Musings from The Software Underground

Microsoft announced all of the details of their soon-to-be-released iPod/iTunes competitors today. My first impression is:

This is the best they can do?

Microsoft said Zune will come with a three-inch screen, which is larger than the iPod's two-inch video screen, as well as built-in wireless and FM-radio tuning technology -- features that also aren't available on the iPod.

Additionally, Microsoft launched what it calls the Zune Marketplace, an online music site where customers can purchase individual songs or buy a subscription that allows the purchase of unlimited songs for a flat fee.

Read the full article : Microsoft takes wraps off of Zune

No word on battery life. With the wireless and larger energy-sapping screen, I wonder. Apple has sold millions of iPods without a FM receiver, I don't see this as much of a differentiator, and the screen, well, whatever. I also don't see anything on video support. Supposedly it will come in black, white and... brown? *snicker* BROWN!

[update] According to this web site, Zune Insider, video is supported as well as music track sharing:

You can share full length sample tracks - your favorite song, your own recordings, playlists, or pictures with friends wirelessly - device to device. Once someone sends you the song, then you can listen to it up to three times in three days. If you like a song you hear and want to buy it, you can flag it right on your device to easily find it later.

I do suppose this could have a decent viral aspect to it. [update]

Microsoft really needed to hit it out of the park with this thing, and they grounded to short. Nothing to see here, move along, move along...