Cracking open the Microsoft Zune
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The Microsoft Zune box
The Microsoft Zune box
Portable media players are all the rage. View this gallery for an inside look at Microsoft’s new Zune. From the device’s packaging to its software and the device itself, here’s what you get (and how it works) when you buy a Zune.
The Zune comes in a box resembling Apple’s iPod, in that it’s square and features separate compartments holding various components.
The Zune box - Back
The Zune box - Back
The Zune’s packaging boasts contemporary styling.
The Zune box - Inside
The Zune box - Inside
The Zune packaging boasts the device’s social networking capacity.
Zune materials
Zune materials
The Zune includes a soft carrying case, instructions and guide book, and software on CD-ROM.
Let's get started
Let's get started
A protective overlay on the Zune’s LCD screen instructs users to insert the CD in their systems and press the play button to enable the device.
The Zune
The Zune
The Zune without the protective screen overlay.
The Zune back cover
The Zune back cover
The Zune’s icon appears on its rear cover, along with the unit’s serial number.
The Zune's data port
The Zune's data port
The Zune ships with a USB cable that connects to the data port, shown here, on the bottom of the Zune.
The Backside
The Backside
Here’s another view of the Zune’s rear panel. It’s style is clean with unbroken lines. Altogether, it’s a little larger than a video iPod, but still fairly compact.
Zune accessories
Zune accessories
Zune accessories (including the data cable and headphones) are included alongside the device in separate compartments.
The Zune data cable
The Zune data cable
The Zune data cable features a USB connector on one end and a proprietary connector on the other.
The Zune headphones
The Zune headphones
The Zune headphones feature a standard audio plug and in-the-ear buds.
Warning: Loud music
Warning: Loud music
The Zune features the (now ubiquitous) warning message that seems to accompany every portable media player: Warning, Loud Music Can Damage Your Hearing.
The carrying case
The carrying case
The Zune features a soft-sided carrying case, shown here.
Connection instructions
Connection instructions
The Zune includes several guides and instruction booklets. Here is the pamphlet that uses pictures to walk users through connecting the new media player.
More instructions
More instructions
More Zune instructions describing the device’s buttons and features.
Software installation
Software installation
Upon installing the Zune CD, users see this screen.
Checking for updates
Checking for updates
The Zune takes several minutes, upon the first installation, to check for updates. During the update process, the software touts the media player’s many different features, including the ability to share music, view videos listen to broadcasts and more.
Zune license agreement
Zune license agreement
Users must accept the Zune License Agreement to proceed with the installation.
Zune setup
Zune setup
The Zune Setup program continues chugging through downloading updates. Here the Setup application demonstrates how widescreen videos appear on the device.
Make a connection
Make a connection
Upon applying updates, the Zune Setup program instructs users to connect their device to their PC.
Update time
Update time
Despite having just completed software updates, the Zune needs to also download firmware updates (upon first installation).
Zune firmware update
Zune firmware update
The Zune software warns users not to move or disconnect the Zune during the firmware update.
Zune name
Zune name
Users must name their Zune.
Sync options
Sync options
Users must specify sync options when installing the Zune.
Library settings
Library settings
During Setup, the Zune prompts users to specify library settings, which among other things set the Zune as a user’s default media player.
Stream to Xbox 360
Stream to Xbox 360
The Zune supports streaming media to Xbox 360 consoles. To enable such sharing, users need to check the appropriate boxes here during Zune Setup.
Creating a library
Creating a library
Upon connecting to the PC, the Zune automatically syncs with the PC.
Zune tag
Zune tag
Users must specify a Zune Tag to identify themselves within the Zune community.
Windows Live ID
Windows Live ID
A Windows Live ID is required to sign up for Zune. MSN, Hotmail, Passport Network and other Windows Live ID holders can use their existing accounts to sign up.
Create a Windows Live ID
Create a Windows Live ID
If a user doesn’t possess a Windows Live ID, the Zune software walks them through creating a new account.
Windows Live ID account creation
Windows Live ID account creation
Among the information that must be provided when creating a Zune account is the user’s name, address, e-mail address and telephone number.
Zune account creation
Zune account creation
Upon completing Zune Account setup properly, the software displays this confirmation screen.
Zune desktop software
Zune desktop software
Zune features its own media player interface on the desktop, shown here.
Zune desktop software
Zune desktop software
Music, photos (shown here) and videos are among the items that can be played back using the Zune desktop software.
Cracking it open
Cracking it open
The Zune is built to tight tolerances. Opening the device requires precision care (and voids the warranty). The device’s front and back covers can be separated using a precision screwdriver.
The back cover
The back cover
Here’s a view looking inside the Zune’s back cover. Note the lock switch (at top center) and the data port (bottom center).
The Zune's insides
The Zune's insides
Once the rear cover is removed, the Zune’s inside’s are revealed. At the top is the battery; a Toshiba hard drive sits beneath it.
Lithium ion battery
Lithium ion battery
The Zune’s Lithium Ion battery.
Hard drive ribbon cable
Hard drive ribbon cable
The Zune’s hard drive is connected to the main board via this copper-colored ribbon cable.
Hard drive removed
Hard drive removed
Here’s the Zune’s main circuit board with the hard drive removed (and laying flat on the desk in front).
The Toshiba hard drive
The Toshiba hard drive
The Zune features a Toshiba hard disk.
The Zune's front panel
The Zune's front panel
The Zune’s front panel includes a protective screen and keypad controls.
The Zune's LCD and board
The Zune's LCD and board
Here’s the Zune’s LCD and main circuit board. Carefully constructed and compact, the media player features numerous integrated circuits.
