Zune 80, 120

Zune 80, 120

From left; Zune 80/120 and Zune 4/8/16 menu system
Manufacturer Microsoft
Type Portable media player
Release date November 13, 2007[1]
Retail availability

Zune 80: United States since November 13, 2007 Canada discontinued

Zune 120: United States since September 16, 2008

Canada discontinued
Operating system Microsoft Windows CE
Storage 80 GB, 120GB hard disk
Display 320 x 240 resolution, 3.2 in. diagonal, scratch resistant glass
Input Zune Pad
Touchpad Squircle-shaped Zune Pad
Connectivity Wi-Fi, USB
Online services Zune Marketplace
Dimensions 4.26 x 2.41 x 0.51 in.
(108.2 x 61.1 x 12.9 mm)
Weight 4.5 oz.
Predecessor Zune 30
Successor Zune HD
Related articles Zune 4, Zune 8
Microsoft, Xbox 360

The Zune 80 and Zune 120 are portable media players developed by Microsoft in its Zune series of media players. The Zune 80 was announced on October 2, 2007 and was released on November 13, 2007.[1] It, along with the Zune 4, 8, and 16, is part of the second generation of Zune devices. It features music, video, and podcast support, and comes with Wi-Fi and FM Radio. The Zune 120, part of the second generation of Zune devices, was released September 16, 2008. As of January 2010, the devices run the 3.3 firmware.

Zune 80

Overview

Zune 80

Aiming to improve on the design of the original Zune, the Zune 80 is 3.6 millimeters thinner and 31 grams lighter. It also has a slightly larger screen (3.2 inches instead of 3) and higher battery life (up to 24 hours for music, versus up to 14). The D-pad of the original has been replaced by the patented Zune Pad, which supplements 5-way clicking using a capacitive touchpad similar to the iPod Click Wheel and only responding to human touch. The Zune 80 shipped with a newer firmware version than the original Zune, but a firmware update for the original restored parity. The Wi-Fi antenna can be used for buying music on the device, playing others in games via Wi-Fi, wireless synchronization and to share photos, podcasts, and music with other Zunes, although shared songs may only be played three times on the receiving Zune.

Reception

The Zune 80 has been reviewed more positively than its predecessor and on par with the iPod classic, its primary competitor. CNET's review said, "The Zune has blossomed from an ugly duckling into a worthy iPod alternative."[2] Wired's head-to-head review said the Zune 80 edged out the iPod classic due to its screen, Wi-Fi, radio, and navigation.[3] However, some reviews have also been critical of the Zune Marketplace, which lacked movies (though it has since begun carrying TV shows and movies), and the lack of Mac support.

Availability

Most stores did not stock the player during its launch as they were delayed for 6 weeks. However, there were limited numbers of Zune 80s in some stores like Circuit City and Wal-Mart, and most were sold out as soon as they were available.[4] As of June 13, 2008 the Zune is available in Canada at most major retailers including The Source, Best Buy, and Future Shop. The Zune has since been discontinued at these retailers from mid-late 2009 as they were being phased out due to Marketplace issues[5]

The 80 is currently available in Black and Red, and the 120 is available in black and red, with matte black on the back and glossy black on the front, and glossy red front available from the Zune Store.

Durability

The Zune 80 and 120 have scratch-resistant glass displays, and the back can withstand fine scratches if dropped on the floor. The premium in-ear earphones (available only with the Zune 80 unless purchased separately) are highly durable and have a magnetic back so they can stay together instead of coiling around each other in preventing damage to the wire.[6]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Microsoft Unveils Device Customization via New Zune Originals Store, New Zune Players Available Tomorrow". Microsoft.
  2. ↑ "CNet Review". Reviews.cnet.com. Retrieved 2013-02-04.
  3. ↑ Wired Review Archived May 12, 2008, at the Wayback Machine.
  4. ↑ "Zune 80 Six Weeks Behind Production Schedule". Zune Scene. Retrieved 2007-11-16.
  5. ↑ "Marketplace in Canada???". Zune.net.
  6. ↑ "Microsoft Zune Premium Earphones". CNET. Retrieved 2009-01-11.
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