2008 Woodie Awards
Microsoft take a bite out of Apple
The newly unveiled Zume aims to compete with iPod
CHRISTINA TODD Staff Writer
Issue date: 12/5/06 Section: Life and Style
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As a devoted iPod user, it seems impossible to consider a new MP3 player, especially when it was conceived by none other than Microsoft, the arch-nemesis of Apple.
Unfortunately for Microsoft, the Zune will forever be cursed by constant comparison. It boasts many similar features to Apple's wildly successful iPod lineup, but it just came out five years too late.
The basic model features a 30 GB hard drive, photo and video capability, WiFi connectivity, a radio tuner and about 14 hours of battery life. It does not have a click wheel, but utilizes a four-button system that allows both up-and-down and right-to-left scrolling.
The Zune has gotten mixed reviews since its Nov. 14 release. Many reviewers are grappling over what makes the Zune favorable to the iPod when many of its additional features appear to be somewhat flawed.
Contrary to popular opinion, however, the Zune is a good product. For those who are looking for an alternative to the iPod that is comparable in coolness, the Zune provides a classy solution.
The player is offered in three colors: black, white and brown.Microsoft made a good move by constructing the outer casing of the Zune out of a virtually scratch resistant material. Unlike the fingerprint-ridden silver backing of the iPod, the Zune will retain its new appearance longer.
The rich three-inch color display is stunning and Microsoft renews the significance of album art with the Zune. Artwork that was once found on the jackets of CD cases now occupies the majority of the Zune's screen while listening to a band.
When music goes totally digital, it will be difficult to maintain the presence of album art, and the Zune provides a viable option for preserving this essential aspect of the musical world.
The Zune's most substantial feature is its WiFi connectivity. Zuners may share songs and photos by "beaming" them to one another. However, this can only happen when the two Zune owners are within wireless range of each other.
Unfortunately for Microsoft, the Zune will forever be cursed by constant comparison. It boasts many similar features to Apple's wildly successful iPod lineup, but it just came out five years too late.
The basic model features a 30 GB hard drive, photo and video capability, WiFi connectivity, a radio tuner and about 14 hours of battery life. It does not have a click wheel, but utilizes a four-button system that allows both up-and-down and right-to-left scrolling.
The Zune has gotten mixed reviews since its Nov. 14 release. Many reviewers are grappling over what makes the Zune favorable to the iPod when many of its additional features appear to be somewhat flawed.
Contrary to popular opinion, however, the Zune is a good product. For those who are looking for an alternative to the iPod that is comparable in coolness, the Zune provides a classy solution.
The player is offered in three colors: black, white and brown.Microsoft made a good move by constructing the outer casing of the Zune out of a virtually scratch resistant material. Unlike the fingerprint-ridden silver backing of the iPod, the Zune will retain its new appearance longer.
The rich three-inch color display is stunning and Microsoft renews the significance of album art with the Zune. Artwork that was once found on the jackets of CD cases now occupies the majority of the Zune's screen while listening to a band.
When music goes totally digital, it will be difficult to maintain the presence of album art, and the Zune provides a viable option for preserving this essential aspect of the musical world.
The Zune's most substantial feature is its WiFi connectivity. Zuners may share songs and photos by "beaming" them to one another. However, this can only happen when the two Zune owners are within wireless range of each other.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Ginger Maciejowski
posted 12/10/06 @ 9:23 PM EST
It would be nice if you credited the correct writer for this article, Kate Maciejowski. It should have been corrected for the online edition! Good writers deserve proper credit. (Continued…)
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