Zune HD looks amazing, not 100% there

Microsoft announced an update to its otherwise mediocre music player today. The new Zune HD (the "HD" here stands more for HD radio, not HD video on device @ 480x272 although it supports HD output for external devices at 720p) looks very slick with a pretty cool looking UI powered by OLED dsiplay, but I am not sure if it has what it takes to de-throne the mighty iPod/iPhone franchise.

In today's market, we are looking for more features, from a music device standpoint, the Zune HD looks to be a very good alternative but why not turn it into a Smartphone. Its not as if Microsoft doesn't have access to Mobile OS, I just don't understand why they didn't attempt the obvious.

Free Zune Premium Headphones w/ Flash Zune

Amazon.com has a pretty sweet offer for a free pair of Zune Premium Headphones (MSRP $39) if you buy a Flash Zune before May 26th, 2008. Just add both items to cart and proceed to checkout.

Considering Amazon has already discounted its Zune prices from suggested retail price; you can pickup a 2nd generation 4GB Flash Zune media player for a mere $127.99 shipped (tax free for most states) and get this freebie zune premium headphones as an added bonus. Some advantage of a Zune over iPod includes: 802.11b/g wireless music sync, built-in FM tuner, support AAC/iTunes format, and download DRM-free MP3s from Zune Marketplace.

While traveling, I never use OEM headphones from any media player. The lack of noise isolation (in-ear design) and sound quality just won't cut it for me. A decent pair of headphones can make or break an air travel experience; it can shield you away from ambient noises (ie. baby crying, unwanted conversations and flight attendant interruptions).

New Microsoft Zune Released today ...

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Microsoft Zune's Missing Ingredient: Appeal

I stopped by Best Buy earlier to examine the Zune. The unit on display was a brown one, and when it wasn't powered on, the matt finish makes the device look dull. With a push of a button, the media player lights up to life. I must admit, the 3" LCD display is gorgeous.

However, I don't think this product is selling as hot as anticipated due to one reason: lack of appeal.

The Zune is missing appeal in:
Image - that the brilliant Apple marketing team couped up for the past 5 years
Innovation - the Zune is just a slight improvement over existing products, another MP3 player
Brand Loyalty - like the huge cult-like Apple fanboy club

While the Zune is an excellent audio/video device that can out perform the best of mp3 players, its association to Microsoft's pre-conceived image and lack of that missing appeal may be why the mass public have not responded well it it. I am still waiting for a hack on web browsing capability and the update video sharing. That should make this device interesting.

For a thorough review of its features, visit Engadget.

Microsoft Zune's First Day Not So Hot

As I continued to watch the nightly news on CNBC covering today's big events. The Zune story must have come up 10 times already. Overall, the feedback I got is that the product is solid and people appraised the larger LCD and WiFi capability. However, it seems like it didn't get the kind of response from the public as expected. Yours truly will take a trip down to local Best Buy tomorrow to give you a hands on review of the Zune and give you a personal verdict. Stay tuned!

Battle is on: Microsoft Zune Released

Microsoft's Zune MP3/Video player is released today. This is the big buzz which I hope will last longer than the whole UMPC buzz that lasted about 15 minutes. Apparently, there are concerts throughout the U.S. hosted by MS to celebrate its launch. In addition to video and music, the big push behind the Zune is the "social music sharing" via wireless sync. I have yet to find an evidence showing that Zune can be used for web browsing, yet. For a comparison against the Apple iPod check out zunegroove.com.