Microsoft Zune Blown Wide Open Today - Head Over to Zune Thoughts for Coverage

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.zunethoughts.com' target='_blank'>http://www.zunethoughts.com</a><br /><br /></div><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/official-zune-photo.jpg" /><br /><br />Microsoft has officially unveiled the Zune digital media player today, so if you're interested in learning more, head on over to <a href="http://www.zunethoughts.com">Zune Thoughts</a>.

[rzanology]

i am sooo looking foward to this. as much as i love my pocket pc i find myself using it less and less these days. for all my email and pim functions i use my cingular 8125 all the time. so my x50v is now only used for media...music and videos. but the problem is...i have 3 gigs...and with an unlimited subscription to urge....3 gig is really not enough. might i say....the zune is perfect timing? question is...what will my axim be doing after i get my zune? hmmmmm

[Darius Wey]

question is...what will my axim be doing after i get my zune? hmmmmm

FWIW, I doubt I'll be using my Pocket PC for tunes once I get the Zune. Windows Media Player Mobile is half the player it should have been. Of course, there are third-party options around, but I want something more centralised and manageable, like the iPod or the Zune - and the latter is tickling my fancy. :mrgreen:

[x51vuser]

Oh .... what a crap .. designed by students for students ... I guess
You can watch parody of its predecessor here: www.nytimes.com

[efjay]

Darius, does the Zune support A2DP via BT? Thanks

[Jason Dunn]

Darius, does the Zune support A2DP via BT? Thanks

The Zune has WiFi only, not Bluetooth.

[alese]

So with exception of WiFi, what's the advantage of this against the iPod?

Also, is the "community" and possibility to exchange content the only use for WiFi or will Microsoft also enable for instance streaming from Zune to let's say Media Center or maybe something else?

To be honest I'm not that impressed by the device it really nothing special, but to be honest iPod is also nothing special. The services around Zune on the other hand... well we'll see if they can make the difference...

[WyattEarp]

So with exception of WiFi, what's the advantage of this against the iPod?

Choice. While it is not impressive to me at all as far as hardware, design or software it does provide us with a choice. I originally felt that MS really has no chance at beating Apple in the DMP game and should just stay out of it. But, I also realize that it is not always about winning or beating out the competitor. Competition is good, cause without it we won't get anything innovative. We'll just be slaves to what manufactures offer. MS wants therre share and that's cool. We now have two really good DMPs and that's great for everyone. The worst that can happen is that MS beats out Apple and all we are left with is the Zune which is just as bad as just having the iPod. No choice, no competition, we the consumer lose out.

I just hope that with the release of the Zune both MS and Apple release even better devices in the future.

[Darius Wey]

Darius, does the Zune support A2DP via BT? Thanks

The Zune has WiFi only, not Bluetooth.

On a positive note, there'll plenty of opportunities for accessory makers to produce A2DP solutions for the Zune like they have with the iPod. :)

[Darius Wey]

Also, is the "community" and possibility to exchange content the only use for WiFi or will Microsoft also enable for instance streaming from Zune to let's say Media Center or maybe something else?

To start off with, it'll be centred on community. But Microsoft can easily extend the functionality (e.g., streaming) via a software update. The 802.11b/g hardware is there. Microsoft can leverage it in many ways.

[bnycastro]

Does the Zune have gapless playback? This was the only feature of the 'new' iPods that really made me think twice about getting one.
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It would also be interesting how MS will tie together it's different services and if these would be enough to unseat the iPod.