Microsoft Zune

Zune is the name of a brand of digital music products and services sold by Microsoft. It includes digital audio players and client software incorporating an online music store which includes DRM-free mp3s as well as protected songs. more...

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The devices come in three styles, all of which play music, pictures, and videos, display images, receive FM radio, and on a limited basis share files wirelessly with other Zunes and via USB with Xbox 360s. The Zune Software allows users to manage files on the player, to rip audio CDs, and to buy songs at the online Zune Marketplace. The Zune (Recently renamed Zune 30) was released in the United States on November 14, 2006 and is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, and the Xbox 360. The Zune 4, 8 and 80 are new Zune devices which were announced on October 2, 2007. The new Zunes offer updated features, including the ability to sync wirelessly, a larger 3.2" screen (Zune 80), a new 'touch pad' style input device, additional file support for H.264 and MPEG-4 files, podcast support, upgraded song-sharing licensing, and brand new Zune software that includes support for future DRM-free music in the Zune Marketplace. Perhaps most importantly, all of the software features introduced on the new Zune are available for the old Zune (now called the Zune 30, in contrast to the new Zune 80). A firmware update for old Zunes will introduce all of these software features.

History

The Zune was created while Microsoft was in close cooperation with Toshiba, which took the existing design of the Gigabeat S and redeveloped it under the name Toshiba 1089 as registered with the FCC. Xbox 360 overseer J Allard ran the project, codenamed 'Argo', which consisted of some Xbox and MSN Music store developers, who worked on 'Alexandria' and finalized it as Zune Marketplace, then later unveiled both products united under a single brand in the U.S. market as the Zune. The Zune represents Microsoft's attempt to enter the rich digital audio player market, which is currently dominated by Apple's iPod.

The Zune 4GB, 8GB, and 80GB were announced on October 2, 2007 and featured an amount of storage equal to the number in the name with the 4 and 8 being flash based and smaller than the 80.

Music player

Models

The consumer edition was initially offered in black, rich brown, and pearl white, which came with a "doubleshot," or translucent glow in a different color, of blue, green, and clear, respectively. Cases are made from a silicone rubber. Controls include a circular controller with four buttons for direction, as well as a middle button to select a song album or menu, a back button to the left, a play/pause button to the right, and a hold switch atop the player next to the headphone port. The words "Hello from Seattle" are inscribed on the back of the case and it featured several songs, videos, and images preloaded on the device. The Zune sold at a retail price of $250.

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