Here’s the latest review roundup for the new Microsoft Zune players (yes - it’s easier than creating individual postings for each posting isn’t it?) So here goes nothing..

We’ll start with Digital Trends which reviewed the Microsoft Zune 8GB edition here. Here’s what they had to say about the flash player:

Overall, the new 8GB Zune Red is a really good media player. It’ll especially appeal to those who don’t want to line the Apple coffers with their hard earned money but still want a solid music experience. For $199 USD, the 8GB Zune is a decent iPod contender.

Of course, the Zune can only have so much bath water right? How about a little slap in the face from Walt Mossberg. Yes.. you can always count on Mossberg to provide a bit of .. “yes it’s better but it’s not quite that good”. The review is here and the verdict is as follows:

Microsoft has greatly improved the Zune hardware and software this time. But it seems to be competing with Apple’s last efforts, not its newest ones.

Sure.. if you compare the Zune against the iPod touch then yes - it’s no real comparison. But come on Mossie… compare the Zune 80 against the real rival here - the iPod classic 80.. and you’ll quickly see things stack up fairly closely (though my Apple friends often remind me of the little things that are still better on the iPod. To that.. I answer.. it’s not about the little things when it comes to MP3 players.. it’s about whether it works or not folks).

We talked about PC Magazine’s review a few days ago but they also reviewed the new Zune Marketplace here. Here’s their verdict on the marketplace.

Zune Marketplace is definitely showing signs of progress, but we’ll have to wait and see if it can really stand up to iTunes.

The Seattle Post Intelligencer has posted their look at the new Zunes here on their website. Here’s a blurb from the article:

Despite my gripes, its form and function should make the second-generation Zune a strong contender in the portable media player market. And while I’m not throwing out my iPod just yet, I will be keeping an eye on what the Zune does next.

Finally, Wired.com has an interesting article entitled “Microsoft Retools Zune to Target Apple’s Flaws”. Here’s a blurb from that article:

With an upgraded Zune player and a new strategy for tapping the strength of social networking sites, Microsoft is making serious moves to challenge the iPod.

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