News
Microsoft confirms Zune products
Following months of rumors and speculation, Microsoft has finally confirmed the existence of its “Zune” project, which will spawn products to compete with the iPod and iTunes head-on.
Microsoft executives said today that the company will later this year launch the Zune umbrella brand, which it calls “a family of hardware and software products” targeting various digital entertainment services. As expected, the first Zune offerings will be a portable audio player and a digital music service, both of which will be released before the end of 2006. Microsoft said additional Zune-branded devices will follow, including a portable video player and possibly a portable gaming device. The company also confirmed the rumored Wi-Fi connectivity features.
Microsoft has also launched a new “Coming Zune” website and a new “Zune Insider” blog. The company said it will support the Zune launch later this year with a “massive advertising and marketing campaign expected to be heavily artist-centric, including several live performances nationwide.”
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21
“Zune?
Why do I think of throat lozenges….”
LOL…Bob Levens you are way too funny!
Posted by Black Beauty on July 22, 2006 at 9:26 AM (PDT)
22
“Their “Coming Zune” site is surprisingly good and surprisingly subtle…To be honest, iPod ads look stupid in comparison.(And yes, I have an iPod, and I like it).”
Uh huh. The first thing I see when I go to the site is an ugly drawing of a man rubbing a bunny. wtf. I closed the tab immediately.
Posted by Nobody on July 22, 2006 at 10:13 AM (PDT)
23
It’s possible that Zune is not the real name. Think ..... codename Longhorn….now known as Vista….
Posted by Islareina in Missouri on July 22, 2006 at 11:45 AM (PDT)
24
Then why would they bother to create a logo for a placeholder name?
Posted by ahMEmon on July 22, 2006 at 12:24 PM (PDT)
25
I think heavy marketing may lead to Zune success , unless iPod comes out with a new ad campaign.
Posted by Sherneil on July 22, 2006 at 4:42 PM (PDT)
26
I’ve got to say, it’s likely that the weird ### animation is probably the only interesting thing that will come out of all this. Unless it makes Apple get off it’s ### and release whatever the next generation iPod is sooner.
Posted by rainking187 on July 22, 2006 at 7:00 PM (PDT)
27
Coming Zune website…it actually WORKED in Firefox…what, MSFT…no ActiveX???
I’m shocked.
Posted by flatline response on July 22, 2006 at 7:36 PM (PDT)
28
Didn’t I read that Microsoft plans to compete with all types of ipods? If they want to make a serious attack on the Ipod market share they should launch 3 players to compete with the three ipods.
Posted by Bobo on July 23, 2006 at 7:04 PM (PDT)
29
the only way it will be popular is if they rename it the iZune!!!
Posted by andy on July 24, 2006 at 7:26 AM (PDT)
30
Why people are so skeptical about the new MS player. What is so special about the iPod that cannot be topped? its microphone? its speaker? its battery life? (Sony is 33 hours) its FM stereo? its e-book reader? its 4k notes? its resistance to scratches?
Should I go on?
I do not have any brand loyalty, whatever is better wins. After using iPod for a while, if the zune is better, I’ll switch in an instant.
Posted by Jack Shutzman on July 24, 2006 at 2:26 PM (PDT)
31
Jack, it’s not about skepticism. It’s about MS itself. Many people don’t like the company and its products and we’d like to see it disappear from the face of the earth. In addition to that (and more importantly) we love what Apple does we love the iPod. Simple.
Secondly, “what is so special” about the iPod is what ‘features’ it leaves out, not what it puts in. Think of the John West motto.
Posted by Pikemann_Urge on July 24, 2006 at 5:11 PM (PDT)
32
What’s with the retarded logo?
They still ain’t gettin’ it. Microsoft is horrible for usability with their products. This will sit right next to the Origami.
Posted by mr_strat on July 24, 2006 at 6:39 PM (PDT)
33
Yeah, I heard about these products. In typical Microsoft fashion, you will get a piece of your music player one week, the next piece a month later, the next a month after that, etc..
Posted by Charles O. on July 26, 2006 at 6:45 PM (PDT)
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