6 things you didn’t know about Microsoft Zune
Taking on Apple’s almighty iPod is no easy task, but Microsoft is giving it its all with its impressive line of Zune media players, with capacities ranging from 4GB to 120GB.
With a huge screen, excellent audio quality (complemented by exceptional headphones), FM radio, and support for multiple audio and video codecs, the Redmond, Washington-based giants expect many to put the two competing products side by side. side by side and choose in favor of the Zune.
But if you know someone who already owns a Zune, you’re probably aware of the device’s attractive display, well-balanced audio, and built-in radio, which is also great for listening to a TV broadcast at the gym. Oh, Zune owners can now “tag” a song they hear on the radio and purchase a CD-quality version at a later time (only in the US at the moment, though).
Here are some things — and some impressive ones — about the Zune that you probably didn’t know.
1. Games and books, oh my!
The latest Zune software (version 3.0) now lets you play on the go. In fact, you’ll start with two free gifts included with the latest downloadable firmware update: Hextic and Texas Hold ‘Em. The Zune will also allow you to multitask so you can play a game and listen to your favorite songs, podcasts, or an audiobook at the same time! Speaking of audiobooks, Zune owners can now sync books from the huge library of titles at audible.com or overdrive.com.
2. Sharing is good
When you’re in the same room as another Zune listener, and it doesn’t matter if they have a Flash-based model or a hard drive, you can wirelessly stream a song you like to them, which the recipient can listen to. up to three times on your Zune. This is a great way to be exposed to new music. It’s no wonder why Microsoft’s tagline for the Zune is “welcome to social.”
3. Wireless sync
iPod owners are used to connecting their player to a PC to transfer media over. For some, this can be a laborious process if it involves plugging a USB cable into the back of a computer (perhaps under a desk), and you may need to unplug an existing USB device first. As long as you have a wireless network, you can automatically sync your Zune player with your PC when you walk in the door.
4. It’s in the cards
On the free Zune Social [http://www.zune.net/en-US/social/notsignedin.htm], which is the Zune online music community, you can easily create and customize a Zune Card. What is that, you ask? No, these are not Zune brand game cards. These online cards can be embedded on various social networking sites, such as Facebook, as well as blogs or other websites, where they will automatically update to show others what they are listening to.
5. X (box) marks the spot
Xbox 360 owners who want to change the soundtrack of their favorite video game can play their own music stored on a connected Zune, either by connecting the media player to the console via its USB cable (included) or if it has Wi-Fi . network adapter and an Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter, you can wirelessly set up your Zune to play it on your Xbox 360 (as a soundtrack or just to use your TV/stereo speakers).
6. All the music you can handle
Although not yet available in Canada, the Zune Marketplace is the online store to buy music for your Zune player. Sure, you can download tracks one at a time, like you can with Apple’s iTunes, but this service also offers something called a Zune Pass ($15/month) that allows you to max out your Zune with thousands of songs. In other words, you choose whether you want to consume your songs a la carte or in an all-you-can-eat buffet style!