Zune // Current

Zune Software coming to mobile phones...

The possibility of the Zune Software coming to smart phones is a good idea for the Zune product line, since there have been strong... more

FrankOmazing
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Bun B Talks Zune Custom Model And Scarface Collab Album

In celebration of tonight's taping of Vh1 Hip Hop Honors, Zune announced that they made a custom 80gb device in honor of the... more

hiphopdxdotcom
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Zune vs iPod: The Choice Gets Harder

The Zune has FM radio, WiFi downloads, sharing with other devices, and subscription music; so should I get it instead of an iPod? "And it became clear that there are a few things Apple can learn from the Zune"

The Zune has a long way to go to become a threat to the iPod. But it is getting closer.

With updated Zunes and new iPods hitting the market in the past week, I spent some time with each: a black-on-black version of Microsoft Corp.'s music and video player and a bright red model of Apple Inc.'s iPod Nano. And it became clear that there are a few things Apple can learn from the Zune — though not surprisingly, Microsoft might want to take some notes as well.

The Nano ($149-$199) remains the more attractive of the two. Its new look is sort of growth-spurt chic, combining the long, lean looks of earlier models with a reoriented 2-inch screen that debuted with the shorter, wider third-generation model. In addition, its sides are rounded, which gives it an oval-esque shape that felt awkward cradled in my hand but was easy to slip into a back pocket.

The new Nano comes in an array of bright colors, and this alone may appeal to buyers who want something that stands out from the crowd.

The latest flash memory-based Zune ($150-$200) comes with some new color options, but they're not nearly as loud, and overall the device is identical to the one Microsoft rolled out in October. At 3.6 inches tall and one-third of an inch thick, it is the same height as the new Nano but noticeably bulkier.

Looks aside, the biggest differences are in the players' new features, which include wireless music downloads and streaming on the Zune and an accelerometer that makes it easier to manipulate song-shuffling, gaming and image viewing on the Nano.

Unlike the iPod family, Zunes have always included a wireless feature, but it was limited to sharing songs with other Zune users (who can be hard to find) and to synchronizing music, videos and photos with personal computers. On the most recent Zune, this has been expanded so that when users are in Wi-Fi hotspots they can access the Zune Marketplace online music store straight from the device.

The ability to download songs over the air is not unique — the Nano's big brother, the iPod Touch, can snag songs from Apple's iTunes Store via built-in Wi-Fi — but it certainly gives the smaller Zunes an edge over the wireless-less Nano, and a free update makes it work on older Zunes, too.

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Would you get a Zune or an iPod?The Zune has FM radio, WiFi downloads, sharing with other devices, and subscription music; so should I get it instead of an iPod?... more