Microsoft Unveils Zune

[malware]

Marking the next big milestone for its Connected Entertainment vision, Microsoft Corp. today unveiled details of the first products to be released under its Zune brand. Designed around the principles of sharing, discovery and community, Zune will create new ways for consumers to connect and share entertainment experiences. The Zune experience centers around connection - connection to your library, connection to friends, connection to community and connection to other devices. Available this holiday season in the United States, Zune includes a 30GB digital media player, the Zune Marketplace music service and a foundation for an online community that will enable music fans to discover new music. The Zune device features wireless technology, a built-in FM tuner and a bright, 3-inch screen that allows users to not only show off music, pictures and video, but also to customize the experience with personal pictures or themes to truly make the device their own. Zune comes in three colors: black, brown and white.


To get started with great music and videos out of the box, every Zune device is preloaded with content from record labels such as DTS, EMI Music's Astralwerks Records and Virgin Records, Ninja Tune, Playlouderecordings, Quango Music Group, Sub Pop Records, and V2/Artemis Records.

Zune Accessories
To enhance the Zune experience, three accessory packs help Zune users enjoy their music where they want to, at home or on the road. The packs and the individual accessories, all designed exclusively for Zune, will be available at launch:

• The Zune Car Pack includes everything needed to hit the road with a Zune device, such as the built-in FM tuner with AutoSeek and the Zune Car Charger.
• The Zune Home A/V Pack enhances your experience in the home through five products that integrate Zune with the TV and music speakers: Zune AV Output Cable, Zune Dock, Zune Sync Cable, Zune AC Adapter and the Zune Wireless Remote for Zune Dock.
• Zune Travel Pack is a set of five products designed to keep friends and family entertained on the road: Zune Premium Earphones, Zune Dual Connect Remote, Zune Gear Bag, Zune Sync Cable and the Zune AC Adapter.

Providing consumers with additional options to customize and personalize their Zune experience, Microsoft is also working with leading accessory manufacturers Altec Lansing, Belkin Corp., Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO), Dual Electronics, Griffin Technology, Harman Kardon and JBL, Integrated Mobile Electronics, Jamo International, Klipsch Audio Technologies, Logitech, Monster Cable Products Inc., Speck, Targus Group International Inc. and VAF Research


The Future is Bright
In addition to the features available at launch, built-in wireless technology and powerful software provide a strong foundation to continue to build new shared experiences around music and video. As Zune evolves, the device can be easily updated. The Zune software on your PC will let you know when these updates are available for download.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[KennyT772]

the unit itself looks incredible. my questions are playing time, brighness, ect.

 

[newtekie1]

You mean when something new is released to improve it you don't have to buy a completely new one!

Man, what a great concept, it would be nice if a certain other DAP maker would follow in Microsoft's footsteps.

 

[XooM]

hmm... "sharing" and "DRM" don't exactly go together, do they.

 

[newtekie1]

It does when part of the sharing involves limitted use and forcing the person to actually pay for it if they want to keep using/listening to it.

 

[jocksteeluk]

micro$haft are the DRM kings, only a fool would purchase anything to do with digital media and digital music for Micro$haft

 

[cdawall]

hmm... "sharing" and "DRM" don't exactly go together, do they.

stupid DRM they can go to hell micro$haft just wants to cheat us out of illegally downloading those bastards

 

[Baum]

LOL Micromeeee don't like it at all (Ipod owner)

and i don't want to mess with my music that i bought before DRM s***s more than "a lot"

only wireless connection is nice maybe without DRM!


Love Ipod Itunes 7 :shadedshu

 

[KennyT772]

the zune will allow you to share music and it will play 3 times or will delete after 3 days. if u like it you can tag it to buy online. do a little research guys...

 

[rh535]

I think Apple has the market for good and no one can really compete with ipod. Apple owns over 70% of the market and i don't think microsoft can do anything about it.

 

[cdawall]

Are you people out of your minds? You should be concerned about buying DRMed music, not players that support it. Ipods, Zens, etc all support DRM. They don't add it to your music. At any rate, MS isn't about to start "cheating" you out of your stolen music, since anything you download illegally is going to be DRM free. Stop chewing paint chips and start using your brain.

thats not what i ment i ment that the online music is drm so it cant be copied which sux