After months of buzz and rumours, Microsoft launched today it's very anticipated digital music player, the Zune, which is considered as an "iPod-killer".
The Zune comes in three colors provides similar specs and pricing to the entry-level video-enabled iPod. It has a 30GB hard drive, can play music and videos but also offers some features not available on the iPod, such as Wifi and larger widescreen display.
The Wifi feature allows users to look at their neighbors library and pick a song that they may listen to three times. The limitation is there to prevent users from using the device for illegal purposes. Microsoft definitely wants to be friend with content providers, as the company agreed to give them a portion of its Zune sales revenues.
Microsoft has also launched the Zune Marketplace which is an online music store integrated in its latest version of Windows Media Player. It's exactly the same model as iPod and iTunes, however, first tests of the platform show that there are some bugs remaining to fix.
A last but not least issue with the Zune is that it's neither compatible with songs bought on iTunes nor with Microsoft's former platform, massively used by other players such as Creative's and stores like RealNetworks' Rhapsody or Napster. The Zune does actually not even work with a Mac at all.
Analysts do not believe the Zune is a big threat to the iPod business because the Apple has established a large user base and owns 70% of the market. Moreover, thousands of accessories are available for Apple's iPod and many car makers provide integration with the device. Something that Microsoft and its competitors will hardly achieve on their platform.
Can we still ask if the Zune is an iPod-killer? That's what CNN does for their coverage of the Zune's launch, and it looks like the answer is "no".
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Like Vista is years behind
Like Vista is years behind Leopard, the Zune is years behind the iPod.
Zune and virus? - The Zune
Zune and virus? - The Zune game
Nov. 14. 2006, Microsoft launched officially the Zune. Will the new MP3 Player fulfill the dreams of the Redmont Managers and live up to be the long hyped iPod Killer by conquering the USA like a wildfire? Will the US become a social welfare country (welcome to the Social)? Or will filthy lucre prevail in the form of Microsoft-Points? A sea of questions and no answers in sight. Only time will tell which rumor-site or analyst had the best crystal ball.
One thing seems to be certain - zuner or later a special Zune-Virus will surface. And that's where our Zune-Game starts: Who can guess the exact date of the first appearance of a Zune-Virus? With just $1 for every date you pick your part of the fun. And whoever gets the right (or closest to the right) date will win an MP3 Player. Just follow this link to the Zune-Game and some insight info
http://happymac.ch/happyMacEN/News/8CFCDC04-D0AF-4A5D-A77C-EC6ED6B1A641.html
Well if the Zune runs on a
Well if the Zune runs on a Windows based OS, then it's a matter of days :).
The zune's launch was a
The zune's launch was a total stillbirth. I installed the zune software on a pc for the hell of it, and it crashed xp. This will be a total disaster for M$. Welcome to the social.... here is your $hit-brick!