New Microsoft Zunes
At last the details of Microsoft’s new Zunes have been revealed and as we expected an 80GB hard disk model has been introduced alongside a flash model in 4GB and 8GB sizes. What may come as a surprise is that the original Zune has not been replaced and will coexist as the Zune 30 together with what’s been called the Zune 4, Zune 8, and Zune 80.
The new models all use a four way touch-sensitive d-pad called the Zune Pad, while loads of new features will be offered to every Zune player. These include a redesigned interface, added support for H.264 and MPEG-4 video formats, ability to sync to a computer via Wi-Fi, utilize podcasts and share them with Wi-Fi, removal of the three day limit for shared songs which can still only played three times, completely new Zune software, and over 1 million DRM-free tracks presented by the music store.
Come November you will be able to get your hands on the Zune 4, Zune 8, and Zune 80. The 80 features a 3.2-inch display and at first will be offered in a single color of black for $250. Pink, green, black, and red are provided for the 4 and 8, which contains a 1.8-inch screen and will cost $150 and $200 respectively.
More pictures below.
Comments
Alex M on October 3, 2007 6:29 AM
I know now im DEFINITELY not replacing my zen v with the flash zune. 1.8"?!
Stephen on October 3, 2007 7:25 AM
I think my choice now is do I get a Zune2 or do I get the new Sansa View 16gb. Both look pretty nice.
Shanker on October 3, 2007 10:40 AM
That new Zune 8 is off the chain. I am buying one as soon as I can.
Probably they have some of the old 30's left makes sense to sell them since you can update the software... all you loose is touch sensitive pad.
madve2 on October 3, 2007 1:53 PM
The 80 GB Zune sounds good too... It started to seem that nobody but Apple will release a 60GB+ player in the near future, and I almost started to think about buying an iPod, which surely wouldn't have been a wise idea =)
sueezy on October 3, 2007 2:42 PM
will the new or old zune be available anywhere else cause i live in holland and gettin one ova here isnt easy and also more expensive
Alltruist on October 3, 2007 10:02 PM
wow..looks nice.
since the old zune will "coexist" with the new ones, does it mean that MS will release a new firmware that will have the new UI?
Zeddicus on October 4, 2007 2:50 AM
"since the old zune will "coexist" with the new ones, does it mean that MS will release a new firmware that will have the new UI?"
Yes, a firmware update provide all functions listed in the above article, but for the native H.264 support, as mentioned in "Second Generation Zune Design Info & More".
Luke on August 2, 2008 1:51 PM
Can you still buy new Zune 30's or does the coexisting only work if you still own a zune 30. I am looking into a zune but don't exactly need 80 gigs, but I still want the bigger screen than the 4gb or 8gb.