The Microsoft Zune versus the Apple iPod. Neither of those companies wants to be perceived as working on their devices to be in direct competition with each other but the fact of the matter is that they can’t help but be compared. These are the two biggest manufactures of computers in the world, and the iPod has long ruled the MP3 roost. However, Microsoft’s Zune is a might contender, and in fact has many features over the iPod which might give the underdog the edge.

The first thing might sound like the simplest feature in the world and yet it is hugely popular with Zune users. Microsoft Zune’s have an FM tuner included as part of the device. The ability to pick up radio signals is a huge factor for most people, something that the iPod just has never grasped. The mentality that with all this technology who needs a radio is completely invalid. People still love tuning into their local radio stations. FM radios have been portable for decades, and it makes no sense that a device as sophisticated as most MP3 players are doesn’t carry one.  Microsoft defiantly addressed that with the Zune.

Secondly, many people find that the wireless sharing capability of the Zune to be a very compelling reason to pick one up. Whenever you are standing within 30 feet of someone else with a Zune you have the capability to share songs back and forth, to give a first listen to a song you’ve maybe never heard of before to decide if you want to purchase it from the Microsoft marketplace. This wireless sharing is an easy and cool feature that is very popular. It’s the sort of original concept that makes the Zune stand out as an excellent MP3 player.

Finally, the Zune is cool. It’s a funny inversion because when the iPod came out most of Apple’s brilliant marketing campaign was emphasizing the hipness of the device to young people. However, in that most individualistic of demographics, it has become common knowledge that everyone, including all the parents have iPods now. So the youth are on the lookout for a new cool, individual product to suit their needs, and the Zune fits that niche nicely.