Zune – Portable Media Player

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Zune – Portable Media Player

Zune is the name of a brand of digital music products and services sold by Microsoft. It includes digital audio players, client software, and the Zune Marketplace online music store.
The devices come in three styles, all of which play music, pictures, and videos; display images; and receive (but do not record) FM radio. With some limitations, they can share files wirelessly with other Zunes and via USB with Xbox 360s.
The Zune Software, which runs on Windows XP, Vista, and the Xbox 360, allows users to manage files on the player, rip audio CDs, and buy songs at the online store.

November 142006 The Zune 4, 8 and 80 were announced on October 2, 2007. The new Zunes offer the ability to sync wirelessly, a new touchpad-style input device, additional file support for H.264 and MPEG-4 files, podcast support, upgraded song-sharing licensing, and software that includes support for DRM-free music in the Marketplace. The Zune 80 also has a larger, 3.2" screen. A firmware update for the old Zune, now renamed Zune 30, will install these software features.


Manufacturer	Microsoft
Type	Portable media player
Release date	Zune 4, 8, 80 - November 13, 2007
Connectivity	Wi-Fi (Zune to Zune, Sync to PC), USB, Wirelessly with Microsoft Surface
Operating system	Microsoft Windows CE Based
CPU	Freescale i. MX31L processor ARM Core
Storage capacity	4 and 8 GB Flash Drive, 80 GB Hard drive
Display	Zune 80: 3.2 Inch Glass LCD screen, with a resolution of 320x240 at 4:3 aspect ratio
Online service	Zune Marketplace
Touchpad	Touch-sensitive Zune pad (Later 4, 8, 80 GB Releases)

Music player

Models
The consumer edition was initially offered in black, brown, and pearl white, which came with a "doubleshot," or translucent glow in a different color, of blue, green, and clear, respectively. Cases are made from a silicone rubber. Controls include a circular controller with four buttons for direction, as well as a middle button to select a song album or menu, a back button to the left, a play/pause button to the right, and a hold switch atop the player next to the headphone port. The words "Hello from Seattle" are inscribed on the back of the case and it featured several songs, videos, and images preloaded on the device.

The limited edition came in different colors and artwork and were offered in three consecutive months.

	Zune 4	Zune 8	Zune 80
Size	1.6 × 3.6 × 0.33 inches	1.6 × 3.6 × 0.33 inches	2.4 × 4.25 × 0.5 inches
Weight	1.7 ounces (47 g)	1.7 ounces (47 g)	4.5 ounces (127.6 g)
Screen	1.8 inches	1.8 inches	3.2 inches
Storage	4GB Flash	8GB Flash	80GB Flash HDD
Wi-Fi	Zune-to-Zune, Sync with computer	Zune-to-Zune, Sync with computer	Zune-to-Zune, Sync with computer/ wireless network
Colors	Pink, green, black, red	Pink, green, black, red	Black (more colors will be added later)
Price (USD)	$149.99	$199.99	$249.99
Navigation	Zune pad	Zune pad	Zune pad

File compatibility
The Zune natively supports the following formats:
Audio

MP3
Zune Marketplace (Protected and DRM free)
AAC (M4A. M4B. MOV. Mp4)
WMA
WMA lossless

Video

WMV
MPEG-4 (not currently natively supported by Zune 30)
H.264 (not currently natively supported by Zune 30)

Picture

JPEG

Accessories
The Zune comes with earphones, USB data cable, and carrying bag. 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 Corp., Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO), Dual Electronics, Griffin Technology, Harman Kardon and JBL, Integrated Mobile Electronics, Jamo International, Klipsch Audio Technologies, Logitech, Monster Cable Products Inc., Speck, Targus Group International Inc. and VAF Research.

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