Microsoft has extended its range of music players, and added DRM-free music
October 3, 2007 12:58 PM
J Allard and Bill Gates with Zunes
As expected, Microsoft has added new 4GB and 8GB Flash-based Zune players, plus an 80GB model, expanding the line from the 30GB original. The new devices have a touch-sensitive control panel so you can flick through tunes. The music store has been expanded and now includes more than a million DRM-free MP3s for use on any player. There’s also a new web site, Zune Social, so Zune owners can get together and show what they’re listening to, via Zune Cards (cf Xbox Gamer Cards). The video support now includes H.264, and if you have Windows Media Center, you’ll be able to transfer TV programmes to watch them on a Zune. And rather than just telling existing users to buy a new device, the old Zune will be updated. Microsoft says:
Existing Zune owners will automatically receive new software features, the redesigned PC and device software and access to the new Zune Marketplace when everything is released to the public in mid-November.
October 3, 2007 12:58 PM
J Allard and Bill Gates with Zunes
As expected, Microsoft has added new 4GB and 8GB Flash-based Zune players, plus an 80GB model, expanding the line from the 30GB original. The new devices have a touch-sensitive control panel so you can flick through tunes. The music store has been expanded and now includes more than a million DRM-free MP3s for use on any player. There’s also a new web site, Zune Social, so Zune owners can get together and show what they’re listening to, via Zune Cards (cf Xbox Gamer Cards). The video support now includes H.264, and if you have Windows Media Center, you’ll be able to transfer TV programmes to watch them on a Zune. And rather than just telling existing users to buy a new device, the old Zune will be updated. Microsoft says:
Existing Zune owners will automatically receive new software features, the redesigned PC and device software and access to the new Zune Marketplace when everything is released to the public in mid-November.
One drawback is that Zune still adds DRM to any music you share wirelessly with friends, so they can only listen to it three times before they have to go and get their own copy. However, the three-day limitation has been removed.
Finally, the three new models are Microsoft hardware designs, from the team that did the Xbox 360, whereas the original Zune was an adapted Toshiba Gigabeat S.
There’s a spec run-down at Engadget, plus coverage in The Wall Street Journal, Business Week, Wired etc.
Yesterday’s launch is obviously targeted at the Christmas market, but there is no news on whether Zune will be sold outside the US.
Finally, the three new models are Microsoft hardware designs, from the team that did the Xbox 360, whereas the original Zune was an adapted Toshiba Gigabeat S.
There’s a spec run-down at Engadget, plus coverage in The Wall Street Journal, Business Week, Wired etc.
Yesterday’s launch is obviously targeted at the Christmas market, but there is no news on whether Zune will be sold outside the US.
