Microsoft confirms Zune details
Updated 10:20 a.m., with pricing details.
The new Zune showed up a bit early on Fry's Web site. Pictured here is the 8GB blue-on-silver version.
(Credit: Fry's Electronics)With most of its news already leaked out there, Microsoft on Monday confirmed the details of its fall Zune lineup.
On the hardware side, Microsoft will beef up Zune's capacity, expanding the hard drive-based model to 120GB and the flash-based player to 16GB.
More significant are the software and service improvements. Most notably, as is the case with the iPod Touch, Zune owners will now be able to use the device's built-in Wi-Fi to download songs.
Also new, the updated Zune will make recommendations based on the songs someone is listening to and there will also be new Zune "channels" programmed by experts and along themes like "work-out" music.
Zune will also come with two games--Hexic and Texas Hold 'em--and adds support for audio books in the Audible format.
Of course, this all comes a day ahead of an Apple event, at which the market leader is expected to announce changes to its iPod line.
In any case, I'm going to get a firsthand look at the Zune line later Monday and talk strategy with some Microsoft executives. So I should have more to say on the Zune front in short order.
Update: As for pricing, Microsoft plans to charge $249 for the 120GB model, $199 for the 16GB model and $149 for the 8GB flash model. It also plans to chop prices on some of the remaining older devices in the channel.
During her years at CNET News, Ina Fried has changed beats several times, changed genders once, and covered both of the Pirates of Silicon Valley. These days, most of her attention is focused on Microsoft. E-mail Ina. 
Now it makes sense to actually get one.
Did you just ask Ina and CNET for a source? Really?
When you get a hands-on can you find out if that feature is for Zune Pass users only? Also, can you find out if it's coming to a Mac anytime soon? Thanks
1) HD Radio: Every MP3 player (less iPods) now has a radio. How many have built in HD radio's though? Exactly !!! An onboard HD radio would be an amazing addition that many audiophiles would love.
2) Sell music in the Zune store in WMA Lossless format: You MP3's come compressed. iTunes does not sell anything in a lossless format. WMA Lossless would be a boon to audiophiles.
3) Support FLAC as well as WMA Lossless codecs
4) And just for s***ts and giggles, allow the ability to listen to Wi-Fi radio stations from Zune Marketplace. If they are creating Zune "channels", why shouldn't you be able listen to them from any Wi-Fi hot-spot!! Just makes sense.
If Microsoft can implement these into the Zune, you'll start to really see people consider the Zune a worthy alternative to the other MP3 players in the marketplace
iPods are white and Steve Jobs told me it has Jesus inside.
I didn't see any details on the any other updates to the Flash Zunes other than the larger capacity. It will be interesting to see what Apple does tomorrow.
Zune was well rounded by may, both in HW and software.
With this update, I hope they put in the clock as most ppl need
Good Luck
Casey
When is this going to be Mac supported? I have a gen 2 zune that I can't use with my mac because my dell broke and I dumped PCs due to Vista. Get the Zune supported on the Macs!
never had any problems with vista ..crossing my fingers that i never will.
Apple can do a lot bad deeds and they can get away with it; it sounds like the democrats....
- by frankwick September 9, 2008 12:07 PM PDT
- Gotta admit, the Zune is a better player than the ipod now and a better value. Did you notice the new ipod nanos look like the Zune Flash? Zune leapfrogged ipod in the last round and Apple merely caught up this week. When are the 3rd Gen Zunes due? That will be a make/break moment for MS.
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