Spicy Stuff

Zune Tips and Tricks

Much has been talked about the new Microsoft's portable music player Zune even before it's release. Much of it has been street talk though. Microsoft is mum of the features of Zune.

Firstly, though Zune does feature a circle navigation interface, it is not a touch-sensitive click-wheel like the one featured in an iPod; rather, there are four buttons situated around the circle and a center button to click and select. This is similar to all the Windows Mobile editions. A button to the left of the center circle enables users to access the main menu, two buttons in the circle enable scrolling, and the button to the circle’s right allows users to play and pause selections, iLounge reports. There is also a hold switch on the top of the device, similar to the switch found on Apple’s iPods. I wonder how users will control the volume. I hate devices that require me to click to reduce or increase volume. I like the rotary controls. Yes the iPod's control is a touch sensitive (and patented I guess). But rotary controls are part of most music players these days, not touch sensitive though.

Zune displays the first letter of the artist, song or video title the user is currently on at the right side of its screen — this is a unique feature unlike any within an iPod. However, the speed of scrolling depends on how long the user holds a finger down on the center button. The user interface and menus overall are similar to that of Windows Media Center 2005.

Another feature unique to Zune is a magnetic clip on its rear side designed to hold earphones.

Apple’s newer iPods can display album art when songs are playing, and Microsoft built similar functionality into Zune; However Zune has a larger screen making it easy for users to see more information stretching across its full width. An information bar sits at the bottom of the screen while content is playing, and a battery-status icon is also featured. I have also observed a phone icon. It is unlikely that the decive will also have a mobile phone option.

Zune also features a built-in FM radio tuner that can pick up North American, European and Japanese programming. I have also seen pictures with Sirius logos on the screen.

Reports on Microsoft’s Zune hinted at Wi-Fi capabilities that would allow users to buy and transfer music wirelessly. These features have yet to be confirmed.

A bit bigger than a 30GB iPod, Zune features a slightly larger screen for improved viewing of video content, and it’s made of semi-transparent plastic.

The big question: Regardless of all the hype, can Microsoft’s Zune really give Apple’s uber-popular iPod a run for its money?

Zune’s user interface will be only a small part of the motivating factors to buy a Zune. People see Apple as being a “cool” company. Microsoft does not share that image. The iPod has added to Apple's image as a innovative and stylish company.

posted by Arun @ 8:14 AM