The Microsoft Zune Media Player

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Public test next week for Vista SP1

2007-12-05T21:15:00.000-08:00

Microsoft on Tuesday said that it has reached the "release candidate" with the first service pack for Windows Vista, with plans to make the test software available publicly next week.
It is releasing the test code this week to the 15,000 or so people who have been beta testing SP1 already, and will also make it available on Thursday to those in the MSDN and TechNet developer programs.

"We feel really good and we look forward to receiving feedback from our larger set of testers," said David Zipkin, a senior product manager on the Windows Client team.

Microsoft also said on its Vista blog on Wednesday that it will make available a "blocker" that will allow customers who have Vista and use Windows Update to block SP1 upon its final release to allow for further testing. Microsoft offered a similar option with Windows XP Service Pack 2.

Service Pack 1 is mainly designed as a collection of bug fixes and performance improvements rather than an attempt to add new features. Among the changes that are more feature-related is the ability to use BitLocker encryption on multiple hard drive volumes as well as changes to the desktop search feature, which were made to satisfy antitrust concerns from Google.

Microsoft also said this week that it will change the way its antipiracy features work in SP1, eliminating a system in which Vista machines found not to be genuine are relegated to a near-unusable "reduced functionality mode." In its place, Microsoft will show prominent warnings and prompt those with non-genuine software to get a properly licensed copy. The new antipiracy approach will be in the final version of SP1 but is not part of the release candidate version.

The software maker has made some changes to SP1 since it began testing it earlier this year. In particular, the company has worked to reduce the size of the update as well as the amount of free space required to perform the update.

Vista still requires up to 4.5GB of free space for a typical user, but that's down from the 7GB required in earlier beta versions. Most of that space is returned back to the user. For some people, though, particularly those with ultramobile machines or running Vista in a partition on their Mac, the free space limit can be an obstacle.

Microsoft has also significantly reduced the file size of the Windows Update and full versions of the service pack, Zipkin said.

The release candidate version of the Vista service pack comes just as the Windows Server team issues a public release candidate for Windows Server 2008. Development of Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008 have been fairly closely aligned and both are slated for release in the first quarter of 2008. However, Zipkin said it is conceivable the release of the two products could vary, particularly if quality concerns arise for either one.

Toshiba Shares Rise After Deal to Make Microsoft Zune

2006-09-01T17:52:00.000-07:00

Aug. 28 (Bloomberg) -- Toshiba Corp. shares rose after Microsoft Corp. chose Japan's largest chipmaker to produce its Zune digital music player that will compete with Apple Computer Inc.'s iPod.

Shares of Toshiba gained 1 percent to 783 yen as of the 3 p.m. close on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Toshiba, which sells music and video players that use Microsoft's Windows software, filed with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission for approval of the device on Aug. 24. Microsoft confirmed the filing and Toshiba's role in the project.

Microsoft, the world's largest software maker, is working with Toshiba to get the device in stores for the holidays. The Redmond, Washington-based company plans to invest hundreds of millions of dollars over the next several years in a bid to dent Apple's 77 percent share of the $4 billion U.S. market for digital music players.

The FCC filing included a photo of the device, which is white with a black-trimmed screen and a black-trimmed, white wheel. Zune will have a 30-gigabyte hard drive, a three-inch screen, and an FM radio and be available in three colors, black, white and brown, according to the Toshiba filing.

Apple has sold more than 58.9 million players since Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs introduced the gadget in October 2001, including 8.11 million units in the quarter ended July 1.

Microsoft Selects Toshiba to Provide Zune Hardware

2006-09-01T17:46:00.000-07:00

Microsoft has chosen Toshiba to provide the hardware for its next-generation digital music player, Zune. Slated to make its debut by year's end, Zune is intended to slice some of the success Apple has had with its tightly-integrated music

Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) has signed up Toshiba to provide the hardware for its pending iPod challenger, known as Zune.

In a certification submission to the Federal Communications Commission , Toshiba, maker of the industry-praised GigaBeat player, indicated the new Zune device would pack 30 gigabytes of music, photos and more, and would be capable of streaming to a limited number of other devices.

The device will also reportedly feature a 3-inch screen, FM radio and 802.11, or WiFi , wireless functionality.

Toshiba's FCC filing also suggested that the Zune player will feature music and image sharing capabilities and will have the ability to stream content to other compatible devices.

Learning a New Zune The selection of Toshiba, which has experience in making solid consumer electronics, to make the Zune is a logical one. A tremendous challenge lies ahead, though, in taking on Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) and its iPod-iTunes combination. That firm now owns an estimated 80 percent of the digital music player market.

Slated to make its debut by year's end, Zune is intended to slice some of the success Apple has had with its tightly-integrated music service and players, which now come in 60-gigabyte and video-capable versions with 2.5-inch screens.

Microsoft and Toshiba will have their work cut out for them, however, according to Gartner (NYSE: IT) Research Vice President Mike McGuire.

"In theory, [Microsoft] might be able to come up with something that makes a dent," McGuire told TechNewsWorld. "But it's going to take a lot to do that."

Microsoft has much to manage with its different endeavors, particularly its next-gen Windows Vista operating system, he noted. In order to take significant market share, Microsoft's device and service will have to sing from the start, he said.

Integration between the Zune player and compatible Zune music service will be crucial, just as such integration has been key to Apple's iPod-iTunes success, McGuire remarked.

Building Better It is clear that Microsoft is trying to use the same strategy that Apple did, focusing on tight integration and usability, Yankee Group Senior Analyst Mike Goodman told TechNewsWorld.

However, actually executing the strategy will be a challenge. Microsoft must go beyond making a player and service that is as good as Apple's, he added.

"Their challenge is building one better than Apple's," Goodman concluded.

Not familiar w/ 30 Seconds to Mars? Check the video...

2006-08-20T20:19:00.000-07:00

EMI, Microsoft to Team on Zune Video

2006-08-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

EMI Group and Microsoft have inked a pact that will see the world’s third-largest music firm provide preloaded music videos for the Redmond, Wash.-based software giant’s much-anticipated Zune digital music player, which is expected to launch before the upcoming holiday season, Reuters reports.

A handful of media reports over recent days suggested that Microsoft was behind schedule on the video aspects of Zune and that it may have to delay the capability past the device’s release. However, the news—which comes from EMI, according to Reuters—suggests those reports may have been unfounded.

U.K.-based EMI said it will offer video from rock band 30 Seconds to Mars—which includes well-known American actor Jared Leto—and British pop band Hot Chip, among others, Reuters reports.

Various sources, including record industry representatives, bloggers and industry websites, have speculated that the two Zune features that will give it an edge over Apple’s uber-popular iPod device are its ability to transfer music files to and from Zune wirelessly and the ability to share content with other Zune users, even if only temporarily.

Microsoft Zune Logo Jeff Kempler, executive vice president of Virgin Records America, a division of EMI, told Reuters, “Apple has been an important partner in building the digital music market, but any well-funded serious entrant has got to be good news for the artists and industry.”

Apple owns the digital music player and download service space in the United States, but its penetration in Europe—where Creative is the market leader—and in other locations is less dominant.

Microsoft, which confirmed the device’s existence last month and said it will invest hundreds of millions of dollars in its development, was not immediately available to respond to Reuters’ inquiry.

EMI said it thinks its videos will come preinstalled on the Zune player, as well as content from additional record companies, according to Reuters.

Universal is also reportedly in talks with Microsoft to provide content.

Just yesterday, a new photo and previously unannounced details on Microsoft Zune emerged on the Web.

Exclusive Microsoft Zune Details

2006-08-18T19:27:00.000-07:00

After lots of quality time groping the Zune like blind man on his wedding night, our people give us the lowdown on the player's functionality. Get the scoop after the jump!

First off, that scroll wheel you see? That's not a wheel. It's just four buttons arranged in a wheel formation. That kinda sucks if you're used to the scroll wheel, but it seems their engineers weren't too fond of it, or Microsoft didn't want to be accused of copying the iPod's wheel. Either way, it's just four buttons.

But like the wheel, the scrolling speeds up the longer you hold down the button. When you're scrolling through songs, there's a large letter that appears in the corner corresponding to the letter of the current song when you're running through your list. It's very similar to the way Windows Media Center works when you're scrolling, if you're familiar with that interface. In fact, the whole interface is quite like MCE 2005, with the semi-transparent fonts and GUI design.

On the back, there's a grip so you can hold the player when you're watching video in landscape mode. There's also some kind of magnetic feature on the back so you can attach the headphones to it. The magnets could be used for some sort of docking or case design—they're still working on that. The bottom has that iPod-like dock connector, while the case itself is plastic and semi-transparent.

The UI itself has white text on colored backgrounds, with lots of textures. This could even be skinnable. While the song is playing, it will display album art or a Windows Media Player-like visualization.

FM support is fairly complete, with both an FM tuner and an FM transmitter so you can beam the music to your car. The FM transmitter also feeds up Song and Artist information so you can see what's playing from your car stereo (if it supports that feature, like in GM cars). Pretty neat.
Two menu options that were disabled were the WiFi, and Capture Settings. We're not sure what the Capture Settings means—maybe recording FM?
—but we'll let you know. – Jason Chen

Zune Looks Ugly and Plain: It’s No iPod Killer

2006-08-18T19:15:00.000-07:00

The long rumored “iPod-Killer” from Microsoft, due to make its debut on the market by this year’s end, has now entered a phase where more and more details are being revealed. Unfortunately, those details are (for the moment at least) quite disappointing.

Gadgets-oriented site Gizmodo has shown the world one of the first (unofficial) pictures of the future MP3 player built at Redmond. In my humble opinion, if that is how the famous iPod killer will look like, it has no chance of bringing anything else to Microsoft than ironies and huge holes in revenues.

Surprisingly or not, it features the same design as presented previously on the Web, with apparently a bigger screen than the current iPod’s and an overall size close to Apple’s product.

It’s far from being revolutionary with that placement of four buttons in the shape of a wheel, buttons that seem to actually serve the purpose of not attracting patent-infringement law suits rather than attracting users.

Apparently, Microsoft is trying to use the experience gained with Windows Media Center, and made the screen superimpose the current alphabet letter over the right side of the song list to let you know quickly how far you’ve moved to reach your favorite song.

They have also implemented a scrolling that speeds up when you hold down one of the buttons.
If you plan to upload your photos on Zune, you’ll probably be able to see them at a higher resolution and quality than on an iPod (thanks to the bigger screen), but this is not so impressive.

It also features an integrated FM radio, which eventually every MP3 player on the market has, so nothing astonishing here either. The FM transmitter also feeds up Song and Artist information so you can see what's playing from your car stereo (if it supports that feature, like in GM cars).

The UI itself has white text on colored backgrounds, with lots of textures. This could even be skinnable. While the song is playing, it will display album art or a Windows Media Player-like visualization.

Microsoft also hopes to attract users with is the possibility to share songs with those detaining the same Redmond-built device, using the wireless capabilities. You like a song, mark it for download and the rest is done by the MP3 player (aka the iPod killer).

You may also be able to spool Zune music to a Wi-Fi-enabled Xbox 360, which is a sort of a cool idea, but requires an additional $100 wireless adapter and the $300-400 console.

All in all, with the scarce details we have at our disposition, Zune is definitely not an iPod killer. You can call it a SanDisk killer, a Creative killer or a Sony killer. But no iPod killer here, no sir.
And by the way, NPD Group has recently indicated that iPod managed to overcome its rivals with astounding results: 75.6% market share in the US, more than 8 times more than its second-in-line competitor…

Zune arriving preloaded with college rock videos and music

2006-08-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

Ever since rumours began that Zune would come preloaded with some tunes and videos, we've been wondering what Microsoft's music taste is like. And now we know: it's a big fan of college rock.

According to a post last night on the Zune Insider blog, Virgin Records' 30 Seconds To Mars - who dress like goths, but sound like the soundtrack to American Pie - will come preloaded on the social MP3 player. Fellow Microsoft blogger, Madison and Pine, also reveals CSS and Hot Chip will come bundled on Zune.

As well as giving an insight into Zune employee playlists, the news confirms the player will support video, putting to the sword web rumours to the contrary.

More college rock, as we get it.

MS to pre-load Zune with music, video

2006-08-17T08:48:00.000-07:00

Microsoft's new Zune media player will ship pre-loaded with both music and video content to lure consumers away from Apple's iPod. Microsoft will derive content from groups such as 30 Seconds to Mars, Cansei de Ser Sexy, and Hot Chip. In many cases, audio and video will both be available for a given artist, according to Electronista. The software giant's move also indicates that its software will allow users to transfer music from the player to the computer, a feature music labels have historically refused to support on the grounds that it would encourage piracy. Past rumors suggested that Apple would pre-load special editions of its iPods with songs and video, but those claims have thus far proven false.

Razer Pro|Type Multimedia Keyboard: Zune Dock

2006-08-14T23:08:00.000-07:00

Our tip box this morning taunted us with tantalizing shots of the Razer ProType Multimedia Keyboard that allegedly docks with the Microsoft Zune media player. Sketchy information so far tells us the keyboard will be released in November of this year, and there will also be models of this well-appointed input device that are compatible with the iPod.

Calling it "the world's most intelligent keyboard," Razer claims it will have 32kB of memory onboard, plenty of programmable hot keys, line-out for audio peripherals and a couple of USB ports as well. Pricing wasn't announced yet. Hey, get me one of these, pronto!
– Charlie White

Product Page [Razer Pro Solutions]

US airport security bans Zune on flights But iPods OK

2006-08-13T23:09:00.000-07:00

By Nick Farrell: Friday 11 August 2006, 06:47

US AIRPORT security seems to be following its UK counterparts in banning electronic gadgets on flights.But according to Gizmodo.com the ban is not based on all electronic gadgets but only those that the US security staff have not seen before.

Gizmodo cites the case of a reader who showed up with Microsoft's super soaraway new Zune machine. Apparently the official had never seen one before and decided that it must be part of a terrible terror plot to overthrow the US government and force US citizens to worship jam.
He would not even allow the Zune to be put in as checked-in luggage in case it exploded in the hold of the aircraft. He made the person mail the Zune back to his office or else not make the flight.

However the official said that iPods were OK, he knew what one of those were like. Dell laptops are OK, too.

Microsoft to launch Zune, Xbox in India

2006-08-13T20:30:00.000-07:00

New Delhi, Aug. 13 (PTI): Microsoft is all set to revolutionise digital music and gaming market in India with the launch of its own version of popular music player iPod and its new video gaming console Xbox this festive season.

Global IT giant plans to launch its Zune music player, which is being touted as an iPod-killer, in India as well as worldwide before Christmas this year, sources close to the development said.
Indians would not have to wait for Zune longer than people in other parts of the world this time around, which has been the case with Xbox, the other eagerly awaited product from Microsoft here, company sources said.

The company has already announced its plans to launch its Xbox gaming consile in India during Diwali season.

Earlier last month, Microsoft announced the global launch of its music software and players under the brand name Zune, but it has not announced any official date for the launch.
The sources said Zune could come to India along with its worldwide launch as the retailing patterns and infrastructure in the country has undergone a drastic improvement in the recent past.

Microsoft's video gaming and entertainment system Xbox was launched in the US and European markets in November last year, but would hit Indian markets during Diwali.
Zune is being touted in the industry circles to be aggressively priced, which could be at par with the 299 dollars tag of Apple Computer's iPod, as well as similar or even better song download and storage features.

Apple currently holds nearly 75 per cent of the digital music player market with various versions of its iPod product.

For the launch of Xbox in the country, Microsoft has already drawn up an elaborate marketing strategy and distribution network to facilitate sales in the estimated 50 million dollar market.
India, which has about 1.6 million avid gamers who spend more than 20 hours a week on gaming and an average of Rs 926 on buying legal gaming software, has become a attractive market for gaming companies.

The company would set up 1,200 retail centres across 7 cities, including four metros, in the country for marketing Xbox, Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division India Country Manager Mohit Khanna said during the announcement of the launch of Xbox in India.
"The gaming community in the Indian market is expected to grow rapidly in the coming few years. Xbox will definetely act as a catalyst to fuel this growth and expose Indian gamers to next generation gaming experiences," he said.

"The market, which is coming off a small base, is rapidly increasing as the population is young and tech-savvy," he added.

"We see an opportunity to lead and define the market," said Mitch Koch, corporate vice-president for global retail sales at Microsoft's entertainment and devices division.

Microsoft said it had no plans to set up a gaming development centre in India but would work with third-party game developers.

Microsoft Zune Will Hit Stores at $299

2006-08-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

BY AMY GILROY -- TWICE, 8/10/2006 7:36:00 AM

Redmond, Wash. - Microsoft is in the process of unveiling to select retailers the first of its line of Zune wearable digital audio players and informed retailers it will offer a single unit this fall, available in three colors at a suggested retail price of $299.

Retailers who have been briefed by Microsoft told TWICE the player will offer Wi-Fi capability, but will require that the portable be connected to a PC for the actual purchase of songs. Retailers, who claimed Microsoft remained “fuzzy” on the Zune’s wireless capability, said only that Zune will allow users to bookmark songs that may be shared via Wi-Fi, but that users cannot purchase songs on the go from the Microsoft Zune Web site.

Both retailers said the player would incorporate a 30GB hard drive. One said the unit’s display screen would be larger than Apple’s iPod models. The retailers were pleased with Microsoft’s feature-per-price package.

One retailer also said that Microsoft plans to continue to support its PlaysForSure licensees, even while it launches its own media Web site and sells its own digital media player, effectively competing with these same licensees.

Microsoft has not yet responded to TWICE inquiries to confirm the Zune details.

http://www.twice.com/article/CA6361350.html

Zune's wireless capabilities overblown - report

2006-08-13T01:29:00.000-07:00

Microsoft's upcoming Zune digital media player has long been rumored to sport on-the-go wireless capabilities that would differentiate it from Apple's iPod offerings, but it appears those reports are partially inaccurate.

According to a report published on Twice, retailers briefed by Microsoft say Zune will offer Wi-Fi capability but will require that the player be connected to a PC in order to purchase tracks.

"Retailers, who claimed Microsoft remained 'fuzzy' on the Zune’s wireless capability, said only that Zune will allow users to bookmark songs that may be shared via Wi-Fi, but that users cannot purchase songs on the go from the Microsoft Zune Web site," the report states.

Retailers cited in the report further state that the player will incorporate a 30GB hard drive, be available in three colors and retail for US$299.

At least one retailer has claimed that Zune's display screen would be larger than that of Apple’s video iPod models.

"The retailers were pleased with Microsoft’s feature-per-price package," the report adds.

Last month, Microsoft confirmed that has been working on music and entertainment products that will compete with Apple's iPod and iTunes jukebox software.

Media reports suggest Microsoft will launch the music initiative in November.

Microsoft Zune to Retail for $299

2006-08-11T20:44:00.000-07:00

Retailers point to a $299 price tag for Microsoft's new PMP

As we get closer and closer to launch of Microsoft's Zune portable media player (PMP), more information is starting to leak out. DailyTech has already reported that Microsoft has sought the help of iPod accessory makers to develop for Zune players and that the player will focus on community-based sharing system via WiFi. The latest news to come across the wires is that the initial Zune player will be priced at $299 when it is launched on November 14.

There had been previous rumblings that Zune would launch at same price as a 60GB 5G iPod -- that would place it at the $399 mark. But the latest information from Microsoft insiders and retailers suggests a more palatable figure and confirms the report that the player will launch in three colors (previously reported as white, black and brown). TWICE goes on to say:

Retailers who have been briefed by Microsoft told TWICE the player will offer Wi-Fi capability, but will require that the portable be connected to a PC for the actual purchase of songs. Retailers, who claimed Microsoft remained “fuzzy” on the Zune’s wireless capability, said only that Zune will allow users to bookmark songs that may be shared via Wi-Fi, but that users cannot purchase songs on the go from the Microsoft Zune Web site.

It had been previously reported that users of Zune players would be able to purchase music directly from their player thanks to the integrated WiFi, but that doesn't appear to be the case now. Being able to purchase songs on the fly without being tethered to a PC would be a big boon for the PMP, so Microsoft is missing a prime opportunity here. Hopefully the feature will be implemented later on down the line with future Zune products. Regardless of how things pan out with the initial launch of the Zune PMP, even Microsoft knows that it has a long battle ahead.

30GB Zune to Retail for $299

2006-08-11T20:30:00.001-07:00

Microsoft's "iPod killer" Zune has a price -- reportedly $299 -- when the unit reaches stores this fall, according to TWICE.

Apparently retailers have been told by Microsoft that the Zune will have Wi-Fi capabilities, sort of -- the unit will have to be connected to a computer to buy songs but sharing of music of Wi-Fi can happen.

The two retailers TWICE spoke with said the Zune would have a 30GB hard drive, and were "pleased" with the feature-per-price package of the Zune. -- Jason Unger

* Street price: $299
* Some Wi-Fi capabilities
* 30GB hard drive

Zune Wi-Fi plan draws static

2006-08-11T20:30:00.000-07:00

New tidbits about Microsoft's soon-to-be-released Zune were eagerly snapped up by bloggers this week. According to a report in This Week In Consumer Electronics, the devices will sport a 30GB hard drive and sell for $299. They'll also come in three colors.
Zune Wi-Fi plan

But what many readers focused on was that the planned Wi-Fi connection may not support wireless music shopping.

According to TWICE, retailers "said only that Zune will allow users to bookmark songs that may be shared via Wi-Fi, but that users cannot purchase songs on the go from the Microsoft Zune Web site."

Blog community response:

"They're also reporting the Zune won't allow for music purchases on the go, which kind of flies in the face of that whole 'onnected entertainment'thing, as well as the idea of putting WiFi in a portable, so we're looking at it somewhat skeptically for the time being."
--Engadget

"If Microsoft wants to sell a portable media player that is competitive with Apple, they are going to have to offer something special. Right now, the only thing that seems to set Zune apart is the WiFi ability. Theoretically that could be a big selling point."
--PVRWire

"If that's what they are doing, boy do I have criticism. WiFi access, but no buying direct from the device? The whole point would be to not have the blasted thing tethered to a PC. Someone visit Redmond with a tree - I think it's going to take more than a cluestick."
--Smalltalk Tidbits, Industry Rants

Posted by Margaret Kane

Tunes + Games = Zune

2006-08-11T09:56:00.000-07:00

By Lou Kesten

The Associated Press

Originally published August 10, 2006

It sure is hot out, but at least gamers have their PlayStation Portables and Nintendo DSes to distract them from the miserable weather. And soon, Microsoft will be joining the portable entertainment parade with a device called Zune. Alas, Zune isn't the dedicated game machine a lot of gamers were hoping for. Instead, it's an attempt to compete with Apple's iPod by building a digital music player that will tie into the Xbox, Windows and Microsoft's Media Center software. The Xbox Live online game service is one model for the Zune's network capabilities; Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft's entertainment and devices group, said the company hopes to create a similar sense of community with Zune, enabling users to share playlists and videos or find band information...

Zune + XM, the Confusing Link

2006-08-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

A recent Associated Content article is suggesting that XM and Microsoft are working together on some kind of satellite radio functionality for the Zune. Unfortunately their logic is a bit flawed.

The WiFi antenna also will help Microsoft to support XM radio on the Zune, something they've been looking into.

Both XM and Sirius have the ability to stream online. So if the Associated Content is suggesting that the Wi-Fi antenna will be used to stream satellite radio, then it doesn't really matter which big player is involved, because they will both be able to be used over Wi-Fi on the Zune.

But on the optimistic standpoint, are they suggesting that the Wi-Fi antenna will double as a satellite radio antenna? Is that even possible? Any smarty engineers want to shed some light on this? Drop a comment or shoot me an e-mail personally, the link can be found over on the left. – Travis Hudson

Edit: I realized that the commenter, werk, is right. I have gotten so caught up in this Zune nonsense I assumed it had a browser integrated, which is doesn't or if it does we don't know about it yet. But regardless, if it has Wi-Fi it will be hacked or have a browser released for it, it would just be stupid not to—re: Nintendo DS. But the question remains, will the Wi-FI antenna double as a satellite radio antenna? I've had some people say yes, some people say no.

Zune: IPod Killer? or yet Another Victim?

2006-08-11T09:49:00.000-07:00

The Pros and Cons of Microsoft's Upcoming Zune Media Player

Let's face it: Microsoft's Zune has to be brilliant to compete with Apple's iPod series. Apple has managed over the years to get a huge customer base for their iPod portable media players, and even though there are other alternatives they really don't seem to be making a dent in Apple's stronghold. Will the Zune change that? Depends on just how good it is.

The Pros

- WiFi: This is a big one, something I think Apple should have put into its newest models. Sure, it's not that hard to put in a USB cable, but why would you want to if you don't need it? It also keeps you from having to carry a cable around if you want to sync up with your laptop; one less thing to keep in your pockets.

- XM Radio: The WiFi antenna also will help Microsoft to support XM radio on the Zune, something they've been looking into. If Zune is to kill the iPod, they need something big that the iPod doesn't have; this may or may not be it, but they'll need all the firepower they can get. With the iPod lacking even an FM radio, this could be a big advantage.

- Windows Media Player: If you're on a Windows PC, you probably have Windows Media Player, and your iPod doesn't work with it. Zune (being made by Microsoft) is designed specifically for WMP; in fact, it won't work in iTunes at all (depending on your player preference this could actually be a problem for you). The Zune will also be tailored to work with WMP's new URGE music and video download service, co-created by MTV.

- Optimized for video content: It's pretty clear when I look at my iPod that it's designed to be used primarily for audio, not video. Which is fine for my purposes, but portable video is getting more popular, and Zune is brand new, meaning it's built from the ground up to excel at video playback. The bigger screen should help immensely. Hopefully the battery life in video playback won't be as disappointing as iPod's two hours.

The Cons

- It's not the iPod: Sadly enough, a lot of people buy an iPod just because it's an iPod, and all their friends have one. Personally I bought mine because, after doing my research, I found it best suited my needs, but a lot of others don't. Even if Zune turns out better than iPod, there will still be the "fanboys" that stick with their iPod.- Price, price, price! One of the biggest complaints against the iPod is that it's too expensive for what you get out of it. But the 30GB Zune will be $399 at launch, which is $100 more than the 30GB iPod. If Microsoft wants to sell a lot of these, they'll want to make the price more competitive. Even if the extra features are worth the price, $400 or $500 won't be in as many consumers' price ranges.

The bottom line? Not too much is known about the Zune yet, f anyone's going to bring down the iPod, I think Microsoft has a good shot at it. But they better not blow it. The more features they can pack into the Zune the better, because when push comes to shove Microsoft will need everything they've got to win a spot in this market.