Microsoft Zune

The Zune interface is just like a miniature version of the Windows Media Center user interface and is very similar to some elements of Vista. Apple fans are overconfident in the iPod because Apple once commanded 92% of music player market share, a number that has since fallen to around 70%. The Zune 3 is available in 16GB, and 32GB flash memory sizes. Navigating the Zune 3 is similar to the 80’s squircle except on the touch screen. The Zune 80 shipped with a newer firmware version than the original Zune shipped with, but a firmware update for the original restored parity. The Wi-Fi antenna can be used for wireless synchronization and to share photos, podcasts, and music with other Zunes, although shared songs may only be played three times on the receiving Zune.

The Zune 30 is actually slightly larger than the Zune 80 in terms of both size and weight but significantly smaller on memory space and screen size. The Zune’s wireless feature makes it possible for students to get a podcast directly from the teacher’s Zune. They can also upload the content using school websites and a PC or access free podcasts on the Zune Marketplace.

The Zune Marketplace is the online community where users can download or purchase new Zune content. It is a vibrant place that is built right into the software that comes with your Zune. The Zune software is cool and lacks complexity. It finds all my MP3s and brings them over without hassle.

The Zune software also puts all the music from you computer in the library and accesss it for you. Makes things really easy. The Zune Car Pack includes everything you need in order rock out on the road with your Zune device. The Zune FM Transmitter can wirelessly broadcast the music that is playing on your Zune to your car stereo.

The Zune has a touch pad, so you simply slide your finger up and down to move around the list, or left and right to change the sorting method. Selecting a song is as easy as clicking the center down. The Zune’s navigation is simple and intuitive with a scroll wheel and basic buttons, and the big, bright screen makes it easy to browse music and show off your favorite pictures and videos. This attractive, smart device stores up to 7,500 songs, 25,000 pictures, or 100 hours of video. The Zune is a multimedia player that does more than allow one to view video clips. Various Formats - It can also hold music, display all sorts of pictures in various formats, and there is also software and games designed specifically on the platform.

The Zune software does understands how to download podcasts and life became simpler using it as my podcast downloader. God help me when I try to import my music, I certainly don't want to re-rip everything. The Zune is your device (unless you own a mac). The screen is bigger, it can play the radio, music and video. The Zune I bought had the touch pad, although I haven’t played any games that take advantage of the pad, possibly for backwards compatibility or just ease of programming. I see the controls could pose a problem for developers in the future, however games can be adapted around the controls so it shouldn’t be too bad.

The Zune audio video cable is an affordable and easy way to listen to your favorite Zune songs on your home stereo but don’t take our word for it, pick up a cable and enjoy it yourself. The Zune features built in Wi-Fi lets you know if there are other Zune users within thirty feet, you can then send or Squirt them a photo or song. The owner can then choose whether they want to receive it or not. The Zune Marketplace alone boasts of thousands of files that one can take advantage of for a minimal monthly fee. Many third-party websites offer millions of different kinds of files and an unlimited supply of videos and movies that one can download on a lifetime subscription that does not break the bank at all.