Apple seems to occupy the media player industry with its iPod selection; yet there is Zune. Microsoft and Apple are old rivals, how could this competition not show in production of media players? MS released its 120GB Zune last year. With almost the same design as of Zune 80, the 3.2” glass LCD and Wi-Fi tend to take Zune to a level where it could compete with the iPod classic.

Specs:

• 2.4 in x 0.5 in x 4.3 in4.5 oz
• 3.2” 320 x 240 LCD,
• Built-in 120 GB Hard disk drive
• Supported PC interface: Wi-Fi , Hi-Speed USB
• Supported formats: AAC, MP3, WMA, WMA pro, Audible
• Digital player ID3 tags support
• External hard drive function
• Additional: MPEG-4 playback, JPEG photo playback, Variable bit-rate compatible
• Display menu languages: English, French, and Spanish
• Digital clock, built in games
• FM radio tuner
• Binaural headphones
• 1 x Data cable – External
• Connector: 1 x Headphones / composite video, 1 x docking station
• Lithium ion Rechargeable Player battery Integrated
• Recharge time: 3 hrs
• Mfr Estimated battery life: 30 hrs

Zune 180 follows the design line of its predecessor Zune 80. Though, the backside has been colored black and front is covered with a sleek plastic. Comparing to iPod’s ever-changing designs and looks; Zune’s same shape is a bit disappointing.

There are a handful of new features such as games and marketplace icons that can be seen in menu. The marketplace section allows the user to browse and buy music directly from MS Zune’s Marketplace online store. A 30 sec preview of songs is also available. Unlimited content can be downloaded via marketplace feature for $15 per month. To avail this feature, this device has to be connected to a wireless internet connection.

Through RBDS, Zune allows you to get detailed information about the song which is being played at FM.  Games are an extra feature that enhances the value of Zune.

MP3, WMA, protected-WMA (Zune Marketplace only), WMA Lossless, AAC, and Audible audio file formats are supported by Zune. Audio books can also be played by Zune accordingly. WMV, MPEG-4, and H.264 video formats natively at a DVD-quality 30fps frame rate are also supported by Zune. Social feature informs you of the music listening habits of your friends.

Pros:

• Wireless connectivity
• 120 GB storage capacity
• Games and audio books support
• 3.2” glass LCD
• Audio and video podcast support
• Superlative FM radio
• Built in composite video output
• Friendly interface

Cons:

• Less battery life
• No high quality ear buds
• Front is prone to scratches

Final words:

MS is struggling to attain a better quality of media players; still there is a long and real hard way to reach up to the level of Apple’s iPod. We shall wait and see who knows their audience well.

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