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| Manufacturer | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Type | Portable media player |
| Release date | November 13, 20071 |
| Retail availability | Zune 80:
Zune 120:   since September 16, 2008 |
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows |
| Storage capacity | 80 GB, 120GB hard disk |
| Input | Zune Pad |
| Touchpad | Squircle-shaped Zune Pad |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB |
| Online services | Zune Marketplace |
| Dimensions | 4.26 x 2.41 x 0.51 in. (108.2 x 61.1 x 12.9 mm) |
| Weight | 4.5 oz. |
| Predecessor | Zune 30 |
| Related articles | Zune 4, Zune 8 Microsoft, Xbox 360 |
The Zune 80 and Zune 120 are portable media players developed by Microsoft in its Zune series of media players. The Zune 80 was announced on October 2, 2007 and was released on November 13, 2007.1 It, along with the Zune 4, 8, and 16, is part of the second generation of Zune devices. It features music, video, and podcast support, and comes with Wi-Fi and FM Radio. The Zune 120, part of the second generation of Zune devices, was released September 16, 2008. All Zune players run the Zune 3.1 firmware.
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Overview
Aiming to improve on the design of the original Zune, the Zune 80 is 3.6 millimeters thinner and 31 grams lighter. It also has a slightly larger screen (3.2 inches instead of 3) and higher battery life (up to 30 hours for music, versus up to 14). The D-pad of the original has been replaced by the patented Zune Pad, which supplements 5-way clicking using a capacitive touchpad similar to the iPod Click Wheel and only responding to human touch. The Zune 80 shipped with a newer firmware version than the original Zune shipped with, but a firmware update for the original restored parity. The Wi-Fi antenna can be used for buying music on the device, playing others in games via Wi-Fi, wireless synchronization and to share photos, podcasts, and music with other Zunes, although shared songs may only be played three times on the receiving Zune.
Reception
The Zune 80 has been reviewed more positively than the Zune 30 and on par with the iPod classic, its primary competitor. CNet's review said, "The Zune has blossomed from an ugly duckling into a worthy iPod alternative."2 Wired Magazine's head-to-head review said the Zune 80 edged out the iPod classic due to its screen, Wi-Fi, radio, and navigation.3 However, some reviews have also been critical of the Marketplace, which lacked movies (though it has since begun carrying TV shows only), and the lack of Mac support.
Availability
Most stores did not stock the player during its launch as they were delayed for 6 weeks. However, there were limited numbers of Zune 80s in some stores like Circuit City and Wal-Mart, and most were sold out as soon as they were available.4 As of June 13th 2008 the Zune is available in Canada at most major retailers including The Source, Best Buy, and Future Shop.
The 80 is currently available in Black and Red, and the 120 is in an all-black version, matte black on the back and glossy black on the front, and glossy blue or red front available from the Zune Store.
Durability
The Zune 80 and 120 have a durable scratch resistant glass LCD screen, and the back can withstand fine scratches if dropped on the floor. The premium in-ear earphones (available only with the Zune 80 unless purchased separately) are highly durable and have a magnetic back so they can stay together instead of coiling around each other, preventing damage to the wire. 5 However the cloth covering over the wire quickly frays after use.
See also
- Comparison of portable media players
- Comparison of Online music stores
- Online music stores
- Comparison of Wi-Fi handhelds
External links
References
- ^ a b "Microsoft Unveils Device Customization via New Zune Originals Store, New Zune Players Available Tomorrow". Microsoft.
- ^ CNet Review
- ^ Wired Review
- ^ "Zune 80 Six Weeks Behind Production Schedule". Zune Scene. Retrieved on 2007-11-16.
- ^ http://reviews.cnet.com/headphones/microsoft-zune-premium-earphones/4505-7877_7-32106083.html
Wikipedia content modification information:
- This page was last modified on 8 January 2009, at 05:30.
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