The Zune

The Microsoft Zune launched recently. Maybe you know what it a Zune is maybe you don't. The Zune is supposed to be the iPod killer. A new mp3 player with wireless internet technology that lets you share songs. In theory it is like an ipod that can connect to the internet, share songs, a store that offers a wide range of mainstream and indie music, a wider screen than the ipod, and a new subscription based media system. In theory it sounds great.

image from www.zune.net

It seems that it is too good to be true. According to reviews the Zune is not working out the way it users would like. The software is a pain to install, if you share a song with a friend they only get to play it three times, you can't share your videos, videos are only uploadable in wmv format, it is unsure whether the zune will be compatible with windows media player, the zune does not support current subscription based services, it is slightly bigger than the ipod, and it has a smaller battery life. With all of these flaws it is hard to justify shelling out $250.00 for a 30 gig Zune.

However there is a bright side, most of these flaws are only minor and can be fixed with software updates. It seems like the Zune was rushed to market, but can easily be fixed later from updates. Microsoft just needs to figure out what they want to do with the Zune, either that or someone needs to hack its WiFi capabilities. So it seems one way or another the full capabilities will be eventually released. It looks so cool and capable and I really want it to succeed, but the best way to be sure is to wait and see if the Zune will get patched up enough so it can topple the ipod's reign of reliable mediocrity.