OMEN
09-15-2006, 08:55 PM
http://www.virgin.net/technology/gamesgadgets/galleries/zune/pix/1_400.jpg
It was no secret that Microsoft was preparing to release a digital media player. Its name is Zune and its full range of features have now been unveiled by the excitable J Allard, the main who was also behind the Xbox and Xbox 360.
The Zune boasts a 30GB digital media player, a music and communities service called Marketplace, wireless capability and FM radio tuner. As if that wasn't enough, it comes in three colours - black, brown and white. Can it rival the iPod to become the portable media gadget that just about everyone feels compelled to own?
http://www.virgin.net/technology/gamesgadgets/galleries/zune/pix/2_400.jpg
There's a big, bright 3-inch screen for browsing pictures, trawling your music library or watching video files. You'll be able to start watching and listening straight away, for the Zune comes preloaded with a batch of music from top record labels like EMI and Virgin Records.
http://www.virgin.net/technology/gamesgadgets/galleries/zune/pix/3_250.jpg
Wireless connectivity means Zune owners will be able to share music and other media files between each other's players without even having to connect up any pesky cables.
http://www.virgin.net/technology/gamesgadgets/galleries/zune/pix/5_400400.jpg
Just as the Zune wants to beat the iPod at its own game, so Microsoft hope their new Marketplace service will give iTunes a run for its money. Here you'll be able to buy tracks and download demos of ones you're not certain about. Songs will be available individually or on an unlimited basis if you opt for a subscription.
http://www.virgin.net/technology/gamesgadgets/galleries/zune/pix/6_400400.jpg
There'll be a suitably broad range of accessories for the Zune, including a car pack, kit for hooking up the player to a TV or speaker system, and a "Travel Pack" that includes earphones, a remote control and other journey-friendly add-ons.
http://www.virgin.net/technology/gamesgadgets/galleries/zune/pix/4_250.jpg
The big question, then: when can you get one? Well, consumers in the US will be able to pick up a Zune in the run-up to Christmas, but a European launch date hasn't yet been announced.
Virgin
It was no secret that Microsoft was preparing to release a digital media player. Its name is Zune and its full range of features have now been unveiled by the excitable J Allard, the main who was also behind the Xbox and Xbox 360.
The Zune boasts a 30GB digital media player, a music and communities service called Marketplace, wireless capability and FM radio tuner. As if that wasn't enough, it comes in three colours - black, brown and white. Can it rival the iPod to become the portable media gadget that just about everyone feels compelled to own?
http://www.virgin.net/technology/gamesgadgets/galleries/zune/pix/2_400.jpg
There's a big, bright 3-inch screen for browsing pictures, trawling your music library or watching video files. You'll be able to start watching and listening straight away, for the Zune comes preloaded with a batch of music from top record labels like EMI and Virgin Records.
http://www.virgin.net/technology/gamesgadgets/galleries/zune/pix/3_250.jpg
Wireless connectivity means Zune owners will be able to share music and other media files between each other's players without even having to connect up any pesky cables.
http://www.virgin.net/technology/gamesgadgets/galleries/zune/pix/5_400400.jpg
Just as the Zune wants to beat the iPod at its own game, so Microsoft hope their new Marketplace service will give iTunes a run for its money. Here you'll be able to buy tracks and download demos of ones you're not certain about. Songs will be available individually or on an unlimited basis if you opt for a subscription.
http://www.virgin.net/technology/gamesgadgets/galleries/zune/pix/6_400400.jpg
There'll be a suitably broad range of accessories for the Zune, including a car pack, kit for hooking up the player to a TV or speaker system, and a "Travel Pack" that includes earphones, a remote control and other journey-friendly add-ons.
http://www.virgin.net/technology/gamesgadgets/galleries/zune/pix/4_250.jpg
The big question, then: when can you get one? Well, consumers in the US will be able to pick up a Zune in the run-up to Christmas, but a European launch date hasn't yet been announced.
Virgin