Zune 4, 8, 16

Infobox Information appliance



manufacturer = Microsoft
type = Portable media player
releasedate = November 13, 2007
connectivity = Wi-Fi , USB, Microsoft Surface (wireless)
lifespan = flagicon|United States nowrap|since November 2007flagicon|Canada nowrap|since June 13th 2008
media =
os = Microsoft Windows
input =
power =
storage = 4 / 8 GB flash memory
memory =
service = Zune Marketplace
dimensions = 3.6 x 1.6 x 0.33 in. (91.5 x 41.4 x 8.5 mm)
weight = 1.7 oz.
touchpad =
predecessor =
successor =
related = The Zune 4 and Zune 8 are second-generation models of the Zune lineup, announced October 2 2007 and released November 13, 2007. They are flash memory-based players meant to compete with the iPod nano and the Sansa Fuze , both smaller and cheaper than the two hard drive-based Zune devices, the Zune 30 and Zune 80. They feature music, video, and podcast support, and come with Wi-Fi and FM Radio.

Overview

The D-pad of the original Zune has been replaced by the Zune pad, which allows for touch-sensitive controls in addition to 5-way clicking. Wi-Fi is used for wireless synchronization and for sharing photos, podcasts, and music with other Zunes, although shared songs may only be played three times by the receiving Zune. The FM Radio includes RBDS support for displaying song and station metadata, but does not support HD-Radio. Both Zune models also feature scratch resistant glass screens.

Reception

The Zune 4 and 8 have gotten a generally positive but lukewarm reception, and lag slightly behind their primary competitor, the iPod Nano, in reviews. Positives and negatives mimic those of the Zune 80, as the 4 and 8 are very similar devices in a smaller package: the Wi-Fi and navigation are praised, while the lack of Mac support detracts. [ [http://reviews.cnet.com/mp3-players/zune-second-generation-8gb/4505-6490_7-32638985.html?tag=prod.txt.3 CNET Review] ] Zune Marketplace has now been updated with the ability to purchase certain television shows. [ [http://www.zune.net/en-US/marketplace/videos.htm Zune.net | Videos ] ] The Zune 4 and 8 retail pricing is equal to their iPod Nano competitors.

Preloaded Content

Zune 4GB/8GB comes pre-loaded with a variety of songs, music videos, podcasts, short films, and images.

Audio Tracks:

Datarock, "Fa-Fa-Fa"Mexican Institute of Sound, "El Microphono"Sidestepper, "Paloma"CéU, "Ave Cruz"Barenaked Ladies, "Easy"John Doe, "Golden State"The Handsome Furs, "Cannot Get Started"Pop Levi, "Sugar Assault Me Now"Junkie XL, "Dark Territory"Pacha Massive, "Don't Let Go"

Music Videos:

Avril Lavigne, "Make Five Wishes" TrailerLow, "The Hatchet"Pacha Massive, "Don't Let Go"Funky C, "Joya"Dntel, "The Distance"

Podcasts:

KEXP Live"This American Life: Squirrel Cop"Nylon TV MSNBC.comIntro to PodcastsIntro to Podcasts (Spanish)

Short Videos:

"Red Bull BC1" (Red Bull)"A Passion for Film Making" (IFC)"First Kiss" (CAPiTA Snowboarding)

"Illume," Red Bull (44 images)Zune Image Set (42 images)

References

External links

* [http://www.zune.net/en-US/products/zune4gb8gb/default.htm Zune.net product overview page]
* [http://www.zune.net/en-us/products/zune4gb8gb/specs.htm Technical specifications]
* [http://www.zune.net/en-us/products/zune4gb8gb/preloadedcontent.htm Preloaded content]