So what’s the best thing ever to happen to Zune? The Zune 3.0 upgrade. With the new Zune 3.0 upgrade, many capabilities, too numerous to mention, have been added and/or improved upon so much so that it merits taking some time to look at least some of them over. They’ve done a fine job with this one, making it an essential tool to many, more so than anything.
Finally, now, along with enjoying its already strong video and music capabilities, Zune users can also listen to some high quality audiobooks, play included games, check the time, socialize, and browse the Zune marketplace… all this, and more, even with wireless ease.
For its new audiobook capabilities, Zune has teamed up with Audible.com and with OverDrive. Though the Audible service is as easy to use as nearly any online interface, and offers a great variety of titles with its services, as with anything, it can get spendy to support the monthly paid subcription. If someone isn’t already an avid audiobook listener with a good amount of time for listening, individual purchases paired with any of its “free listening” or preview-type services will likely prove to be the more cost-effective way to go for many. Even with this in mind, it is still a highly valued, quality addition with this upgrade, and is what many have waited for.
The OverDrive console appears to be somewhat less appealing for its average Zune user, seemingly useless without a library card from a participating library. Although OverDrive does carry a search engine, of sorts, there seems to be very little service connected with it, thus making it frustrating to use. Searches must be closely picked through to make sure that what you are seeing is actually an audiobook (if someone is even able to find one), and not some other format. Certainly, there will be upcoming changes and improvements to look forward to with OverDrive, as with any growing web service.
The new games feature included in Zune 3.0 is also a welcome addition. The ever popular Texas Hold ’em has two main options available with “standard” and “heads up” versions of the game. For those who love puzzle type games, Hexic is also included and offers three modes of gameplay. Both contribute to the all-around useability of the Zune player.
With new enhancements to some of its paid services, for the music lover (using a Zune Pass), 3.0 allows someone to subscribe to music channels offering a specific genre (such as classic rock), thus eliminating what could be the time consuming task of finding a lot of music. On the other hand, if someone prefers listening to music from its FM radio, when using the FM capabilities of Zune a favorite song can now be tagged, while it is still playing, for later download. What a great way to create a custom playlist!
These are just some of the many new and improved services that are now readily available to Zune users. Overall, the 3.0 upgrade has basically offered something that is viable for everybody, thus ensuring its base value for long-term use, and for its everyday capabilities… and it’s just so much more fun!
