Zune is an umbrella term from Microsoft that will cover the upcoming portable media player, the software that will drive the device and a service for acquiring and sharing media.^[1] The project was previously known as codename Argo. The Zune is currently under production at the Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, Washington.

This article or section contains information about scheduled or expected future product(s). It may contain information of a speculative nature and the content may change dramatically as the product release approaches and more information becomes available.

It was previously thought that Zune was one of Microsoft's media players under "Project Argo",^[2][3] similar to Apple's iPod family. However, it now seems that the "Zune" brand will be used for all media players and other services, throughout the new project.^[4]

In an interview with Billboard, Chris Stephenson of MSN Entertainment Business affirmed that first device is planned to include Wi-Fi connectivity for wireless Internet access, with the ability for users to transfer files wirelessly and share files between each other. Billboard also reports that other devices are planned for release under the Zune brand, including a portable video player. A rumored portable gaming device has not been confirmed.^[1]

Contents 1 Rumors 1.1 Xbox branding 1.2 iTunes 1.3 Online store 1.4 Hardware 1.5 Price 2 Hype campaign 3 External links 4 References

Rumors

Xbox branding

Certain reports have suggested that the Zune will carry the Xbox branding.^[5][6] These reports also suggest that there is a portable gaming system in the works, much like the Sony PSP. Analysts predict that Microsoft will debut a portable console in 2007/2008.^[7] This device is speculated to be released as part of the Zune initiative.^{[citation needed]}

J Allard, creator of the Xbox 360, is rumored to be overseeing development.

iTunes

Microsoft is said to be offering the chance to swap already-purchased songs from the iTunes Music Store, in exchange for WMA versions, for playback on Zune.^[8] This would help iPod and iTunes users move to Zune, as Apple's FairPlay content protection scheme that protects iTunes Music Store purchases is not available on any non-Apple software or device.

One intriguing rumor is that Microsoft would offer iTunes Music Store's customers the option to repurchase all the songs they've bought as protected Windows Media files. This would certainly be a bold move that would remove one of Apple customers' barriers to entry, but it smacks of the kind of win-at-all-costs freebiemania of the dotcom era. Surely, there are already customers who have spent hundreds of dollars or more at the iTunes Music Store. Completely reimbursing those customers would essentially amount to giving the player away. Imagine if Microsoft had offered a free Xbox game for every PlayStation 2 game purchased when it entered the video game console market.^[9]

Online store

Microsoft is rumored to have plans for an online music service.^[10] It would offer two options, the first being a monthly subscription where users could listen to any songs in the Zune music store library for as long as the user is subscribed. Also, subscribers to this option of service would also be able to share their own music and playlists with other Zune subscribers. The other option would be like every other music store where individual songs could be purchased for permanent download.

The Zune service is also intended to give artists many ways to connect directly to the service's users such as having weekly updates from the artists to fans.

Hardware

In the week-and-a-half since the rumors sprung up, all sorts of details about what is being dubbed the Zune have emerged. Reportedly, the player will have a click-wheel interface similar to that of the iconic iPod. However, the hardware inside is reportedly much beefier. It will run Windows Mobile on a 400MHz DSP processor, contain a 30GB hard drive, and built-in WiFi.^[11]

According to tech blog VoIP Lowdown, the player will also have VoIP capabilities.^[12]

Price

If the rumors are true—and our sources at Microsoft have chosen to remain silent on the issue—we can expect to see a full-featured mobile device from Microsoft that's tied into its URGE music venture and will support music, video, playing games, and possibly even satellite radio. The price point is rumored to be US$399, the same as the high-end iPod, but the Zune will only have a 30GB drive inside. If Microsoft actually is developing an iPod killer—and we think there is a large dose of truth to the reports—expect to see it just in time for the holiday shopping frenzy. Whether it will be enough to grab 20 percent of the iPod market, as Microsoft reportedly hopes, remains to be seen.^[11]

Hype campaign

On July 21, 2006, several news sites reported that Microsoft launched a viral video marketing campaign for Zune.^[13] The site, ComingZune.com features a short animation of a man, a rabbit, and a very small person with Regina Spektor's song "Us" in the background, followed by the official Zune logo and a form to sign up for updates. Various claims have been made that the site is a fake, and not associated with Microsoft.^[14][15]

External links

• ZuneInsider Blog from Microsoft Zune Development Staff
• ZuneUser - Microsoft Zune News and Information Blog

References