Microsoft's New Zune MP3 player takes on iPod again...

Microsoft is at it again. Not satisfied with being completely outsold and forgotten, Microsoft is releasing their newest attempt to take down Apple's iPod -- the Zune. Yeah, we've heard this before, but this Zune is sleek, comes in a variety of colours and looks oddly similar to the iPod video nano.

Introducing... the Zune...

I have to admit that although I've always been a strong advocate of taking down Microsoft, they definitely do seem to have something better to offer this time around with their latest video mp3 player. These cool gadgets come in 4GB and 8GB formats and sell for approximately $199.99 USD. Although they have the same touch navigation system as the iPod, this video mp3 player has something unique to offer. The Zune has a wireless synchronisation system, which can access the internet over wi-fi networks. It also comes with a built in FM tuner, for those of us who just want to listen to the radio every now and then. You can even import recorded TV shows via Microsoft's Windows Media Center for Vista. This time around, they're not holding back.

Please welcome the iPod Video Nano...

There's just something about the iPod nano that always makes me want to run out to the nearest electronics store and pick one up immediately. Perhaps it is the cool colours, or the look and feel of the device, but these little guys just seem to say "buy me." On a slightly less biased note, this video mp3 player offers up to 5 hours of uninterrupted TV, movies, music and video podcasts. It does not have the wireless capabilities of the Zune, but is offering an enhanced interface with a larger resolution (320x240) and a 65% brighter than before display screen. It even boasts to hold up to 7,000 pictures. iPod is definitely not fading out in the background with this device. Keeping the same great look and feel, they've merely enhanced certain elements and added some features.

So the major question in this article is -- Will Microsoft's Zune be a contender in the video mp3 player playing field or will the iPod nano prevail yet again? You decide.