Zune 4, 8

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Zune 4
Zune 8
Manufacturer Microsoft
Type Portable media player
Release date November 13, 2007
Connectivity Wi-Fi , USB,
Microsoft Surface (wireless)
Retail availability Flag of the United States since November 2007
Operating system Microsoft Windows
Storage capacity 4 / 8 GB flash memory
Online services Zune Marketplace
Dimensions 3.6 x 1.6 x 0.33 in.
(91.5 x 41.4 x 8.5 mm)
Weight 1.7 oz.

The Zune 4 and Zune 8 are second-generation models of the Zune lineup, announced October 2, 2007 and released November 13, 2007. They are flash memory-based players meant to compete with the iPod nano, smaller and cheaper than the two hard drive-based Zune devices, the Zune 30 and Zune 80. They feature music, video, and podcast support, and come with Wi-Fi and FM Radio.

Contents

[edit] Overview

The D-pad of the original Zune has been replaced by the Zune pad, which allows for touch-sensitive controls in addition to 5-way clicking. Wi-Fi is used for wireless synchronization and for sharing photos, podcasts, and music with other Zunes, although shared songs may only be played three times by the receiving Zune. The FM Radio includes RBDS support for displaying song and station metadata. Both Zune models also feature scratch resistent glass screens.

Zune 4 / 8 comparison
Zune 4 Zune 8
Capacity
4GB (flash based)
8GB (flash based)
Directional pad
Uses a Zune Pad, a "squircle" shaped control featuring a four way touch-sensitive pad
Suggested retail price
US$130
$180
Screen
1.8 inches, scratch-resistant class
Dimensions
41.4 x 91.5 x 8.5mm (1.6 x 3.6 x 0.33-inches)
Weight
1.7 oz (47 g)

[edit] Reception

The Zune 4 and 8 have gotten a generally positive but lukewarm reception, and lag slightly behind their primary competitor, the iPod nano, in reviews. Positives and negatives mimic those of the Zune 80, as the 4 and 8 are very similar devices in a smaller package: the Wi-Fi and navigation are praised, while the lack of Mac support and the Zune Marketplace's lack of TV shows and movies detracts.[1] Zune Marketplace has now been updated with the ability to purchase certain television shows. [2]

[edit] Preloaded Content

Zune 4GB/8GB comes pre-loaded with a variety of songs, music videos, podcasts, short films, and images.

Audio Tracks:

Datarock, "Fa-Fa-Fa" Mexican Institute of Sound, "El Microphono" Sidestepper, "Paloma" CéU, "Ave Cruz" Barenaked Ladies, "Easy" John Doe, "Golden State" The Handsome Furs, "Cannot Get Started" Pop Levi, "Sugar Assault Me Now" Junkie XL, "Dark Territory" Pacha Massive, "Don't Let Go"

Music Videos:

Avril Lavigne, "Make Five Wishes" Trailer Low, "The Hatchet" Pacha Massive, "Don't Let Go" Funky C, "Joya" Dntel, "The Distance"

Podcasts:

KEXP Live "This American Life: Squirrel Cop" Nylon TV MSNBC.com Intro to Podcasts Intro to Podcasts (Spanish)

Short Videos:

"Red Bull BC1" (Red Bull) "A Passion for Film Making" (IFC) "First Kiss" (CAPiTA Snowboarding)

Images:

"Illume," Red Bull (44 images) Zune Image Set (42 images)

[edit] External links