Dell Desktop only $499; $230 offMicrosoft Zune
The Microsoft Zune may not have the following of Apple's iPod, but its impressive features and design have won over a growing number of users. Whether you're already an owner or just want to find out more about this iPod competitor, you've come to the right place. Our Zune Central page collects every drop of info on the first-gen 30GB Zune, flash Zune, and Zune 80 and keeps it all together in one handy page. Check back often to stay up to date on all the relevant news, product reviews, tips, videos, and more.
Zune review from CNET editors
We admit the first-generation Zune certainly wasn't the coolest-looking MP3 player on the block, but its features were fairly advanced. With subscription music support, wide-screen video playback, Wi-Fi music sharing, high-quality photo viewer, RBDS-enabled FM radio, and composite video output, the original Zune looked like a serious iPod challenger on paper. The 80GB Zune maintains all of the original Zune's compelling features and ups the ante with tightly integrated audio and video podcast support, as well as the unique ability to automatically sync content over a home wireless network.
Microsoft Zune blogs
Microsoft Zune news
Podcast: Microsoft is sooo over Yahoo
HTC launches its iPhone rival; Google Reader gets an update; and is LinkedIn worth a billion dollars? Read more
May 06, 2008Week in review: On Microsoft's mind
Tech world waits for word on Yahoo, while Microsoft grapples with software challenges. Also: Net music on the court docket, and how green is our Valley? Read more
May 02, 2008Podcast: Time to dump Google on click woes? Maybe not
Search engine vendors buffeted by economic tradewinds; the new digital marketing mantra: Pissed off customers can be good for business; and what's behind The Sims phenomenon? Read more
April 16, 2008China's Haier eyes U.S. living rooms
The mini-fridge maker wants to make it big in TVs and lifestyle products, and why not? It's got friends in the NBA and at Macy's and RealNetworks.
Microsoft 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
I tested only the... Read more
by bobsco60 (see profile), 07/24/2008
by Milez5858 (see profile), 07/24/2008
Now that games, real games are available and will be mass market before Xmas 08,... Read more
by Milez5858 (see profile), 07/24/2008
by jamesbarkman (see profile), 07/23/2008
by spitkronk (see profile), 07/17/2008
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
Microsoft Zune photo gallery
Microsoft's 80GB Zune is sure to draw envy from the iPod-toting masses. With a 3.2-inch screen, wireless sync and sharing capabilities, a built-in FM radio, support for subscription music content (Zune Pass), and podcast integration, the 80GB Zune is a serious step forward for Microsoft.
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
Product Spotlight: Microsoft Zune (second generation)
The Zune is better than ever and ready to kick the iPod to the curb.
First Look: Zune (second-generation) 80GB
With the 80GB Zune, Microsoft finally delivers the iPod alternative we've been waiting for.
First Look: Zune (second-generation) 4GB and 8GB
The bite-size alternative to the full-size Zune lets you take music, photos, videos, and podcasts on the go.
