Zune Executive Chris Stephenson Leaves Microsoft

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2009/08/25/microsoft-loses-an-exec-in-its-zune-business/' target='_blank'>http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2009/08...-zune-business/</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"With less than three weeks before Microsoft launches another salvo in digital music players, the marketing executive overseeing the company's Zune device is headed for the exit. Chris Stephenson, general manager of global marketing for Zune, is leaving the company to take a position at Universal Music Group, according to people familiar with the matter. One of these people said Mr. Stephenson will become chief marketing officer at Universal's Interscope Geffen A&amp;M Records after Labor Day, reporting to the label's chairman Jimmy Iovine."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/zt/auto/1251255906.usr1.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><p>I had a chance to meet Chris Stephenson at the MVP Summit earlier this year, and he seemed like a guy that knew his stuff - but it's hard to know how his leaving the Zune team will impact the group. He would have been instrumental in shipping the Zune HD, so him leaving at the end of a major project but before the next one really spins up is probably as close to perfect timing as you can get. Who will step in to take his place? Hopefully someone that can steer the Zune team toward real success against the iPod - and maybe someone who has the boldness to implement features that the iPod doesn't have (removable storage slot, <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Bluetooth for headphones</span>, removable battery, etc.).</p>

[Alber1690]

I hope to not see any more of these "executive so-and-so from Zune team leaves Microsoft" within the coming months. If so, it might give some hinting to a meaning for "END" in the Zune HD's model number (Zune HD 16GB is 'END-00001' and 32GB is 'END-00002'). I already looked at Zune 30's, 4's, 80s, and 120's model number letters, and there is nothing that would seem at first-glance interesting, so I guess that the combination of E-N-D in that order could also be very much coincidental, I hope :confused:


--end of weird pessimistic nit-picking--

[korneel]

Why a removable storage slot? I wouldn't want an ugly SD-slot on the right or left side of my Zune. They should only add one if it's 'invisible'.

[David Tucker]

Adding removable storage that's not visible should be pretty easy. Personally I hate the movement of form over function that Apple started. I want my devices to look good but they need to be functional too.

[Phillip Dyson]

Its not surprising that he is going to the music industry. I'm sure in his job with the Zune team he dealt with UMG a lot. This exit was probably in the works for quite some time. Professional courtesy probably dictated that he finish his current projects before leaving.

Or ...
<conspiracy> He is going to UMG as a secret plot to steer the label in a Pro-Zune direction for the purpose of enriching the Zune Marketplace's content offering. </conspiracy> :D

[doogald]

and maybe someone who has the boldness to implement features that the iPod doesn't have (removable storage slot, Bluetooth for headphones, etc.).

Doesn't the Touch with 3.0 have BT for headphones?

[David Tucker]

So it does...missed that one. Makes sense since its based off the iPhone!

[donmcdougall]

I don't mean to be mean - but WHAT MARKETING? He tried a lot of viral stuff all of which seemed to fail -

[Jason Dunn]

Why a removable storage slot? I wouldn't want an ugly SD-slot on the right or left side of my Zune. They should only add one if it's 'invisible'.

Why? Because the number one complaint of people looking at buying a Flash-based Zune, even back in the 4/8/16 days was "I need more storage". Flash cards are so cheap, and developing so fast, that by putting a slot on the device, it helps future-proof it to some degree.

I agree it would need to be integrated nicely and not look ugly, but I'm sure it can be done. Hell, put it under the panel for the removable battery that I also want to see! :D

[Jason Dunn]

Doesn't the Touch with 3.0 have BT for headphones?

Correct you are sir - my bad. Will edit the post.

[Janak Parekh]

Why? Because the number one complaint of people looking at buying a Flash-based Zune, even back in the 4/8/16 days was "I need more storage". Flash cards are so cheap, and developing so fast, that by putting a slot on the device, it helps future-proof it to some degree. Do you think Microsoft will ever do this? I think Microsoft is trying to make the Zune, like the iPod, as a "closed consumer device". I could be completely wrong in my perception, though. ;)

--janak

[Jason Dunn]

Do you think Microsoft will ever do this? I think Microsoft is trying to make the Zune, like the iPod, as a "closed consumer device". I could be completely wrong in my perception, though.

No, that's exactly my point - Microsoft is trying to copy the iPod, making exactly what you said: a closed consumer device. Part of that is a good thing: a tightly controlled end to end consumer experience free from the idiocy of third-party ideas about quality. But if Microsoft wants to make strides, they can't copy the iPod completely - they need to incorporate features that the iPod lacks.

[Janak Parekh]

No, that's exactly my point - Microsoft is trying to copy the iPod, making exactly what you said: a closed consumer device. Part of that is a good thing: a tightly controlled end to end consumer experience free from the idiocy of third-party ideas about quality. But if Microsoft wants to make strides, they can't copy the iPod completely - they need to incorporate features that the iPod lacks. Yes, I do agree completely with your opinion. There's no point to imitating, and things like the Zune Pass are evidence that if they don't imitate, they'll give consumers a reason to choose them. However, I suspect Microsoft is going to strenuously avoid this, for better or for worse. Boo on Apple for starting this trend, unlike the trend of stuffing lots of storage in the device, which Microsoft did do before with PMCs, but halfheartedly.

(Don't get me started with PMCs. Microsoft did everything on that platform. They just had to give a damn about it!)

--janak