Zune



Microsoft's answer to digital and portable music needs was launched in the form of "Zune" on Nov 14th 2006 in the U.S, in order to rival the Apple's ipod and it's software. The music player comes in three colors and in 30 GB models, and since it is the first of tis kind for Microsoft, it rivals many of the features of the Apple Ipod. The screen is 40% larger than the ipod screen, making it more enjoyable towatch movies and music videos, while the click wheel mirrors that of the ipod, yet works as a browser may work. Microsoft's aggressive marketing strategies include streamlining all its media and music players to be distributed under the "Zune" label, thus making it as ubiquitous as the itunes is to the market and users today. The equivalent of "itunes" comes in the form of "Zune marketplace" thus taking over the msn music store, and merging it with it's Zune technology.

Zune focuses on the social sharing and enjoyablilty of music. The one thing Zune uniquely boasts which sets it apart from its predecessor, it it's WiFi capabillity, thus enabling "Zune" users to transfer songs, albums even pictures from upto 60 feet away. It thus brings together all music lovers and fanatics to share even more openly and efficiently common music and interests and is getting at the heart of how wireless technology is enabling and promoting social interaction through shared music.

Although the Zune creates a new social network through it's WiFi capabilities there are many drawbacks and may have difficulty competing with Apple Ipod. The Zune allows others with the Zune to link and beam one another songs, however the song can only be played a total of three times and then becomes inaccessible unless it is bought and paid for. Also, for the WiFi capability to function, there have to be enough Zune users around a person to be able to gain its full advantage. Since it is a new product right now, it will take time to become mainstream, like any other digital device. Another disadvantage it has over the Apple Ipod would be that new users who have previously owned an Apple Ipod or other MP3 players have most likely downloaded music files through Napster, Limewire, iTunes and other similar programs would not be able to upload their pre-existing library with the Zune. Thus even though songs have been paid for through iTunes or Napster, they will not be compatible with the Zune and the new user must repurchase songs and create a new library. This can turn users away due to the fact that it consumes more money and more time.

image credits: "Zune" __Wikepedia__. Nov 14 2006. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zune