Microsoft Zune 2

Microsoft recently released their Zune 2 as a follow up on their first frequently rejected Zune media player. It was released together with firmware and software updates. They also had the design slimmed down and made the screen larger for their bigger storage models which is approximately 27% larger than that of the original Zune. There are also more models available which are 4, 8 and 80 gigabyte models.

The 4GB will cost $149, the 8GB $199 and the 80GB at $249.

Microsoft has also upgraded the Zune’s WiFi feature by permitting wireless synchronization with the computer. This is a huge advantage to the product because as of now only a few products have these features.

The Zune 2 also prides itself with an upgraded interface which includes the use of its “squircle” key. The “squircle” key is a touch sensitive key that permits scrolling, volume control and other features. This is done by rubbing the fingers on the top of the squircle. It also serves as a push button key.

The new software was totally redesigned. It now allows the user to subscribe to podcasts and synchronize TV shows which are recorded on the Windows Media Center. A lot more media types are now accepted by its media player.

The new interface of the Zune 2 is very user friendly in a way that it doesn’t make the user think of what to press next in order to achieve what he wants. A negative side of this interface is that the colors of the applications are mostly pink. Even though it has a pink profile, the applications are running more quickly and have very appreciative features as previously mentioned.

One nice bonus added to the Zune 2 is that its backside is customizable meaning that you can apply various different skins for it. I think that Microsoft is now at a position to challenge the iPod with the Zune 2. Their Zune 1 was not so successful because of its size and weight. It also had very limited features and the applications were very perplexing to use and runs like a turtle.

Other advantage of the Zune 2 is the screen which is now very large as against the iPod’s. The battery lasts for a good 20 hours if listening to audio and 7 hours when watching video. It has a built-in FM radio which the iPod doesn’t have. The speaker system of the new Zune 2 produces very high quality sound challenging the iPod.

This entry was posted on Monday, December 31st, 2007 at 7:20 pm and is filed under Portable Audio, Portable Storage, Portable Video. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.