The official announcement is supposed to arrive in less than an hour, but I think we have all the information necessary to inform everyone right now (if not, we'll edit later). There will be two new players joining the Zune family. And by joining, we mean neither will be replacing the original. So without further ado let's get things started:
Zune 80
80GB Capacity
3.2" Display
WMA Lossless Support
Plays H.264, MPEG-4, and WMV natively
FM Tuner
Built-in WiFi
Podcast support
Battery Life: 30 hours for Audio, 4 hours for Video
Dimensions: 61.1 x 108.2 x 12.9mm
Retails for $249 (includes Premium headphones)
Zune 4 and 8
4 and 8GB Capacity
1.8" Display
Same features as HD players
Built-in WiFi
Battery Life: 24 hours for Audio, 4 hours for Video
Dimensions: 41.4 x 91.5 x 8.5mm
Colors: Black, Green, Pink, and Red
Retails for $149 and $199 respectively
Both models will use a 4-way Touch-sensitive D-pad (Microsoft calls it the ZunePad, I'm calling it the Squircle) and will feature a redesigned interface. Microsoft will also be adding this same interface (and features) to the original Zune (now called the Zune 30) via a firmware upgrade. What else are we missing? Oh yea, WiFi support! The 3-day limitation for keeping songs is now gone, but the 3-play limit remains. You also have the ability to transfer media files from your computer via WiFi. Finally, the Zune software has been completely revamped and will include a DRM-Free Music store. The new players will hit stores sometime in November.
Looking back on my predictions, I was nearly spot on (sorry, no gapless). These new players look a lot nicer than the original Zune, and I can't wait to see more of that new interface. I'm also glad to see Microsoft taking care of original Zune owners. That's a move you don't see too often in this industry. We'll have plenty more for you soon, so make sure to check back later.
Since the ZEN was released a few months ago, I've seen quite a lot of people with cash in hand, waiting for Creative to add SD-card integration. For those that don't know, this implies having the contents on your SD-card integrated with the content on the player's on-board memory. Until now, you could only view the files on your SD card, but not incorporate it.
Creative just released a new firmware that is a step in the right direction. It allows you to import photos onto the player itself. Just photos you ask? Well there's also an "Import All" option that actually transfers your music and videos too, but for some strange reason they don't show up on the player (only photos are). They're only visible when you connect the player to your computer and open up your "Imported Files" folder.
I am pleased to see Creative working hard on the ZEN, and releasing firmware updates in a timely fashion. I just wish they could get things right. This isn't the type of SD-card integration that most of us are looking for. If they continue down this importing path, I feel it'll be one step forward and two steps back. After upgrading my player's firmware I also encountered the White Screen of Death problem again, so unfortunately I was forced to downgrade back to version 1.03.04.
Though the Cowon D2 remains peerless in features and functionality, I can't help but think it's looking a little dated. While we patiently wait for news of its successor (perhaps CES '08?), we can all sit back and enjoy the boatload of new GUI skins that have become available for this powerhouse flash DAP. With the latest firmware, Cowon allowed users to use flash based skins for the players' interface. Some of the latest skins have certainly caught my eye, particularly the Cover Flow/iTouch and iriver clix ones.
I should be ashamed of myself for not picking up the D2 already, but with this new addition I just might get one.
Samsung P2 • Samsung's new touchscreen flash player has everyone raving. It has a sleek design, an advanced GUI, bluetooth support and 30 hours of battery life. It also comes in White and Burgundy.
Sony S610/A810 Series • Sony's new Video Walkmen might be a little late to the game, but they definitely deliver. Great sound quality, excellent battery life, and an easy to use interface. Both players have the same features but the A810 series has a slightly larger screen. Read our full review HERE
Microsoft Zune 80 • More stylish than the original, and more features as well. Supports FM radio, WMA/WMV, MP3, h.264 & AAC. WiFi, and a slick interface.
Apple iPod touch • The touch is an iPhone without the Phone. It has an incredible touch based interface, a large 3.5" screen, and WiFi for surfing the web, and buying tracks from iTunes. It's also one of the first players to have a 16gb model.
Archos 605 WiFi, 30gb • If you're looking for a great all-around PMP, the Archos 605 is one to check out. It comes in a variety of sizes, ranging from 4gb (flash) all the way up to 160gb. All models have a 4.3" touchscreen, and built-in WiFi. You can also add more codecs features via purchased Plug-ins.
Cowon D2, 4GB • Small, yet Powerful PMP that supports MP3/WMA, OGG and FLAC. It has a stellar 52 hours of battery life and plenty of features, including FM tuner, and line-in recording. It also has a nice touchscreen interface, has TV-Out, and supports SDHC cards.
2nd Gen iriver clix • iriver's flash PMP brings some style to the DAP world, and a fresh control scheme as well. The clix 2 features a bright and colorful 2.2" AMOLED display, a good amount of features, and noteworthy interface.
Trekstor Vibez, 12gb • A reincarnation of the Rio Avalon, with the best audio playback features available in any DAP. See our Video Review.
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New Skins breathe life into the Cowon D2 
- says Dominic
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