By Greg Sandoval, 15 September 2006 08:20
NEWS
Microsoft took the wraps off its Zune media player on Thursday, though what's underneath is largely what enthusiasts had come to expect.
The device, which the company anticipates will be ready in time for the holidays, will come in three colours and be capable, via its built-in wi-fi, of sharing full-length songs with other nearby Zune devices, the software giant said. As had been revealed through regulatory filings, it includes a 30GB hard drive as well as a 3-inch screen. The Zune will come in black, brown and white but the company has declined to reveal any pricing information.
With the Zune, Microsoft is chasing Apple and its iconic music player, the iPod, which has thus far eclipsed all challengers. For Microsoft to mount a serious campaign against Apple - which has sold more than 60 million iPods in five years - the Zune has to offer compelling features the iPod lacks, analysts say. This gets harder and harder to do with Apple's continuous upgrades of the iPod.
On Tuesday, Apple introduced a revamped 30GB video iPod that, while lacking wireless abilities or a larger screen, offers a brighter screen, longer battery life and a lower price tag ($249) than its predecessor. There had been a report last month that Microsoft was hoping to charge $299 for the Zune, Apple's then-price for the 30GB iPod. Microsoft declined on Thursday to detail Zune's price but said it will be revealed in coming weeks and will be competitive.
Scott Erickson, Microsoft's senior director of product management for Zune, said his device is different from the iPod, because it offers an alternative to the typical solitary music-listening experience.
Zune users can send full-length tracks of select songs, homemade recordings or photos to other Zune players via the device's wi-fi. The shared songs can be heard up to three times over three days. Should a user like a song a friend has shared, the song can be flagged and later can be purchased from the Zune Marketplace. Not every song will be available to swap however, Erickson said. Artists can opt out but fans will have access to the vast majority of titles, he added.
Erickson said: "We want to build community around new bands, new artists. Today, you really can't do that. What we're offering is connection."
That may not be enough, according to Susan Kevorkian, an analyst with IDC. She gave Microsoft points for style and functionality but said Redmond failed to go far enough in building an iPod alternative.
Zune falls short in two areas, she said: it won't be ready to offer video in time for the holidays and Zune users can't access the music service from the device itself, which will hamper people from making impulse buys.
Kevorkian said: "Zune looks good but it needs to get better and better quickly to give Apple a run for the money."
Not launching with video capability ignores growing interest in the sector. On Tuesday, Apple announced plans to make movies available for purchase through the iTunes store. Films from four studios owned by Walt Disney will be available on iTunes 7, the new version of the download software, the same day they are released to DVD.
Microsoft recognises the video trend but wanted to stay focused on music for the launch of the first device. Erickson said: "That's what the vast majority of people are doing online right now. Video is still really early."
Microsoft has said it will spend hundreds of millions of dollars on the Zune effort but said it still expects it to take several years to make significant headway against Apple. In the meantime, Zune's software can automatically import music, pictures and videos from iTunes and Windows Media Player, however the device does not - as some had speculated - handle songs purchased from iTunes, according to Microsoft.
The software maker also hinted that the Zune will have new wireless abilities down the road. It said: "As Zune evolves, your device can be easily updated. And with built-in wireless capability in each player, the future is filled with possibilities."
Zune will work in conjunction with a subscription music service that offers customers all the music they want for a flat fee. Although Zune is a Microsoft-designed product, the company confirmed last month that Toshiba will be making it.
The device will also come preloaded with content from DTS, EMI Music's Astralwerks and Virgin, Ninja Tune, Playlouderecordings, Quango Music Group, Sub Pop Records, and V2/Artemis Records.
Microsoft plans to launch a number of accessories, including Zune car chargers, docking stations and gear that will allow Zune to connect to televisions and music speakers. Helping Microsoft with the accessories are many of the same companies that manufacture Apple accessories, including Altec Lansing, Belkin and Digital Lifestyle Outfitters.
Ina Fried and Greg Sandoval write for CNET News.com
Comments
There are 6 comments. Join the discussion
1. mathue
The Wifi idea is neat, though if my iPaq with WiFi is any indication it'll drain batteries like crazy. I'm sorta surprised they didn't choose Bluetooth. Otherwise the screen is slightly larger than the iPod but retains the same resolution. The displays customizable aspects are interesting though hardly a huge feature. It's strikes me as a Windows CE/PocketPC/Winmoble device but without the PDA features.
2. Zubin Hmaid
Microsoft lacks taste. Zune lacks taste. Microsoft makes third-rate products. Zune will be a third-rate product. Except for dominating the entire world with their lousy OS, Microsoft has yet to produce any product that has created anywhere near the cultural impact that the ipod has. That's not a lack of money, desire or technology on Microsoft's part: It is a total lack of taste and style. You can't buy that.
3. anonymous
As usual Microsoft is playing a half-assed game of catch up to Apple. When will the fools in wash. ever learn. Go back to sleep Bill. You woke up too late again.
4. MusicFan
Why is Microsoft bothering?
Surely the end is nigh for the "mp3 player" as mobile manufacturers continue to introduce this function and upgrade their memory size.
Why carry 2 when you can carry 1?
Goodbye Ipods, we will miss you......NOT!
5. Richard A
Wifi connectivity is a great idea and must enevitably offer direct online music purchasing in the near future - else, why not use Bluetooth? - but I fear battery life will be seriously compromised.
The ability to swap files wirelessly between Zunes has the potential to become a major playground craze but without substantial battery life, the devices will soon be dopped like unmourned tamagotchis.
6. Sean Patterson
Wow Zubin Hmaid, can you brown nose Apple anymore. how can you sit there an imply that every thing microsoft has created lacks taste? Oh i bet you use that Lousy OS every day, an oh wait microsoft word? sure not lousy to me. I can definitly tell you a mac geek.