Microsoft recently released the Zune16 (a flash drive-based media player) and Zune120 (a larger, hard drive-based player). The newest DAPs (digital audio players) from Microsoft offer more storage space (16GB and 120GB, respectively) than previous versions of the player, but the basic design doesn’t differ from the second-generation Zune. With a 3.2-inch screen, a touchpad for navigation, and measurements of 4.3 x 2.4 x 0.5 inches (HxWxD), the Zune120 I recently tested looks much like its predecessor. The only difference is the black (instead of silver) back and glossy front.
The real stories here are the firmware and software updates that coincided with the release of the larger-capacity players. However, these updates don’t truly set the third-generation Zune apart, because even owners of firstand second-generation Zunes have access to the updates. While the Zune120 doesn’t offer a tantalizing new exterior, the roomy hard drive, capable of holding up to 30,000 songs, is sure to entice audiophiles with everexpanding media libraries.
Moreover, Microsoft’s commitment to supporting even players that are over two years old should be appealing to firsttime buyers who want to keep up with the latest technologies years into the future.
The 3.0 update to the Zune lets users do more with the features already built into all versions of the player. For instance, with the update, I could mark for purchase some songs I was listening to on the Zune120 via the already present FM tuner. If a radio station uses technology that broadcasts song info, it will show up on the Zune screen. Press the center of the Zune pad, and that info is sent to the shopping cart. The next time I connected to the Zune Marketplace, I could opt to purchase the marked song.
Thanks to the firmware update, I could even buy these songs over a wireless network.
In fact, users can browse the entire Zune Marketplace on the Zune wirelessly. After entering a password to connect to my wireless network, finding and downloading new songs was simple and fast. Further building on the wireless capabilities, users can configure the Zune to sync wirelessly when it’s in range of their home network. (The player must be docked or plugged into an outlet to sync automatically; users can perform manual syncs when the Zune isn’t docked.) .
Other updates range from overdue firmware adjustments (a clock and support for audio books and games) to snazzy software features: The Mixview option available on the Zune software you download to your computer displays a graphical map of related music and Zune profiles. Another graphical element of the software, the Now Playing option, displays artist info and pictures in a borderless window. Picks (Zune’s suggestions based on your listening habits) and Channels (related collections available with a Zune Pass subscription) add to the experience.
The basics that made the player popular to begin with remain. For instance, I found the ability to share songs (limited to three plays) wirelessly directly from my Zune with fellow Zune users to be one of the player’s most enjoyable features, and Zune Social lets you see what your friends are listening to.
Cons
There are a few odd issues that the update doesn’t address. For instance, while the Zune can play movies, at print time, none were available at the Zune Marketplace. There is a host of TV programs available, and you can get movies from other sources, but it remains a shortcoming. Also, the Zune still doesn’t include Microsoft’s own Windows PlayForSure compatibility, meaning Zune users can’t play some DRM (digital rights management)-protected WMA (Windows Media Audio) or WMV (Windows Media Video) files. But with more DRM-free media becoming available, this may not be an issue for shoppers.
Verdict
With great visual and audio quality, a history of continual support, a roomy hard drive, and plenty of accessories, the Zune120 is a great choice for anyone who loves music.
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by Divyani Williams, on 09.23.09 @ 5:01 pm
Hi
Your reputation is going to go to dogs, during my recent visit to India, in New Delhi at a friends workplace came across a smalltime computer hardware/networking chap, who could not even communicate in two proper sentences, and I even doubt his qualification and expertise in tech related matters, yet he runs Tech Wine, this kind of obnoxious imitation is quite prevelent in these parts of the world, ‘am sure you will not ever franchise your name to such dubious charecters/outfits, you better look into it to keep your slate clean.
Cheers
Divyani