Thursday, February 26, 2009

Microsoft Zune 16GB - Media and Continuous Connectivity

By Matt Ryan

Microsoft has been trying to compete with Apple for years in the MP3 business. Their third generation of Zune players may just be what they needed to begin stomping the competition. While there are not many visible changes to the Zune, there are many firmware and hardware changes, along with added features. With a price drop, and the upgraded features and technology, Microsoft's Zune (16GB) is finally grabbing the attention of many who never even glanced.

The latest Zune (16GB) release sells for $199, quite a bit lower than previous models. It has Wi-Fi integration along with an updated FM tuner. The FM tuner worked nicely in the predecessors of the third generation Zune (16GB), but is even more impressive now.

Radio Broadcast Data System technology makes it possible for users to view song information from certain FM radio stations. Additionally, consumers can tag their favorite songs for future reference - making it easier to purchase them down the road. Consumers can even program up to 50 different FM radio stations for one click access.

Not only do users get to enjoy music, videos, and movies, from the third generation Zune, but they also have the luxury of playing games. There are - currently - two games installed on the Zune (16GB) upon shipment: Hexic and Texas Hold 'em. These may not be the most entertaining games in the world, but more will be available on Zune Marketplace for purchase and download. The third generation Zunes are now customizable; simply plug your Zune into your XBOX 360, and you can change the soundtrack music to the existing games on the Zune (16GB).

Microsoft's third generation of Zune players closely resembles other MP3 players with its overall measurements of 3.6" x 1.6" x 0.33". Other than size, the physical appearance of this MP3 player did not really change much. The advantage to this is that you can still use any of your old Zune accessories with the newer models. It does have a more elegant appeal to it with the shiny coating covering the entire exterior. (This glossy coat - unfortunately - attracts fingerprints and scratches and smudges very easily.)

With a 1.8-inch LCD 320 x 240-pixel resolution display, consumers can view their images and videos with clarity and sharpness. Rotating the Zune (16GB) on its side gives users the ability to view videos from a widescreen angle. (Horizontally and vertically flipping the unit will change the view of the display.)

Consumers are able to purchase and download songs directly from their Zune via Zune Marketplace. Users have the flexibility of signing up for a monthly membership or paying for each file as it is downloaded. Another phenomenal platform is Zune Social; it is a social networking platform specifically for Zune owners / users.

Many audio and video file types are supported on the third generation Zune (16GB), such as MP3, WMA, MPEG-4, WMV, and even AAC. AAC is an audio book format; therefore, you can now listen to your favorite audio books right from your Zune.

Microsoft's third generation Zune (16GB) not only offers multiple media outlets, for users, but also offers instant connectivity to other users and files. Enjoy your favorite media like never before with the newest Zune (16GB). - 15615

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