Details officially released today...

Quote :

"Hard drive Zunes * It's called the Zune 80 and, shockingly enough, it has 80GB of storage. * Uses the new Zune Pad -- four way touch-sensitive d-pad (with up, down, left, and right buttons). * It will sell for $250 (with "premium" headphones). * Available only in black (to start). * Screen size has increased to 3.2-inches (from 3-inches). As far as we know the resolution is still QVGA. * Dimensions are 61.1 x 108.2 x 12.9mm (2.4 x 4.25 x 0.5-inches), some 1/3rd smaller than the classic Zune. * The classic Zune will now be known as the Zune 30 -- it's not going anywhere. More on that in a sec. New flash Zunes * Zune 8 and Zune 4 are the names for the 8 and 4GB flash based models. * Also uses the Zune Pad. * These will sell for $200 and $150 respectively. * Both will be available in pink, green, black, and red. * It will feature a 1.8-inch screen (compare to the nano's 2-inch screen). * Dimensions are 41.4 x 91.5 x 8.5mm (1.6 x 3.6 x 0.33-inches) -- compare to the new iPod nano, at 69.8 x 52.3 x 6.5mm (2.75 x 2.0 x 0.26-inches). Everything else * New Zunes ship in November, date not yet announced. * All Zunes (including the Zune 30) will have a new, redesigned interface and feature parity. In other words, early Zune 30 adopters will have all the same software features as new Zune 80, 8, and 4 users. * Additional native video codecs for h.264 and MPEG-4 -- users no longer need transcode those file types to WMV. * Zune can FINALLY sync video from your Media Center PC! Jeez, took you friggin long enough, guys! * WiFi sync to host computer! Includes moving over music, movies, photos, podcasts, etc. * Podcast support! (Sorry, no over the air downloads -- sync only.) Podcasts can also be shared via WiFi. * The 3x3 song sharing DRM has had its three day restriction removed, but users can still only play files three times. * There is still NO wireless music store. * The Zune software is all new and rewritten, and is supposed to actually be more than a rebadge of WMP10 now. Friggin finally. * The Zune music store is going DRM-free, with over 1m MP3 tracks being made available for download. Other details (like which labels, whether there is a DRM-free upgrade path is for users who've bought music with DRM, price differences, etc.) are not yet revealed. "

Hardware:
http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/02/microsofts-new-zunes-officially-in-80-8-and-4gb-sizes/

Marketplace:
http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/02/microsoft-beefs-up-zune-music-and-community-experience/

Most excited about the bolded part!

Launching November 13th, per Amazon.

10/3/2007 1:33:53 PM

Why do they even keep trying?

10/3/2007 1:49:23 PM

they seem like really solid products, but i think they implied that theirs would be cheaper than the apple products. they all seem to be the same price.

10/3/2007 1:58:16 PM

media center synch would be pretty sweet

10/3/2007 1:59:55 PM

It's a nice idea, but the original zune was just so much thicker and less portable than the Ipod that was out at the time.

It was like they were trying to compete with the first generation Ipod.

10/3/2007 2:00:42 PM

It's not like it wasn't their first generation, themselves.

10/3/2007 2:26:43 PM

It doesn't matter, nobody is going to give you a break because you are new at this, you have to compete with what's out now. Zune did not do a good job at that.

10/3/2007 2:40:39 PM

Quote :

"WiFi sync to host computer! Includes moving over music, movies, photos, podcasts, etc. "

Sweet.

10/3/2007 2:40:47 PM

whats so great about ipods compared to other mp3 players? you get to BUY all of your music through itunes?

10/3/2007 2:42:23 PM

You don't have to buy a song on iTunes in order to put it on your iPod.

10/3/2007 2:48:21 PM

News roundup at GIzmodo:
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/zune/zune-2-roundup-306674.php

Quote :

"It doesn't matter, nobody is going to give you a break because you are new at this, you have to compete with what's out now. Zune did not do a good job at that."

The first Zune has sold 1.2 million units. That puts them at a 3% share for the year+ they have existed. When looking at only Hard-Drive units (since it is all the Zune offered) they have a 10% market share. I know last year it was big news when Apple's Mac computer market share surpassed 5% and they've been going in that market for a couple decades now. I wouldn't dismiss Microsoft's first effort so easily. In no way is this going to topple the Apple DAP empire but it will provide a healthy dose of competition. Perhaps this will be just the nudge Apple needs to put int that extra effort again (that this last generation seemed to lack given the problems ranted about at Gizmodo et al). You don't have to be dominant to be a factor in the market.

I think people would really be surprised at just how well Microsoft has pulled off the Zune if they give it a serious shot.

10/3/2007 3:34:16 PM

^^ Reality isn't one of twista's strong points.

10/3/2007 4:58:21 PM

Quote :

"You don't have to buy a song on iTunes in order to put it on your iPod."

i know that...i've loaded a bunch of mp3s on a friends ipod...but i've also used 3rd party / generic / (non-apple) mp3 players so i again ask

Quote :

"whats so great about ipods compared to other mp3 players?"

[Edited on October 3, 2007 at 5:06 PM. Reason : .]

10/3/2007 5:01:39 PM

Quote :

"The 3x3 song sharing DRM has had its three day restriction removed, but users can still only play files three times. * The Zune music store is going DRM-free, with over 1m MP3 tracks being made available for download"

how does that work. Do DRM free songs not have the 3play thing?

10/3/2007 5:11:00 PM

^^ well for one, everything on the market is geared toward iPods. Such as stereos, TVs, alarm clocks, even R2D2 has an iPod dock. (http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/video-r2-d2-ipod-dock)

10/3/2007 5:17:58 PM

i know its definitely the most popular, but i have a Bose CD Wave Radio for my alarm clock, a nice stereo system in my apartment, which my computer is hooked to as well as my 200 disc changer...and I have a nice system in my car

strictly from the perspective of having a portable mp3 player to walk/run/travel with, in that sense are the main advantages of an iPod just all the accessories?

cause i can plug an external USB hard drive into a newer car's USB jack and play music right off of there too

10/3/2007 5:32:52 PM

Quote :

"Why do they even keep trying?"

No idea. There have no shot at ever toppling Apple, and let's be honest, the new ones look just marginally better than the 1st ones, which means they're still ugly. In today's world, ugly doesn't sell.

^ The great thing about iPods? Honestly, it just got hot at the right time and now it's trendy. That's the bulk of it. Secondarily, the interface is beautiful & easy to operate, accessories by the truckload are available for it and it's sexy. It's a formula that sells.

[Edited on October 3, 2007 at 5:42 PM. Reason : .]

10/3/2007 5:40:29 PM

my ipod has been solid, love the interface... idk i have no complaints about it really cept that i don't have a newer one lol

10/3/2007 6:09:39 PM

I actually really like my Zune now

I like the screen much better than the IPOD screen

and I like the controls better than teh IPOD


damn, looks like I may sell my new Zune 30 and get the Zune 80... I only have about .5 gb of free space currently

10/3/2007 6:12:27 PM

I've always liked zunes but I'm sure I'll just end up getting another ipod when my first gen kicks it soon.

[Edited on October 3, 2007 at 6:13 PM. Reason : .]

10/3/2007 6:13:19 PM

Sweet...I have always loved my Zune. Up to now, the only thing I have been concerned with was not being able to synch it with my Windows Media Center recordings etc. I'm glad that was addressed!

10/3/2007 6:27:34 PM

Quote :

"It doesn't matter, nobody is going to give you a break because you are new at this, you have to compete with what's out now."

I couldn't agree more. Same reason I think its retarded to give consoles a break because their games suck after a year. Who fucking cares, you compete with what's out now.

10/3/2007 6:30:43 PM

Quote :

"You don't have to buy a song on iTunes in order to put it on your iPod."

I've never purchased a single song from the zune store and have no problem putting music on it.

Quote :

"I actually really like my Zune now I like the screen much better than the IPOD screen and I like the controls better than teh IPOD"

i agree the interface is so much nicer than the ipod

10/3/2007 7:01:54 PM

The only thing I dislike about my ipod is the fact that you can't scroll between a and z, you have to go through the whole alphabet.

10/3/2007 8:33:09 PM

Quote :

"It doesn't matter, nobody is going to give you a break because you are new at this, you have to compete with what's out now. Zune did not do a good job at that."

mp3 / media player =! computer market

10/4/2007 12:56:04 PM

the video out of the new interface on the zune 2 looks really nice and easy to use. i'll probably snag one of these.

here's the video

http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/03/zune-2-bits-and-pieces-plus-an-in-depth-interface-video/



[Edited on October 4, 2007 at 3:02 PM. Reason : ]

10/4/2007 2:34:31 PM

zune's still behind Ipod, now that they have the 160gb. I know my bf is itching for the 160...

10/4/2007 2:47:07 PM

Wifi Sync, recorded TV sync, large DRM-Free catalog, FM Tuner, same features on all devices... Size is easy to change, its features that set you apart and in that regard the iPod is behind the Zune at the moment.

$103 refurb black zune at Woot:
http://www.woot.com/special.aspx?k=vipzune

10/5/2007 12:29:15 AM

wifi sync - only for manual sync, can't do an auto sync over wifi
recorded TV sync - this would be nice, but I can just as easily bittorrent and convert
large DRM-free catalog - ummmmmm, itunes plus tracks anyone?
FM tuner - who the fuck cares, this is probably one of the most worthless "features" ever added to DAPs

10/5/2007 12:41:15 AM

^^ That's a helluva deal man, thanks for pointing that out. My mp3 player crapped out after years and that was exactly what I was looking for. $100 bucks for something comparable to a $400 ipod? Yes sir.

10/5/2007 9:24:11 AM

Quote :

"FM tuner - who the fuck cares, this is probably one of the most worthless "features" ever added to DAPs"

that was a selling point for me


I think it's nice to be able to listen to sports when I have my Zune

[Edited on October 5, 2007 at 9:33 AM. Reason : .]

10/5/2007 9:33:48 AM

Quote :

"wifi sync - only for manual sync, can't do an auto sync over wifi"

Of course its not an auto sync over wifi, constant wifi scanning would absolutely destroy a battery. Its the push of a single button when you get close, not exactly difficult.

Quote :

"recorded TV sync - this would be nice, but I can just as easily bittorrent and convert"

Sure sure can bit-torrent and convert but the point is that overnight your PC can record a program and automatically sync it to your Zune so it takes zero action on your part to have new TV programming on your portable.

Quote :

"large DRM-free catalog - ummmmmm, itunes plus tracks anyone?"

iTunes Plus is limited to EMI if I am not mistaken (half as many tittles as Amazon's DRM-Free catalog) and they charge you 30-40% more for the songs. Also, the Zune DRM-free versions will NOT store any customer data in the file, unlike Apple. Plus, mp3 is much more widely supported than AAC, and the high VBR qualities have negligible quality difference (AAC's advantage is low bit rates).

Quote :

"FM tuner - who the fuck cares, this is probably one of the most worthless "features" ever added to DAPs"

Listening to sports is a huge factor to me and sometimes you just want a break from albums. THe biggest need for the FM tuner is for people who work out in a gym: most health clubs use FM to broadcast the audio for TV's. It is an incredibly useful feature and the reason had always had to buy Creative mp3 players in the past (for gym use).

10/5/2007 3:04:57 PM

don't mess with m$

10/5/2007 3:18:39 PM

I'll admit the new zune looks like it can compete much better with the ipod than the old one.

It's still thicker, but it's lighter and has a nicer screen, and the FM tuner is a big deal, I have no idea why they won't put them in the ipod.

10/5/2007 3:27:19 PM

what would really throw a monkey into this if m$ would have had am built in fm transmitter so you can just fire it up in your car and listen away.

10/5/2007 3:30:44 PM

Damn, I have never seen a Zune in action, but that video makes the new one look pretty damn sweet.

10/5/2007 6:29:30 PM

Does a Zune have a user replaceable battery?

and if not, how much do they charge to do it?

10/5/2007 10:25:09 PM

will it play xvid/divx w/o re-encoding? i'm waiting for a good player to do this... i've never owned an mp3 player

10/6/2007 7:58:42 AM

electric boogaloo?

10/6/2007 12:47:57 PM

Quote :

"the FM tuner is a big deal, I have no idea why they won't put them in the ipod."

because they want you to buy it as accesory

10/6/2007 3:03:21 PM

The FM tuner always seems like a niche in the market that doesn't seem to sell that many units

Now if they put in a decent FM transmitter then i would buy it in a heartbeat

10/6/2007 3:13:25 PM

are the 80gGBs not on sale yet?

11/13/2007 10:00:45 AM

just got the software and firmware update and i must say that the software and the zune look really badass. It's pretty nice of them to look out for the original zune owners and keep them up to date.


the new wireless sync is really nice as well

[Edited on November 13, 2007 at 1:27 PM. Reason : gotta love the wireless]

11/13/2007 1:25:35 PM

^ that is what is going to keep people buying them.

11/13/2007 1:43:59 PM

^^^as far as i know, the 80s are on sale today, but not the zune originals 80gb (out in early dec). i'm holding out for that, plus it'll be a good xmas gift for me.

11/13/2007 1:56:36 PM

I was just curious, because every time I try to look at them say on Bestbuy.com or Target.com, they're not listed as an item. They are on bestbuy.com, but not for in store pick up.

11/13/2007 1:59:43 PM

Quote :

"Nothing new to say about these things that you haven't heard a hundred times already, other than the fact that they've finally graced us with their presence. The Zune 4, Zune 8 and Zune 80 are now available at a wide assortment of online stores, or you can score one from Microsoft directly at the Zune Originals store with custom text and artwork engraving, but it'll mean waiting 5-7 business days for it to ship -- the price remains the same. Unfortunately, if you want an "Original" you're limited to the 4 and 8 at the moment, the Zune 80 will be available custom in December."

http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/13/microsofts-new-zunes-go-live

11/13/2007 2:06:12 PM

http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/15/more-on-zune-80-delays-available-december-12th/

told ya

11/15/2007 9:53:36 AM

so how much market share do they have?

that and I've never seen one of these in the wild

11/15/2007 10:01:56 AM

The 80gb supposedly aren't widespread yet. The 4 and 8gb flash zunes are everywhere I've been. Not sure on market share, but reviewers are claiming this to be an iPod alternative. The issues they've had with it is that it doesn't do anything significantly BETTER than the iPod.

11/15/2007 10:11:04 AM