My media my way: Microsoft Zune

Posted on October 15, 2008 by Chris Jenkins

As the line between work and personal are continuously blurred, I find myself constantly looking for multipurpose devices to keep both sides of life on track. When it comes to balancing entertainment with information there is nothing quite like the Microsoft Zune.Tight integration between Microsoft software, well built media management software, and excellent hardware all combine to build a best-of-breed media player.

zune The Microsoft Zune comes in multiple sizes and colors. Starting at 4GB and climbing all the way up to 120GB of storage, there is a size for any use. Color choices include classic black, red, blue, pink, green and gold. Additional customization is available through custom engraving called tattooing.

The Zune management software continues the custom-theme by building a social music experience connecting you with other Zune users. Purchasing a Zune Marketplace subscription allows you to connect three Zunes and three computers for $15.00 a month. The subscription enables unlimited music downloads through the Zune software or on the device itself via Wi-Fi. In addition to music, you can also download videos and television shows to enhance your media experience for an additional cost. Of course, Vodcast and Podcast subscription management is included within the Marketplace. These subscriptions allow users to subscribe to news and entertainment feeds based on personal interests. Another feature that ties the Zune to the Market place is song tagging. When listening to the built-in FM radio, users can view the song details and tag the song for download from the Marketplace.

While the marketplace offers a wide variety of media, the tight Windows integration  further expands your media options. Media placed into the My Pictures, My Music, or My Videos folder can be automatically converted and synchrzunelogoonized  with the device. This extends Windows Media center content capabilities by allowing you to simply copy recorded TV shows to the My Video folder. The Zune software will automatically find media convert and sync it with the device. Pictures and audio files can be managed the same way, simply put your media in the corresponding folders and your media becomes available. Alternatively, you can set the Zune software to monitor additional folders bypassing the copy and automating the entire process.

Flexibility in media management allows users to move past the basics, utilizing external software to capture and utilize additional media types. Some of my favorite external software solutions include:

Using these tools allows me to easily rip DVDs, capture media from the web, and convert any of it for use on the Zune.

Combining my music collection, audio books, podcasts, vodcasts, movies, Youtube , and online training videos creates the balance I demand. Utilizing simple patch cables links the Zune to my TV, Stereo, XBox 360 or car stereo. When I travel, my entire media collection is available and accessible with the device I choose. I can update or share my media via Wi-Fi and if all else fails I can drop back to the FM tuner for live coverage of news and events.

While it might not be as simplistic as the iPod the Zune offers the additional features the iPod lacks. The included Wi-Fi, integrated marketplace and FM Tuner add functionality I require. With a prices ranging from $199.00 though $249.00, the Zune is an exceptional device for the price. Overall the Zune offers the flexibility I need for the life I live.

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4 Responses

  1. Zach, on October 15, 2008 at 11:27 am Said:

    All this does is make me miss the one i had more…

    Reply
  2. Venkateswarlu, on October 16, 2008 at 2:35 am Said:

    I totally agree with u.
    Zune is a wonderful mp3 player. After bying Zune(Red 80GB), i started disliking my earlier IPOD 30GB which i was using eversince 6 months.

    For Many people, Zune is a foreign MP3 player and dont like to take risk of buying and using and go with the world on IPOD.
    Venkat
    venkateswarlu.kommi@wipro.com

    Reply
  3. jdrake90, on October 22, 2008 at 10:04 am Said:

    I had a review unit of the 80gb for a while – I agree that the Zune has amazing potential…. but I was hampered by the interface – specifically the number of buttons you had to push just to play a song. I used it for a month or so and then went back to the iPod – mostly because I prefer the ipod but also because I was only reviewing the Zune – however – it’s possible that 2 or 3 months might be needed to get used to the interface. Are you fluid and comfortable with it at this point?

    Jordan
    http://www.digitalliferadio.net

    Reply
  4. Chris Jenkins, on October 22, 2008 at 12:00 pm Said:

    I’m comfortable with the interface but I’ve never been a fan of iTunes. The Zune software interface has had major improvements over the last 12 months. I’ve noticed some slowdowns in both search and presenation and hope MS is working towards a solution. One of things I appericate about the new Zune interface is the ability to explore my “friends” playlists, it allows me to quickly find and experience new artists I’d otherwise miss.

    Reply

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