Following last week’s Zune 16GB and Zune 120GB appearance, turns out there’s another kid on the block, joining the forthcoming lineup, a blue 8GB flash Zune, to be released in September with a 320 x 240 LCD display, wireless sync capabilities, Zune to Zune wireless sharing, an FM tuner and other alternative flavors, including black or silver. The new Zune supports wide variety of formats, like WMA, AAC, MP3, MPEG-4, WMV, H.264, or JPEG to play all your videos, music and images.
In addition, Microsoft will launch the Zune 3.0 platform, which includes some new features, such as Buy from FM, which lets you listen to your favorite FM radio stations and click to tag the songs you like for later purchase when you sync your device with your PC1. Zune Pass that lets you download millions of tracks, whole albums or playlists with Zune Pass subscription service. Device to Cloud that allows you to access thousands of wireless hotspots around the country to automatically update your collection, browse Zune Marketplace, refresh Channels, exchange favorites with friends, or buy songs you’ve tagged from your FM radio. Channels are custom programming stations that deliver personalized playlists to your Zune from a variety of sources you select, such as music experts, celebrities, or top radio stations. Games Zune Players now come with a selection of fun free games to choose from. Play and challenge yourself with Hexic, and make sure you play your favorite song from your collection to create your own personal game soundtrack. Video/TV Shows you can choose from a growing selection of TV shows now available on the Zune Marketplace video store. Recorded TV shows or movies from Windows Media Center in Windows Vista can be imported and synced to your Zune.
The 8GB flash-based model will be available for $149.99 and we look forward to play with the new models.
Update1: Redmond has confirmed the new lineup, to be scheduled for September 16th. Prices, as expected, stand at $250 for the 120GB Zune, $199 for the 16GB flash version and $149 for the latest 8GB model. Mind you, the new Zune 3.0 software supports all Zune players, so if you hold in your pockets older devices, you’re covered. Hit the jump to see the video from CNET News, hosting Joe Belfiore from Microsoft.
Update2: As promised, Microsoft has launched Zune 3.0 update, now available to download from here. Mind you it’s one hefty file, sized 165MB(!).
[via Zunerama]
[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/oqsHBJg3aB8" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]
__________________________________________
