The Ultimate Audio Conflict: iPod vs Zune

What's Zune you say?

In round 4.1.1 of the Microsoft vs Apple showdown, Microsoft has attempted to rival the uber success and ultimate re-branding of Apple as "cool" and Microsoft as...well...not, Microsoft has come out with its version of the in-your-pocket cd collection. Microsoft Zune.
Meet Zune (and Bill Gates - if you haven't met him yet).

The Scoop: Here's what we were able to find out about Zune.

• Debuts in November. Actual date is still undetermined.
  
• Colors: Black, Brown and White (Brown?!?!)
• Cost: $250 - $400 depending on the size
  
• Sizes: 20 GB, 30 GB, 60 GB and possible 80 GB
• Built in Wireless, FM Tuner
• 3 Inch standard screen
• Can play audio, video and video games. The extent to which it plays video games? Who knows. But trust its nothing compared to Xbox (hello! it only costs $250). Microsoft is betting that this feature is enough for people to make the switch from iPod to Zune (Duh Bill!! That's what PSP is for). Video Game ability is called PlayForSure.
  

Other Tidbits:

• Will ship with preloaded content (very smart) from independent record labels including: Virgin Records, NinjaTunes (DJ Shadow!!!), AstralWerks, EMI, PlayLoudRecordings, Sup Pop records, V2/Artemis and Quango Music Group. For a supposed list of what's coming preloaded on Zune [Click Here]
  
• Unlike iPod/iTunes/iTunes Music Store - Zune is a "vertical end to end solution". In normal speak - Zune is everything - it's the music player, the music store (Oh yes, Microsoft will have its OWN music store) and the digital music player. Thank god they came up with an alternative to Windows Media Player. I hate that thing.
• Can wirelessly sync between Zune/Computer and Zune/Zune. Yep, you can wirelessly send songs to your friends. The Catch: friend can only play the song three times before it's locked - or purchased. :damnit:
• Zune's Music Store is closed (like iTunes). In other words, you'll be able to play some of your bootleggs and the stuff you buy from Zune, but you won't be able to play anything you buy from iTunes. Which in my opinion is a dumb move. Why would anyone want to have TWO sources of music (or just a bunch of music you can't listen to on Zune or iPod)?? Imagine getting on the airplane with your iPod for anything pre-November 2006 and the Zune for anything post-November 2006. How about NO!
  

For more pictures, [Click Here].