Microsoft Zune Updates
What was running around as rumors became a reality, Microsoft has released photos and specs for their new Zune lineup that will be release sometime in November 2007. The new Zune lineup has an 80GB model called the Zune 80, and two flash models sporting 4 and 8GB of storage. The company gave no indication of discontinuing the 30GB, 1st generation model, instead the new updated UI (user interface) will be added via update software to the old Zune.
If you ask me Microsoft is up to something, the new UI and software upgrade add some interesting features that are worth discussing. This first one is the integration with Windows Media Player, now you can transfer your media content from your computer to your Zune effortlessly. What’s better the new Zune software is compatible with h.264 and MPEG4 codecs, you don’t need to convert your media files to WMV.
Some good news to Podcasters is that the new Zune software includes support for podcasts, you won’t be able to update your podcasts over WiFi, but you can share them with other Zune players. Talking about sharing, Microsoft changed the rules for sharing music a bit. Now instead of getting the three days, three plays restrictions you only get the three plays restriction, not sure if this means something to Zune owners.
Some other details is that the brown Zune is now gone, there still no word on Mac OS X compatibility, and Microsoft will be selling DRM-free music on their Social Marketplace or whatever is called. One good thing I notice about the device is that they replaced the wheel-looking button, this move will prevent people from confusing the now called Zune-Pad with a scroll wheel like the ones the iPods have. Overall, I think this update will benefit Microsoft on gaining a little more market share, I don’t think is going to cause a dent to the iPod lineup, especially with the new iPod touch being so attractive.
Share your experience with the community, if you have a Zune or plan to get an updated one, let everyone know if you like it and why. You can leave your comments on this post and read more about technology with here at www.lwees.com. Thank you for reading and stay tuned.
Related posts:
- Apple Mighty Mouse Review
- Microsoft Goes Open
- Apple Powers Up The MacBook Line
- Will Microsoft Give Up On Yahoo
- X11 Updated to 2.1.3
