The Microsoft Zune may not have the following of Apple's iPod, but its impressive features and design have won over a growing number of users. Whether you're already an owner or just want to find out more about this iPod competitor, you've come to the right place. Our Zune Central page collects every drop of info on the first-gen 30GB Zune, flash Zune, and Zune 80 and keeps it all together in one handy page. Check back often to stay up to date on all the relevant news, product reviews, tips, videos, and more.
We admit the first-generation Zune certainly wasn't the coolest-looking MP3 player on the block, but its features were fairly advanced. With subscription music support, wide-screen video playback, Wi-Fi music sharing, high-quality photo viewer, RBDS-enabled FM radio, and composite video output, the original Zune looked like a serious iPod challenger on paper. The 80GB Zune maintains all of the original Zune's compelling features and ups the ante with tightly integrated audio and video podcast support, as well as the unique ability to automatically sync content over a home wireless network.
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Living in a non-iPod world isn't easy. Sure, there's a lot to love about Microsoft's line of Zune MP3 players, but when it comes to shopping for accessories, you start feeling like the only vegetarian at the steakhouse. Don't fret: There are plenty of worthy accessories made for the Zune, and you can find a handful of them right here. Read more
February 1, 2008The next-gen Zune Marketplace makes a sharp departure from its Windows Media Player roots, embracing a clean, minimalist design with engaging visual imagery. As it's notably different from the standard jukeboxes, it takes a little getting used to, but it will please the eye in the interim. Read more
November 16, 2007The second-generation Zune turned Apple fanboy Donald Bell into a bona fide Zune aficionado. His infatuation isn't all wine and roses, however. For the real nitty gritty of this relationship, check out the list that details five aspects of the Zune (both good and bad) that he could spend hours ranting about. Read more
November 16, 2007We put the Apple iPod Classic and the Microsoft Zune 80 through their paces, pitting the players head-to-head in five bone-shaking rounds. Read more
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Microsoft first released the Zune (30GB) in November of 2006. While the first-generation Zune was mildly successful, critics had a field day taking Microsoft to task on the device's awkward aesthetic.
Having survived its freshman hazing, the Zune's appeal has slowly and steadily increased, and the iPod has every reason to be frightened. With an improved design, increased storage capacity, wireless sync capability, and integrated support for audio and video podcasts, the Zune is finally giving everyone a true alternative to the iPod.
Compared to the competition, users have embraced the Zune for its built-in FM radio, large display, subscription music support (Zune Marketplace), music browser interface (nicknamed Twist), wireless computer sync capability, and onboard composite video output.
Microsoft's 80GB Zune is sure to draw envy from the iPod-toting masses. With a 3.2-inch screen, wireless sync and sharing capabilities, a built-in FM radio, support for subscription music content (Zune Pass), and podcast integration, the 80GB Zune is a serious step forward for Microsoft.
The next-gen Zune Marketplace makes a sharp departure from its Windows Media Player roots, embracing a clean, minimalist design with engaging visual imagery. As it's notably different from the standard jukeboxes, it takes a little getting used to, but it will please the eye in the interim.
The Zune is better than ever and ready to kick the iPod to the curb.
With the 80GB Zune, Microsoft finally delivers the iPod alternative we've been waiting for.
The bite-size alternative to the full-size Zune lets you take music, photos, videos, and podcasts on the go.
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