The Apple Ipod now has fierce competition from it's Microsoft counterpart, The Zune. Mirosoft's answer to portable media and entertainment, the Zune was designed to be used with an online music store such as Ipod's Itunes. Zune quite frankly is the heavy weight underdog in the ring with the undisputed champion, The Ipod. With an extended viewing area and Wi-fi Zune to Zune access, The Zune is becoming the favorite runner up with the possibility to take out the competition. Those Apple Ipod users need to know, the Zune shows more maturity than one might think!

According to Microsoft, The Zune connects to their version of the Itunes store called the Zune Marketplace. Microsoft has announced that it will purchase songs from Ipod users who are switching over in an effort to get them to convert sides in this portable multimedia war. Zune's marketplace places strong emphasis on the indie rock band as well as featuring tons of local artists. Music provided for the Zune Marketplace is taken care of by big giants such as EMI, Warner Music Group, Sony BMG and Universal Music Group. Apple's storefront continues to grow in it's selection, however, With Microsoft lavishing advertising dollars to buy Ipod users songs, Apple better not turn a blind eye to the supremacy Microsoft is trying to set.

If Microsoft's extended marketplace was not enough, then letting users connect their Zune's to their Xbox 360's just might sweeten the deal. Allowing the users to download their songs directly to their 360 is a rather genius move on Microsoft's part. You do not have to create two separate playlists when Zune user's can create it on their PC's once and once only. This can only supplement your party tricks as you can use the Xbox visualizations as party eye candy without having to set up your music all over again on your Xbox. With the Zune's player compatibility with it's cousin the Xbox, downloading and sharing music throughout your home will be simply standard for any serious household entertainment system.

The reality of the situation, however, will lead users paying monthly for their Zune Marketplace subscription. Songs can either be bought individually or have an unlimited download option for just a few extra dollars. With premium content and an emphasis on local artists, finding what you want to listen too will be a no brainer hassle. On the swing side, there are other distribution networks that only require a one time fee for an unlimited lifetime of downloads. These programs range in their prices and quality but still offer a Gold standard in comparison to the Zune's default network. Having used Microsoft's store, users are continually switching to these options as viable sources to keep their Zunes and their wallets full. For a complete listing of these programs that offer the most, visit

Enter Zune Download Reviews to experience the power of Zune's network.

http://www.zunecontentreviews.info/

Matthew Desmond is lead webmaster of http://www.Yawk.info and writes reviews for products worth having on your hard drive.

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