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Microsoft Updates Zune Despite Competition

Posted 09/04/08 at 06:18:41 PM  by Florence Ion

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Despite its diminishing popularity, Microsoft still plans on releasing new Zune models in 120GB and 8GB (flash-based) capacities. We’re unsure what colors will be released, but we do know that you’ll at least have the option of a black 120GB and a blue 8GB.

Though the Zune never bumped Apple’s iPod out of first place, it managed to make its mark in the digital audio player (DAP) market with wireless syncing and a bigger screen. The player became a little played out though, with weak sales making the Zune an after thought in the DAP market.

Engadget reports that the old 80GB and 4GB were discontinued at Wal-Mart, just in time to pave the way for their successors. The new Zunes will cost $249 and $149, respectively, with the 80GB iPod Classic costing the same as a 120GB Zune. Though the price tag may seem a little steep, the Zune’s features, such as the built-in FM Tuner and wireless capabilities, give consumers a little more bang for their buck.

 
Image from Engadget

 

COMMENTS:5
TAGS: microsoft, MP3 Player, Zune, consumer electronics, 8GB, 120GB, DAP, digital audio player
COMMENTS
avatarCan you load MP3's on a Zune?

Submitted by kc7wbq on Fri, 09/05/2008 - 7:35am

I know 4 people who own a Zune. They all love them except for 1 thing, they can't figure out how to load MP3 files. The software makes it really easy to load a CD, or AVI files, but they can't load their already converted music.

 None of these people are super computer savey, but they all do use computers daily. Also, I've never taken the time to look into it, and I've refused to let them load the software on my computer. So maybe they are just missing an option, but if not this seems like a real deal killer to me. 

 But watching movies or TV episodes on one of these is actually pretty awesome. 

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avatarmp3 loading

Submitted by jesseinsf on Wed, 09/10/2008 - 11:50pm

Click settings on the top right corner, then make sure "Collection" is highlighted on the left column. In the main window, under music, click "Monitor Folders". Now choose the folder he has his mp3 Once it identifies all the new songs, your friends should do a sync.

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avatarZune had "hope"...

Submitted by Ignorant_Techie on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 6:50pm

I had hopes for Zune but have found that it is just another taste of the same, over saturated market and has done too little too late. 

I got the Zune4 for working out, but will bite the bullet for future purposes and get an iPod.  I would go with iRiver but iPod has the third party support that nobody else has.  And this is coming from an Apple hater...

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avatarnew Zune Features

Submitted by jesseinsf on Wed, 09/10/2008 - 11:59pm

  1.  
    1. You will be able to browse the market place from any wireless connection in the world (Accept for countries that Ban Zune)
    2. You will be able to purchase songs from the radio and download those songs when connected to any wireless connection.
    3. the $15 a month subscription allows you to listen to any song you like with out downloading that song using wireless connection and when connected to the main with the wire it will then download
    4. Can now play audio books through the AudioBook selection
    5. Has a new games selection
    6. New revamped Zune Software, can't wait to see what it looks like

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avatarThe capacity and screen

Submitted by mlee19 on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 3:56pm

The capacity and screen size are great, certainly better than my zen vision M, however I hate being forced to used microsofts software to put any media on their player. Im also not crazy about the menu interface. I think I will stick with my zen for another couple of years.

If I have to choose between Ipods and zunes, I will definitely go zune all the way!!

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