Zune is a Microsoft entertainment platform and portable media players. The Zune entertainment software platform and supporting products designed and marketed by Microsoft include Zune Marketplace Software, the Zune Social, Windows 7 Media Center (Podcasts only) and Xbox 360 (TV & Movies). Zune Marketplace Software offers music, TV shows, movies, podcasts, and music videos. The Zune Social is a service integrated with Xbox Live that allows users to manage friends, send messages, and compare music. Each user has a personal Zune Tag, which corresponds with their Xbox Live Gamer Tag if they have one. Zune Social allows two Zunes to send songs wirelessly, but with extensive DRM.
The Zune software is used to manage the Zune, and runs exclusively on Windows XP and later. It can rip CDs, manage music and can be used to access Zune Marketplace. Purchasing items from it requires Microsoft Points or a Zune Pass. Zune Pass is a subscription music service that allows the user to temporarily download an unlimited amount of songs for the length of the Zune Pass subscription, as well as permanently keep up to 10 tracks per month.
Zune's distinguishing features are its FM radio, subscription model, and the Zune Social. FM radio is available on all Zune hardware models, while Zune HD also features HD radio. FM radio features include RBDS, which receives and displays digital information in conventional FM radio broadcasts. Files can be shared wirelessly between Zunes and PCs as well as other Zune devices. Zune's primary competitor is the Apple iPod product line.
History
The first Zune model, the Zune 30, was released in the United States on November 14, 2006, featuring a capacity of 30 gigabytes, FM radio, and a 3 inch screen. The Zune 30 was initially available in black, brown or white. Retail packages contained a pair of basic headphones, a carrying case, USB cord, and a software CD. A Zune was used as one of the main props for the movie 'Another Cinderella Story' starring Selena Gomez.
The Zune 80 was announced on October 2, 2007, along with the smaller Zune 4 and Zune 8 to compete with Apple's iPod nano line. These were to be known as the second generation of Zunes. The Zune 80 featured a 3.2 inch screen, while the Zune 4 and 8 come with an 1.8 inch screen. Both come with a new touchpad-style input device and new software (also available for the updated Zune 30.) Additional file support for H.264 and MPEG-4 formats was also included, whereas the older Zune 30 requires these formats to be transcoded to WMV prior to sync. The ability to sync wirelessly (automatically if connected to a power supply,) podcast support, and an upgraded song-sharing licensing are now available on all models. The new software also allows a Zune to communicate with other Zunes to share pictures and songs. A free firmware update added the new software features to the original Zune 30, and was released on November 13, 2007. The Zune 80 came bundled with a USB connection cord and premium headphones. The Zune 4 and 8 come with a USB connection cord and basic headphones.
Development
The first-generation Zune was created by Microsoft in close cooperation with Toshiba, which took the design of the Gigabeat S and redeveloped it under the name Toshiba 1089 as registered with the FCC starting in 2006. Xbox 360 overseer J Allard ran the project, codenamed "Argo," staffed with Xbox and MSN Music Store developers who worked on "Alexandria", finalized as Zune Marketplace. Both products were later united under the Zune brand name in the U.S. market.
The second-generation Zune 4 , 8 , and 80 were manufactured by Flextronics. In this generation the touch-sensitive Zune Pad was introduced. The 4 and 8 GB Zunes are flash-based and smaller in size than the 80 GB version. The 30 GB Zune was not redesigned.
The third-generation Zune 16 and 120 came out September 16, 2008, though are commonely referred to as second-generation as the only hardware change was additional capacity, it was not redesigned.
The fourth-generation Zune took a big leap when Zune HD 16 GB and 32 GB capacities were released on September 15, 2009.
Zune 3.0
On September 8, 2008, Microsoft announced the Zune 3.0 update. Included in this update are the abilities to tag and later purchase songs heard on FM radio, channels which can be customized to deliver suggested songs for the user, and the ability to purchase songs from the Zune device via the Zune Marketplace, all available wirelessly. The update also included sample games - Hexic and Texas Hold' em. In addition, support for audiobooks from online stores like Audible.com, and Public libraries that support OverDrive media files such as the Free Library of Philadelphia was added. Other noticeable changes included the introduction of a clock and changed "quicklist" functionality. Zunes feature games developed using XNA with custom soundtracks and 8-player wireless multiplayer using the built-in Wi-Fi. An early version of XNA Game Studio 3.0 released on May 7, 2008 allows developers to work on Zune games.
On November 18, 2008, the Zune 3.1 update was released. Primarily a stability-oriented release, it also introduced Space Battle, Sudoku and Checkers for Zune devices. A new policy announced on November 20, 2008 allows Zune Pass customers to download 10 tracks per month in the protection-free MP3 format (if available) for permanent ownership; otherwise, WMA protected format will be downloaded, in addition to the existing "all you can eat" subscription usage at an unchanged monthly cost.
Zune 4.0
On September 15, 2009, the Zune 4.0 was released, a significant update to the software that supports the Zune HD as well as providing several new features. These 4.0 updates simultaneously released in the Zune hardware, software and online services. Microsoft pointed out that this will bring customers instant access to their favorite music and videos anywhere, across their mobile device, PC and TV. Zune Pass subcribers can now stream tracks through a computer’s web browser. Zune 4.0 also supports internet radio streams similar to those of iTunes but is disabled by default and can only be enable by a third-party patch. This was the first firmware released for the Zune line which did not provide new features for the older Zune 30 as well as the flash-based Zunes and the 80/120 Zunes as well. These models were given a firmware update with version 3.2.
Models
For the main articles, see Zune 30, Zune 4, 8, 16, Zune 80, 120 and Zune HD.
The Zune 30, the original Zune music player, has a 30 GB hard drive, 3 inch screen, and simple directional pad for menu navigation. The second generation set of Zunes includes the Zune 4, 8, 16, 80 and 120. The Zune 4, 8 and 16 are smaller in size and hold 4, 8 and 16GB of flash memory, respectively. The 80GB Zune, acts as a replacement for the Zune 30, it is thinner and lighter than the original. All second generation Zunes have a Zune Pad instead of the original directional pad that was included on the Zune 30. Microsoft released an upgrade for all Zune models, including the Zune 30, to the second generation software/firmware. On the back of models an inscription reads "Hello From Seattle (Model #) Assembled in China", signifying that Microsoft is based in Seattle and the Zune is assembled in China.
On May 26, 2009 Microsoft announced the Zune HD, the first touch screen Zune. The Zune HD has HD Radio and the ability to display video in High Definition. The screen is multi-touch and uses gestures for the UI. The device comes with 16GB or 32GB of flash memory. The screen is OLED, 3.3 inches, and has a 480x272 16:9 resolution (the Zune 120 is 320x240 4:3, iPod Touch is 480x320 3:2, neither are OLED.) Included is WiFi (with a mobile Internet Explorer browser), and an accelerometer.
Preloaded content
Zunes feature preloaded content in both audio and video formats from various artists like BT, The Thermals, Paul Oakenfold, and CSS, like with Windows Vista and Windows 7. Special editions feature their own unique set of content.
Specifications
Accessories
The standard Zune comes with basic earphones and a USB data cable. The Zune 30 comes with these items plus a carrying bag, and the Zune 80 model adds upgraded "Zune Premium" headphones. Accessories sold separately include:
- Charging devices (car adapter, AC wall-socket adapters, external battery)
- I/O adapters (A/V composite, FM transmitters, headphones, USB data cable)
- Docks (charging, multimedia large speaker, vertical hands-free assist)
- Protection (glass screen protection, hardened/cushioning material case protection)
- Carrying cases (standard issue, armband type, and belt clip)
- Replacement parts and upgrades (battery, hard drive, LCD, etc.)
Among the firms that make Zune accessories are Microsoft, Altec Lansing, Belkin, Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO), Dual Electronics, Griffin Technology, Harman Kardon, JBL, Integrated Mobile Electronics, Jamo International, Klipsch Audio Technologies, Logitech, Monster Cable Products Inc., Speck,
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