Teen’s Medium Gift

Microsoft Zune

In the field of portable music devices, the iPod has perched above the competition for a long time now. Although Apple has released a few different versions of the original player (including the Nano, Shuffle and Video edition), none have included technology that rampantly advanced or changed the way people listened to music on-the-go. Well, now there’s competition from Microsoft - which in itself is scary - and the company’s new Zune player, which introduces wireless internet to the portable music market.

Microsoft Zune

So, what’s so special about it?

The Zune clearly tries to separate itself from the ultra-popular iPod. Although that might seem strange considering the international phenomenon that Apple’s player has become, Microsoft believes they’re improving upon a number of the iPod’s inherent flaws.

Have they? Here are a few of the Zune’s exclusive options:

Wireless internet (Wi-Fi) support

Microsoft’s plan here is to introduce a program whereby listeners can share their music - obviously sans wires - for a limited time. This means they can avoid ticking off the music industry while also arousing the interest of music fans who care about what their friends are listening to.

Inbox

Tied to the Wi-Fi, the inbox is a place for incoming pictures and music from other Zunes. It keeps things organized, so when an annoying coworker decides you MUST listen to the latest Justin Timberlake song…you can delete it quickly.

Interactivity with the Xbox 360

Both the Zune and Xbox 360 [Dad’s Medium Gift]are Microsoft’s current entertainment pets, meaning the company wants all their potential customers to own and use each device. The best way to ensure this is to offer phenomenal connectivity between the two - and the ability to listen to all of your Zune’s tunes while driving in Project Gotham Racing is just that.

Xbox 360 & Zune

For those comparing the Zune with other players in its class, here are some of the most important specifications:

  • 30 GB hard drive
  • 3 inch video screen
  • Colors: white, black, and brown
  • Battery life: 13 hours of audio, 4 hours of video
  • 5.6 ounces in weight, with dimensions of 4.4 x 2.4 x 0.58 inches

Ok, so it rocks. How much does it cost?

Most Zune players can be had for about $249, making them pretty comparable to the Apple iPod video players of the same hard drive size.