New Zunes Have Arrived
11.13.07 - 01:09pm
The new Zunes are here, and they are receiving mostly flattering reviews, especially when compared to last years much hyped but deflated release.
The new Zunes are reportedly a much smoother, nicer model than the first try. The new rounded-octagon shaped click wheels are able to be used by simple touch as well as clicking. This gives users the best of both worlds. Either simply fan your finger over the wheel or click it, whatever way you prefer. Both ways allow you to scroll vertically and horizontally through lists smoothly.
Colors have been added to the new Zunes which now come in red, olive green, pink and black in the 4 and 8GB models . The 80GB model only comes in black. They are also lighter and sleeker than their predecessor. While still not as thin as the 3G nano, they are definitely a step up from the “brown” Zune.
Along with a sleeker design, the Zunes also offer new Wi-Fi. Rather than just allowing you to connect with other Zune users, (which were hard to impossible to find) the new Zune Wi-Fi does what people really wanted it to do the first time, allow you to connect with your PC, syncing wirelessly as long as you are within range.
New Zune software has been added as well, supporting podcasts, WMA and standard MP3 files, the Microsoft “PlaysForSure” platform, an “All You Can Eat” subscription music service for $15 a month, and a new Zune social website. Microsoft has also added a feature to the 80 GB, not really included on the new Zunes but nonetheless important, and that is actual nice headphones. The 80GB comes with noise isolated, sound enhanced earbuds that are a definite step up from the white ones that come with the iPod.
The new Zunes are also being offered with cost free engraving. You can add words and get one of 27 artist designs engraved onto your Zune, all paid for by Microsoft.
The 4GB Zune sells for $149, the 8Gb for $199 and the 80GB for $249.
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