Technology View - by Arun On Technology

[ Previous ] [ Next ]

Technology View - November 2006

Zune speculation and reality

Zune (Though this name has some other meaning in Hebrew and French Canadian term, and

Microsoft's Zune

which isn’t good) is a brand from Microsoft that incorporates a line of portable media players, software that will drive the devices, and an online service for acquiring and sharing media. It was previously thought that Zune was one of Microsoft's media players under "Project Argo". However, it now seems that the "Zune" brand will be used for all media players and other services, throughout the new project, just like Apple’s iPod. MSN music site’s download section will be disband and brought to Zune site.

Microsoft will be using a new digital rights management (DRM) system to protect content on the Zune system, and the Zune will not support Microsoft PlaysForSure or other DRM systems such as FairPlay. Microsoft has announced a music store called the Zune Marketplace that will integrate with the Zune player. They have announced "millions of songs" available for purchase using Microsoft Points, the same currency used on Xbox Live for per-song purchase. The Zune Marketplace can also be used as a subscription-based flat-fee service, if users purchase a monthly "Zune Pass".

Specifications:
Size & Weight
4.4 in. x 2.4 in. x 0.6 in. (h x w x d)

Weight: 5.6 ounces
Power
Music, up to 14 hours (wireless off), up to 13 hours (wireless on); pictures, up to 4 hours; video, up to 4 hours.
Display
320 x 240 pixels
3.0 Inches vertical/horizontal
Audio
WMA, MP3 & AAC
Picture
JPEG (.jpg)
Picture bigger than 640 x480 will be resized.
Video
WMV (320 x 240 pixels)
Wireless
30 Feet ranged 802.11 b/g connectivity
Hard drive
30 GB
Radio
Radio Data System enabled FM receiver

What Zune will be able to do?
#Zune will be able to send photos and music (no videos) from Zune-to-Zune via WiFi. The music files will only be listenable for three days or three plays, whichever comes first.
#Able to play movies, videos and view pictures
#Updatable firmware
#Ability to create a "ZuneTag," which is a username/profile that is visible to others who wirelessly scan the area for fellow Zune users.
#Customizable wallpaper on the Zune can be changed to any user specified image.
#The Zune will play standard podcast files, which are usually available in unprotected MP3 or AAC format.
#The player software will automatically convert audio and video that is in a format not supported by the Zune into a format that does.
#Able to show other Zunes nearby what you are listening to or doing through advanced settings.
#Zune will come with preloaded 9 Audio tracks, 12 music videos, 3 short films and 12 classic rock posters.

There is lots of speculation about Zune around, but none of the speculation seems to be revealing the actual interface system of Zone. Guess we have to wait till November 11 when it will be released in USA. Europe, Australia and Asia have to wait till mid, 2007. But you all know once it does out it will spread everywhere.

Vote