09-28-2006, 04:54 PM
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Developer & Designer, News Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,959
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Z Day: November 14, $249.99
"Microsoft Corp. is putting the social into digital music, starting this holiday. Today the company announced that the Zune™ digital media player and online service will be available to consumers in the U.S. on Nov. 14, 2006, just in time for the holidays. The Zune device will retail for $249.99 U.S. (ERP) and will create new ways for entertainment fans to connect and share media experiences device-to-device through the use of wireless technology and new software scenarios."
Okay, folks. It's no longer a guessing game. The Zune will launch in the United States on November 14 for $249.99 (trivially discarding previous discussion about Microsoft not being undercut by Apple, since the Zune is priced at 99 cents more than the 30GB iPod). Accessories will range from $19.99 to $99.99, and can be bought individually or as packs (additional details after the break).
"For entertainment fans who want to experience their media from anywhere, Microsoft will offer the following accessories:
• Zune Home A/V Pack. The Home A/V Pack includes everything you need to amplify your Zune experience. This set of five products integrates Zune with your big-screen TV and the best speakers in your house. The wireless remote puts you in control from virtually anywhere in the room. When you buy the Zune Home AV Pack, you’ll get the AV Output Cable, Zune Dock, Zune Wireless Remote with Lithium Battery, Zune Sync Cable and Zune AC Adapter for $99.99.
• Zune Travel Pack. The Travel Pack includes everything you need to travel with your Zune device in style. This set of five products is designed to keep you and your friends and family entertained while you travel. When you buy the Zune Travel Pack, you’ll get the Zune Dual Connect Remote, Zune Premium Earphones, Zune Gear Bag, Zune Sync Cable and Zune AC Adapter for $99.99.
• Zune Car Pack. The Car Pack includes everything you need to hit the road with your Zune device. With AutoSeek, setup is easy, and you can enjoy your music on the go and charge at the same time. When you buy the Zune Car Pack, you’ll get the FM tuner with AutoSeek and the Zune Car Charger for $79.99.
Sold Individually
• Zune AV Output Cable. The A/V Output Cable lets you connect your Zune device to a TV and home stereo. Ideal for listening to music and showing pictures and video, the A/V Output Cable is simple to set up and use, and will retail for $19.99.
• Zune AC Adapter. The AC Adapter lets you charge your Zune device without a PC. For convenience, the AC Adapter will charge your Zune device in about three hours and will retail for $29.99.
• Zune Sync Cable. The Sync Cable lets you connect your Zune device to your PC or the Zune AC Adapter (sold separately). It works as a replacement for your original sync cable or as a spare for travel and charging, and will retail for $19.99.
• Zune Car Charger. The Car Charger lets you charge your device in the car while listening to your favorite music and even while using the FM tuner with AutoSeek (sold separately). The Car Charger will retail for $24.99.
• Zune Dock. The Dock elegantly displays your Zune device anywhere in your home or office. Featuring a connector port and an audio/video output, the Dock is ideal for syncing, charging and connecting with home A/V equipment. (A/V connectivity requires the Zune A/V Output Cable, sold separately.) The Dock will retail for $39.99.
• Zune Wireless Remote for Zune Dock. Designed for use with Zune Dock (sold separately), the Wireless Remote lets you control your device from across the room. The Wireless Remote gives you quick access to your current playlist as well as full control over menu navigation and volume. The Wireless Remote will retail for $29.99.
• Zune Dual Connect Remote. The Dual Connect Remote offers convenient playlist control and two headphone jacks with independent amplifiers and volume controls so you can listen with a friend or family member. The Dual Connect Remote will retail for $29.99.
• Zune FM tuner With AutoSeek. The FM tuner with AutoSeek lets you wirelessly listen to music through your car’s stereo through the FM radio. AutoSeek automatically finds the optimal station so it’s easy to set up, and will retail for $69.99.
• Zune Gear Bag. The Gear Bag lets you bring Zune and related accessories with you wherever you go. The Gear Bag comes with a rugged exterior and fitted compartments to protect your device while you travel. The Gear Bag will retail for $29.99.
• Zune Premium Earphones. Designed exclusively for use with Zune, the Premium Earphones produce superior sound and feature a noise-isolating, in-ear design. With a convenient storage case and three earpiece sizes to choose from, you can listen to your music with added comfort and quality. The Premium earphones will retail for $39.99."
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09-28-2006, 08:32 PM
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Contributing Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,053
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Would have liked to see a bit cheaper but really not a bad price. And the accessory packs really have me excited. They're rolling out all the goodies at once!
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09-28-2006, 11:36 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 52
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At $249 I don't see it gaining much traction against the iPod. It may have a few pros over the iPod (wifi sharing, FM radio, greater choice of colors) but it has as many cons (shorter battery life, bulkier design, less aesthetically pleasing).
To beat such an entrenched and established player, you need to to offer something revolutionary. This isn't it and Apple will always win when it comes to marketing.
Hopefully the second generation of devices will offer something more. Apple need some real competition.
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09-29-2006, 01:03 AM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 251
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sage
At $249 I don't see it gaining much traction against the iPod. It may have a few pros over the iPod (wifi sharing, FM radio, greater choice of colors) but it has as many cons (shorter battery life, bulkier design, less aesthetically pleasing).
To beat such an entrenched and established player, you need to to offer something revolutionary. This isn't it...
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I agree completely.
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09-29-2006, 12:31 AM
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Developer & Designer, News Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,959
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So, here's the thing. Some of the accessories aren't priced badly, but then you look at say, the Sync Cable, which is $19.99. That's crazy. $20 for a USB cable (how much is going into the fact that it's Zune-branded?). I'm sure even the most enthusiastic Zune loyalists would cough at the price.
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