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Microsoft Zune

Microsoft Zune

The Microsoft Zune may not have the following of the Apple iPod, but its impressive features and design have won over a growing number of users. CNET has collected every drop of information on the Zune 120 (third generation) and the third-generation Flash Zune. Check back often to stay up-to-date on all the relevant news, product reviews, photos, tips, and videos.

Microsoft Zune blogs

Zune reviews from CNET editors

Microsoft Zune

Full review: 120GB Zune
Slowly but surely, Microsoft's Zune is staking its claim as a legitimate alternative to Apple's iPod line of MP3 players. Last year, Microsoft focused its efforts on overhauling the Zune's hardware and public image. This year, Microsoft has turned its attention to improving the Zune firmware and desktop software, while updating the storage capacity and pricing of new models to stay competitive.

» Read review of the 120GB Zune

Microsoft Zune

Full review: 16GB Zune
The smaller, Flash-based Zune, with a unique focus on music discovery, is a fierce competitor to the iPod Nano. The Zune's primary purpose as a high-quality portable music player hasn't changed. If anything, the enhancements offered by the third-generation firmware have bolstered the unique music-discovery and -sharing features that have differentiated the Zune from the very beginning.

» Read review of the 16GB Zune

Sneak peek: Zune 3.0 software
The PC-only Zune software is now in version 3.0, and includes some practical improvements along with some gee-whiz graphical enhancements. Donald Bell runs through some of the new features here, and you can click over to our photo gallery of Zune 3.0 for a more detailed look.

» Sneak peek at Zune 3.0


Microsoft Zune news

Windows 7: Moving beyond Vista

Microsoft aims to make a much different first impression with Windows 7 than it did with Vista, its oft-maligned predecessor. Read more

November 06, 2008

Apple rocks out with iTunes, iPod updates

Heading into the holiday shopping season, Apple retools its iPod Nano, refreshes the iPod Touch, and rounds up to iTunes 8. Read more

September 10, 2008

Meet Chrome, Google's shiny new browser

Search giant makes its long-awaited foray into Web browsers, but just how far can it ride its online dominance? Read more

September 06, 2008

Podcast: Microsoft is sooo over Yahoo

HTC launches its iPhone rival; Google Reader gets an update; and is LinkedIn worth a billion dollars? Read more

May 06, 2008

Microsoft Zune tips and tricks

Manage multiple Zunes with playlists

If you've got multiple Zunes in your home that connect to the same computer, you may have wondered if there's a good way to manage what portions of your music library get synced to each Zune. Read more

Make your Zune battery life last longer

This tip to extend your battery life works for all Zune models and firmware. Read more

Share songs or pictures with your Zune

Learn how to share your digital media using a Zune, with this tip. Read more

Microsoft Zune features

Accessories for the Microsoft Zune

Living in a non-iPod world isn't easy. Sure, there's a lot to love about Microsoft's line of Zune MP3 players, but when it comes to shopping for accessories, you start feeling like the only vegetarian at the steakhouse. Don't fret: There are plenty of worthy accessories made for the Zune, and you can find a handful of them right here. Read more

February 1, 2008

Pictorial of the Zune Marketplace and software

The next-gen Zune Marketplace makes a sharp departure from its Windows Media Player roots, embracing a clean, minimalist design with engaging visual imagery. As it's notably different from the standard jukeboxes, it takes a little getting used to, but it will please the eye in the interim. Read more

November 16, 2007

Zune: A rant in 5 parts

The second-generation Zune turned Apple fanboy Donald Bell into a bona fide Zune aficionado. His infatuation isn't all wine and roses, however. For the real nitty gritty of this relationship, check out the list that details five aspects of the Zune (both good and bad) that he could spend hours ranting about. Read more

November 16, 2007

Prizefight: Zune vs. iPod

We put the Apple iPod Classic and the Microsoft Zune 80 through their paces, pitting the players head-to-head in five bone-shaking rounds. Read more


User opinions of the Microsoft Zune

9 out of 10 Spectacular
"Very great player!" I have owned my 80gb Zune for over a year and have enjoyed it. I love the interface but it had to grow on me. Zune Marketplace... Read more

by fight4christ (see profile), 08/23/2008

1 out of 10 Abysmal
"Worst device I have ever owned" First, I just thought I'd say there is a clock you can add to the Zune since so many people have complained about that. It is... Read more

by SVTracer (see profile), 08/23/2008

10 out of 10 Perfect
"Couldn't live without it" Read more

by mangangreg (see profile), 08/07/2008

9 out of 10 Spectacular
"i dont have a 80 but i would buy one and i prob will" i have a 30 gig love it but wish i could use linux to manage it and use windows explorer to drag n drop but you cant do that... Read more

by kc2bxn (see profile), 08/06/2008

1 out of 10 Abysmal
"DO NOT BUY" THIS PRODUCT IN ON THE CONSUMERS BEWARE LIST FOR THE STATE OF TENNESSEE. http://www.state.tn.us/consumer/documents/BuyerBeware.pdf Read more

by walterr11 (see profile), 08/05/2008

Very good

7.6

out of 10
Average user rating


Learn about the Microsoft Zune

Microsoft first released the Zune (30GB) in November of 2006. While the first-generation Zune was mildly successful, critics had a field day taking Microsoft to task on the device's awkward aesthetic.

Having survived its freshman hazing, the Zune's appeal has slowly and steadily increased, and the iPod has every reason to be frightened. With an improved design, increased storage capacity, wireless sync capability, and integrated support for audio and video podcasts, the Zune is finally giving everyone a true alternative to the iPod.

Compared to the competition, users have embraced the Zune for its built-in FM radio, large display, subscription music support (Zune Marketplace), music browser interface (nicknamed Twist), wireless computer sync capability, and onboard composite video output.

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Zune photos

Zune 120 photo gallery

Zune 120 (third generation)

The third generation of the Microsoft Zune MP3 player has several new tools for music discovery and taste sharing.

Zune (third generation, Flash) photo gallery

Zune (third generation, Flash)

The third generation of the Zune MP3 player is now offered in three Flash memory-based capacities: 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB.

Photos: Zune Marketplace

Photos: Zune Marketplace

The next-gen Zune Marketplace makes a sharp departure from its Windows Media Player roots, embracing a clean, minimalist design with engaging visual imagery. As it's notably different from the standard jukeboxes, it takes a little getting used to, but it will please the eye in the interim.

Zune videos

Zune 120 (third generation)

Zune 120 (third generation)

Microsoft's 120GB third-generation Zune is a worthy adversary to the iPod Classic.

Zune 16 (third generation)

Zune 16 (third generation)

The Zune 16 competes against the Apple iPod Nano with advanced Wi-Fi and music discovery features.

Zune accessories

Zune accessories

Check out third-party speakers, alarm clocks, and car FM transmitters made for the Microsoft Zune.