Finally, another entrant in the WiFi portable audio player space! These are still very early on in implementation, but ever since the MusicGremlin debuted, we've been hungry for more -- and no, the Zune didn't sate that. The new Sansa Connect features streaming internet radio (freaking FINALLY), microSD slot, and a 2.2-inch color display -- but the centerpiece feature here is, of course, the WiFi content acquisition. SanDisk claims the Connect supports "WMA in both unprotected and protected files" and specifically names PlaysForSure (and Vista) support, but also "utilizes an open (non-proprietary) digital rights management system that will allow users to purchase songs or access subscription download services from specific premium internet sites." (Which sites / services those are, we don't yet know, but apparently it's based on ZING.) No word about transferring subscription media to your pals with Connects, but they do make mention of a "community connection" to other players, which sounds a lot like it, and at very least download and purchase content on the player. The 4GB 2.05 x 3.58 x 0.63-inch player will go for $250 when it hits the streets in late March.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
hchute @ Jan 8th 2007 3:09PM
I got excited about this until I saw the price tag. $250 for a 4GB music player?
- Harvey
http://www.zunerama.com
steve @ Jan 8th 2007 3:20PM
I find it pretty funny that the zune is being so critized. I saw in the worst products of 2006, so many people nominated zune. Creative makes crappy ipod-wannabe mp3s every year and yet no one critizes them. Instead, they see that the zune is made by microsoft and automatically assume it sucks. Get over it apple fanboys and MS haters. It looks like MS's idea is catching on. Pretty soon we'll see iPods with WiFi.
Cal @ Jan 8th 2007 3:38PM
The Zune's WiFi capability is a good idea, but the reason the Zune is so criticized is because this feature is so poorly executed.
LPXXFAINTXX @ Jan 8th 2007 4:58PM
That's why there are FIRMWARE UPDATES. Just admit it, they're fanboys.
sdsdv10 @ Jan 8th 2007 3:51PM
steve,
As noted in the article, the Music Gremlin came out with Wifi several months before the Zune. So I don't really think anyone is copying MS with that little nugget. In addition, the Archos 604 Wifi was released around the same time as the Zune with a much better wireless feature set. Maybe you should try getting over your MS fanboy ways.
Evan Brom @ Jan 8th 2007 4:40PM
This functionality has been available for a while with the SDA, MDA and dash smart phones they have wifi a memory card slot and windows media player that plays internet radio I don't think this is the next ipod killer.
Rebecca @ Jan 8th 2007 4:55PM
The Gremlin is kind of sweet and pretty much works as advertised. The Zune isn't there just yet. So far I have not been able to find anyone here in Fort Lauderdale to share a song via Zune. And believe me, I have tried hard. The screen is awesome and the sound is second to none. But K'mun, give us a firmware already.
http://www.madeforzune.com
Smittie @ Jan 8th 2007 5:20PM
What is an open digital rights management system? How would it work with existing DRM systems?
"WiFi content acquisition" would be cool and would Wi-Fi connected Internet Radio.
Smittie
PEZ @ Jan 8th 2007 5:30PM
If this thing could eventually stream a satellite radio service through its WiFi, that would definately be SICK.
SiriusSanDisk :) Has a nice ring to it.
steve @ Jan 8th 2007 8:27PM
i wasnt trying to sound like a MS fanboy (even thought i was hating on people who hate MS) but thats besides the point. My point is that even without the WiFi, the Zune is still a darn good mp3 player compared to others out there.
tekdroid @ Jan 11th 2007 8:31AM
damn good compared to what? the Zune can't even act as an external HD to save your files!
DJJS @ Jan 8th 2007 10:28PM
HMM This is Kind Of FISHY... Why? well I work at Best-Buy . and My Sansa(lamer) of a rep. Is always asking us what do people like about the Zune. He also told us that the company had told him to Focus on the Zune's Features and what do people like?
he told me he wasn't Spying he was just getting ideas? ... so all this leads.. to ..
what??.............
JR @ Jan 9th 2007 12:10PM
4GB for $250?
Just because it has WiFi shouldn't make it a direct competitor to the Zune. I think this product is fairly matched with the 4GB iPod Nano for $200; since additional $50 difference on the Connect has a nicer, bigger screen, micro SD, WiFi, and internet radio.
It does unfortunately compete with the Zune in thickness.
tekdroid @ Jan 11th 2007 8:35AM
sharing tracks with your friends is the only open digital rights management system I know
Andre @ Feb 20th 2007 9:28PM
If you wanna check out a review; http://www.thesansa.com/index.php/sansa-connect-review