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Microsoft Zune
The Microsoft Zune may not have the following of the Apple iPod, but its impressive features and design have won over a growing number of users. CNET has collected every drop of information on the Zune 120 (third generation) and the third-generation Flash Zune. Check back often to stay up-to-date on all the relevant news, product reviews, photos, tips, and videos.
Microsoft Zune blogs
Zune reviews from CNET editors
Full review: 120GB Zune
Slowly but surely, Microsoft's Zune is staking its claim as a legitimate alternative to Apple's iPod line of MP3 players. Last year, Microsoft focused its efforts on overhauling the Zune's hardware and public image. This year, Microsoft has turned its attention to improving the Zune firmware and desktop software, while updating the storage capacity and pricing of new models to stay
competitive.
» Read review of the 120GB Zune
Full review: 16GB Zune
The smaller, Flash-based Zune, with a unique focus on music discovery, is a fierce competitor to the iPod Nano. The Zune's primary purpose as a high-quality portable music player hasn't changed. If anything, the enhancements offered by the third-generation firmware have bolstered the unique music-discovery and -sharing features that have differentiated the Zune from the very beginning.
» Read review of the 16GB Zune
Sneak peek: Zune 3.0 software
The PC-only Zune software is now in version 3.0, and includes some practical improvements along with some gee-whiz graphical enhancements. Donald Bell runs through some of the new features here, and you can click over to our photo gallery of Zune 3.0 for a more detailed look.
Microsoft Zune news
CES 2009: Gadget extravaganza
The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is the premier event for gadget makers and aficionados alike. Check here for the main CNET News stories from CES, and more. Read more
January 12, 2009Year in review: The tech video files
The CNET News crew had some lively encounters with tech in 2008, from a shocking workout to a superhero turn. And we've got the video to prove it. Read more
December 24, 2008Year in review: HD DVD died, smartphones thrived
The year in gadgets was marked by a DVD format war, the iPhone 3G and a parade of would-be iPhone killers, and--like everything else--the economic downturn. Read more
December 22, 2008Year in review: Tech's indelible images
The year provided a plethora of tech- and nature-oriented eye candy, from green machines to the Red Planet. Read more
December 17, 2008Microsoft Zune tips and tricks
Manage multiple Zunes with playlists
If you've got multiple Zunes in your home that connect to the same computer, you may have wondered if there's a good way to manage what portions of your music library get synced to each Zune. Read more
Make your Zune battery life last longer
This tip to extend your battery life works for all Zune models and firmware. Read more
Share songs or pictures with your Zune
Learn how to share your digital media using a Zune, with this tip. Read more
Microsoft Zune features
Accessories for the Microsoft Zune
Living in a non-iPod world isn't easy. Sure, there's a lot to love about Microsoft's line of Zune MP3 players, but when it comes to shopping for accessories, you start feeling like the only vegetarian at the steakhouse. Don't fret: There are plenty of worthy accessories made for the Zune, and you can find a handful of them right here. Read more
February 1, 2008Pictorial of the Zune Marketplace and software
The next-gen Zune Marketplace makes a sharp departure from its Windows Media Player roots, embracing a clean, minimalist design with engaging visual imagery. As it's notably different from the standard jukeboxes, it takes a little getting used to, but it will please the eye in the interim. Read more
November 16, 2007Zune: A rant in 5 parts
The second-generation Zune turned Apple fanboy Donald Bell into a bona fide Zune aficionado. His infatuation isn't all wine and roses, however. For the real nitty gritty of this relationship, check out the list that details five aspects of the Zune (both good and bad) that he could spend hours ranting about. Read more
November 16, 2007Prizefight: Zune vs. iPod
We put the Apple iPod Classic and the Microsoft Zune 80 through their paces, pitting the players head-to-head in five bone-shaking rounds. Read more
User opinions of the Microsoft Zune
by fight4christ (see profile), 08/23/2008
by SVTracer (see profile), 08/23/2008
by kc2bxn (see profile), 08/06/2008
by walterr11 (see profile), 08/05/2008
Learn about the Microsoft Zune
Microsoft first released the Zune (30GB) in November of 2006. While the first-generation Zune was mildly successful, critics had a field day taking Microsoft to task on the device's awkward aesthetic.
Having survived its freshman hazing, the Zune's appeal has slowly and steadily increased, and the iPod has every reason to be frightened. With an improved design, increased storage capacity, wireless sync capability, and integrated support for audio and video podcasts, the Zune is finally giving everyone a true alternative to the iPod.
Compared to the competition, users have embraced the Zune for its built-in FM radio, large display, subscription music support (Zune Marketplace), music browser interface (nicknamed Twist), wireless computer sync capability, and onboard composite video output.
Zune photos
Zune 120 (third generation)
The third generation of the Microsoft Zune MP3 player has several new tools for music discovery and taste sharing.
Zune (third generation, Flash)
The third generation of the Zune MP3 player is now offered in three Flash memory-based capacities: 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB.
Photos: Zune Marketplace
The next-gen Zune Marketplace makes a sharp departure from its Windows Media Player roots, embracing a clean, minimalist design with engaging visual imagery. As it's notably different from the standard jukeboxes, it takes a little getting used to, but it will please the eye in the interim.
See all pictures
Zune videos
Zune 120 (third generation)
Microsoft's 120GB third-generation Zune is a worthy adversary to the iPod Classic.
Zune 16 (third generation)
The Zune 16 competes against the Apple iPod Nano with advanced Wi-Fi and music discovery features.
Zune accessories
Check out third-party speakers, alarm clocks, and car FM transmitters made for the Microsoft Zune.
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