Microsoft seems very seirous about its new project with Zune products. According to several media reports covering an analyst conference, hundreds of millions of dollars into its new business. If they succeed, Zune could hurt manufacturers like Creative and Iriver significantly as well as the old rival Apple.
There seems to be some new features in Apple's iPod, countering Microsoft's Zune. The rumored new featurs are its wireless, content, storage, and platforms.
The battle has already started, it seems. This quick move by Apple is indicating that they want to protect the market.
The biggest feature on Zune, the Wi-Fi , seems to require more power than expected, may have an issue on the battery life. The Sony PSP lasts about 45 minutes when Wi-Fi is turned on. How long can Zune last?
Some analysts are skeptical that Zune player will have the capability for a longer battery life. Microsoft has not offered specifics of the products yet. This issue has to be solved before they can battle against Apple, not just to take a huge step, but to break in the protable player market where Apple dominates.
Microsoft has launched a website for Zune player. The URL is comingzune.com, which has no information yet. It's supposed to be for people to register there in order to receive information from them when Zune becomes available.
We are not sure what they are up to on this website, but if this can be a good way to promote the player and to expand network of Zune fans.
The rumor seemed to be more than what we expected. The iPod users are responding to all the Zune information available on the net. There are already iPod owners who are interested in Zune player.
The new features are surely attracting many people. It makes sense. This new portable digital player got something new and better + the price seems to be the same. + Free downloads from Microsoft's online music and video service. Songs are Why not try a new one then?
iPod's 75% digital music market share dominance is like a huge wall. It will be very interesting to see how they compete with each other. This is good for consumers. The more competition, the better services and better features for us to enjoy. Ah, and the cheaper price. That is always important.
Other feature -
Besides its Wi-Fi capability, Zune's the other advantage seems to be a better screen than that of iPods.
Other news -
Microsoft and MTV joint music store Urge seem to go against iTunes.
The WiFi is not only for the community-based music sharing or streaming, but this also lets you access the Internet. What this means? The Internet access basically gives Zune players the ability to access Microsoft's online music store from anywhere. This really is the feature that we all want. Microsoft knows it. This should Microsoft give a great chance to compete with Apple and its iPod because currently iPod requires a PC or Mac to download and sync digital content. This Zune's strongest feature is definitely the biggest part of promotional strategy. Microsoft is really ready to take a huge step!
Microsoft is also going to expand this feature for the Zune users through other devices. Users are also able to share their content with XBOX 360, Windows Media Center or mobile phones.
The rumor says their 30GB Zune player is $399, but at this point there is no official confirmed that we have gotten, so there may be a change between now and the time the first Zune player is available.
Zune player is Microsoft's new media player, the features are not yet revealed entriely, we have gotten some information.
*The Wi-Fi capability.
*Zune player will be available in several colors.
*Will be able to play both video and audio.
*Interaction with Windows Mobile.
The details of all these are not available yet. We still do not know if they are just rumors or confirmed information from Microsoft. Zune seems to be released in October or November.
Microsoft seems to be ready for a head-to-head competition against Apple's iPod, the most popular music gadget today. This rumor goes around with the name "Zune".
About 70% of the digital music market + 75% of the portable digital music player market is iPod territory. Apple vs. Microsoft is nothing new, but this time, Microsoft may have a hard time to compete with them. It will be a matter of how Microsoft can promote well. The rumor feature of the player seems to be the capability of gaming. At this point, nobody is not sure if this would be the included feature, but this feature will be the major key to attract many people.
