Microsoft has made a point over the last few years of attempting to steal some of the thunder (and market share) from Apple each time the Cupertino company makes announcements in the world of iPods. True to form, Redmond announced refreshes to its Zune line the night before Apple's "Let's Rock" Event.
So now that the dust has started to settle, how do the players compare? Check out some of the vital specs, after the jump.
--Both player lines now cap out at 120GB. In Apple's case, the Classic gets the prize--the flash-based iPod Touch currently maxes out at 32GB.
--The Flash-based Zunes and the iPod Nanos go head to head in terms of price and capacity: Both offer 8GB and 16GB versions for $149 and $199, respectively.
--Both companies upped the recommendation ante. The Zune will make recommendations based on your listening history and offers new "expert" programmed Zune channels. The iPod, meanwhile, offers the Genius feature via iTunes 8, and now gives users the ability to make quick on-the-go playlists via a new pop-up menu
--As with the iPod touch, Zune users can now download songs via built-in Wi-Fi
--The Zune now ships with two new games: Hexic and Texas Hold 'em. Apple, meanwhile, introduced a number of new App Store games, including Spore Origins, Real Soccer 2009, and a Need for Speed Undercover, all demoed at today's announcement.
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September 9, 2008 6:46 PM
But no wireless sync for the iTouch or iPhone?
Apple, time to step up.
September 10, 2008 1:58 PM
The real issue for me between the two is the formats they play. If the iPod would play wma formats, it would be an extremely hard decision. I prefer the industrial design and the user interface of Apple. However Apples' refusal to make a multi format player is what kills their product for me.
September 10, 2008 2:13 PM
I own the original 30 gb (Halo 3 version), the 8 gb (black) and the 80gb (red)...and i love them! The only problem i have is i wish the screen was actually bigger (spread more towards the edges).
September 10, 2008 11:41 PM
@Charles: The iPod can play just about every file format EXCEPT wma. How more multi-platform does it get? The Zune doesn't play AAC.
Also, it's not like it's not super-easy to convert these files from one format to another - that's what I do! :D
@Per Eriksson: Gotta admit, that's kind of a downer for me, too. But hey - that can all be fixed in software thankfully. Here's hoping the update that includes that doesn't cost money, huh?