Microsoft Zune 2

(First Look) - Microsoft's Zune has been a decent success since it's launch. While it hasn't hit sales figures that are anywhere close to Apple's iPod, it's cozying up to the number two spot in the market, which is fine. At least Microsoft is being humble. Showing humility is a nice welcome once in a while in an otherwise cocky consumer electronics industry. If for nothing else, Microsoft gets some bonus points for accepting reality right here. Back when the original Zune debuted, a lot of us had expectations. Expectations that didn't materialize and ended up disappointing us. However, Zune 2 promises to change that. And we intend to believe Microsoft.

Zune 2 naturally gets a sleek makeover, and my oh my, is it looking spiffy. We must admit, the new Zune is sexy. Of course, it's not a perfect 10 compared to the new iPod lineup, but Microsoft is new to the music game. We'll cut them some slack. It's only fair. After all, it took Apple years to refine the iPod. It's okay, Microsoft, you are doing fine (which is apparently not good enough). Back to the more important things, though...

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The latest in Zune series even has touch sensitive controls, wireless syncing, extended wireless sharing, built-in FM tuner and TV integration. Microsoft is definitely kicking it with Zune 2, and we aren't complaining. Needless to say, Microsoft listened to users and acted accordingly. But. Yes, there's a but...get ready for this. Zune 1, after a firmware upgrade, will get a good majority of these features. Microsoft disabled them on purpose until the right time, and the timing couldn't get any better. That's just a sick move as far as we are concerned. It doesn't hurt to lead innovation once in a while, you know. So what if Apple and others didn't offer this functionality. Microsoft has enough resources to take a few risks. If they can consider dropping $500MM for a small stake in Facebook, they can definitely focus on its Music Division. Priorities, Microsoft, priorities!

While we await our Zune 2 evaluation units, we are hopeful of Zune 2 as a super alternative music player. The company has done a lot of things right with the updated version, and we expect nothing less than perfection now. Expect us to be difficult on you, Microsoft, especially after what you pulled with Zune 1.

Zune 2 is available in 4GB, 8GB (flash) and 80GB models.

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