New Zune HD Video 32 GB MP3 Player (Newest Model)
Zune 3rd Generation MP3 Video Player
Zune is a high quality mp3 player and is competition for the Apple iPod Touch. In the latest model Games and Marketplace have been added to the Music, Radio, Podcasts, Videos, Pictures, Social, and Settings menu items.
Zune’s music-discovery and sharing feature is unique and will be a drawcard for music lovers. With Zune Marketplace and a music-subscription you can preview music before purchasing or adding to your shopping cart. The service allows you a free 14-day trial after which it will cost you $15.oo a month to download unlimited music. Alternatively you can purchase songs singly.
You need to be connected to the internet via WiFi to access online features. Microsoft has done a deal with many McDonald restaurants to use their free WiFi.
Another way to find and listen to music that is unique to Zune is the brilliant RBDS-enhanced FM radio and the ability to tag songs you hear for download later. This feature is only available where the FM-radio stations provide artist and song information. So far though the stations that provide this information are not the most exciting ones on air.
As with the iPod podcasts are easily searched and download within the Zune Marketplace. Only the iPod and Zune have this facility.
Video podcast playback is very good but still not as good as on the iPod Touch.
Improvements have been made to the performance of Zune’s desktop software. It now allows you to reduce the use of graphics if your PC is struggling.
The music quality is excellent but not with the cheap included earphones. To get the most f rom your music you will need to purchase better quality headphones.
Battery life was tested by CNET Labs. They got 32 hours of audio playback with Wi-Fi off and 25 hours with Wi-Fi on. Video-only battery life test results revealed 4.6 hours of playback with Wi-Fi off and a paltry 2.6 hours with Wi-Fi active. By comparison, the Apple iPod Classic reached 39 hours of audio playback and 8.8 hours of video under the same test conditions.
In Brief: Zune MP3 Player Features
- HD Radio: There are more stations and better sound and its free. The new Zune HD gives you access to many local HD Radio stations for more sports, news, and music with clear digital sound.
- Audio books: now including Audible and Overdrive support
- Social Feature: Ability to share music recommendations with friends. (If you have any that use Zune.)
- Games are now included with the Zune but the quality and selection available is not nearly as good as on the iPod Touch.
- OLED touchscreen: Get instant access to your content with multi-touch navigation. With a 3.3-inch size and 16:9 display (480 x 272 resolution), truer and brighter entertainment is at your fingertips.
- Internet browsing: With a Wi-Fi connection and a touchscreen QWERTY keyboard you have access to the internet when you need it.
- HD-compatible video: Play high quality video on the go or on your HDTV. Watch supported 720p HD movies, TV shows, and videos in high definition on your HDTV through the Zune HD AV Dock (sold separately).
- Wireless: Zune HD allows you to buy, stream, and update your music–and download free games–wirelessly via a Wi-Fi connection. You can wirelessly sync your Zune HD via your home PC network. You also can stream millions of songs over Wi-Fi directly to your Zune HD and turn it into a portable digital jukebox.
- XBox: Expand Your Entertainment With Xbox 360: Receive Instant HD Video Streaming from Zune on Xbox LIVE Marketplace
Should You Buy The New Zune HD or the iPod Touch?
The new Zune HD compares with the Apple iPod Touch. If you are considering either the iPod Touch or the new Zune HD then here are some brief points to help you choose:
Minuses
- The iPod range has many useful applications available from the iTunes store. There are far fewer applications available for the Zune.
- The iPod is reliable. Some users report that they have had more problems with freezes with the current Zune.
- Zune Marketplace is not a patch on the iTunes store.
- Games are better on the iPod
- The Zune islarger and almost 6 oz heavier than the iPod Touch.
- Zune battery life is improved but still several hours less than the iPod’s. (30 hours of audio playback and 4 hours of video)
- High quality earbuds are no longer included, you must buy them separately.
- A Zune Pass music subscription is needed to get the most out of the music features.
- In spite of its name the Zune video screen is not High Definition (HD)out of the box. You have to buy additional equipment to enjoy that. Zune video screen is smaller than the iPod Touch screen and displays fewer pixels.
Pluses
- The Zune is a lot cheaper at a list price of $289.00 compared to $382.43 for the iPod Touch.
- The Zune has HD radio. The iPod has no radio.
- Zune has high-definition video playback but see above, only if you buy extra accessories.
- Good FM radio reception. There is no radio ion the iPod.
- Excellent audio quality and music discovery feature with Zune Pass music subscription.
Zune’s emphasis on music discovery and subscription-music will be a big plus to music fans but the iPod’s superior battery life and accessory options make it a better option for most users especially those who love games. Although the Zune HD mp3 player is a competitor to the Apple iPod Touch it has not yet caught up with the iPod. The iPod’s superior battery life and accessory options make it a better option for most users.
The new Zune HD mp3 player in both 16 and 32 GB will be released on 15 September
Price range: $290 to $314
Click To Pre-Order Zune HD from Amazon.com
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