Apple's September iPod event this year was a non-event. This happened because Apple released so many hyped up gadgets and managed to create time after time incredible frenzy among its followers, that it created unrealistic expectations about its tech events. Apple ran out of new stuff for the moment and the minor improvements to its iPod lines, although cool, were expected and didn't stir any emotions among analysts.

The new stuff that Apple announced is as follows: HD TV and NBC's return to iTunes; automatic playlists from a single song (Genius playlists); revamped iPod nanos; revamped iPod Touch. Apple added features like voice recording and "shake to shuffle" to the Nano. At $49 for an entry level Shuffle, it is now affordable at last to become an Apple user.

Meanwhile, Microsoft has announced a re-vamp of their Zune media player line. Traditionally an underdog to the leading iPod, the new Zune is coming out with a lineup of new features that pack a punch. The most interesting two are Wi-Fi access and FM radio support; both of which are currently absent from Apple’s products. These will be used in conjunction, for the new Zune’s perhaps most interesting feature: Buy From FM.

Basically how it works is Zune connects to the internet via Wi-Fi, and using Radio Data Systems or RT+ digital song ID systems, it identifies the song being played on the radio and gives you the option to tag it and buy it. The new Zune player models will come in 16 GB (flash) and 120 GB (HDD) models, priced $199 and $249.99 respectively, while the prices for the 80 GB and 4 GB models will change to $229.99 and $129.99 each.