What is Microsoft Zune?

If Apple has iPods, Microsoft has Zune. Yes, Zune. To the uninitiated it sounds more like a computer game than a portable media player. But Zune is Microsoft's offering to the world of mobile players. It has attached software and has existing online support where media files can be acquired and shared. The first device was released in November 2006 with a 30 GB capacity and at US$249.99 retail price.

The same model also has a built-in FM tuner with radio data system. It also has a 3 inch screen and Wi-Fi networking capabilities. Zune just like any other portable media player supports formats like the popular MP3 as well as WMA and AAC audio formats. But of course, it also supports Microsoft's WMV movie format. What Microsoft did with the Zune to make it rather unique from the current market players is the Zune-to-Zune Wi-Fi communication system. This communication system enables songs, recordings, playlists and pictures to be shared directly with other Zunes.

Other features of Zune include its ability to play videos and view pictures; having an updateable firmware; incorporates "ZuneTags" which contains a username/profile that can be rendered visible for other Zune users who wirelessly scan the area; customizable wallpaper designs; can show other Zune users nearby what you are listening to or doing; and can add songs to a quick playlist without reconnecting to the Zune software.

Zune-to-Zune sharing allows users to share full-length music tracks of choice songs or homemade recordings, playlists or even pictures with friends. When you receive a song through the wireless connection you can play it up to three times over three days. If you find the song to your liking, then you could buy it from the Zune Marketplace which can be easily accomplished by flagging the song in your Zune unit.

It appears that Microsoft have a lot of plans for Zune. One of the goals of Microsoft is update their Firmware on a regular basis. Having a 30GB model that can be upgraded is better than constantly changing models in the present market. This way, Zune will have a loyal client base. Firmware 1.1 was the first update released. In December 2006, Firmware 1.2 was released which boosts the performance of Zune when browsing as well as some other minor enhancements in the onboard software. This feature allows Microsoft to continuously evolve their Zune units.

Some critics of Zune, however, have cited the seemingly very limited Wi-Fi capabilities of the units. Zune at its present form can only connect to other Zune devices and cannot connect to a host PC or to the internet where it could download new music via a Wi-Fi hotspot. It is rather disappointing that it cannot access the internet for additional music.

Yet another criticism of Zune is that it cannot be used as an external hard drive which is big backward step since many if not most of hard drive-based music players could be used as external storage devices.
Nevertheless, Microsoft has started working with other leading manufacturers of accessories to beaf up their Zune offering to the wide portable media player market. The company has been reported to have been talking with manufacturers like Altec Lansing, Griffin Technology, Belkin Corp., Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO), Harman Kardon, Dual Electronics, Integrated Mobile Electronics, Logitech, Klipsch Audio Technologies, Monster Cable Products Inc., Targus Group International Inc., Speck and VAF Research. There are definitely a lot to look forward to in Zune's development in the future.