Slash LaneMicrosoft's upcoming Zune digital media player has long been rumored to sport on-the-go wireless capabilities that would differentiate it from Apple's iPod offerings, but it appears those reports are partially inaccurate.
"Retailers, who claimed Microsoft remained 'fuzzy' on the Zune’s wireless capability, said only that Zune will allow users to bookmark songs that may be shared via Wi-Fi, but that users cannot purchase songs on the go from the Microsoft Zune Web site," the report states.
Retailers cited in the report further state that the player will incorporate a 30GB hard drive, be available in three colors and retail for US$299.
At least one retailer has claimed that Zune's display screen would be larger than that of Apple’s video iPod models.
"The retailers were pleased with Microsoft’s feature-per-price package," the report adds.
Last month, Microsoft confirmed that has been working on music and entertainment products that will compete with Apple's iPod and iTunes jukebox software.
Media reports suggest Microsoft will launch the music initiative in November.
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48 Comments
...ugh...microsoft......they are the best at being the worst....ugh...
first post! woot!
(first, let me add Wilco's obligatory) Holy Canoli!
Hmmm... So it took them a year to try to exactly copy the iPod with video capability right down to the hard drive size and price, and slap together a shitty UI. If you can't buy songs via WiFi, what the hell good will it do except waste battery?
MS is DOOMED, they are offering last year's iPod at last year's price while Apple will offer a brand new iPod this year.
I reckon since there's a market for the Ford 500/Food Focus in the U.S., they'll be a market for the Zune, no matter how retarded it sounds thus far. Perhaps the true competition will be between the Zune and whatever Creative's latest flavor. Hmm, this could actually *help* Creative.
Let the price wars begin!
Marking songs for download? Wow, what a feature! (I hope you can recognize the sarcasm). With my iPod I actually have to remember the name of a song or album EVERY time I want new music. If I don't remember, then I have to go through the long and grueling process of typing a search into google or the iTMS. Man, this wireless thing is clearly worth switching to a Zune.
Seriously, one thing I admire about Apple is that it seems like they try to avoid including worthless features and only include those that are really ready for making their products better for the user. One recent example is the Nike Sport Kit. Very well done and easy to use. I can think of a couple of great improvements they could implement, but overall, very well thought out. One thing that would be nice is to have the iPod automatically go to the Nike menu whenever you plug in the reciever (or at least make that an option, since you're pretty much just using it for that whenever the receiver is connected).