So much for that ta-da moment
tomorrow -- Microsoft just confirmed the fall Zune lineup a little earlier than planned, and it's almost
exactly as leaked: capacity bumps to 120GB and 16GB, new WiFi music store, Zune 3.0 software with recommendations and pre-programmed theme channels, and two new games, Hexic and Texas Hold 'Em. Oh, and that snappy
blue flash Zune we just spotted. Pricing is similarly unsurprising, seeing as
we've had it for a week: the 120GB Zune is $250, while the 16GB flash model is $199 and the 8 gigger is $149. Oh well, at least we still have those
new mice and webcams to look forward to tomorrow, right? Certainly
nothing else is going on.
Update: The official PR is out, looks like Zune owners can look forward to the Zune 3.0 software update on September 16. Oh, and there's new Audible support as well. Rock on, rockers.
[Via
CNET]
posted Sep 8th 2008 at 2:31PM
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
fieldcar @ Sep 8th 2008 2:35PM
i will buy a zune if it can do the following:
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u75/ErikShirk/1220895573.jpg
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u75/ErikShirk/1220895698.jpg
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u75/ErikShirk/1220895715.jpg
that includes:
-having a mobile computing platform like my ipod touch
-internet browser
-App Store
-easy to use UI
-and dont forget the built-in screenshot app i used to take the pics :)
zune, your only popular with people who dont know any better than to buy you :)
Patriks7 @ Sep 8th 2008 2:37PM
is your avatar a woman or a man?
GB @ Sep 8th 2008 2:39PM
FFS Fanboy, buy an iPod then and stop with the pointless comments!
Geek
SteveJ @ Sep 8th 2008 2:40PM
Come on folks - this is a troll. It's the exact same message posted to another article, but by someone else. Copy and paste. Please, please catch on some day soon. Here's a clue: whenever there is an iPod, iPhone or Zune article, one or more persons will post comments touting one or the other in an idiotically stupid fashion. It's a f-ing troll! Thanks.
FordGTGuy @ Sep 8th 2008 2:43PM
I'll buy an iPod Classic When it can do:
*Wireless Sync With Computer
*FM Radio
*FM Radio Tagging
*XNA Games and Creating Your Own Games
*3.2" Screen
*TV Out in 720x480(576)
*Easy to use UI
*Gets rid of the click wheel
I'll buy and iPod Touch When It Can:
*Hold 120 GB of Media
*Cost $250
bjsguess @ Sep 8th 2008 2:43PM
The Touch comes with 120GB?
FordGTGuy @ Sep 8th 2008 2:49PM
I said I'll buy it when it has 120 GB of memory and cost $250.
FordGTGuy @ Sep 8th 2008 6:49PM
I said when the iPod Touch has 120 GB and cost $250 i'll buy one. I'm mocking the main poster......
Jon Doe. @ Sep 8th 2008 2:54PM
Ford,
Ironicly I'll buy a Zune when it has more then two rating items.
Jon Doe. @ Sep 8th 2008 2:54PM
Ford,
_Ironically_ I'll buy a Zune when it has more then two rating items.
fieldcar @ Sep 8th 2008 2:55PM
I've been hijacked! I'm a zune fanboy in real life. Its "apple rep" imitating me.
TheAzureKnight @ Sep 8th 2008 2:56PM
I know the rabid anti apple group will lose it and down vote me but I honestly care...
Right now the iPod and the iTouch are hands down the better product all around. I'm not talking just pure specs here. So what this new Zune has 120G. It wouldn't surprise me if one or more of the new iPods has that storage space as well.
But what makes the iPod superior is how it looks, feels, handles, etc. It's the just total package. Sorry but the Zune looks fugly compared to the iPod.
I know the elitist anti apple group will cry, "popularity doesn't mean better" but umm yes that's EXACTLY what it means. If more people are buying one thing over another it's because more people like said object. And the reason they like it is because it's the better product that provides them with more enjoyment.
uwaga dude @ Sep 8th 2008 3:14PM
The Azure Knight
iTouch may be better, but it is in a way different league than the Zune, compare it to the Nokia N810. The Zunes have tons more features than the iPod classics, so I don't know where you're getting that information. Aesthetics are a matter of opinion, you like how the iPod looks, but I like how the Zune looks more.
People only buy iPods because they have commercials, and people watch TV. Zunes have no advertisements, so people don't know they exist.
Newsguy @ Sep 8th 2008 3:15PM
Azure you are so right. People buy more computers with Windows because it is the better product compared to linux or osx. Popularity definately means a better product; thus Windows is better than osx. Thanks for clearing that one up for us.
fred @ Sep 8th 2008 3:15PM
I know the elitist anti apple group will cry, "popularity doesn't mean better" but umm yes that's EXACTLY what it means. If more people are buying one thing over another it's because more people like said object. And the reason they like it is because it's the better product that provides them with more enjoyment."
So you are admitting that Windows is better than OSX?
TavisJohn @ Sep 8th 2008 3:21PM
"zune, your only popular with people who dont know any better than to buy you :)"
No I purchased a ZUNE to play music. NOT to surf the internet, play games, make phone calls, or make me look like a snob.
If I want portable computing, I'll by a frigging portable computer!
PHO @ Sep 8th 2008 3:22PM
Im going to buy it just to have it, because I'm just that flithy rich hahahahah!
Just kidding, my crappy iPhone will do for now ;)
chefgon_ign @ Sep 8th 2008 3:45PM
Not only are you annoying, but you are also a liar. You wouldn't buy a Zune no matter what features it had.
Mr. Ford @ Sep 8th 2008 3:51PM
@ Azure
I know the elitist anti apple group will cry, "popularity doesn't mean better" but umm yes that's EXACTLY what it means. If more people are buying one thing over another it's because more people like said object. And the reason they like it is because it's the better product that provides them with more enjoyment."
We all know how good those Bose speakers sound, right? They are the number 1 speaker manufacturer in the world, so they must be the best. Everybody who disagrees must be deaf!
tom @ Sep 8th 2008 4:00PM
"People only buy iPods because they have commercials, and people watch TV. Zunes have no advertisements, so people don't know they exist."
well, whose fault is that?
Ry @ Sep 8th 2008 4:10PM
How much will Apple charge for the 2.1 update for the older Touch?
Paul Chapel @ Sep 8th 2008 4:38PM
As an avid PC user, I am dismayed at how fanatical that PC users are becoming day after day. Despite obvious flaws, PC users get really defensive and unreasonable in their arguments about Microsoft. They hype every product that Microsoft makes, products they are OBVIOUSLY ripping off other companies. Even worse, they pretend that Steve Ballmer doesn't exist and deify Bill Gates like he's the second coming of Christ. Sound familiar?
And the PC users are impossibly hypocritical. If someone criticizes Windows, they point to the popularity of the operating system, but if someone tries to use the same popularity logic about the iPod, they switch the argument. They say that the iPod is only popular because of "marketing" and "trendiness" and "stupid people" and yada, yada, yada.
And if anyone criticizes the Zune and compares it to the iPod Touch, the Zune fanatics quickly say that the two can not be compared. But then in the same breath they compare the Zune to the iPod Touch when they bash the Apple for charging for upgrades on the iPod Touch. So in other words, they compare the Zune to the iPod Touch, but only when it's convenient for their bias.
I like Microsoft as a company, but it's not going to get any better as a company as long as PC fanatics ignore obvious flaws and accept crappy quality, like their Apple Fanboy counterparts.
who? @ Sep 8th 2008 5:59PM
Screw Zunes, SPORE JUST CAME OUT FOR IPHONE!!!
Maeztro @ Sep 8th 2008 6:14PM
you're so high tech and you still use photobucket? You must be a real guru.
Metkis @ Sep 8th 2008 8:39PM
Enjoy looking like an idiot while you play your accelerometer games and koipond.
I'd rather listen to music on my MP3 player and I'm sure glad the updates for the Zune actually increase its usefulness as one.
But that's just me.
fanman @ Sep 9th 2008 4:31AM
Well, I'll only buy an iPod when it can play games as well as my xbox 360 and create publications as well as microsoft office.
THE ZUNE IS NOT AN IPOD TOUCH EQUIVILENT JACK ASS
panda @ Sep 9th 2008 1:42PM
you sir, are a tool.
I think the ipod/touch are great products, I just prefer the way zune interface works. I am also reading the updates on Apples "lets rock" and when i saw a 120gig ipod for 250 all i thought was "im getting an ipod now" but luckily the zune is the same price for the same amount of space this fall. Anyway, zunes are great, ipods/touches are great. The end. Stop being microsoft or apple fan boys. just come to terms and realize they both do the same things in different ways. some like one way other than the other.
SlickRick @ Sep 10th 2008 1:11PM
Zune is for the person who cares more about music and social than flashiness. It has always been thus. Buy Apple products for "Flash", buy other products for functionality.
As for your "wants"
-having a mobile computing platform like my ipod touch
mobile computing is for phones, not mp3 players; get WM6.1
-internet browser
again, for what? it's an mp3 player.
-App Store
Store? hahaha...games are FREE for the Zune; why BUY??
-easy to use UI
ok...if you are having problems scrolling up and down...you need to have an IQ of greater than 10...
-and dont forget the built-in screenshot app i used to take the pics :)
maybe next time. right now I prefer to share music with friends...try doing that with your Touch...oh..you can't...
zune, your only popular with people who dont know any better than to buy you :)
uhh...no...for people who want Social and Music--SUBSTANCE over flash, my friend...lemme guess...you're voting for Obama, right? :)
Owned @ Sep 21st 2008 5:01PM
@FordGTGuy
I'll buy an iPod Classic When it can do:
"*Wireless Sync With Computer"
Useless. Nobody uses that, and it drains your battery. Also, it takes a lot more than USB and you have to be near the computer.
"*FM Radio"
Again, USELESS. Almost nobody listens to radio anymore, that's why Apple doesn't include one with the iPod. The small percentage that do listen to it, listen to it in their cars. Its a media player, not an FM radio.
"*FM Radio Tagging"
Almost nobody uses FM radio, so why would they use the tagging 'feature'?
"*XNA Games and Creating Your Own Games"
People are too lazy to create their own games. You can buy games for the iPods at the iTunes store and the iPod comes with 3 good games.
"*3.2" Screen"
3.2" screen with more than 320x240 resolution. While the Zune's screen is larger, it has the same resolution as the iPod Classic one's, meaning that its more pixelated and things look worst.
"*TV Out in 720x480(576)"
No need to have that. Its a portable media player.
"*Easy to use UI"
It does. The iPod has sold so much because its so easy to use. People don't use what they don't understand.
"*Gets rid of the click wheel"
Gets rid of the Zune pad?
I'll buy and iPod Touch When It Can:
"*Hold 120 GB of Media"
"*Cost $250"
It costs $230. Fail.
Owned @ Sep 21st 2008 5:02PM
@FordGTGuy
I'll buy an iPod Classic When it can do:
"*Wireless Sync With Computer"
Useless. Nobody uses that, and it drains your battery. Also, it takes a lot more than USB and you have to be near the computer.
"*FM Radio"
Again, USELESS. Almost nobody listens to radio anymore, that's why Apple doesn't include one with the iPod. The small percentage that do listen to it, listen to it in their cars. Its a media player, not an FM radio.
"*FM Radio Tagging"
Almost nobody uses FM radio, so why would they use the tagging 'feature'?
"*XNA Games and Creating Your Own Games"
People are too lazy to create their own games. You can buy games for the iPods at the iTunes store and the iPod comes with 3 good games.
"*3.2" Screen"
3.2" screen with more than 320x240 resolution. While the Zune's screen is larger, it has the same resolution as the iPod Classic one's, meaning that its more pixelated and things look worst.
"*TV Out in 720x480(576)"
No need to have that. Its a portable media player.
"*Easy to use UI"
It does. The iPod has sold so much because its so easy to use. People don't use what they don't understand.
"*Gets rid of the click wheel"
Gets rid of the Zune pad?
I'll buy and iPod Touch When It Can:
"*Hold 120 GB of Media"
"*Cost $250"
It costs $230. Fail.
ericdano @ Sep 8th 2008 2:36PM
That's it? Really? Wow......no cake?
Jon Doe. @ Sep 8th 2008 2:55PM
The cake is a lie
ynx @ Sep 8th 2008 4:37PM
Free Hat!
deedeedee @ Sep 8th 2008 9:39PM
Free Hat McCullough
avester @ Sep 8th 2008 2:36PM
Engadget blatantly sucking Apples youknowwhat while hating Microsoft?
Noohh...
PynkFloydd @ Sep 8th 2008 2:46PM
I think they're actually trying to be good lately... I think they're just alluding to the fact that there aren't any surprises to report on tomorrow.
nathan.wong @ Sep 8th 2008 4:00PM
And Sony too. With the HUGE Apple ad on their main page do you think they would say anything bad about their sponsor and everything bad about the ones that don't sponsor the site?
CraigJ @ Sep 8th 2008 5:56PM
Wow. How you can possibly see MS bashing + Apple love in that post is beyond me. You anti-fanboy fanboys are worse than the garden variety "normal" fanboy.
Josh @ Sep 8th 2008 2:37PM
i think theres a typo, 120 and 16gb? i think its 120gb and 160gb?
avester @ Sep 8th 2008 2:40PM
160gb Flash?
Bakersdozen @ Sep 8th 2008 2:54PM
160gb flash? i need to get me one of those
MrLunar @ Sep 8th 2008 2:55PM
...if only.
customjmn @ Sep 13th 2008 12:10AM
WOOSH!
Just!blue @ Sep 8th 2008 2:43PM
hmmm, no firmware update for the old crowd yet
Nate @ Sep 8th 2008 9:51PM
Yeah, I hope the old 30s get the update too
jhoeforth @ Sep 8th 2008 11:37PM
All Zune models will get the firmware update. That's one thing you can always count with MS, always backward compatible!
Patrick @ Sep 8th 2008 2:43PM
"8 gigger is $149"
I had to re-read that a few times. Had a South Park flash back.
FordGTGuy @ Sep 8th 2008 2:50PM
I'm glad they replaced the 4GB with the 8GB and dropped the price.
The Zune 8 GB cost the same as a Nano 4 GB and the Zune 16 GB cost as much as a Nano 8 GB.
--Ed @ Sep 8th 2008 3:45PM
Cool! Look like we are 100% guaranteed to get a 16gb Nano tomorrow for $199 and a 8gb one for $149.
Hellaphunt @ Sep 8th 2008 2:43PM
If this were Apple's untimely release of a new(er) product... it would definitely not have been watered down like this. It would have been more like,"To much of our orgasmic surpise, the new silicone, revolutionary, clear, plasma-rifle-repelling ipod nano case was just made available at Warget and we're unbelievably stoked!" Whatever...