft, Mobility, Peripherals, Portable Audio, Portable Devices, Zune
From Microsoft’s PR:
The Zune Experience
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 show off music, pictures and video, but also to customize the experience with personal pictures or themes to truly make the device their own. Zune comes in three colors: black, brown and white.
Every Zune device creates an opportunity for connection. 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. Listen to the full track of any song you receive up to three times over three days. If you like a song you hear and want to buy it, you can flag it right on your device and easily purchase it from the Zune Marketplace.
Zune makes it easy to find music you love — whether it’s songs in your existing library or new music from the Zune Marketplace. Easily import your existing music, pictures and videos in many popular formats and browse millions of songs on Zune Marketplace, where you can choose to purchase tracks individually or to buy a Zune Pass subscription to download as many songs as you want for a flat fee.
To get started with great 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.
Zune Accessories
To enhance the Zune experience, 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 enhances your experience in the home through five products that integrate 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.
Providing consumers with additional options to customize and personalize their Zune experience, Microsoft is also working with leading 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
The Future is Bright
In addition to the features available at launch, built-in wireless technology and powerful software provide a strong foundation to continue to build new shared experiences around music and video. As Zune evolves, the device can be easily updated. The Zune software on your PC will let you know when these updates are available for download.
