Microsoft Announces Zune to Rival iPod

[Damion Chaplin]

""So what's Zune?" writes Cesar Menendez, the author of the blog, who says he recently began working on the project. "It's Microsoft's new, holistic approach to music and entertainment. And yes, this year, we'll be releasing a device as part of the project. Under the Zune brand, we're looking to build a community for connecting with folks, all to discover new music and entertainment.""

Zune is that new WiFi-enabled HD-based player that Microsoft hopes to compete with the iPod. I'm excited to see what actually comes out, since apparently Zune is a line of software and units, not just one player. Anyway, here's a couple of news bits regarding the Zune: The first one from C|Net (http://news.com.com/Microsofts+Zune+to+rival+Apples+iPod/2100-1041_3-6097196.html?tag=nefd.lede), and another from the new Zune Insider Blog (http://zuneinsider.typepad.com/blog/2006/07/allow_me_to_rei.html). Check them out and let us know what you think!

[egads]

I started off kind of excited about MS getting into the digital audio hardware business, but I've gone from excited to kinda pissed off because all of these announcements are the same marketing crap we've seen for the past few weeks!!!

Show me some hardware!!!

[Damion Chaplin]

I tend to agree... At least we got a name this time. :wink:

[Jason Eaton]

But why wi-fi? I am a little stumped there. I hope that they plan to do more then just transfer music back and forth as that method only seems to have negatives. Power drain, slower transfer speeds, etc..

I look forward to their release as the questions seem to bring about interesting possibilities. At the same time I am worried that the only plan they have is to cram the device with feature sets the Apple camp doesn’t have and hope that is enough.

I think the hype machine may be working against them as it could create a hope for something that won’t be. If they can't create that next level experience (what ever that is) then I have a hard time seeing them be more then empty wind, with a stop watch. :wink:

[sojourner753]

But why wi-fi? I am a little stumped there. I hope that they plan to do more then just transfer music back and forth as that method only seems to have negatives. Power drain, slower transfer speeds, etc..


My guess is that one of the "added values" is the un-tethering from the computer. Perhaps you will get direct integration with the music store. From where ever you are.

Or perhaps its for streaming capabilities.

Or just to give you access to your library from within your home network. Then you can sync with our a desktop per se.

[Damion Chaplin]

I'm guessing that MS is guessing that people would DL new songs directly to their player from Starbucks if they could.

Imagine if your iPod had iTunes built right into it. That sort of thing. Though it would probably work better with a UMTS connection or some such (but that opens up a giant can of cell carrier worms).

The other thing they're counting on, I think, is direct-to-Xbox connection. Downloading tunes to your device with your 'TV' while sitting on your couch may just be the thing people are waiting for...

..just not me. :wink: