Microsoft Zune is finally officially announced! Will it really become the iPod-killer that some have wished for? Well, let’s take a look at the features it offers.
- Wireless Zune-to-Zune file-sharing (the star feature!)
- 30GB of storage
- 3-inch display
- Built-in FM
- Music, video and photo playback
- Audio supported: MP3, AAC and WMA
- Video supported: h.264, MPEG-4, WMV
- Photo supported: JPEG
- 12 hours of music playback or 3.5 hours of video playback
If you are a storage freak, you might find Zune’s 30GB limiting, in contrast to the new iPod’s 80GB. But of course, we can be sure that Microsoft will come out with higher capacity ones later.
And what really sets the Zune apart from the rest, is its wireless Zune-to-Zune file-sharing feature. This is done by simply selecting the media and then selecting your buddy’s Zune from a list of nearby Zunes. The file will be playable by your buddy for up to three times over three days. After the trial period, he may choose to purchase the song off the Microsoft’s iTune’ish Zune Marketplace.
Microsoft’s lip is still sealed on Zune’s pricing and availability. And meanwhile, it may not be surprising to see Microsoft up Zune’s specifications, judging from how the new iPod managed to trump it in several areas.
Here are two videos to feed your eyes. One featuring Zune’s interface and the other showing the Zune-to-Zune transfer in action.
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