Microsoft Zune

Microsoft Zune Specs and Features

First, let’s get the technical stuff out of the way. The specifications of the Microsoft Zune are as follows:

• Freescale i.MX31L processor and ARM core
• 30GB hard drive
• 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi (USB connectivity also)
• Built in FM radio tuner compatible with Radio Data System (RDS)
• 3” LCD screen with a resolution of 320 x 420
• 5.6 oz
• MP3, WMA (music and film), and AAC compatible. The device can also transcode MPEG4 video files.

The Microsoft Zune comes in three base colors, each of which comes with an additional “glow effect” color, which Microsoft calls “doubleshot.” The black Zune comes with a blue doubleshot, the brown with a green doubleshot, and the white model comes with a clear doubleshot.

Since the launch of the product, Microsoft has issued Zune accessories such as tuners to allow users to play their Zune in the car and a home Zune A/V system. The Zune comes preloaded with several free songs, music videos, and short films.

Zune Marketplace

The Zune Marketplace is the Microsoft equivalent of Apple’s iTune store. The store integrates with the Zune and allows users to purchase and download songs, videos, and films. The Marketplace trades in “Zune points”; each song costs approximately 79 Zune point, which translates to just under $1 per track. Users can purchase an unlimited monthly Zune Marketplace pass for a flat fee of $14.99 per month, or they can buy blocks of points as they need them. The minimum purchasing price for Zune point is $5.

The Marketplace offers 2 million songs and counting, however, record labels can place restrictions on the prices of songs and who can download them. Some labels do not allow their tracks to be purchased by people who subscribe to the monthly unlimited pass plan and require them to buy new points to get the songs. Major record label Universal requires Microsoft to make a payment to them of $1 for every unit sold; should this controversial deal falter, Universal plans to withdraw all of their label’s artists from the Zune Marketplace.

Microsoft Zune Pros and Cons

The Zune offers many advantages to its users. The device can sync up with the Xbox 360 for streaming of music and films. The Wi-Fi ability of the unit allows Zune users to trade files among themselves. The FM tuner tells artist and song information when tuned to a station that is RDS compatible. It has the ability to play a large number of file formats, and if users download a file format that is not supported, the Zune automatically transcodes it into a file format that is supported.

The product is not without its drawbacks, however. When users trade copyrighted files, they are only good for a three day period, or three plays, whichever comes first. Even if they tracks has not been played at all, it will be locked after three days. Users cannot trade the same track more than once, and record labels can block the trade of any track they wish. The first generation Zune is not compatible with Microsoft’s own new Windows Vista software, which launches in early 2007. Another major complaint leveled at the Zune is that the Wi-Fi capabilities extend only to other Zune users; users cannot link up to their own PCs.

The Future of Zune

Despite promising first week sales, the Zune has faltered in the market, and as of December 2006 has sold only 93,000 units. Its market share is way behind Apple’s iPod and many other MP3 devices. Microsoft is not giving up, however. They plan to roll out the product in Europe and Australia sometime in 2007 and the rest of the world in 2008. There are rumors that new generations of the Zune will come with gaming and phone capabilities, which would set it apart from the iPod. New colors of the Zune are expected to be released in the US in 2007.

Do You Zune?

Do you, or someone you know, use a Microsoft Zune? We’d love to hear what you think of it, and any praises or criticism you have of the devise. Page down, leave us a comment, and share your opinion!