With less then a month left to go before the the Fall 2007 Zune update the web really had no specific area to find out what we currently know about whats coming. Below you’ll find need to know information about the update to Zune expected on November 13th 2007 as well as updated information about each area of the experience including the hardware, software, and the Zune Marketplace. Each element of the Zune experience is divided into paragraphs with their updates listed along with them.
Zune Software According to ZuneInsider and Fact Sheets released by Microsoft (available from our download area
here), the Zune software has recieved a complete teardown and rebuild by the same team who designed the Media Center experience in Microsoft’s Windows Vista operating platform. Other then a completely new asthetic look, not much else is know about the update except that it will allow you to load your Zune with content recorded from Windows Vista Media Center.
Zune 4/8 According to ZuneInsider and Fact Sheets released by Microsoft (available from our download area
here), more Zunes are slated for launch on November 13th across the United States including the new Zune 4, Zune 8, and Zune 80 devices. Zune 4 and 8 are flash based players similiar to that of the iPod Nano and other small flash players and will still include WiFi for file sharing as well as the new touch based “Zune Pad” for navigation. Zune 4 which contains 4 Gigabytes of stroage while the Zune 8 will contain 8 Gigabytes of storage for music, podcasts, photos, videos which will be viewable on a 1.8″ LCD screen. Zune 4/8 will play up to 24 hours of music and 4 hours of video.
Zune 80 According to ZuneInsider and Fact Sheets released by Microsoft (available from our download area
here), the company will add the new Zune 80 device to hold down the brand’s high-end slot. Featuring a 3.2″ LCD glass screen, this product will also use the new “Zune Pad” for touch navigation. Available in only black at a size equal to 1/3 of it’s older brother it will also carry the new updated firmware for wireless sync. As far as batter life Zune 80 will play 30 hours of audio and 4 hours of video.
Zune Marketplace According to ZuneInsider and Fact Sheets released by Microsoft (available from our download area
here), Zune Marketplace has also recieved an upgrade including getting a new look and feel from it’s previous Urge Music store rip-off look, however the most exciting news comes in the form of the new content that will be available for download. Starting November 13th Podcasts, Music Videos, will join the hordes of music already available to users. The Zune Marketplace will also include MP3s available for download without DRM or watermarking.
At the current time the above is all we have been able to gather from our sources about what’s expected. If you have noticed or read something that we’ve missed Email in to us at theteam@zunespring.com. Remember to put Fall update in the subject.
