A Comparison: Zune to iPod
NOTICE: December 27, 2007. I'm still here. A new Zune 80 vs iPod Classic comparison will be posted to the front page of Mindsplice.com as soon as I get some actual face time with the Zune 80. I will not be writing a complete comparison on the Zune 4/8 vs the iPod 4/8 Nano, that may change.
There are positives and negatives about each new device, iPod and Zune, which need to be investigated in greater detail.
Changes to the Zune:
80 GB ($249)
Larger screen, same resolution.
WiFi syncing - sync without connecting to computer.
Software no longer supports smart (auto) playlists.
Software no longer supports smart (auto) playlists.
Software no longer supports 5-star rating system (New Love/Hate rating)
3 play/3 day now just 3 play - no time limit.
Podcast support.
Removed EQ from Zune device.
Customized rear surface.
Changes to the iPod Classic:
80GB ($249) or 160GB ($349)
Coverflow viewing method - scroll through album art.
New all-metal case design.
Redesigned interface.
The Zune added several requested and desired features. However, Microsoft also removed some of the best features from the software - ratings and auto playlists.
Apple added coverflow which is basically an alternate music browsing method. The entire update appears mostly design and interface driven.
Of course, Apple also released the iPod touch, which outsold the Classic and the Zune throughout the holiday season on Amazon. The iPod touch is a compelling alternative to both the Zune 80 and iPod classic, with a few drawbacks of its own - storage capacity and a lack of physical volume buttons.
As always, leave a comment or send me an email if you think there's something important I missed or got wrong.
Obviously, without hands on, I'm not yet able to write a comprehensive factual comparison.
END NOTICE.
This is the Microsoft Zune review for those wanting to compare Zune vs iPod. It should answer most of the Zune FAQ. The comparison covers the new Microsoft Digital Music Platform to the established Apple Digital Music Platform. The intent is to present differences of Zune based solely on factual information while covering each platform's strengths and weaknesses. For our purpose, platform will include the hardware, software and business model. The Microsoft Digital Music Platform will be referenced as Zune and the Apple Digital Music Platform will be referenced as iPod.
Each item is a fact; it is the readers responsibility to determine if a point matters to them. Example 1: Zune lacks a lossless music format, iPod supports lossless music. Zune lacking lossless support is a fact; whether lossless support is important is subjective. Example 2: Zune offers pre-loaded media content; iPod does not. Zune's addition of pre-loaded media is a fact; whether it is useful is subjective.
The feature analysis on this iPod and Zune comparison is based on the market's reception to each specification listed below.
Legend:
Zune excels in this area.
Zune adds a feature over iPod.
Zune is comparable to iPod in this area.
Zune is inferior in this area.
Zune lacks a feature of iPod.
Limitation of a Zune feature that iPod lacks.
Platform:
Both are proprietary, closed platforms.
Zune Software and the Zune Marketplace
iPod:
iTunes and the iTunes Store
Zune has fewer device models and configurations.
Zune 30GB: $249 (Black, White, Brown, Red and Pink)
iPod:
iPod 80GB: $249 (Black (Charcoal) or Silver)
iPod 160GB: $349 Black (Charcoal) or Silver)
iPod Nano 4GB: $149 (Silver)
iPod Nano 8GB: $199 (Silver, Green, Blue, Black or Product Red)
iPod Shuffle 1GB: $79 (Silver, Green, Blue, Purple or Product Red)
Zune's 30GB model costs less than Apple's lowest model (80GB).
Device: $199.99
Songs: 79 Microsoft Points ($0.99 each)
Albums: Varies
Subscription: 14.99/month
iPod:
Device: $249
Songs: $0.99 each
Albums: Varies
Subscription: N/A
Zune is only available in the US.
Device is only available in the United States.
Zune Marketplace is only available in the United States.
iPod:
Device is available worldwide.
iTunes Store is available in 21 countries.
Zune software is only available for PC.
Software is only available for Windows PC.
iPod:
Software is only available for Windows PC and Mac.
In the Box:
Zune includes required software on CD.
Software is included in the box and is available online.
iPod (30GB):
Software is only available online.
Neither include an AC adapter.
AC adapter is available for $29.99
iPod:
AC adapter is available for $29.99
Both include earbuds, case and sync cable.
Earbuds, case and sync cable.
iPod:
Earbuds, case and sync cable.
Physical:
Zune is 40% larger to grip and 17% heavier.
Height: 4.4 inches
Width: 2.4 inches
Depth: 0.6 inch
Weight: 5.6 ounces
iPod (80GB):
Height: 4.1 inches
Width: 2.4 inches
Depth: 0.41 inch
Weight: 4.9 ounces
Zune body is more resistant to scratches and fingerprints.
Body appears to be a rubberized plastic with a matte finish.
iPod:
Front is scratch resistant metal. Back is shiny metallic.
Both have a mechanism for preventing earbud entanglement.
One earbud is magnetic which allows the earbuds to connect.
iPod:
Earbuds have a small plastic sleeve that slides to the earbuds to keep them together.
Zune offers the additional color choices.
Black, White, Brown, Pink and Red.
iPod:
Only Black and White.
Zune has no engraving feature offered by Microsoft.
Microsoft offers no option for free laser engraving.
iPod:
Apple offers free engraving and warranty coverage will engrave a replacement iPod should the need arise.
Screen:
Both have identical screen resolutions, 320x240.
320x240 pixels
iPod:
320x240 pixels
Zune offers a .5" (diagonally) larger screen.
3-inch (diagonally)
iPod:
2.5-inch (diagonally)
Zune's larger screen at 320x240 creates a less sharp picture.
134 pixels per inch (approximately*)
iPod:
163 pixels per inch (stated)
Pixels per inch is a measure of Pixel density, smaller is better.
*Microsoft does not state the pixel er inch of Zune's screen. However, pixels per inch is a physical property which can be calculated by screen size (inches diagonally) and resolution. LCD screens are manufactured in a limited selection of dot pitches. The calculator figures the Zune at 133.33 pixels per inch. There are LCD screens are manufactured at 0.19mm.
Dot Pitch on Wikipedia
Zune screen works in portrait or landscape mode.
Primary orientation: Portrait
Portrait mode for using interface and browsing media.
Landscape mode for watching video and viewing photos.
iPod:
Orientation: Landscape
Zune screen cannot be viewed without backlight.
TFT LCD screen cannot be viewed without backlight.
iPod:
Transflective LCD screen is visible without backlight.
Neither are widescreen.
3:4 - Portrait oriented
iPod:
4:3 - Landscape oriented
Device User Interface:
Both offer effective navigation control.
Zune "Twist Interface" reduces navigation when browsing media.
Left and right can be used to switch between album, artist, song with less clicks.
iPod:
Reuqires backing out possibly 3 menu levels to switch artists, albums, etc.
Zune lacks the variable speed scrolling of click wheel.
The directional pad increases speed the longer it is held. However, it is not variable. Because of the fixed speed increase, a user cannot browse through thousands of songs without pressing the control hundreds to thousands of times. The scrolling speeds up to an non-viewable rate after about 20 songs.
iPod:
The touch sensitive click wheel works like a dial, the faster or slower you move your finger, the faster or slower you scroll. The click wheel can move through a list of 10,000 songs much faster and with better speed control than the Zune. The variable speed allows the user to browse thousands of song titles at a rate comfortable to them.
Zune allows customized background and themes.
Any photo in the photo album can be set as a system background.
iPod:
No option other than white background.
Both provide alphanumeric position indicator while scrolling.
Available on Zune device.
iPod:
Available on most recent devices (2G Nano and 5G iPod).
G = Generation
Zune implements a loop-style navigation when browsing.
When Zune reaches the top or bottom of the media list, it wraps around to the other end creating a loop for browsing media.
iPod:
When iPod reaches the top or bottom of the media list, it stops. The user must scroll all the way to the other end.
Circular browsing allows the user to quickly reach the end of the alphabet by initially scrolling up. When at the bottom of a media list, a user can continue scrolling down to return to the top of the list.
Zune requires an extra user action to play a song.
After selecting a song, the user must press the center button again to choose play. Two options exist, Add to Quicklist and Play Song. Play Song is default.
iPod:
Selecting a song automatically plays that song. Holding the select button adds the song to the current on-the-go playlist.
Zune does not remember last menu position.
Both display thumbnail album art while browsing albums.
Lists 6.5 albums with thumbnail album art.
iPod:
Lists ?? albums with thumbnail album art.
Zune displays edge to edge album art when playing.
Displays edge to edge album art.
iPod:
Displays small album art.
Zune displays 10 songs on non-album screens (iPod, 7).
List 10 items per screen (6.5 on albums) because of portrait screen orientation.
iPod:
List 7 items per screen because of landscape screen orientation.
Zune device does not provide text search for music.
No method of finding songs via search.
iPod:
Provides a letter entry method to search for songs on (2G+ Nano and 5G+ iPod).
G = Generation
Zune UI displays on TV when connected via video out.
User interface displayed on TV, Zune screen blank.
iPod:
User interface only displayed on device.
Both allow for adjustable backlight timers.
Allowed; Settings are: 1, 5, 15, 30 seconds, 1 minute and Always On.
iPod:
Allowed; Settings are: Off, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20 seconds and Always On.
Both allow for adjusting of backlight brightness.
Allowed; Settings include: Low, Medium, High.
iPod:
Allowed; Setting is variable to 100 positions.
Zune allows adjusting shuffle setting in 2 clicks(iPod, 4).
Clicking center button while on play screen, then selecting shuffle allows changing of shuffle setting. Same for repeat.
iPod:
Clicking center button three times allows changing of shuffle setting.
Zune does not provide for customized Main Menu items.
Neither allow changing volume while browsing media.
Up and down on the device controls are used for navigating the list items, preventing them from adjusting the volume while browsing media.
iPod:
Scrolling the click-wheel navigates the menu items, preventing it from adjusting volume while browsing media.
Zune does not allow skip forward/reverse while browsing media.
The left and right buttons of the device controls scroll through a top menu bar thereby losing skip/fast forward/reverse functions while browsing media.
iPod:
The left and right buttons of the click-wheel are dedicated skip/fast forward/reverse while browsing media.
Both allow play/pause while browsing media.
Has a separate button dedicated to play/pause.
iPod:
The lower button of the click-wheel is dedicated to play/pause.
Playing Audio:
Both devices have excellent sound quality.
Zune adds WMA support, Microsoft's proprietary codec.
Supports the WMA music codec.
iPod:
Does not support WMA music codecs.
Device audio: WMA, MP3 and AAC.
Device video: WMV.
iPod:
Device audio: MP3, AAC, AIFF, WAV, Apple Lossless and Audible (audiobook)
Device video: H.264, m4v, mp4, and mov.
Windows Media Audio on Wikipedia
Zune lacks AIFF, WAV and Audible (audiobook) support.
Device does not support AIFF, WAV nor Audible (audiobook) file formats.
iPod:
Supports AIFF, WAV and Audible (audiobook) file formats.
Device audio: WMA, MP3 and AAC.
Device video: WMV.
iPod:
Device audio: MP3, AAC, AIFF, WAV, Apple Lossless and Audible (audiobook)
Device video: H.264, m4v, mp4, and mov.
Zune device lacks a lossless music format.
Device does not support lossless playback.
Zune Software supports WMA Lossless.
iPod:
Device supports Apple Lossless.
iTunes supports Apple Lossless.
Apple Lossless on Wikipedia
Windows Media Audio (including lossless) on Wikipedia
Zune device does not offer gapless playback.
Zune device does not support gapless playback.
iPod:
iPod supports gapless playback on Video iPods and 2nd Generation iPod Nanos.
Gapless Playback on Wikipedia
Zune device does not offer volume normalization.
Zune device lacks volume normalization.
iPod:
iPod and iTunes support volume normalization via Sound Check.
Sound Check on Apple.com
Zune device does not have an audio bookmarking feature.
Device has no audio bookmarking feature.
iPod:
Device allows bookmarking. Any song can be marked to save position if desired via iTunes.
Zune does not have adjustable speed settings for audiobooks.
Does not include playback speed settings.
iPod:
Includes speed setting for audio specified as Audiobooks. Settings: Slower, Normal, Faster.
Zune cannot repeat a single song, only current list.
Repeat is either on or off. On repeats the entire selection whether it be artist, album, playlist, etc.
iPod:
Repeat options include one, all, off. One repeats the same song until shuffle settings are changed. All repeats the entire selection whether it be artist, album, playlist, etc.
Zune cannot shuffle by album, only individual track.
Shuffle is either on or off, this randomizes songs.
iPod:
Shuffle options include album, song and off. Albums keeps the entire album together while randomly choosing albums. Song randomizes all songs.
Neither device supports the most requested music codecs.
Does not support the Ogg Vorbis nor FLAC codec.
iPod:
Does not support the Ogg Vorbis nor FLAC codec.
Neither solves the DRM complaints of consumers.
Uses DRM to limit purchased and subscription media.
Uses DRM to limit WiFi-shared music to 3 days/3 plays.
iPod:
Uses DRM to limit purchased media. iPod does not offer subscription media.
iPod does not feature WiFi music sharing.
Neither are compatible with PlaysForSure.
Does not support PlaysForSure hardware or software.
iPod:
Does not support PlaysForSure hardware or software.
Apple has one DRM platform, FairPlay, which has been compatible with every iPod.
Both have identical usage rights for purchased content.
Purchased content can be played on up to five (5) total authorized computers. A single playlist can be burned seven (7) times.
iPod:
Purchased content can be played on up to five (5) total authorized computers. A single playlist can be burned seven (7) times.
Both require proprietary software.
Requires Zune Software.
iPod:
Requires iTunes.
Apple uses iTunes to manage music and iPods.
Both pause playback when headphones are unplugged.
Pauses music and video when headphones unplugged.
iPod:
Pauses music and video when headphones unplugged.
Zune has 17 fewer EQ settings (Zune, 7; iPod, 24).
Presets include: Acoustic, Classical, Electronica, Hip-hop, Jazz, Pop and Rock.
iPod:
Presets include: Off, Acoustic, Bass Booster, Bass Reducer, Classical, Dance, Deep, Electronic, Flat, Hip Hop, Jazz, Latin, Loudness, Lounge, Piano, Pop, R & B, Rock, Small Speakers, Spoken Word, Treble Booster, Treble Reducer and Vocal Booster.
Playing Video:
Zune device lacks H.264, m4v and mov support.
Device lacks H.264, m4v, mp4 and mov video codecs support.
iPod:
Supports H.264, m4v, mp4 and mov video codecs.
Device audio: WMA, MP3 and AAC.
Device video: WMV.
iPod:
Device audio: MP3, AAC, AIFF, WAV, Apple Lossless and Audible (audiobook)
Device video: H.264, m4v, mp4, and mov.
Both devices have a video bookmarking feature.
Device provides video bookmarking feature.
iPod:
Device provides video bookmarking feature.
Zune outputs a lower resolution of video to TV (iPod, 4x higher).
Outputs 320x240 video to TV
iPod:
Outputs 640x480 video to TV.
Viewing Photos:
Zune allows photo zooming.
Allows photo zooming.
iPod:
Does not allow photo zooming.
Zune device only handles 640x480 JPEG photos (iPod, 720x480).
Handles 640x480 JPEG images only.
iPod:
Stores photos at 720x480 in a proprietary format.
Mac: Handles JPG, JPEG, TIFF, PICT, GIF, PNG, JPG2000 or JP2, PSD, SGI, and BMP
Win: Handles JPG , JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIF, TIFF, PSD, SGI, and PNG
Zune does not sync full-resolution photos.
Resizes all photos to 640x480. Photo sharing takes place at 640x480.
iPod:
Resizes all photos to 720x480 for display on TV. Allows for syncing of same photos in full size and quality to iPod hard disk mode for transfer. Photo sharing takes place at the full resolution of the photo.
Zune does not provide for specific music during slideshows.
Only plays current tracks while viewing slideshow. FM Radio disabled.
iPod:
Allows selecting music. User can choose from any playlist, Now Playing, Off, or From iPhoto (only useful to Mac owners).
Zune has one slideshow transition, fade (iPod, 11).
Only one slideshow transition.
iPod:
Eleven transitions; setting include: Off, Random, Push across, Push down, Wipe across, Wipe down, and Wipe from center.
Battery:
Both devices have integrated, non-user changeable batteries.
Battery is integrated and non-user changeable; replacement price not known.
iPod:
Battery is integrated and non-user changeable; replacement $59.
Zune audio playback is 16 hours shorter.
Music: Up to 14 hours (wireless off)
Music: Up to 13 hours (wireless on)
Video: Up to 4 hours
iPod (5.5G results):
Music: Up to 30 hours
Video: Up to 5 hours.
Zune actual battery life is shorter than stated.
New York Times:
Music playback without wireless: 12:18.
Music playback with wireless: 10:12.
iPod (5.5G results):
New York Times
Music playback: 14:44.
Playlist Magazine:
Music: 15:26
Photo slideshow with music:4:34
Video: 3:51
CNet:
Music: 14.7
Video: Not tested with firmware update.
Zune recharges battery faster.
Charge Time: 3 hours; 2 hours to 90%
iPod:
Charge Time: 4 hours; 2 hours to 80%
Wireless:
Zune includes built-in WiFi.
Includes built-in: 802.11b/g WiFi
iPod:
Does not have WiFi capabilities.
Zune WiFi decreases battery life when active.
Zune Wifi uses significant battery when transferring.
Zune does not include any parental control for WiFi.
A child can receive explicit music through Zune WiFi from friends or any Zune owner. Also, anyone with a Zune can offer to send a child explicit photos, the child can then share those photos with other minors. The WiFi has no lock and when turned off can be turned back on without parental permission.
Both lack the most desired WiFi features.
Does not include popularly desired WiFi features.
iPod:
Does not include popularly desired WiFi features.
Sharing Media:
Zune can share media between devices.
Zune shared music is limited to 3 plays in 3 days.
Zune sharing may not be available for all songs.
Zune can not send the same song to the same Zune twice.
Zune cannot re-send music received via sharing.
Zune cannot share video.
Zune device does not identify unsharable songs.
Managing Media:
Zune allows song flagging for later reference.
Allows media flagging.
iPod:
No flagging feature.
Zune provides for reverse-syncing of all files (iPod, only purchased).
Allows reverse syncing of all media on Zune.
iPod:
Allows reverse syncing of all purchased content.
Both software applications provide for smart playlists.
Allows creation of smart playlists.
iPod:
Allows creation of smart playlists.
Zune does not sync quick (on-the-go) playlist back to PC.
Cannot sync playlist created on device back to Zune. Once quick playlist is cleared the playlist is gone.
iPod:
Allows syncing of all playlists which were created on the iPod device back to the iTunes software where they can be renamed and preserved.
Zune only provides for one "quick" or "on-the-go" mobile playlist.
Allows creation of one quick playlist.
iPod:
Allow creation of unlimited "on-the-go" playlists. Offers option to save playlist and start a new one.
Neither allow deleting music while mobile.
Does not provide a way to delete music from the device without software.
iPod:
Does not provide a way to delete music from the device without software.
Both allow rating music while mobile.
Allows rating of music directly on the device which will be synced back to the software.
iPod:
Allows rating of music directly on the device which will be synced back to the software.
Zune initially syncs all music to device.
Automatically syncs all media to device. Music is given highest priority and remaining space is filled with video and photos.
iPod:
Device does not sync until the user has determined which content they want to sync.
Both provide free album art for personal music.
Software will automatically search the music store for album art.
iPod:
Software will automatically search the music store for album art.
Zune device does not group compilations together.
Does not provide an option to group compilations together.
iPod:
Provides an option to sort by compilation.
Buying Media:
Zune Marketplace requires a 1-way currency conversion.
Requires a currency conversion which is compatible only with Microsoft services. Microsoft Points currency has no external value and cannot be converted back to any other currency.
iTunes Store:
Uses the currency of the respective iTunes Store's country.
Zune Marketplace shares points with XBox live.
Uses Microsoft points which are compatible with XBox Live.
iTunes Store:
Uses the local currency of the respective iTunes Store's country.
Zune Marketplace requires a minimum purchase of $5.Zune Marketplace requires a prepayment of $5 minimum regardless of the number of songs one intends to purchase.
Zune music is more expensive until 80 songs are purchased.When buying individual tracks, each song costs $1 or more until you purchase 80 songs due to the points system.
Video content is not available in the Zune Marketplace.Music Videos, TV shows and movies are not available for sale in the Zune Marketplace
Zune Marketplace does not offer audiobook content.Audiobook (Audible format) content is not available in Zune Marketplace. Audible format allows bookmarking and multi-speed playback on iPod device. Additionally, iPod compatible audiobooks can be purchased directly from audible.com.
Both offer a method to buy media without a credit card.
Requires the use of Microsoft Points. These can be purchased from many retailers.
iPod:
Allows the use of iTunes gift cards available from
Zune Marketplace has over 1 million fewer songs than iTunes.Additional Information Not Yet Entered
Zune marketplace does not identify which music is unsharable.
Zune Marketplace includes non-purchasable music items.Zune Marketplace includes non-purchasable album art and album information for music it doesn't sell. On a negative, this makes the store look like it has more than it really does. However, if this feature adds the album art to your artless music it's better than iTunes which only has album art for music it sells.
Zune Marketplace downloads all songs at 192kbps.Zune Marketplace downloads all songs at 192kbps.
Zune Marketplace does not offer any DRM-free music.All Zune Marketplace msuic contains DRM. EMI music on Apple is available in iTunes Plus at 256kbps and DRM-free.
Zune Marketplace does not offer any music at 256kbps.Zune Marketplace downloads all songs at 192kbps. EMI music on Apple is available in iTunes Plus at 256kbps and DRM-free.
Zune Marketplace album art is low resolution (iTunes, 20x higher).Zune Marketplace album art is very low-resolution, 200x200.
iPod album art is high-resolution, usually 900x900.
Subscription Music.
Zune offers an unlimited music subscription alternative, Zune Pass.Zune offers a subscription music alternative. that iPod does not. Zune Pass is available for $14.99/month. This allows unlimited music for three (3) PCs and two (2) Zune devices. Subscription music cannot be burned to a CD. When you "unsubscribe" all of your subscription music is gone.
Zune Marketplace does not offer all songs through Zune Pass.Additional Information Not Yet Entered
Zune Pass has limited usage rights.
Subscription content can be played on up to three (3) total authorized computers and two (2) authorized Zune devices. Subscription content can not be burned to CD.
Other Media Sources:
Zune Software has no inherent Podcast functionality.
Has no Podcast downloading or management features. Does not allow audio bookmarking.
iPod:
Podcast management built-in.
Neither support Netlibrary or Overdrive services.
These services allow check-out (borrowing) of public library resources such as audiobooks and music. The copyright holders require copyright protection and limited check-out periods. The media is currently in a protected format which neither Zune nor iPod accept.
Overdrive compatible device list
Zune does not support content directly from Audible.com.
Content downloaded from Audible.com is not compatible with Zune. Zune does not feature audio bookmarking nor multi-speed playback.
iPod:
Content downloaded from Audible.com is compatible with iPod. iPod features audio bookmarking and multi-speed playback.
Both can play music from sources such as CD and file sharing.
Imports CD media in 3 formats with variable settings.
iPod:
Import's CD media in 5 formats with variable settings.
Radio:
Zune includes a built-in FM Tuner (iPod, $49).while the iPod includes an external device that doubles as a remote and includes an extra set of earbuds.
Neither can record music from FM.Additional Information Not Yet Entered
Neither receive satellite radio.Additional Information Not Yet Entered
Connectivity:
Zune connects to the XBox via USB.Additional Information Not Yet Entered
Both connect to the PC via USB 2.0.Additional Information Not Yet Entered
Neither connect to the PC via WiFi.Additional Information Not Yet Entered
Both connect to the TV with video out.Additional Information Not Yet Entered
Zune lacks ability to connect to digital camera (iPod, $29).The iPod Camera Connector provides a fast, easy way to transfer images from your digital camera to your iPod with color display or iPod with video. To use with iPod with color display requires iPod photo software v1.1 or later.
Zune cannot act as an external hard drive.Additional Information Not Yet Entered
Zune has less accessories.Zune has about 1000 accessories; iPod has 3000.
Zune has announced no deals for in-flight aircraft connections.Apple announced plans to add iPod connections to several airlines which will allow charging and playing your videos on the seat-back in front of you.
Zune connections are not offered in any vehicles.Additional Information Not Yet Entered
Support:
Both include 1-year warranty.
1-year limited warranty. 1-year phone support.
iPod:
1-year limited warranty. 90-day phone support.
Zune includes 1-year phone support (iPod, 90-day).
1-year phone support.
iPod:
90-day phone support.
Zune does not have 160 locations for free hands-on support.
Microsoft does not have stores with Microsoft employees to provide hands-on device or software support.
iPod:
Apple has 160 stores worldwide with trained Apple employees to provide users with hands-on device and software support.
Both have upgradeable firmware.Microsoft claims that the Zune will grow with you. There are two major physical attributes that will improve in the next year, screen resolution and faster WiFi. These are also two attributes that cannot be upgraded via firmware. Also note, that while Apple decides to add features to its new iPods without adding the same features to old iPods (screen lock, music library syncing, etc.) They can add those features at anytime. The iPod is firmware based and as an example Apple has already said they can make every previous iPod play subscription music if they decide to release that option.
Features:
Zune device does not display song lyrics.
Device does not display lyrics.
iPod:
Device displays lyrics of current song if added. Apple Docs
Zune does not offer a passcode protected volume lock.Additional Information Not Yet Entered
Zune does not include pre-loaded games.
Included Games: None.
iPod:
Included Games: Brick, Music Quiz, Parachute, Solitare.
Zune Marketplace does not offer high-quality games.
Zune does not offer purchasable games.
iPod:
iTunes Store, $4.99 games: Vortex, Tetris, Pac-Man, Cubis 2, Zuma, Texas Hold'em, Mini Golf, Mahjong and Bejeweled.
Zune does not include personal information management tools.
Zune does feature personal management applications.
iPod:
Includes a calender, an address book and notes that sync with PC software.
Zune does not include a clock, alarm, sleep timer or a stopwatch.
Zune does not display the time or feature other time functions.
iPod:
Display's the time and includes a sleep timer, an alarm clock, a stopwatch, and a world clock.
Zune does not feature a passcode protected screen lock.
Zune does not include a passcode protected screen lock.
iPod:
Features a passcode protected screen lock.
Zune features pre-loaded media.Media is included on the Zune. Of course, the value depends on individual tastes. Either way, you can't copy it back to your PC, so don't delete it.
Zune Software does not print CD covers.
Does not print CD inserts.
iTunes:
Prints a variety of CD cover inserts.
Zune does not include recording capabilities.Additional Information Not Yet Entered
This is the Microsoft Zune review for those wanting to compare Zune vs iPod. It should answer most of the Zune FAQ. The comparison covers the new Microsoft Digital Music Platform to the established Apple Digital Music Platform. The intent is to present differences of Zune based solely on factual information while covering each platform's strengths and weaknesses. For our purpose, platform will include the hardware, software and business model. The Microsoft Digital Music Platform will be referenced as Zune and the Apple Digital Music Platform will be referenced as iPod.
Each item is a fact; it is the readers responsibility to determine if a point matters to them. Example 1: Zune lacks a lossless music format, iPod supports lossless music. Zune lacking lossless support is a fact; whether lossless support is important is subjective. Example 2: Zune offers pre-loaded media content; iPod does not. Zune's addition of pre-loaded media is a fact; whether it is useful is subjective.
The feature analysis on this iPod and Zune comparison is based on the market's reception to each specification listed below.
Legend:
Zune excels in this area. Zune adds a feature over iPod. Zune is comparable to iPod in this area. Zune is inferior in this area. Zune lacks a feature of iPod. Limitation of a Zune feature that iPod lacks.Platform:
Both are proprietary, closed platforms.Platform Components
Zune:Zune Software and the Zune Marketplace
iPod:
iTunes and the iTunes Store
Additional Details
Both iPod and Zune are proprietary, closed platforms. This is also called vertical integration, in which the online store, jukebox software and portable music device are all developed by one company to ensure seamless compatibility. It also means that because of digital rights management (DRM), purchased music from the online store works only with the respective player. However, the companies could license their hardware, software or DRM at anytime resulting in an open platform. Zune has fewer device models and configurations.Available Models and Configurations
Zune:Zune 30GB: $249 (Black, White, Brown, Red and Pink)
iPod:
iPod 80GB: $249 (Black (Charcoal) or Silver)
iPod 160GB: $349 Black (Charcoal) or Silver)
iPod Nano 4GB: $149 (Silver)
iPod Nano 8GB: $199 (Silver, Green, Blue, Black or Product Red)
iPod Shuffle 1GB: $79 (Silver, Green, Blue, Purple or Product Red)
Zune's 30GB model costs less than Apple's lowest model (80GB).Pricing
Zune:Device: $199.99
Songs: 79 Microsoft Points ($0.99 each)
Albums: Varies
Subscription: 14.99/month
iPod:
Device: $249
Songs: $0.99 each
Albums: Varies
Subscription: N/A
Zune is only available in the US.Availability
Zune:Device is only available in the United States.
Zune Marketplace is only available in the United States.
iPod:
Device is available worldwide.
iTunes Store is available in 21 countries.
Zune software is only available for PC.Software Compatibility
Zune:Software is only available for Windows PC.
iPod:
Software is only available for Windows PC and Mac.
In the Box:
Zune includes required software on CD.Included Software
Zune:Software is included in the box and is available online.
iPod (30GB):
Software is only available online.
Neither include an AC adapter.AC Adapter
Zune:AC adapter is available for $29.99
iPod:
AC adapter is available for $29.99
Both include earbuds, case and sync cable.Other in the Box
Zune:Earbuds, case and sync cable.
iPod:
Earbuds, case and sync cable.
Physical:
Zune is 40% larger to grip and 17% heavier.Size and Weight
Zune:Height: 4.4 inches
Width: 2.4 inches
Depth: 0.6 inch
Weight: 5.6 ounces
iPod (80GB):
Height: 4.1 inches
Width: 2.4 inches
Depth: 0.41 inch
Weight: 4.9 ounces
Zune body is more resistant to scratches and fingerprints.Body Materials
Zune:Body appears to be a rubberized plastic with a matte finish.
iPod:
Front is scratch resistant metal. Back is shiny metallic.
Both have a mechanism for preventing earbud entanglement.Earbud Entanglement
Zune:One earbud is magnetic which allows the earbuds to connect.
iPod:
Earbuds have a small plastic sleeve that slides to the earbuds to keep them together.
Zune offers the additional color choices.Color Choice
Zune:Black, White, Brown, Pink and Red.
iPod:
Only Black and White.
Zune has no engraving feature offered by Microsoft.Free Laser Engraving
Zune:Microsoft offers no option for free laser engraving.
iPod:
Apple offers free engraving and warranty coverage will engrave a replacement iPod should the need arise.
Screen:
Both have identical screen resolutions, 320x240.Screen Resolution
Zune:320x240 pixels
iPod:
320x240 pixels
Zune offers a .5" (diagonally) larger screen.Screen Size
Zune:3-inch (diagonally)
iPod:
2.5-inch (diagonally)
Zune's larger screen at 320x240 creates a less sharp picture.Dot Pitch
Zune:134 pixels per inch (approximately*)
iPod:
163 pixels per inch (stated)
Additional Information
A larger screen at the same resolution indisputably creates greater pixel distances and therefore a less sharp picture. User perception may vary. Observe the width of the black grid dividing the pixels.Pixels per inch is a measure of Pixel density, smaller is better.
*Microsoft does not state the pixel er inch of Zune's screen. However, pixels per inch is a physical property which can be calculated by screen size (inches diagonally) and resolution. LCD screens are manufactured in a limited selection of dot pitches. The calculator figures the Zune at 133.33 pixels per inch. There are LCD screens are manufactured at 0.19mm.
Dot Pitch on Wikipedia
Zune screen works in portrait or landscape mode.Screen Orientation
Zune:Primary orientation: Portrait
Portrait mode for using interface and browsing media.
Landscape mode for watching video and viewing photos.
iPod:
Orientation: Landscape
Zune screen cannot be viewed without backlight.Screen Type
Zune:TFT LCD screen cannot be viewed without backlight.
iPod:
Transflective LCD screen is visible without backlight.
Additional Information
Transflective LCD at Wikipedia Neither are widescreen.Aspect Ratio
Zune:3:4 - Portrait oriented
iPod:
4:3 - Landscape oriented
Additional Information
Widescreen is 16:9 ratio.Device User Interface:
Both offer effective navigation control. Zune "Twist Interface" reduces navigation when browsing media.Twist Interface
Zune:Left and right can be used to switch between album, artist, song with less clicks.
iPod:
Reuqires backing out possibly 3 menu levels to switch artists, albums, etc.
Zune lacks the variable speed scrolling of click wheel.Scrolling Through Media
Zune:The directional pad increases speed the longer it is held. However, it is not variable. Because of the fixed speed increase, a user cannot browse through thousands of songs without pressing the control hundreds to thousands of times. The scrolling speeds up to an non-viewable rate after about 20 songs.
iPod:
The touch sensitive click wheel works like a dial, the faster or slower you move your finger, the faster or slower you scroll. The click wheel can move through a list of 10,000 songs much faster and with better speed control than the Zune. The variable speed allows the user to browse thousands of song titles at a rate comfortable to them.
Zune allows customized background and themes.Device Background Image
Zune:Any photo in the photo album can be set as a system background.
iPod:
No option other than white background.
Both provide alphanumeric position indicator while scrolling.Alphabet Position Indicator
Zune:Available on Zune device.
iPod:
Available on most recent devices (2G Nano and 5G iPod).
Additional Information
When scrolling through media a small letter appears to identify location.G = Generation
Zune implements a loop-style navigation when browsing.Circular Browsing
Zune:When Zune reaches the top or bottom of the media list, it wraps around to the other end creating a loop for browsing media.
iPod:
When iPod reaches the top or bottom of the media list, it stops. The user must scroll all the way to the other end.
About this Feature
Circular browsing allows the user to quickly reach the end of the alphabet by initially scrolling up. When at the bottom of a media list, a user can continue scrolling down to return to the top of the list.
Zune requires an extra user action to play a song.Selecting a Song
Zune:After selecting a song, the user must press the center button again to choose play. Two options exist, Add to Quicklist and Play Song. Play Song is default.
iPod:
Selecting a song automatically plays that song. Holding the select button adds the song to the current on-the-go playlist.
Zune does not remember last menu position. Both display thumbnail album art while browsing albums.Album Art Thumbnails
Zune:Lists 6.5 albums with thumbnail album art.
iPod:
Lists ?? albums with thumbnail album art.
Zune displays edge to edge album art when playing.Large Album Art
Zune:Displays edge to edge album art.
iPod:
Displays small album art.
Zune displays 10 songs on non-album screens (iPod, 7).Lines Per Screen
Zune:List 10 items per screen (6.5 on albums) because of portrait screen orientation.
iPod:
List 7 items per screen because of landscape screen orientation.
Zune device does not provide text search for music.Song Searches
Zune:No method of finding songs via search.
iPod:
Provides a letter entry method to search for songs on (2G+ Nano and 5G+ iPod).
G = Generation
Zune UI displays on TV when connected via video out.UI During TV Out
Zune:User interface displayed on TV, Zune screen blank.
iPod:
User interface only displayed on device.
Both allow for adjustable backlight timers.Backlight Timer
Zune:Allowed; Settings are: 1, 5, 15, 30 seconds, 1 minute and Always On.
iPod:
Allowed; Settings are: Off, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20 seconds and Always On.
Additional Information
Decreasing the amount of time the backlight is on after operations will increase battery life. Both allow for adjusting of backlight brightness.Backlight Brightness
Zune:Allowed; Settings include: Low, Medium, High.
iPod:
Allowed; Setting is variable to 100 positions.
Additional Information
Lowering screen brightness will increase battery life. Zune allows adjusting shuffle setting in 2 clicks(iPod, 4).Shuffle and Repeat
Zune:Clicking center button while on play screen, then selecting shuffle allows changing of shuffle setting. Same for repeat.
iPod:
Clicking center button three times allows changing of shuffle setting.
Zune does not provide for customized Main Menu items. Neither allow changing volume while browsing media.Dedicated Volume
Zune:Up and down on the device controls are used for navigating the list items, preventing them from adjusting the volume while browsing media.
iPod:
Scrolling the click-wheel navigates the menu items, preventing it from adjusting volume while browsing media.
Zune does not allow skip forward/reverse while browsing media.Dedicated Forward/Reverse
Zune:The left and right buttons of the device controls scroll through a top menu bar thereby losing skip/fast forward/reverse functions while browsing media.
iPod:
The left and right buttons of the click-wheel are dedicated skip/fast forward/reverse while browsing media.
Both allow play/pause while browsing media.Dedicated Play/Pause
Zune:Has a separate button dedicated to play/pause.
iPod:
The lower button of the click-wheel is dedicated to play/pause.
Playing Audio:
Both devices have excellent sound quality.Sound Quality
No concrete technical data is available for sound comparison. Sound quality is roughly identical when playing lossy codecs. However, iPod plays a lossless music format, which Zune device does not. Sound quality is very subjective. Zune adds WMA support, Microsoft's proprietary codec.Additional Codecs
Zune:Supports the WMA music codec.
iPod:
Does not support WMA music codecs.
Supported Codecs
Zune:Device audio: WMA, MP3 and AAC.
Device video: WMV.
iPod:
Device audio: MP3, AAC, AIFF, WAV, Apple Lossless and Audible (audiobook)
Device video: H.264, m4v, mp4, and mov.
Additional Information
Zune will transcode H.264 and mp4 to wmv during import.Windows Media Audio on Wikipedia
Zune lacks AIFF, WAV and Audible (audiobook) support.Missing Codecs
Zune:Device does not support AIFF, WAV nor Audible (audiobook) file formats.
iPod:
Supports AIFF, WAV and Audible (audiobook) file formats.
Officially Supported Codecs
Zune:Device audio: WMA, MP3 and AAC.
Device video: WMV.
iPod:
Device audio: MP3, AAC, AIFF, WAV, Apple Lossless and Audible (audiobook)
Device video: H.264, m4v, mp4, and mov.
Additional Information
Zune will transcode H.264 and mp4 to wmv during import. Zune device lacks a lossless music format.Lossless Codec
Zune:Device does not support lossless playback.
Zune Software supports WMA Lossless.
iPod:
Device supports Apple Lossless.
iTunes supports Apple Lossless.
Additional Details
According to Zune.net, "when synchronizing WMA Lossless music, the audio is automatically converted to the WMA Standard format."Apple Lossless on Wikipedia
Windows Media Audio (including lossless) on Wikipedia
Zune device does not offer gapless playback.Gapless Playback
Zune:Zune device does not support gapless playback.
iPod:
iPod supports gapless playback on Video iPods and 2nd Generation iPod Nanos.
Additional Details
Most albums (CDs) are encoded with a 1-2 second gap in between tracks. Gapless playback allows a seamless transition between tracks on albums. This is most common on live and classical albums. Some artists such as Pink Floyd create seamless musical experiences which require gapless playback to reproduce accurately.Gapless Playback on Wikipedia
Zune device does not offer volume normalization.Volume Normalization
Zune:Zune device lacks volume normalization.
iPod:
iPod and iTunes support volume normalization via Sound Check.
Additional Details
Most albums (CDs) are are mastered differently. Due to this, you may notice discrepancies in volume between songs on different albums. When this occurs, the user must change the volume on the device to maintain a constant volume level. Volume normalization will reduce the battery playback time.Sound Check on Apple.com
Zune device does not have an audio bookmarking feature.Audio Bookmarking
Zune:Device has no audio bookmarking feature.
iPod:
Device allows bookmarking. Any song can be marked to save position if desired via iTunes.
Additional Details
Bookmarking is a method in which the digital player keeps track of playback position in a track. This allows the user to change tracks and later return to the previous track at the last played position. This is useful for audio books, podcasts, video and any other media which may not be completed in one sitting. Zune does not have adjustable speed settings for audiobooks.Playback Speed Settings
Zune:Does not include playback speed settings.
iPod:
Includes speed setting for audio specified as Audiobooks. Settings: Slower, Normal, Faster.
Zune cannot repeat a single song, only current list.Repeat Options
Zune:Repeat is either on or off. On repeats the entire selection whether it be artist, album, playlist, etc.
iPod:
Repeat options include one, all, off. One repeats the same song until shuffle settings are changed. All repeats the entire selection whether it be artist, album, playlist, etc.
Zune cannot shuffle by album, only individual track.Shuffle Options
Zune:Shuffle is either on or off, this randomizes songs.
iPod:
Shuffle options include album, song and off. Albums keeps the entire album together while randomly choosing albums. Song randomizes all songs.
Neither device supports the most requested music codecs.Popularly Requested Codecs
Zune:Does not support the Ogg Vorbis nor FLAC codec.
iPod:
Does not support the Ogg Vorbis nor FLAC codec.
Additional Details
The two most requested music codecs are Ogg Vorbis and FLAC; both are open source codecs. Neither solves the DRM complaints of consumers.Digital Right Management
Zune:Uses DRM to limit purchased and subscription media.
Uses DRM to limit WiFi-shared music to 3 days/3 plays.
iPod:
Uses DRM to limit purchased media. iPod does not offer subscription media.
iPod does not feature WiFi music sharing.
Additional Details
DRM or Digital Rights Management limits your use of music files. DRM is the main factor that determines which devices, software and stores work together. Apple has refused to license their DRM called FairPlay. Microsoft claimed to free consumers from limitations with their PlaysForSure DRM. However, on November 14, 2006 Microsoft closed their PlaysForSure based music store and opened a proprietary store, Zune Marketplace, using propritary DRM. DRM is a highly debated subject. Many will agree that as long as DRM'd media can be burned to CD it is equivalent to purchasing a CD. Neither are compatible with PlaysForSure.PlaysForSure Compatibility
Zune:Does not support PlaysForSure hardware or software.
iPod:
Does not support PlaysForSure hardware or software.
Additional Details
Microsoft owns both the Zune and PlaysForSure DRM platforms. However, Zune is not compatible with music stores using Microsoft's PlaysForSure DRM (MSN Music Store, Yahoo Music, Urge, etc). PlaysForSure devices (Toshiba Gigabeat, iRiver, Creative Labs: Zen, etc.) are not compatible with the Zune Marketplace.Apple has one DRM platform, FairPlay, which has been compatible with every iPod.
Both have identical usage rights for purchased content.Usage Rights
Zune:Purchased content can be played on up to five (5) total authorized computers. A single playlist can be burned seven (7) times.
iPod:
Purchased content can be played on up to five (5) total authorized computers. A single playlist can be burned seven (7) times.
Both require proprietary software.Proprietary Jukebox
Zune:Requires Zune Software.
iPod:
Requires iTunes.
Additional Information
Microsoft has two unique jukebox solutions, Windows Media Player and Zune Software. You cannot use Windows Media Player to load the Zune with music.Apple uses iTunes to manage music and iPods.
Both pause playback when headphones are unplugged.Headphone Jack Pausing
Zune:Pauses music and video when headphones unplugged.
iPod:
Pauses music and video when headphones unplugged.
Zune has 17 fewer EQ settings (Zune, 7; iPod, 24).Equalizer Presets
Zune:Presets include: Acoustic, Classical, Electronica, Hip-hop, Jazz, Pop and Rock.
iPod:
Presets include: Off, Acoustic, Bass Booster, Bass Reducer, Classical, Dance, Deep, Electronic, Flat, Hip Hop, Jazz, Latin, Loudness, Lounge, Piano, Pop, R & B, Rock, Small Speakers, Spoken Word, Treble Booster, Treble Reducer and Vocal Booster.
Additional Information
Neither provide a customizable frequency-band based EQ.Playing Video:
Zune device lacks H.264, m4v and mov support.Missing Codecs
Zune:Device lacks H.264, m4v, mp4 and mov video codecs support.
iPod:
Supports H.264, m4v, mp4 and mov video codecs.
Officially Supported Codecs
Zune:Device audio: WMA, MP3 and AAC.
Device video: WMV.
iPod:
Device audio: MP3, AAC, AIFF, WAV, Apple Lossless and Audible (audiobook)
Device video: H.264, m4v, mp4, and mov.
Additional Information
Zune will transcode H.264 and MPEG-4 to wmv during import. Both devices have a video bookmarking feature.Video Bookmarking
Zune:Device provides video bookmarking feature.
iPod:
Device provides video bookmarking feature.
Additional Details
Bookmarking is a method in which the digital player keeps track of playback position in a track. This allows the user to change tracks and later return to the previous track at the last played position. This is useful for audio books, podcasts, video and any other media which may not be completed in one sitting. Zune outputs a lower resolution of video to TV (iPod, 4x higher).TV Output
Zune:Outputs 320x240 video to TV
iPod:
Outputs 640x480 video to TV.
Additional Information
Though both have the same screen resolution, when output to TV iPod video is four times higher resolution than Zune video. The iPod downsizes it's higher resolution video to play on the 320x240 iPod screen.Picture Explanation
Viewing Photos:
Zune allows photo zooming.Photo Zooming
Zune:Allows photo zooming.
iPod:
Does not allow photo zooming.
Zune device only handles 640x480 JPEG photos (iPod, 720x480).Photo Storage
Zune:Handles 640x480 JPEG images only.
iPod:
Stores photos at 720x480 in a proprietary format.
Mac: Handles JPG, JPEG, TIFF, PICT, GIF, PNG, JPG2000 or JP2, PSD, SGI, and BMP
Win: Handles JPG , JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIF, TIFF, PSD, SGI, and PNG
Additional Information
iTunes also provides the option when syncing to copy all synced photos at full resolution onto the hard drive portion of the device for storage. Zune does not sync full-resolution photos.Photo Syncing
Zune:Resizes all photos to 640x480. Photo sharing takes place at 640x480.
iPod:
Resizes all photos to 720x480 for display on TV. Allows for syncing of same photos in full size and quality to iPod hard disk mode for transfer. Photo sharing takes place at the full resolution of the photo.
Zune does not provide for specific music during slideshows.Slideshow Music
Zune:Only plays current tracks while viewing slideshow. FM Radio disabled.
iPod:
Allows selecting music. User can choose from any playlist, Now Playing, Off, or From iPhoto (only useful to Mac owners).
Zune has one slideshow transition, fade (iPod, 11).Slideshow Transitions
Zune:Only one slideshow transition.
iPod:
Eleven transitions; setting include: Off, Random, Push across, Push down, Wipe across, Wipe down, and Wipe from center.
Battery:
Both devices have integrated, non-user changeable batteries.Integrated Battery
Zune:Battery is integrated and non-user changeable; replacement price not known.
iPod:
Battery is integrated and non-user changeable; replacement $59.
Zune audio playback is 16 hours shorter.Audio Playback
Zune:Music: Up to 14 hours (wireless off)
Music: Up to 13 hours (wireless on)
Video: Up to 4 hours
iPod (5.5G results):
Music: Up to 30 hours
Video: Up to 5 hours.
Zune actual battery life is shorter than stated.Real World Testing
Zune:New York Times:
Music playback without wireless: 12:18.
Music playback with wireless: 10:12.
iPod (5.5G results):
New York Times
Music playback: 14:44.
Playlist Magazine:
Music: 15:26
Photo slideshow with music:4:34
Video: 3:51
CNet:
Music: 14.7
Video: Not tested with firmware update.
Additional Information
Battery test are usually done under perfect conditions. This includes no device interaction, no equalizer, optimum external temperature, repeating of a small file to reduce hard drive access, etc. Zune seems to fall at or below stated battery life during use. iPod exceeds stated battery life during use. Zune recharges battery faster.Battery Charging
Zune:Charge Time: 3 hours; 2 hours to 90%
iPod:
Charge Time: 4 hours; 2 hours to 80%
Wireless:
Zune includes built-in WiFi.WiFi Capabilties
Zune:Includes built-in: 802.11b/g WiFi
iPod:
Does not have WiFi capabilities.
Zune WiFi decreases battery life when active.Decreased Battery Life with WiFi
Idle WiFi reduces the stated Zune battery life from 14 hours to 13 hours. Zune Wifi uses significant battery when transferring.Significant Battery Use When Transferring
"The amount of files that you send or receive has a significant effect on the time that a battery charge lasts. If you send or receive many files, you may have to charge your Zune device more frequently." - Microsoft Knowledge Base Zune does not include any parental control for WiFi.Parental Control
Zune does not include any parental control on WiFi.A child can receive explicit music through Zune WiFi from friends or any Zune owner. Also, anyone with a Zune can offer to send a child explicit photos, the child can then share those photos with other minors. The WiFi has no lock and when turned off can be turned back on without parental permission.
Both lack the most desired WiFi features.Desired WiFi Features
Zune:Does not include popularly desired WiFi features.
iPod:
Does not include popularly desired WiFi features.
Additional Information
Several features sparked the initial WiFi desire. These include wireless syncing to PC, wireless purchasing of media and DJing (broadcasting) to multiple devices.Sharing Media:
Zune can share media between devices. Zune shared music is limited to 3 plays in 3 days. Zune sharing may not be available for all songs. Zune can not send the same song to the same Zune twice.One Time Sharing Per Zune
A song can be shared to a particular Zune one time. Zune cannot re-send music received via sharing.Non-Viral Sharing
Music received via Zune-to-Zune sharing cannot be re-sent to another Zune. Zune cannot share video. Zune device does not identify unsharable songs.Managing Media:
Zune allows song flagging for later reference.Media Flagging
Zune:Allows media flagging.
iPod:
No flagging feature.
Zune provides for reverse-syncing of all files (iPod, only purchased).Reverse Syncing
Zune:Allows reverse syncing of all media on Zune.
iPod:
Allows reverse syncing of all purchased content.
Both software applications provide for smart playlists.Smart Playlists
Zune:Allows creation of smart playlists.
iPod:
Allows creation of smart playlists.
Zune does not sync quick (on-the-go) playlist back to PC.Quick Playlist Syncing
Zune:Cannot sync playlist created on device back to Zune. Once quick playlist is cleared the playlist is gone.
iPod:
Allows syncing of all playlists which were created on the iPod device back to the iTunes software where they can be renamed and preserved.
Zune only provides for one "quick" or "on-the-go" mobile playlist.Quick Playlist
Zune:Allows creation of one quick playlist.
iPod:
Allow creation of unlimited "on-the-go" playlists. Offers option to save playlist and start a new one.
Neither allow deleting music while mobile.On Device Deleting
Zune:Does not provide a way to delete music from the device without software.
iPod:
Does not provide a way to delete music from the device without software.
Both allow rating music while mobile.Mobile Music Rating
Zune:Allows rating of music directly on the device which will be synced back to the software.
iPod:
Allows rating of music directly on the device which will be synced back to the software.
Zune initially syncs all music to device.Automatic Syncing
Zune:Automatically syncs all media to device. Music is given highest priority and remaining space is filled with video and photos.
iPod:
Device does not sync until the user has determined which content they want to sync.
Both provide free album art for personal music.Free Album Art
Zune:Software will automatically search the music store for album art.
iPod:
Software will automatically search the music store for album art.
Zune device does not group compilations together.Music Compilations
Zune:Does not provide an option to group compilations together.
iPod:
Provides an option to sort by compilation.
Buying Media:
Zune Marketplace requires a 1-way currency conversion.Currency Conversion
Zune Marketplace:Requires a currency conversion which is compatible only with Microsoft services. Microsoft Points currency has no external value and cannot be converted back to any other currency.
iTunes Store:
Uses the currency of the respective iTunes Store's country.
Zune Marketplace shares points with XBox live.Microsoft Points Compatibility
Zune Marketplace:Uses Microsoft points which are compatible with XBox Live.
iTunes Store:
Uses the local currency of the respective iTunes Store's country.
A Benefit?
Microsoft Points are often cited as a benefit because they are compatible with the XBox Live Marketplace. Had Microsoft created user accounts and used local currencies, the credit could still be used in multiple stores. The difference is pre-buying credits wouldn't have made sense with local currency. When a company creates a new currency, forces you to pre-buy this currency that has no dollar value and then makes their currency compatible with only their stores, is this a benefit? Conversion creates obfuscation in every country because there is no 1 to 1 conversion. In the US Zune Marketplace 79 MS points equal $1.00 USD. A common album price in the Zune Marketplace is 1,185 credits. How much will this album cost? Zune Marketplace requires a minimum purchase of $5.Zune Marketplace requires a prepayment of $5 minimum regardless of the number of songs one intends to purchase. Zune music is more expensive until 80 songs are purchased.When buying individual tracks, each song costs $1 or more until you purchase 80 songs due to the points system. Video content is not available in the Zune Marketplace.Music Videos, TV shows and movies are not available for sale in the Zune Marketplace Zune Marketplace does not offer audiobook content.Audiobook (Audible format) content is not available in Zune Marketplace. Audible format allows bookmarking and multi-speed playback on iPod device. Additionally, iPod compatible audiobooks can be purchased directly from audible.com. Both offer a method to buy media without a credit card.Purchase without Credit Card
Zune:Requires the use of Microsoft Points. These can be purchased from many retailers.
iPod:
Allows the use of iTunes gift cards available from
Additional Information
Zune Marketplace has over 1 million fewer songs than iTunes.Additional Information Not Yet Entered Zune marketplace does not identify which music is unsharable. Zune Marketplace includes non-purchasable music items.Zune Marketplace includes non-purchasable album art and album information for music it doesn't sell. On a negative, this makes the store look like it has more than it really does. However, if this feature adds the album art to your artless music it's better than iTunes which only has album art for music it sells. Zune Marketplace downloads all songs at 192kbps.Zune Marketplace downloads all songs at 192kbps. Zune Marketplace does not offer any DRM-free music.All Zune Marketplace msuic contains DRM. EMI music on Apple is available in iTunes Plus at 256kbps and DRM-free. Zune Marketplace does not offer any music at 256kbps.Zune Marketplace downloads all songs at 192kbps. EMI music on Apple is available in iTunes Plus at 256kbps and DRM-free. Zune Marketplace album art is low resolution (iTunes, 20x higher).Zune Marketplace album art is very low-resolution, 200x200.iPod album art is high-resolution, usually 900x900.
Subscription Music.
Zune offers an unlimited music subscription alternative, Zune Pass.Zune offers a subscription music alternative. that iPod does not. Zune Pass is available for $14.99/month. This allows unlimited music for three (3) PCs and two (2) Zune devices. Subscription music cannot be burned to a CD. When you "unsubscribe" all of your subscription music is gone. Zune Marketplace does not offer all songs through Zune Pass.Additional Information Not Yet Entered Zune Pass has limited usage rights.Zune Pass Usage Rights
Zune:Subscription content can be played on up to three (3) total authorized computers and two (2) authorized Zune devices. Subscription content can not be burned to CD.
Other Media Sources:
Zune Software has no inherent Podcast functionality.Podcast Ability
Zune:Has no Podcast downloading or management features. Does not allow audio bookmarking.
iPod:
Podcast management built-in.
Neither support Netlibrary or Overdrive services.Public Library Services
These services allow check-out (borrowing) of public library resources such as audiobooks and music. The copyright holders require copyright protection and limited check-out periods. The media is currently in a protected format which neither Zune nor iPod accept.
Overdrive compatible device list
Zune does not support content directly from Audible.com.Audible.com
Zune:Content downloaded from Audible.com is not compatible with Zune. Zune does not feature audio bookmarking nor multi-speed playback.
iPod:
Content downloaded from Audible.com is compatible with iPod. iPod features audio bookmarking and multi-speed playback.
Both can play music from sources such as CD and file sharing.Media Sources
Zune:Imports CD media in 3 formats with variable settings.
iPod:
Import's CD media in 5 formats with variable settings.
Radio:
Zune includes a built-in FM Tuner (iPod, $49).while the iPod includes an external device that doubles as a remote and includes an extra set of earbuds. Neither can record music from FM.Additional Information Not Yet Entered Neither receive satellite radio.Additional Information Not Yet EnteredConnectivity:
Zune connects to the XBox via USB.Additional Information Not Yet Entered Both connect to the PC via USB 2.0.Additional Information Not Yet Entered Neither connect to the PC via WiFi.Additional Information Not Yet Entered Both connect to the TV with video out.Additional Information Not Yet Entered Zune lacks ability to connect to digital camera (iPod, $29).The iPod Camera Connector provides a fast, easy way to transfer images from your digital camera to your iPod with color display or iPod with video. To use with iPod with color display requires iPod photo software v1.1 or later. Zune cannot act as an external hard drive.Additional Information Not Yet Entered Zune has less accessories.Zune has about 1000 accessories; iPod has 3000. Zune has announced no deals for in-flight aircraft connections.Apple announced plans to add iPod connections to several airlines which will allow charging and playing your videos on the seat-back in front of you. Zune connections are not offered in any vehicles.Additional Information Not Yet EnteredSupport:
Both include 1-year warranty.Warranty Information
Zune:1-year limited warranty. 1-year phone support.
iPod:
1-year limited warranty. 90-day phone support.
Zune includes 1-year phone support (iPod, 90-day).Phone Support
Zune:1-year phone support.
iPod:
90-day phone support.
Zune does not have 160 locations for free hands-on support.Hands-On Support
Zune:Microsoft does not have stores with Microsoft employees to provide hands-on device or software support.
iPod:
Apple has 160 stores worldwide with trained Apple employees to provide users with hands-on device and software support.
Both have upgradeable firmware.Microsoft claims that the Zune will grow with you. There are two major physical attributes that will improve in the next year, screen resolution and faster WiFi. These are also two attributes that cannot be upgraded via firmware. Also note, that while Apple decides to add features to its new iPods without adding the same features to old iPods (screen lock, music library syncing, etc.) They can add those features at anytime. The iPod is firmware based and as an example Apple has already said they can make every previous iPod play subscription music if they decide to release that option.Features:
Zune device does not display song lyrics.Viewable Lyrics
Zune:Device does not display lyrics.
iPod:
Device displays lyrics of current song if added. Apple Docs
Zune does not offer a passcode protected volume lock.Additional Information Not Yet Entered Zune does not include pre-loaded games.Pre-loaded Games
Zune:Included Games: None.
iPod:
Included Games: Brick, Music Quiz, Parachute, Solitare.
Zune Marketplace does not offer high-quality games.Purchasable Games
Zune:Zune does not offer purchasable games.
iPod:
iTunes Store, $4.99 games: Vortex, Tetris, Pac-Man, Cubis 2, Zuma, Texas Hold'em, Mini Golf, Mahjong and Bejeweled.
Zune does not include personal information management tools.Personal Information Managment
Zune:Zune does feature personal management applications.
iPod:
Includes a calender, an address book and notes that sync with PC software.
Zune does not include a clock, alarm, sleep timer or a stopwatch.Time Functions
Zune:Zune does not display the time or feature other time functions.
iPod:
Display's the time and includes a sleep timer, an alarm clock, a stopwatch, and a world clock.
Zune does not feature a passcode protected screen lock.Screen Lock
Zune:Zune does not include a passcode protected screen lock.
iPod:
Features a passcode protected screen lock.
Zune features pre-loaded media.Media is included on the Zune. Of course, the value depends on individual tastes. Either way, you can't copy it back to your PC, so don't delete it. Zune Software does not print CD covers.Printing CD Inserts
Zune:Does not print CD inserts.
iTunes:
Prints a variety of CD cover inserts.
Zune does not include recording capabilities.Additional Information Not Yet Entered
Comments and Opinions:
97 showing
I found your "review" on a zune forum and I was hopeful it wasnt another asinine ipod junkie filling the internet with false "facts".
You claim the ipod outputs video to a tv at a resolution 4x higher than the zune.
1280 x 960, isnt achievable with a standard composite output. So unless you installed HD capability and a digital or component video output on your ipod (which is physically impossible), you are totally full of shit.
I love how stupid ipod people are. If you're goin to write a review about the zune, go buy one and try it first.
fool.
Take a deep breath, get your calculator, sit down and STFU.
I thought you were rather rude, even for someone who's a little slow.
Now for your lesson.
Multiply the length by the width to get the total pixel resolution.
320x240 = 76800 total pixels
640x480 = 307200 total pixels
307200/76800 = 4 (four)
640x480 offers 4 times the picture information of 320x240, hence 4x the resolution.
In other words, four 320x240 screens will fit in a 640x480 screen. I can draw you a picture if you'd like. In fact, here it is.
Thank you Palmer,
I couldn't prevent myself from laughing out loud when I saw that 1280x960; especially considering how rude, aggressive, and offensive this guy was..
Don't people have anything better to do than feeding some irrational hatred against Apple? These are probably the same people who maintain that Saddam Hussein organized the horror of 9/11.
Anywho, this review was quite interesting. Is it really true that the Zune cannot play WAV files?
That seems like an insane oversight! Can it play AIFF?
Thank you for the review,
Peter
D'oh.. Sorry, I didnt see that you actually said that it can't play AIFF either...
This is completely insane! How can a $250+ item not play any kind of (standard) lossless format? So I guess the Zune is simply not after the more discriminating listener.
Makes sense.
well almost all of this is software that you gave bad ratings...IT CAN BE FIXED AT ANY POINT!
Great. So call up Microsoft, tell them to fix the software and I'll update the Zune vs iPod facts.
It's not a biased review, it is a factual review and when Zune is better, it will still be here showing that Zune excels in every way.
Until then, the point is NOW and the software ISN"T fixed. Simple, eh.
I think it is a pretty fair breakdown. Some of it seems like it shouldn't be itemized, but it is kind of hard to determine what counts as a seperate feature or not, and comes down to preference. I think it highlights the biggest failings so far, a lack of audiobook support, no lossless.
The only thing I see that is off is the size, how is it 50% larger? I think dimension comparisons work better than volume, because in reality it is just a hair larger than a 5th gen. That makes it sound monsterous
I don't have any idea why they chose no lossless. I would understand it more in a smaller player, but not having any lossless is silly. even if it only supported a single lossless codec it could still transcode the rest. MS has said lossless is coming, but it is still an odd ommission for launch.
The interface is by far the biggest draw(that and the over all screen/design). I am still damn impressed by it.
Jko,
It was hard to determine how far to break down the features. In the end, I decided that if a feature could exist without requiring another feature then it was different. This also allows you, the reader, to determine if something specific exists without assuming I know what you want.
I'm always open to reader comments. I have taken your suggestion and lowered the 50% size to 40%. I took the height out of the equation because it doesn't really affect how a device feels in the hand. The Zune is 40% thicker.
Actually looking at specs you are right, I just forgot how thin the fith gens really are. I don't own one, and it has been a while since I have held one. The 5th gens layout always makes me remember it as being wider, and fatter than it actually is.
Complete and utter drivel written by a technically incompetent person that has obviously never used a zune next to an ipod.
I beg to differ...
Besides, even the fact that I HAVE used iPod and Zune side by side is irrelevant because everything listed is a fact.
Simply disprove anything I've stated on this page and I'll change the list.
I would just like to say that the zune would be 40-50% thicker due to the wi-fi capabilities. And also, acording to Best-buy.com specs on the items, the Zune is able to hold as many video hours as the 80GB ipod. I feel that this should either be changed on best buy, or that u should metion this in your report someware(plz ignore if u did and i just overlooked)
looking from a retailers point of view, the only trading songs for 3 days makes since,or else it would be like downloading songs for free, illegal and immorral.
I would also like to point out how u can use pre orderd points from ur xbox 360 and transfer them to be usalbe for the zune. I'm the same anonymous as the previous two so u can answer them all in one, and not to be rude but i do think u are leaving out alot of the pros of the zune or manipulating words to make the pros into cons, i personaly believe that the wi fi is a seriuos plus, though i can see some of ur points to the matter though. But still, no offense, as i read the report thing, i can't help to feel that it is biased point, but maybe that's just because i'm not a fan of apple. and one more thing, does the Zune offer some way of replacing the battery if it dies short of sending it back? That is what happened to my ipod, and it would have cost me more to send it back to fix it then i spenton the whole damn thing.
Anonymous,
I'm going to disagree on the reason for the 40% increase in size. As you can see from these photos, the WiFi board is relatively small. It has nothing to do with thickness and probably little influence on height.
The main difference in height is likely the vertical orientation of the screen and the board design. Looking at the circuit board of each device, the iPod uses several integrated/hybrid circuits vs the Zune, which uses many discrete components.
The difference in thickness is likely due to Microsoft’s choice to allow the case to fit larger hard drives. Zune's hard drive can be replaced with an 80GB hard drive. Zune uses a hard drive cage to hold the 30GB hard drive in place, adding an 80GB hard drive requires removing the cage – therefore the cage takes up space. Had Microsoft opted to fit the case to the hard drive, as Apple does, they would have a 30GB and 80GB thickness. Instead, they have a thicker device that supports both hard drives and is about as thick as the 80GB iPod.
Microsoft claims 100 hours of music on their product brochure, which is true. However, it's true for both devices. It's a matter of the videos settings and how low you're willing to encode that video. The hours of video difference is based on the specs used for comparison.
Zune video based on "500 kbps WMV files with 128 kbps WMA audio tracks." Limited to 320x240 resolution. Zune.net Footnote #2
iPod video based on "H.264 1.5-Mbps video at 640 by 480 resolution combined with 128-Kbps audio; actual capacity varies by content." apple.com Footnote #4
Truth is, if you encode a movie from source to both MPEG-4 and WMV, you'll get roughly the same file sizes. Since both devices are 30GB and files are about the same size, they would hold the same amount of video. The difference in quoted capacity stems from the fact that Apple sells videos through iTunes at 640x480; a resolution the Zune does not support (max 320x240). Therefore, Apple must base their specs on loading 640x480 videos otherwise they’ll end up with a lawsuit for false claims when people start downloading movies from iTunes. Microsoft is only required to quote 320x240 files sizes, the resolution of Zune's screen and max video capability, to avoid false claims.
In fact, a 720x304 MPEG-4 rip of Pirates of the Caribbean 2 weighs in at 1.19GB. That would be 25 copies of a 2 1/2 hour movie on a 30GB iPod for 60+ hours of video. By the way, the iPod isn't actually limited to 640x480 resolution; it's limited to a certain number of pixels, a little over 300,000. The 720x304 widescreen movie looks amazing on my HDTV vs. being limited to a 320x128 widescreen encode. But, you can just as easily load up your 30GB iPod with 100 hours of 320x240 videos.
The point: all encoding equal, the two 30GB devices can hold 100 hours of video or more with lower encoding.
Looking from any point of view, sharing copyrighted music for 3 plays in 3 days is fair. I'm totally with you. However, a free podcast is under the same limitation, a home recording is limited and worst of all anything recorded under the Creative Commons license, which should never be limited by an external company, is limited. Zune limits ALL audio to 3 plays regardless of lack of copyright and source.
More so, Microsoft is heavily advertising Zune's sharing on TV. Outside of pictures, sharing has many limitations. Mainly, the limited 3 plays are not what most people expect. I list the facts of the Zune for people making a buying decision. To report only that Zune shares songs via WiFi would be misleading. Given the known limitations, I state those for potential buyers as well.
I've considered adding “points compatibility” to the comparison several times. However, you must realize that if Microsoft didn't use points and instead used local currency, then your local currency would be just as compatible across devices. Instead, you are forced to buy MS points. Saying that points are compatible between buying TV Shows, videos, games, music and movies from Microsoft is like saying that US dollars are compatible when buying TV Shows, videos, games, music and movies from Apple. So every time I want to list this fact I have to think, "We'll this would be equal between the two, both have currencies that work across their entire platform. But then Microsoft forces me to prepay, Apple gives me the option and Microsoft forces me to convert currency rates while Apple allows everyone to use their local currency - so which system is better? I say Apple for very clear reasons: optional vs. forced prepay and local currency vs. points requiring a conversion. What's a better deal, $9.99 USD for an album or 1185 Microsoft points? How much is 1185 points in US dollars? Should I have to ask? Every other “money system” I can think of is based on local currency, i.e. 1 Disney dollar = 1 USD.
Microsoft has not announced a battery replacement program. Apple's is $59 and most tech media has estimated Microsoft will follow suit. There are no screws on either device, so replacing the Zune battery yourself will be right along the same lines as iPod. The tutorials are available and batteries can be bought online for Zune or iPod, then replaced by the user.
I’m opened to add anything that is a fact, pro or con, iPod or Zune. When the Zune was released I was interested and I researched it. To save other people the time of researching I compiled all my findings. So if I can improve this list, let me know how. If you don't agree with my take on things feel free to comment or email me - I'll list any fact you provide. Thanks for the comments.
Thank you for explaing the things aobut the 100 hour thing, that was confusing me just a little. For the points thing i was merely trying to say that the Zune may be a batter option if u already have the 360. That also really sucks about Battery. But, u said somthing that interested me, does that mean that u can take out the 30GB hard drive from theZune and replace it with an 80GB? if so then u can replace the hard drive and have double the space for about the same price.Also, how are the Zune players supposed to tell if a song is copyrighted or not? It would need to big of a system added so just to be safe, they blocked all songs. If they only blocked copyrighted songs, what if a song that was copyrighted got through? Then Microsoft would be facing a huge law suit. As the saying go's better to be safe then sorry.
Now a couple questions about the ipod. If yu download somthing off of itunes, from that point on can anyone just put it on there's? And, since i'm a music buff, what i'm really looking for is sound quality. I'm probally going to guess ur going to say ipod, but i've been hearing other people say that the Zune had some amazing sound to it, ecspecialy with blue-tooth in it.
p.s- i'm in ohio so it's 8:30 here, don't think i'm some freak up at midnight jerken off or somthing.
Same Anonymous,
Yes, you can remove the Zune 30GB hard drive and replace it with an 80GB hard drive. First, it would void your warranty. Second, the 80GB hard drive costs $239.99. That would bring the cost of your 80GB Zune to $490, an 80GB iPod is only $349 ($140 less). Even if you sold your 30GB hard drive, they only sell for about $100. That still leaves your 80GB Zune costing $390. So it's neither about the same price nor is it cheaper than a 80GB iPod. If you really want an 80GB Zune, wait until Microsoft releases it. It'll likely cost $350, which will save your money and your warranty.
Identifying copyrighted songs, now there's the big problem. It's a problem Microsoft created for itself. They needed something to make the Zune different and they chose something that the Zune is getting criticized for in reviews. First, very few people are willing to ignore the limitations. 1) You can only play a track 3 times and 1 minute of play counts as 1 time. 2) You can’t share that song with anyone else. 3) You can never receive that song again. 4) Not even every song you buy from Zune Marketplace can be shared and worse, you can’t tell what songs can be shared. Second, how often are you going to run into a Zune user that you want to share with? Odds are they're not looking at their Zune screen unless they happen to be changing songs or are trying to run their battery down. There's no audible indication that someone is sending you a song so if the Zune is in a pocket or purse, they'll never know. Even with 67 million iPods sold, I rarely see someone that I'd tap on the shoulder and ask them to accept a song from me. Third, Microsoft didn't include the WiFi features that would be useful daily, like PC syncing and WiFi music store. Adding those features would have likely changed the mass opinion of Zune WiFi. This can all be improved and when it is, I’ll change the facts.
Sending songs via WiFi is a feature. It just has limitations, which consumers need to know.
Yes, iTunes can sync to unlimited iPods - here's how to do it.
When ripping an MP3 from CD and loading the exact MP3 on to both the Zune and iPod, neither my wife, my friend nor I can tell the difference. Most professional reviews cite no difference. The only place I have read about a difference is a few online customer reviews that are clearly against iPod and in a favor of Zune. The sound quality of iPod has been greatly improved from the 4th generation iPod to the 5th generation iPod. So if you compare, make sure it's with a 30Gb iPod with video. The only technical analysis of the Zune vs. iPod sound quality which was used by several sites when comparing sound quality was a fake and has since been removed. Worse, the site was called MicrosoftisAwesome (the link to the sound comparison is three down on the left). All the data MicrosoftisAwesome presented was actually stolen from a comparison showing that the iPod shuffle had better sound quality than several MP3 players, this article was written by Bill Machrone of PC Magazine. MicrosoftisAwesome simply changed the iPod Shuffle results to “Zune results” and then took the lowest results and made them the iPod results.
Finally, there is no bluetooth in the Zune. And since bluetooth is only a wireless transfer method, what would that have to do with sound quality?
It all really comes down to preference. ibought the Zune, i'm happy with it. My family like microsoft, we've had many problems with mac, we just don't like it. and one thing i do want to ask, is why? Nobody does all this shit simply because "they feel the consumer has a right to know." not even Jesus put this much time and effort into it. ur probaly going to be po'd about this, but it all comes downto the 10grand ur making off ur apple stock. Thanks for the conversation though, and sofar the Zune is awesome(if u care) cya.
Why is it people either comment or ask questions in favor of the Zune, then I provide links to all the truths and they leave on some off note about how I just do this because I own Apple stock and such. Making money off a stock doesn't change any of the facts above. In fact, when I recommend an iPod at least I put my money where my mouth is.
The only fact that anonymous provided was the MS Points compatibility with XBox Live, which I added. I added despite the fact that had Microsoft not forced everyone into a points system then local currency would have been just as compatible. Still, I added it - I'm willing to add anything to make this page as fair a comparison as possible.
Anyway.
You're right - it is preference. I've said many times that either Zune or iPod will suit most people's needs. They each have their pros and cons as listed above.
Everyone is entitled to like what they choose. I use MS Office everyday on my Mac and I have no problem with it.
There are too many sites that list everything good about Zune and nothing it's missing. There are also many sites that list everything good about iPod and nothing it's missing. I attempt to list both because I enjoy it. And yes, I think Zune has a few features that are hyped beyond their usefulness.
For the record, I've held Apple stock since 2000. I didn't buy a Mac or iPod until late 2005. I clearly had faith in Apple despite the fact that I though Mac users were just a cult. When I bought Apple stock neither the iPod nor OS X was released, lucky me. I bought 75 shares of Apple because it was cheap $20/share = $1500. Since then the stock has split and now it's at $81.52 = $12228. Woohoo, Me!
I give full disclosure, I'm still entitled to an opinion and either way the points I list are facts. Many people find use in this site. Many have purchased Zunes and iPods through the Amazon links. I think people of both devices find it useful in finalizing their decision.
just for the record,
you dont HAVE to buy points to use the zune marketplace
if you want to
or you do not have a credit card
you can
so this would help younger users not old enough for a credit card yet
:)
just bought a zune
looking forward to being the envy of my friends
xxxx
Just for the record and since I like facts with references...
Section 13.1, Zune Terms of Service (TOS) from Zune.net:
"You will need to purchase Microsoft Points to purchase any content from Zune Marketplace."
Other than the clear fact presented above, I've used Zune Marketplace and buying points IS required. It's the only currency in the Marketplace.
Three ways of getting music from Zune Marketplace:
1. Zune Pass: $14.99 subscription.
2. Buy Microsoft Points Pre-paid card at retailer.
3. Buy Microsoft Points online with credit card.
Again, I welcome comments. However, if you're going to dispute a fact please provide a link. And do your research first; you're only confusing people who are looking for information.
I found your comparison facts and comments very helpful. My wife has been looking at both devices and we decided to get the iPod for her.
One comment for the fact sheet is that audiobooks provided from OverDrive Audiobooks and by Recorded Books use WMA and are not compatible with the iPod, but are compatible with the Zune. For audiobook listeners this is important. To my knowledge Audible Books are only available through purchase. Most public libraries offer OverDrive and Recorded Books for free!
The downside for the Zune for any audiobook is that it apparently lacks bookmarking...an important feature since book files can vary from 30 minutes to 17+ hours. Does it resume a track from the point it was powered down? (My Sandisk c150 does this and it works out well). I was really hoping that the Zune would bookmark ... that way I could listen to music and then go back to my book without difficulty.
Neither the Zune nor the iPod are compatible with Overdrive or NetLibrary (RecordedBooks).
Overdrive specifically states "Overdrive is not compatible with Zune."
NetLibrary (in partnership with RecordedBooks) is even more demanding in their testing. NetLibrary requires that compatible devices support Secure WMA subscriptions (PlaysForSure) and can resume audio playback position. Zune does neither of these. Secure WMA, which does not come from Zune Marketplace, is incompatible with Zune. NetLibrary tested compatible players (PDF) (as of 1/4/07) and Zune is not on that list.
It is true that these books are offered for free. However, "free" is based on PlaysForSure subscription DRM which allows the books to expire, i.e. you don't actually get to keep the book. If the books were not protected they'd likely be in MP3, a universally playable format. Even if they were still WMA, iTunes can convert unprotected WMA to AAC.
Zune will resume the position of an audio track after it is powered down. However, if you stop the audio track (i.e. audiobook) and listen to another audio track (i.e. music or different audiobook), the playback position of the audiobook will be lost. Hence, once you start an audiobook you cannot use the Zune for anything else without losing your position.
In Summary: Neither the Zune nor the iPod are compatible with Overdrive or NetLibrary (RecordedBooks). Zune currently only plays audiobooks that are DRM free and Zune cannot store playback position. iPod plays DRM free audiobooks and copyrighted audiobooks from the iTunes Store (Audible format) and Audib