Microsoft will today be launching Zune and entering the dirty water of DRM world. From the feature perspective Zune will provide most of the features similar to iPod including media file download, sync, playlists, music flagging, connect to stereo/TV,………….
Zune-Zune connectivity: As compared to iPod, Zune offers sharing of songs among Zune users over wireless connection. Shared songs or the songs that you receive from others are called ‘Sample Songs’ and can be played on your Zune for only 3 times in 3 days. Also you cannot resend music files you received via sharing and Zune-Zune sharing might not be available for songs. Besides this, you have the limitation that the sharing will work only within wireless range of your Zune player. Given all these limitations I don’t see Zune-Zune sharing being the motivating factor for uses to buy the $250 device. However, as the WiFi hardware is already in place, Microsoft can always launch more products and services that can take advantage of the wireless connectivity.
If you are in for the Zune-Zune sharing you can easily share audio files and pictures with other users. Zune enables you to set your wireless presence and if needed you can shutdown your wireless connectivity. When you are online, you can accept and reject songs that you receive from others, or if wanted you can block a particular device. I am not sure whether Zune-Zune sharing supports video files.
As for logging into the Zune account you can use your existing Windows Live ID or create a new Zune tag. As I had written before you can buy individual songs from Zune Marketplace. You need to adding Microsoft Points to your account and use them to buy songs at the Marketplace. Microsoft will also be offering Zune Pass using which you can download as many music files as you like from the Zune Marketplace. Monthly Zune Pass is priced at $14.99 and the 3-month Zune Pass is priced at $44.97.
Today we will also come to know more about the connectivity between Zune and Xbox 360 console, details about which have not really been revealed.
Soapbox team is ready with it’s Soapbox Weekly Top Videos that can be downloaded to your Zune. Zune accessories are also all set to be yours. Offerings include Car pack, Dock, Wireless remote, and many other parts.
Buy Zune:
Zune White
Zune Brown
Zune Black
Related:
Microsoft to give Universal a cut on Zune sales
Microsoft offers movies, TV shows to Xbox users
Songs on Zune to cost 99 cents
Links:
Zune
