Microsoft Zune – Full Details
MS’s “iPod killer” – info on gaming functionality scant
SPOnG told you earlier this month all about the many rumours surrounding Microsoft's Zune - being pegged as the company's so-called "iPod killer."
Well, Microsoft has finally announced that Zune is indeed the 'umbrella brand' for its new portable entertainment range of products, with the first hard-drive based, WiFi-enabled Zune device to be launched in time for Christmas 2006.
Little has been said regarding any gaming functionality on the device, with the focus being heavily on music and video - the Zune brand encompasses both the portable devices and the software that enables users to acquire, share and discover new media.
It would seem that Microsoft is very keen to attract a younger demographic with Zune than its direct competitor (and currently clear market leader) Apple, with its hugely successful iPod brand and popular iTunes software and online music store. Indeed, talk is that Microsoft will offer to 'buy' people out of iTunes by offering them their entire music library 'for free' on Zune.
Microsoft has clearly learnt some lessons from the soaring popularity of social networking sites (read:myspace) as well as other online music recommendation services such as the superb lastfm.com
Microsoft entertainment division's general manager of marketing Chris Stephenson told Billboard magazine that the Zune launch will be supported by a huge marketing push on par with the launch of Xbox 360 last year."The ability to connect the different devices is a key part of the strategy," said Stephenson. "Whether it's a portable media device, or a phone, or the Xbox or Media Center PC, the idea is you can access your entertainment from anywhere."
So far there's little information on the company's plans for it's move into the portable gaming market, other than widespread speculation that a portable gaming system is in the works, and that it will be a part of the Zune family with full Xbox Live Anywhere integration.
As ever, we'll bring you further, concrete news on all things Zune-related as we get it. You can check out the first viral marketing ad for Zune at ComingZune.com
In the meantime - what about that name? Perhaps SPOnG missed a meeting, but we can't help but feel it's a bit, well, nerdy?
Let us know what you think in the forum.
Well, Microsoft has finally announced that Zune is indeed the 'umbrella brand' for its new portable entertainment range of products, with the first hard-drive based, WiFi-enabled Zune device to be launched in time for Christmas 2006.
Little has been said regarding any gaming functionality on the device, with the focus being heavily on music and video - the Zune brand encompasses both the portable devices and the software that enables users to acquire, share and discover new media.
It would seem that Microsoft is very keen to attract a younger demographic with Zune than its direct competitor (and currently clear market leader) Apple, with its hugely successful iPod brand and popular iTunes software and online music store. Indeed, talk is that Microsoft will offer to 'buy' people out of iTunes by offering them their entire music library 'for free' on Zune.
Microsoft has clearly learnt some lessons from the soaring popularity of social networking sites (read:myspace) as well as other online music recommendation services such as the superb lastfm.com
Microsoft entertainment division's general manager of marketing Chris Stephenson told Billboard magazine that the Zune launch will be supported by a huge marketing push on par with the launch of Xbox 360 last year."The ability to connect the different devices is a key part of the strategy," said Stephenson. "Whether it's a portable media device, or a phone, or the Xbox or Media Center PC, the idea is you can access your entertainment from anywhere."
So far there's little information on the company's plans for it's move into the portable gaming market, other than widespread speculation that a portable gaming system is in the works, and that it will be a part of the Zune family with full Xbox Live Anywhere integration.
As ever, we'll bring you further, concrete news on all things Zune-related as we get it. You can check out the first viral marketing ad for Zune at ComingZune.com
In the meantime - what about that name? Perhaps SPOnG missed a meeting, but we can't help but feel it's a bit, well, nerdy?
Let us know what you think in the forum.
Companies:
Microsoft
Read More Like This
Comments
config 24 Jul 2006 09:29
1/3
What is it with MS and frickin' rabbits?
As for the name, well, it's crap, innit? Still, never let a little thing like a s**t name get in the way of the marketing machine.
As for the name, well, it's crap, innit? Still, never let a little thing like a s**t name get in the way of the marketing machine.
Joji 24 Jul 2006 11:21
2/3
Mostly music and video eh! That means one thing, another DRM laced product and I for hate the sound of that.
While I like the hard drive based nature of it, if I want something for music and video I'd prefer it without DRM so I can put what I want on it, not what they say I can.
As for games, my PSP and DS will do fine for them thanks.
There's a very clear and present danger of MS flooding the market now. 360 is out and Xbox is still getting games released too. Another hand held is really gonna stretch gamers pockets, when many already pay enough for Xbox Live and over priced 360 games. Come on MS,we aren't made of money. MS should leave this one alone.
I know they won't listen to me but another console mean less money spent on whats already out there. Stores only have so much shelf space for all this stuff.
I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. 360, I will bag one, but another handheld for video and music, I'd have to choose an iRiver or Archos player instead.
While I like the hard drive based nature of it, if I want something for music and video I'd prefer it without DRM so I can put what I want on it, not what they say I can.
As for games, my PSP and DS will do fine for them thanks.
There's a very clear and present danger of MS flooding the market now. 360 is out and Xbox is still getting games released too. Another hand held is really gonna stretch gamers pockets, when many already pay enough for Xbox Live and over priced 360 games. Come on MS,we aren't made of money. MS should leave this one alone.
I know they won't listen to me but another console mean less money spent on whats already out there. Stores only have so much shelf space for all this stuff.
I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. 360, I will bag one, but another handheld for video and music, I'd have to choose an iRiver or Archos player instead.
majin dboy 24 Jul 2006 13:12
3/3
on the name,its not great.very MS trying to be cool,but does it have a meaning behind it?
i know "Wii" got a lot of s**t when it was announced as the final name for N's console,but it had so many people talking about it because it was so out there(and the obvious reference to urine),this was a great marketing move by nintendo. Zune pales in comparission to Wii.
i know "Wii" got a lot of s**t when it was announced as the final name for N's console,but it had so many people talking about it because it was so out there(and the obvious reference to urine),this was a great marketing move by nintendo. Zune pales in comparission to Wii.