Well the gadget big boys finally got their paws, uh hands, on the soon-to-be-available (11.14.06) Microsoft Zune digital music player. Seems that MSFT fedexed all three models over to both Engadget and Gizmodo a couple of days ago, for their review and approval.

In a shocker, both sites liked the Zune, thought highly of its prospects and felt it would do ok against the iPod. A cynic (not us…no way) might conclude that an unbiased review of a freebie might be a rare thing, but both reviewers used restraint in talking up the Zune and showed balance in their reporting. Of the 2 reviews, we lean towards the 1 from Gizmodo - we learned for example of the Zune’s upgradeability, the inbox, and guesting, which involves grabbing songs from someone else’s Zune Marketplace wirelessly.

Our take on the Zune: it’ll do alright, but the design is a bit too industrial to appeal to all. Expect a Zune nano in the new year. Zune specs are here.

Microsoft Zune player and software hands-on gallery - Engadget, Nov 3rd 2006

Zune: First Full Review - Gizmodo, Nov 03 2006

This entry was posted on Friday, November 3rd, 2006 at 7:19 pm and is filed under Music Players. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.