Zune is Here
- September 14th, 2006
- Read 2825 times
- 38 Comments
Microsoft today announced a bunch of official information on Zune. The first Zune branded digital media player will hold 30GB and will be available for the holidays. It features wireless connectivity, a built-in FM turner and a 3-inch screen. The big feature is its ability to share music wirelessly with the ingeniously named Zune-to-Zune sharing. It feels to me like Microsoft is putting a lot of eggs in the wireless sharing basket. I’m not convinced there is really that much demand for the feature, but I suppose we shall see.
More info after ze drop.
Some cool information was also stated about the Zune Marketplace. Users can download tracks individually or they can buy a Zune Pass that allows one to download as many tracks as desired for one flat fee. In addition to that, the Zune device will come preloaded with tracks from labels such as: DTS, EMI Music’s Astralwerks Records and Virgin Records, Ninja Tune, Playlouderecordings, Quango Music Group, Sub Pop Records, and V2/Artemis. I like this move. Not only does it feature some smaller indie labels, but I like the fact that users will have music immediately.
Edit: Just got off the phone with Microsoft and we’ve got a bit more information. Microsoft sees this as an opportunity to build a community that celebrates and shares music. The focal point of this ambition is, of course, Zune’s wireless connectivity. It features 802.11 b/g wireless that allows users to send music to one another. You can actually send a file to another Zune user, but it will only be playable three times or stored for three days, whichever comes first. This applies to all songs. Even if you decide to make an MP3 of your cat mewling, even though it’s your own intellectual property (or maybe your cat’s if you’re carrying a PETA card), it’s still restricted by the Zune Rule of Three. It’s not perfect, but I guess it’s better than just being able to stream tracks.
The Zune will include in the box earphones, a protective sleeve, a USB sync cable and a sticker (oh boy!).There is currently no price or release date, but Microsoft promises competitive pricing and availability by the holidays.
How original… it looks just like an iPod. :|
I can only see the music sharing feature useful in a niche market, a la the metropolitan mass transit commuting crowd. I guess it could be cool in schools and such, but it really relies on the popularity of the device and whether or not many people around you have them.
Then there’s the security issues, but I guess that’s just fear mongering! ;)
The thing I would like to know is if it can still play “Plays for Sure” content.
I want my mediazone rugby channel!
Ok….so my friends send me songs and I can’t only play the 3 times??
Let’s see how long that is going to last before someone finds a hack for.
You know, I think this is cool. I use my PDA to connect to the internet a lot, watch or listen to media directly through WiFi connections, and it is really cool. I’m sure Zune will be able to connect directly to the internet as well as to other Zunes, and I think this will be a killer feature.
It will be able to connect directly to the Zune Marketplace, correct? And maybe a web browser is included?
Great Product
Wonder what the battery life will be like on this thing, especially with the wireless features.
I’m pretty open to this device. I shared the information with some co-workers over lunch (non-techies) and they were more impressed than I would have thought. They’re all ready to go out and buy one just so they can share their music files with each other in the office. So, I think there is great demand potential for that feature. Plus the integrated FM-tuner and WiFi for downloading new music anywhere are definite advantages over the iPod line-up.
@Brooke
Yes, and the iPod looks a lot like the Creative models that have been out for years, especially the interface (the courts agree). I think there is only so much a company can do to diversify a device of this size with similar functionality without becoming an outsider to market trends and user adoption. The average user would be less likely to buy a device that was completely different if they were already accustomed to another device, such as the very popular iPod, in the same market space. Ultimately, most consumers will purchase based off functionality not design, IMHO.
I can see the music sharing item being a HUGE hit with the musician scene. If only they would allow a way to let people take the tracks for longer, or give them to them. A band trying to promote their demo could walk down Mill avenue (arizona) talking to other Zune users convincing them to take their music…ok so some might see that as annoying.
Regardless, i think there is some awesome potential for the music scene if its done properly.
They botched it.
802.11b/g/n is all well and good, but they needed to go with bluetooth.
There are a heck of a lot of cars rolling off the line with built in iPod connectors. There are a whole lot of cars rolling off the line with built in bluetooth for use with cell phones (for hands free). Had they gone with bluetooth, they could have at least competed with Apple in that regard; easy to play on a car stereo. Right now, they have a device with no easy way to use in the car, which for a lot of people makes it DOA.
To be honest, I really dislike the design, the plastic looks rather cheap to me and instead of being really black, it’s just dark grey.
Then again, Microsoft never was really known for great looks, but with the 360 and the aero interface, I hoped they got over it, I guess not.
However the features seem really nice and although it won’t replace my Ipod, I can see it taking a marketshare…
I was actually who the band was that was featured on the device. I gotta say, it’s pretty cool stuff. check it out. http://www.myspace.com/thematinggame
wierd, words got cut off. I meant to say “I was interested to know….”
The bigger screen will definately make watching episodes of your favourite sitcom on the train to work much more viable. I haven’t seen anywhere say if it plays DivX though.
Hmmmm. Only reason I would get one of these would be as a media player for my car which has an aux audio connection. Maybe throw a heap of music vids on it. Couple series of top gear for the boys to watch on the way to footy training. Hmmmm. I went from not wanting one to wanting want in about 5 mins!
Maybe I’m missing something, but I can already listen to MP3s on my phone and Bluetooth them to anyone nearby, without DRM. And people do this on the bus all the time, to the point it’s really annoying.
The competition isn’t Apple’s iPod, it’s Nokia and Sony Ericsson.
I have no problem admitting that I am really fired up for the Zune. I am over the iPod. If I see one more homeless bum or emo kid sporting an iPod I’m going need counseling. Sorry Apple, I stopped drinking your Kool-Aid a long time ago.
>If I see one more homeless bum or emo kid
>sporting an iPod I’m going need counseling.
I guess the question then would be: Are most iPod buyers superficial fashion victims like you, or are they buying iPods because iPods are better than the competition? If the first, then the Zune might break into the iPod stronghold. If the second, then the Zune has a great chance of going the way of the Dodo, just like every other “iPod killer.”
COOL !!!
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