Zune

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This article is about the digital media brand. For the AROS widget toolkit, see Zune (widget toolkit).
Zune
Zune logo and wordmark.svg
ManufacturerMicrosoft
TypeDigital media, Portable media player
Release dateNovember 14, 2006 (Zune 30)[1]

November 13, 2007 (Zune 4, 8, 80)[2]
June 13, 2008 (Zune 4, 8, 80) September 16, 2008 (Zune 16, 120)[3][4]
September 15, 2009 (Zune HD 16, 32)[5]

April 12, 2010 (Zune HD 64)[5]
LifespanNovember 14, 2006; 12 years ago (2006-11-14)
– June 13, 2008
DiscontinuedJune 2012
Operating systemWindows Embedded CE 6.0
CPUFreescale i. MX31L processor ARM Core
Nvidia Tegra APX 2600 (Zune HD)
Storage4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 GB flash drive
30, 80, and 120 GB hard drive
Display1.8in glass LCD screen, resolution 240×320 (Zune 4, 8, 16)
3in QVGA LCD screen, resolution 240×320 (Zune 30)
3.2in glass LCD screen, resolution 240×320 at 4:3 aspect ratio (Zune 80, 120)
3.3in glass OLED touchscreen, resolution 480×272 at 16:9 aspect ratio (Zune HD)
TouchpadCircular directional pad (non-touch)
(30 GB release)
Touch-sensitive Zune Pad
(4, 8, 16, 80, 120 GB releases)
Capacitive touchscreen
(HD release)
ConnectivityWi-Fi (Zune-Zune, Sync-PC, Microsoft Surface)
USB
Online servicesZune Marketplace
PredecessorPortable Media Center
SuccessorGroove Music and Microsoft Movies & TV, Windows Phone 8

Zune is a discontinued line of digital media products and services marketed by Microsoft. Zune consisted of a line of portable media players, digital media player software for Windows PCs, a music subscription service known as a "Zune Music Pass", music and video streaming services for the Xbox 360 game console via the Zune Software, music, TV and movie sales, and desktop sync software for Windows Phone. Zune was also the provider of music streaming for United Airlines in-flight, after a partnership in 2010.

The Zune hardware players were discontinued in October 2011. In June 2012, Microsoft announced plans to discontinue all "Zune" products, and instead, Microsoft would distribute its digital media content and services under the Xbox Music and Xbox Video names, available on their line of products, including Windows 8 PCs and tablets, Xbox 360 game console, and Windows Phone smart phones. The www.zune.net domain now redirects to Xbox's website, but the software retains the Zune name. The Windows Phone App succeeded Zune Software as the desktop sync service for Windows Phone 8, as part of Microsoft's discontinuation of the Zune brand. However, Zune Software must still be used for Windows Phone 7 desktop sync, and is still available to download from the Windows Phone website for all Windows Phone 7 devices. In November 2015 Microsoft retired the Zune music download and streaming service. Remaining Zune subscribers were switched over to Microsoft's Groove Music platform.[6]

History[edit]

MSN Music[edit]

Zune music and devices were follow-on to Microsoft's MSN Music service. MSN Music was created in 2004 to compete with Apple's iTunes services. After only two years, Microsoft announced the closing of MSN Music in 2006 immediately before announcing the Zune service. In 2008, Microsoft shut down the MSN Music licensing servers only two years after promising users the servers would be available for five years.[citation needed]

First generation[edit]

The first-generation Zune device was created by Microsoft in close cooperation with Toshiba, which took the design of the Gigabeat S and redeveloped it under the name Toshiba 1089 as registered with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) starting in 2006.[7] Xbox 360 overseer J Allard ran the project, codenamed "Argo", staffed with Xbox and MSN Music Store developers[8] who worked on "Alexandria", finalized as Zune Marketplace.[9] Both products were later united under the Zune brand name in the U.S. market. While some features were praised, the initial Zune has been regarded with derision and jokes for its bulky size and brown color, with CNET regarding it at best as a "high-profile underdog alternative to Apple's iPod" where other Windows Media MP3 players from Creative, iRiver, and Samsung had not succeeded.[10][11]

At midnight on December 31, 2008, many[12] first generation Zune 30 models froze.[13][14] Microsoft stated that the problem was caused by the internal clock driver written by Freescale and the way the device handles a leap year. It automatically fixed itself 24 hours later, but an intermediate "fix", for those who did not wish to wait, was to drain the device's battery and then recharge after 12 noon GMT on January 1, 2009.[15] [16]

The first generation and later Zune devices included a number of social features, including the ability to share songs with other Zune users wirelessly. Songs that had been transferred over wi-fi could then be played three times over three days.[17]

Second generation[edit]

The second-generation Zune 4, 8, and 80 devices, manufactured by Flextronics, introduced the touch-sensitive Zune Pad, which was shaped like a squircle. The 4 and 8 GB Zune devices use flash memory and are smaller in size than the 80 GB version, which uses a hard drive. The 30 GB Zune was not redesigned, although it received a software update that brought its interface in line with the second generation models. At the same time, the Zune 2.0 software was released for Windows PCs. This version of the software was completely re-written and featured a new user interface.[18]

Third generation[edit]

Zune 30/80/120 and Zune 4/8/16 menu system

Zune devices feature games developed using XNA. An early version of XNA Game Studio 3.0, released in May 2008, allowed developers to work on games for Zune devices.[19] This generation included a 120 GB model, one of the largest storage capacities ever released for a portable media player.

The third-generation Zune 16 and 120 devices were released in September 2008, coinciding with the release of the Zune Software 3.0 update. The only changes to this generation of devices were to the firmware, which was made available for all previous models, and the storage capacity. Included in this firmware update was the ability to tag and later purchase songs heard on FM radio, channels which can be customized to deliver suggested songs for the user, the games Hexic and Texas Hold' em, support for audiobooks from online stores such as Audible.com and others that support OverDrive media files,[3][20][21] a clock, and changed quicklist functionality. The ability to purchase songs from Zune Marketplace on the device while connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi was also introduced. To help push this feature, Microsoft partnered with Wayport to allow Zune devices to access its network of over 10,000 wireless hotspots, including those at McDonald's restaurants.[22]

Zune Pass customers in the United States could also now download 10 tracks to keep per month in addition to the existing subscription-dependent unlimited music downloads.

Fourth generation[edit]

On the same day, the Zune 4.0 software was released to support the Zune HD.[23] In addition, it became possible for Zune Pass subscribers to stream tracks through a computer’s web browser.[24] Zune 4.0 also supports internet radio streams but this feature is disabled by default and can only be enabled by a third-party patch.[25] This was the first firmware released for the Zune line which did not provide new features for older Zune models. These models were given a firmware update with version 3.2.

Microsoft released Zune 4.5 on April 5, 2010. This update introduced SmartDJ and codec features. A firmware update brought picks and an improved the TV-out experience to the Zune HD.[26]

From Summer 2010, United Airlines started to offer Zune in-flight audio by means of 21 playlists that are very similar to the Zune Channels offered on the Zune Marketplace.[27] Each channel offers up to 3 hours of unique programming ranging from classic rock, contemporary pop, opera, electronica, piano jazz, and others.[28]

Discontinuation of Zune hardware[edit]

On March 15, 2011, Microsoft announced that no new Zune hardware players would be developed, although existing models would remain for sale. The Zune had failed to capture significant market share after five years against the Apple iPod, and a recent study by NPD Group indicated that the Zune did not make the list of the five best-selling portable music players in the U.S. The iPod has been more successful because of simplicity and had better ratings. It has also been suggested that there is a much larger trend that standalone music players were giving way to smartphones with personalized, app-driven music.[29]

On October 3, 2011, Microsoft announced the discontinuation of all Zune hardware, encouraging users to transition to Windows Phone. Later, the announcement was removed and a Zune Support Team member tweeted that the page was added to the website in error.[30][31] Finally, despite previous denials, the original announcement of the Zune hardware's discontinuation was restored to the Zune Support site.[32][33]

On other Microsoft products[edit]

Xbox 360[edit]

In Autumn 2009, movies and TV shows became available through streaming or download through Zune Video Marketplace on Xbox 360.[34] On November 4, 2010, the music portion of the Zune Marketplace was brought to Xbox. This coincided with the launch of the Kinect and Kinect owners can navigate the application menus using hand gestures, without a controller. Users must have a Zune Pass subscription to play music in the application, and only Zune Pass content is available. Locally saved music must still be played through the Xbox's native media library.

Windows Phone[edit]

Microsoft announced new versions of Zune once in a year prior to 2010. In March 2011, Bloomberg.com published an article[35] claiming that Microsoft would stop introducing new versions of the Zune music and video player. The article has been widely quoted over the internet and by news agencies. However, a Microsoft representative for Zune business development denied this rumor saying that the Windows Phone platform introduction should be considered to be the annual Zune update for 2010.[36]

Zune-branded media playback software is a feature of Windows Phone devices. These phones sync with the Zune software and are compatible with Zune Pass.

All Windows Phone devices include capacitive multi-touch screens, FM radios, Wi-Fi, and certain other features included on the Zune HD. The user interface of the Zune devices, particularly the Zune HD, served as the inspiration for the user interface of Windows Phone. Microsoft refers to the design language of this user interface as Metro.

On October 11, 2010, Microsoft released Zune software v4.7, which supports syncing of Windows Phone 7 devices with a Windows PC.[37] Zune software was then succeeded as a desktop sync app by the Windows Phone App for Windows Phone 8.

Zune devices[edit]

Main articles: Zune 30; Zune 4, 8, 16; Zune 80, 120; and Zune HD

The first Zune model, the Zune 30, was released in the worldwide on November 14, 2006, featuring a capacity of 30 gigabytes, FM radio, and a 3-inch screen. The Zune 30 was initially available in black, brown or white. Retail packages contained a pair of basic headphones, a carrying case, USB cord, and a software CD.

The Zune 80 was announced on October 2, 2007,[38] along with the smaller Zune 4 and Zune 8 to compete with Apple's iPod nano line. These were to be known as the second generation of Zune devices. The Zune 80 featured a 3.2 inch screen, while the Zune 4 and 8 come with a 1.8 inch screen. Both come with a new touchpad-style input device ("squircle") and new software. Additional file support for H.264 and MPEG-4 formats was also included, whereas the older Zune 30 requires these formats to be transcoded to WMV prior to sync. The ability to sync wirelessly (automatically if connected to a power supply), podcast support, and an upgraded song-sharing licensing became available on all models. The new software also allowed a Zune device to communicate with other Zune devices to share pictures and songs. A free firmware update added the new software features to the original Zune 30, and was released on November 13, 2007.[39] The Zune 80 came bundled with a USB connection cord and premium headphones. The Zune 4 and 8 come with a USB connection cord and basic headphones.

The Zune 30, the original Zune music player, has a 30 GB hard drive, 3 inch screen, and a simple directional pad for menu navigation. The second generation of Zune devices includes the Zune 4, 8, 80 and 120. The Zune 4, and 8 are smaller in size and have 4 GB, and 8 GB of flash memory, respectively. The 80 GB Zune acts as a replacement for the Zune 30: it is thinner and lighter than the original. All second generation Zunes have a Zune Pad instead of the original directional pad that was included on the Zune 30. Microsoft released an upgrade for all Zune models, including the Zune 30, to the second generation software/firmware.

On May 26, 2009 Microsoft announced the Zune HD, the first touch screen Zune. The Zune HD has HD Radio and the ability to display video in High Definition through a docking station (sold separately). The screen is multi-touch enabled and uses gestures such as swiping and pinching throughout the player. The device comes with 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB of flash memory. The screen is OLED, 3.3 inches, and has a 480x272 16:9 resolution. Also included are WiFi, a custom Internet Explorer browser, and an accelerometer.

Preloaded content[edit]

Zune devices featured preloaded audio and video content from various artists, including Wisin & Yandel, BT, The Thermals, Paul Oakenfold, and CSS. Special edition Zune devices featured their own unique set of content.

Specifications[edit]

Zune 30 Zune 4 Zune 8 Zune 16 Zune 80 Zune 120[40] Zune HD[41]
Size 6.1 × 11.2 × 1.5 cm 4.1 × 9.1 × 0.8 cm 6.1 × 10.8 × 1.3 cm 5.27 × 10.21 × 0.89 cm[42]
Weight 158.8 g 47 g 127.6 g 73.7 g[42]
Screen 7.6 cm (3") (240×320 pixels) 4.6 cm (1.8") (240×320 pixels) 8.1 cm (3.2") (240×320 pixels) 8.4 cm (3.3") (480x272 pixels)
Storage 30 GB HDD 4 GB Flash 8 GB Flash 16 GB Flash 80 GB HDD 120 GB HDD 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB Flash[43]
Wi-Fi Zune-to-Zune, sync with computer / wireless network / wireless multiplayer gaming / wireless shopping from Zune devices as of September 16, 2008 (with firmware update) Zune-to-Zune, sync with computer / wireless network / wireless multiplayer gaming / wireless shopping from Zune devices as of September 16, 2008 Sync with computer / wireless network / wireless multiplayer gaming / Access to a Wi-Fi Zune Marketplace / Web browsing
Colors Black (JS8-00001), brown (JS8-00003), red (JS8-00017), white (JS8-00002), pink (JS8-00016) [44] Black (glossy black in 16 GB only) green, red, pink, blue (8 GB only in retail, 16 GB through Zune Originals)[44] Black, red (previously available only as a Valentine's Day promotion, and later as a customization option for Zune Originals)[44] Black,[45] blue, red (Blue only available from the Zune Store) Black, platinum, red, blue, green, purple, magenta – platinum 32 GB, black 16 GB, red, blue, green, purple and magenta available only from Zune Originals)
Limited Editions Orange (JS8-00007),[46] Brown (Halo 3),[47] Red & Pink with Diamonds (Nylon Magazine),[48] Black, (Halo 3[49] Wisin & Yandel,[50] Adult Swim,[51] Microsoft Interns[52]) Citron 16 GB (Zune Employees),[53] Gold 8 GB (GOODS),[54] Black 8 GB (Allen Iverson),[55] Green 4 GB (2008 Democratic National Convention),[56] Red 4 GB (2008 Republican National Convention)[56] Gold (GOODS)[54] Black (Joy Division)[57] Black (Gears of War 2)
Navigation Circular Directional Pad Zune Pad Multi-Touch Screen
Released November 2006 November 2007 September 2008 November 2007 September 2008 September 15, 2009
Price (US$ at launch) $249.95 $149.99 $199.99 $179.00 $249.99 $249.99 16 GB: $219.99
32 GB: $289.99
64 GB: $349.99[43]
Battery life (constant audio / constant video) 12 hours audio, 3.5 hours video 24 hours audio, 4 hours video 24 hours audio, 4 hours video 30 hours audio, 4 hours video 33 hours audio, 8.5 hours video[58]

Accessories[edit]

The standard Zune devices come with basic headphones and a proprietary USB data cable. The Zune 30 comes with these items as well as a carrying bag, and the Zune 80 model has upgraded "Zune Premium" headphones. Accessories sold separately include:

  • Charging devices (car adapter, AC wall-socket adapters, external battery)
  • I/O adapters (A/V composite, FM transmitters, headphones, USB data cable)
  • Docks (charging, multimedia large speaker, vertical hands-free assist)
  • Protection (glass screen protection, hardened/cushioning material case protection)
  • Carrying cases (standard issue, armband type, and belt clip)
  • Replacement parts and upgrades (battery, hard drive, LCD, etc.)

Among the firms that make Zune accessories are Microsoft, Altec Lansing, Belkin, Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO), Dual Electronics, Griffin Technology, Harman Kardon, JBL, Integrated Mobile Electronics, Jamo International, Klipsch Audio Technologies, Logitech, Monster Cable Products Inc., Speck, Targus, Kicker and VAF Research.[59]

Firmware[edit]

According to Microsoft, the most up-to-date firmware version is 4.5 (114) for the Zune HD, which replaces the original player firmware that ships on the device, 4.0 (356). In the case of the Zune 4, 8, 16, 30, 80, and 120 players, the most current player software version is 3.3, which provides compatibility with Zune 4.2.[60] Version 3.3 was primarily a bug fix release and was released on January 26, 2010.

The operating system for the Zune devices is based on the Windows CE kernel for ARM architecture and uses a distribution similar to the Portable Media Center found on the Gigabeat S. Zune's native file compatible formats are:

  • JPEG for images;
  • WMV (Used by Zune Marketplace)
  • MPEG-4 – supported on all models except the Zune 30 device
  • H.264 – supported on all models except the Zune 30 device
  • Avi video (Xvid) support is included on the Zune HD (firmware versions 4.5 and later).
  • MP3 (used by Zune Marketplace)
  • AAC (unprotected) not AAC (.m4a)
  • WMA Pro (2-channel)
  • WMA Standard (used by Zune Marketplace)
  • WMA lossless

Any formats not compatible with an individual device are automatically transcoded into a compatible format.

The graphical user interface (GUI) (called the "twist interface" by Microsoft) has sections for music, videos, pictures, social, radio, podcasts, marketplace, games and settings. It is said to provide "two-dimensional navigation" for scrolling through items with its directional pad.[61] In the music section, users can add songs to a quick playlist without reconnecting to the desktop software. In the picture section, the background can be customized using any image stored on the device (for viewing) as wallpaper. In the radio section, users can receive and play FM radio internally, with North American, Japanese, and European tuning ranges, and display Radio Data System information (usually artist and song) when available. When artist/song information are available, the device can search for the song in the Zune Marketplace for download or purchase. In the social section, users can broadcast the user's profile and recent activity to others nearby.

The first updates to the firmware added sharing features (send, community, list nearby Zune users) as described in FCC filings.[62][63] Firmware 1.1 allowed the device to inherit sharing capabilities described by codename Pyxis. Early firmware releases patched software bugs. About a year later, the much anticipated 2.2 firmware release added support for DVR-MS (Media Center Recorded TV) files, lossless playback, added wireless syncing, and GUI interface improvements.[citation needed]

Zune supports the Windows Media DRM digital rights management system, which is not compatible with other DRM systems and is not part of the PlaysForSure platform or program.[64]  [65] Multimedia content is transferred through Media Transfer Protocol (MTP); however, its proprietary MTP extensions ("MTPZ") place an interoperability barrier between the Zune and previous MTP-based software.

Zune software[edit]

Main article: Zune Software

The Zune software functions as management software for the device, a full media player application with a library, an interface to the Zune Marketplace, and as a media streaming server.[66] Zune Software is used to sync with all devices with Zune functionality, including the Zune devices, Windows Phone 7, and Microsoft Kin. Zune devices work exclusively with the Zune software and Marketplace.

The Zune software organizes the media in its library and allows users to add to the library by ripping from CDs, syncing with a Zune device, and downloading from the Zune Marketplace. The Zune software also allows one to organize song metadata. It can automatically download album art and metadata tag data for content in the library.

On the PC, the Zune software streams files to other PCs, the Xbox 360, and other compatible devices. The Zune software also connects with the Zune social and keeps track of files swapped with other users.

The Zune software runs only on 32-bit Windows XP or 32-bit/64-bit, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.[67] Windows XP Professional x64 Edition is not supported.

Zune Software was succeeded by the Windows Phone App as a desktop sync service for Windows Phone 8. Windows Phone 7, Kin, and all previous Zune devices will still use the Zune software, which is still available for download on the Windows Phone website.

Zune Marketplace[edit]

Main article: Zune Marketplace

Zune Marketplace successor services[edit]

Main articles: Groove Music and Microsoft Movies & TV

As of October 16, 2012, all Zune Marketplace products and services have been replaced by Xbox Music, Xbox Music Pass, Xbox Video, and Windows Phone Store.

Zune software for Windows PCs showing the Zune Marketplace

The Zune Marketplace was an online store that offered music, podcasts, TV shows, movies, music videos, movie trailers and mobile applications. Content can be viewed or purchased on Windows PCs with the Zune software installed, Zune devices, the Xbox 360, the Microsoft Kin phones, or Windows Phone phones.[68]

It offers a selection of 14 million songs[69] and the Zune Pass music subscription service.

Availability[edit]

Zune Marketplace was originally only available in the United States. In October 2010, certain Zune Marketplace content became available in additional countries: the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Mexico, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, not all content was available in all countries; for example, podcasts and TV shows were not offered at all outside the United States.[70]

Sales and marketing[edit]

Marketing[edit]

Microsoft launched several campaigns to jump-start the Zune. It had a major campaign to promote Zune with "Music the way it wants to be" as a major theme and "Welcome to the social" as an advertisement tagline. Also, the company enlisted about 200 "Zune-masters" to advertise the device on American college campuses, to promote the item, and to run Zune-related events. In exchange, they received free merchandise, including a Zune.[71]

Additionally, Microsoft launched an attempt at viral marketing with its comingzune site, complete with several videos in succession.[72] Along with ZuneInsider, and several other ad hoc events, Microsoft hoped to generate buzz for the product outside of the normal marketing avenues, and market its product as a part of a social construct.[73]

The choice of branding and distribution were part of the Zune as a decision of "two strategies in the market right now: cross-brand ecosystems... and singular brand ecosystems... The former is gaining in share and units sold, but the latter has enormous share and won't give that up easily."[65]

Microsoft normally follows a platform (cross-brand) strategy, as exemplified by the PlaysForSure system. However, its Xbox division has gained some experience with the vertically integrated strategy in which it controls everything end-to-end from the hardware to the online store. With Apple dominating the audio market with its vertically integrated iPod system, the Xbox division won permission to try the same approach, separately from PlaysForSure and PlayReady.

Microsoft also wanted to go beyond Apple's efforts and promote the tagline "the social" and wireless sharing as key differentiators. Chris Stephenson, leader of Zune's marketing and manager of Global Marketing for the Entertainment Business,[74] said, "we see a great opportunity to bring together technology and community to allow consumers to explore and discover music together."[65] New York Times Magazine columnist Rob Walker agrees that the Zune's "community and togetherness seem like a reasonable counterpunch to iPod's supposed attraction as an individuality enabler that allows owners to wallow in their own tasteful personal soundtracks." But he also sees the Zune as having gained appeal as an individualistic statement against the omnipresent iPod: "The most salient feature of the Zune seems to be that it's not an iPod".[75]

Microsoft also released a Zune theme for Windows XP that replaced the appearance of the operating system. This theme includes an orange Start button and black taskbar/Start menu.

Zune has also expanded its brand efforts by creating a Millennial-friendly website and campaign focused on emerging artist talent: Zune Arts

MySpace has added the feature to label music players on personal profiles to Zune-themed or a red Zune 8.

Sales[edit]

During its launch week, the original Zune, now Zune 30, was the second-most-sold portable media device with a 9% unit share in the United States: behind the market-leading iPod's 63%.[76] For the first 6 months after launch, NPD Group figures show that the Zune 30 achieved approximately 10%[77][78][79] market share in the Hard Drive-based MP3 market and 3%[80][81] in the overall MP3 player market. According to Bloomberg Television 1.2 million Zune 30 players were sold between November 2006 and June 2007,[82] surpassing a milestone.[83] A price drop on Amazon.com during November 2007 temporarily boosted the brown Zune 30 to the top Sales Rank in electronics.

On May 6, 2008, Microsoft announced that it had sold just over 2 million Zunes. Roughly one million of those were sold since the second generation Zunes launched in November 2007.[84]

On May 22, 2008, it was reported that GameStop "has decided to stop selling Microsoft's Zune players at its stores due to what it sees as insufficient demand from customers." A statement issued by Adam Sohn, Zune marketing manager said "We have a set of great partnerships...Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart, and others."[85]

In January 2009, Microsoft's quarterly earnings filing with the SEC indicated that Zune sales had fallen $100 million from 2007 to 2008 during the fourth quarter of the calendar year. The Wall Street Journal estimated that sales appear to have dropped from about $185 million during the holiday period in 2007 to just $85 million in 2008. This may be due to the company's decision not to substantially update the Zune hardware in the fall of 2008.[86]

Zune market share decreased to 2% in the first half of 2009, according to the NPD Group.[87]

Availability outside the U.S.[edit]

Microsoft released the Zune to Canadian consumers on June 13, 2008, marking the first time it was available outside the U.S. Microsoft has even made efforts to ban visitors outside the United States from Zune Originals. Users wishing to sign up for a Zune Tag can easily circumvent most problems by signing up for a US-based account.[88]

The Zune 2.0–3.* firmware does not support non-romanized fonts other than Cyrillic. East Asian characters used in Chinese and Japanese, for example, show up on the Zune device as mojibake instead of characters. Microsoft's Zune desktop software has no problem with Unicode. Users have improvised ways to downgrade the firmware on the Zune device to older version that support Asian characters (V1 Zunes can be hacked to display Asian font). This is, however, not recommended by anyone, as future firmware versions contain significant improvements and added codec support.

Legacy[edit]

In 2012 Slate ran a reader poll inviting them to select a piece of defunct technology worthy of a reappraisal, where the Zune beat out Myspace, the PalmPilot, feature phones ("dumbphones") and older versions of Internet Explorer. Farhad Manjoo, the site's technology columnist, went to considerable lengths to acquire a Zune HD. "[It] wasn't as complete a failure as you may believe," he wrote. "If you purchased one over the iPod Touch back in 2009, you wouldn't have regretted it."[89]

Had Microsoft brought the first Zune to market at the same time as the iPod, or even the Zune HD at the time of the iPod Touch, it might have been a serious competitor to those players. "By that point, iPod had become the world's de facto digital entertainment device," he recalled. "To beat it, Microsoft needed to offer something that would make Apple's device look pitifully old-fashioned. The Zune HD didn't do that. Its design marked it as being different from an iPod, but that was pretty much the only difference. There was no reason to buy the Zune unless you wanted to stand apart from the Apple cult. And there was a cost to standing apart from Apple: Because of its popularity, there were millions of apps and accessories for the iPod. As good as it was, the Zune HD couldn’t match Apple’s sheer market power." Nevertheless, it was an effective enough product that Manjoo had started using it as his backup music player ("when my iPhone’s battery dies"). [89]

Like the Edsel, to which it has sometimes been likened, Manjoo said the Zune's failure may have led the way to eventual success with other products. The HD's user interface, he noted, was the first such Microsoft product to rely on text rather than icons, and it would form the basis for Windows Phone, Windows 8, Xbox and all of the company's web-based services. The Segoe typeface that is now used in all of them, as well as Microsoft's current logo, was first used on the Zune.[89]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Microsoft to Put Zune Experience in Consumers' Hands on Nov. 14". News Center. Microsoft. September 28, 2006.
  2. ^ "Microsoft Release Date For Zune 4, 8, 80 Set For November 13". Zune. Microsoft. Archived from the original on February 1, 2008.
  3. ^ a b "Zune Takes Music Discovery to the Next Level With New Ways to Find and Access Digital Music". News Center. Microsoft. September 8, 2008.
  4. ^ Christine Persaud. "New Features for Zune". Archived from the original on 2009-01-05.
  5. ^ a b "Zune HD available for pre-order today". Zune. Microsoft. August 13, 2009. Archived from the original on August 16, 2009.
  6. ^ "Microsoft pulls plug on Zune music service". News. BBC. November 16, 2015.
  7. ^ Miller, Paul (August 25, 2006). "Zune revealed by FCC as "Toshiba 1089"". Engadget. Aol. Retrieved January 3, 2007.
  8. ^ Dudley, Brier (July 10, 2006). "Argo aims guns at more than iPod". Seattle Times. Retrieved March 30, 2007.
  9. ^ Oswald, Ed (July 20, 2006). "October Debut for Microsoft 'iPod Killer'". BetaNews. Retrieved May 5, 2007.
  10. ^ Bell, Donald (2009-09-17). "Zune HD Review – Watch CNET's Video Review". Reviews.cnet.com. Retrieved 2013-02-04.
  11. ^ "Zune Review – Watch CNET's Video Review". Reviews.cnet.com. 2006-11-13. Retrieved 2013-02-04.
  12. ^ "Home – Microsoft Answers". Zune. Microsoft. Archived from the original on August 30, 2009. Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  13. ^ John Herrman (2008-12-31). "30GB Zunes Failing Everywhere, All At Once". Gizmodo. Gawker Media. Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  14. ^ Geere, Duncan (December 31, 2008). "BREAKING: Zunes worldwide hit by mystery crash : Tech Digest". Techdigest.tv. Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  15. ^ "Zune 30 FAQ". Microsoft. December 31, 2008. Archived from the original on January 2, 2009. Retrieved January 1, 2009.
  16. ^ Zadegan, Bryant (January 3, 2009). "A lesson on infinite loops". AeroXperience. Archived from the original on December 23, 2009. Retrieved January 5, 2009.
  17. ^ Biglione, Kirk (September 19, 2006). "Microsoft Insider Clarifies Zune's Sharing Limitations". medialoper. Retrieved January 5, 2009.
  18. ^ Thurrott, Paul (13 November 2007). "Zune 2 Review, Part 1: Software". Supersite for Windows. Penton. Archived from the original on February 6, 2010. Retrieved October 30, 2010.
  19. ^ Weller, David (May 7, 2008). "Announcing: XNA Game Studio 3.0 Community Technical Preview (CTP)". XNA Team Blog. Microsoft.
  20. ^ "Download audiobooks from sites powered by OverDrive.com, including over 7,500 public libraries". Zune. Microsoft. Archived from the original on September 19, 2008.
  21. ^ Free Library of Philadelphia Online Audiobook Catalog[dead link]
  22. ^ "Wayport Powers Microsoft Zune, McDonalds Service". Texas Tech Pulse. September 16, 2008. Retrieved November 21, 2008.
  23. ^ Bell, Donald (September 15, 2009). "Zune 4.0 software is live, Zune HDs rejoice". CNet. CBS Interactive. Retrieved September 17, 2009.
  24. ^ "Microsoft introduces a powerful new Zune media player, PC software and online services". Zune. Microsoft. September 15, 2009. Archived from the original on September 22, 2009. Retrieved September 18, 2009.
  25. ^ "Tinkering with Zune 4.0, enabling the unfinished "Radio"". Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved September 28, 2009.
  26. ^ "Zune 4.5 Announced". Archived from the original on April 7, 2010. Retrieved March 18, 2010.
  27. ^ "United Airlines offers up 'Zune inflight audio,' no actual Zunes". Engadget. Aol. June 3, 2010. Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  28. ^ Bell, Donald (2010-06-03). "Zune set to fly the friendly skies | MP3 Insider – CNET Reviews". CNET. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  29. ^ "Microsoft Zune Discontinued Amidst Falling Demand". hypebot. 2011-03-14. Retrieved 2013-02-04.
  30. ^ George Ponder (2011-10-05). "Rising from the ashes, the Zune HD still lives?". Windows Mobile. Mobile Nations. Retrieved 2013-02-04.
  31. ^ Sheeds. "Zune Hardware stay of execution…..Officially?". Wpdownunder.com. Archived from the original on October 8, 2011. Retrieved 2013-02-04.
  32. ^ "Zune player support and service – Zune.net – Zune players". archive.org. 8 October 2011. Archived from the original on 8 October 2011.CS1 maint: BOT: original-url status unknown (link)
  33. ^ Surur (October 4, 2011). "Zune HD and others officially dead after all, despite denials". Wmpoweruser.com. Retrieved 2013-02-04.
  34. ^ "Technology News: Handheld Devices: Microsoft Sharpens the Picture for Zune HD". Technewsworld.com. May 27, 2009. Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  35. ^ Bass D (2011-03-14). "Microsoft Said to Stop Releasing Zune as Demand Ebbs". Bloomberg. Archived from the original on 2011-03-16. Retrieved 2011-03-17.
  36. ^ Devereux W (2011-03-15). "Zune Is Not Dead: Dave McLauchlan's Statement | Anything But iPod". anythingbutipod.com. Archived from the original on March 16, 2011. Retrieved 2011-03-17. Dave McLauchlan, Senior Business Development Manager for Zune: We have nothing to announce about another Zune device — but most recently have introduced Zune HD to Canada via the Zune Originals store and remain committed to supporting our devices in North America
  37. ^ "Zune Boards". Zune Boards. 2011-07-19. Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  38. ^ Menta, Richard (October 3, 2007). "Zune 2 Unveiled". MP3 Newswire. Retrieved October 3, 2007.
  39. ^ Block, Ryan (October 2, 2007). "Microsoft's new Zunes: officially in 80, 8, and 4 GB sizes". Engadget. Aol.
  40. ^ "Zune120 Confirmed". August 24, 2008. Archived from the original on September 15, 2008.
  41. ^ "Microsoft Confirms New Zune HD Portable Media Player". Zune. Microsoft. Archived from the original on May 30, 2009. Retrieved June 25, 2009.
  42. ^ a b "Zune HD 32 – Buy from Microsoft Store". Archived from the original on August 14, 2009. Retrieved August 13, 2009.
  43. ^ a b "Zune HD Prices Leaked: 16 GB for $220, 32 GB for $290". Gizmodo. Gawker Media. August 10, 2009.
  44. ^ a b c "Compare Devices". Microsoft. 2008. Archived from the original on February 20, 2008. Retrieved March 19, 2008.
  45. ^ "FCC approves Microsoft's unreleased 120 GB Zune". Retrieved August 23, 2008.
  46. ^ "Orange Zune Photos". Archived from the original on January 11, 2013. Retrieved February 18, 2008.
  47. ^ "Exclusive Halo 3 Zune for Military Personnel". August 6, 2007. Archived from the original on December 19, 2009. Retrieved February 22, 2008.
  48. ^ "Zune 30 GB Nylon Edition". Archived from the original on January 16, 2008. Retrieved February 18, 2008.
  49. ^ "Zune – Halo 3 Edition Unboxed". May 16, 2007. Archived from the original on February 12, 2010. Retrieved February 22, 2008.
  50. ^ "Zune 30 GB Wisin & Yandel edition". Archived from the original on January 20, 2008. Retrieved February 18, 2008.
  51. ^ "An Adult Swim limited edition Zune". April 27, 2007. Archived from the original on March 12, 2008. Retrieved February 18, 2008.
  52. ^ "intern Zune". July 22, 2007. Retrieved February 18, 2008.
  53. ^ "Zune Citron Shots Reveal 16 GB Capacity (You Still Can't Have It)". Gizmodo. Gawker Media. November 17, 2007. Retrieved February 18, 2008.
  54. ^ a b "Zune 8 and 80 Goods Limited Edition 01". November 30, 2007. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  55. ^ Protalinski, Emil (April 18, 2008). "Exclusive Allen Iverson Reebok shoes and Zune coming in June". Ars Technica. Conde Nast. Retrieved August 27, 2008.
  56. ^ a b "Microsoft Gives DNC Delegates the Gift of Game and (Mostly) Music". Kotaku. Gawker Media. August 27, 2008. Retrieved August 27, 2008.
  57. ^ "Joy Division Documentary Limited Edition Zune". Archived from the original on August 22, 2008. Retrieved August 23, 2008.
  58. ^ "Zune HD Specs Sheet" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on August 24, 2009. Retrieved August 16, 2009.
  59. ^ "Microsoft's Zune Delivers Connected Music and Entertainment Experience". News Center. Microsoft. September 14, 2006.
  60. ^ "How to update your Zune player". Support. Microsoft. December 20, 2006. Archived from the original on January 16, 2007. Retrieved September 17, 2009.
  61. ^ Sadun, Erica (January 26, 2007). "A Half Dozen Lessons that Apple should take from the Zune". O'Reilly Media.
  62. ^ "Clunky-looking Microsoft Zune player revealed in filing". AppleInsider. August 25, 2006.
  63. ^ "Zune review". Engadget. Aol. November 15, 2006. Retrieved May 5, 2007.
  64. ^ Kim, James (November 14, 2006). "Zune (30 GB, black) Reviews". CNET. CBS Interactive.
  65. ^ a b c Kirn, Peter (July 31, 2006). "Microsoft Not Turning Back on PlaysForSure with Zune Player".
  66. ^ "Media Sharing FAQ". Zune. Microsoft. Archived from the original on August 22, 2008. Retrieved November 21, 2008.
  67. ^ Dhiman, Viney (March 3, 2014). "Zune Software: System Requirements". Nerds Magazine.
  68. ^ "Microsoft Introduces a Powerful New Zune Media Player, PC Software and Online Services". News Center. Microsoft. September 15, 2009.
  69. ^ "Zune expands to Canada, drops Zune Pass price in US". Archived from the original on February 2, 2012. Retrieved 2012-09-19.
  70. ^ "Zune to Expand Multiscreen Entertainment Services Into International Markets". News Center. Microsoft. 2010-09-20. Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  71. ^ "Zune Masters Program". ZuneInfo.com. December 28, 2006. Archived from the original on January 17, 2007.
  72. ^ benac (July 21, 2006). "Microsoft "Zune" Viral Marketing Website".
  73. ^ Hunter, David (July 22, 2006). "Microsoft admits to Zune".
  74. ^ "Chris Stephenson". Zune. Microsoft. Archived from the original on January 16, 2007.
  75. ^ Walker, Rob (August 10, 2008). "AntiPod". The New York Times Magazine. The New York Times Company. Retrieved October 6, 2008.
  76. ^ Block, Ryan (November 29, 2006). "Zune takes #2 spot in retail launch week". Engadget. Aol.
  77. ^ Claburn, Thomas (March 22, 2007). "Google News Thinks "Zune" Is a Typo". InformationWeek. Retrieved March 31, 2007.
  78. ^ Bishop, Todd (March 28, 2007). "Zune market share slips in February". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved March 31, 2007.
  79. ^ Rosmarin, Rachel (March 30, 2007). "Apple Says Buy Another iPod". Forbes. Archived from the original on April 19, 2008. Retrieved March 31, 2007.
  80. ^ Cruz, Phillip (March 13, 2007). "U.S. Top Selling Computer Hardware for January 2007". Bloomberg. Archived from the original on March 20, 2007. Retrieved March 31, 2007.
  81. ^ Eran, Daniel (March 16, 2007). "Market Share Myth 2007: iPod vs Zune and Mac vs PC". Retrieved March 31, 2007.
  82. ^ Bass, Dina (2007-10-03). "News". Bloomberg.com. Archived from the original on September 20, 2011. Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  83. ^ Fried, Ina (December 7, 2006). "Microsoft: Zune sales to top 1 million by June". CNET. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  84. ^ "Microsoft adds TV shows to Zune Marketplace". Archived from the original on May 16, 2008.
  85. ^ "GameStop to Stop Zune Sales". TheStreet.com. May 22, 2008. Retrieved May 23, 2008.
  86. ^ Wingfield, Nick (January 23, 2009). "Microsoft's Zune Slips". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved January 24, 2009.
  87. ^ "Microsoft's Zune continues to struggle". MarketWatch. July 29, 2009. Retrieved January 27, 2010.
  88. ^ "No Joining The Social For You, Non-American Zune Lovers!". Zune Thoughts. 2007-11-13. Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  89. ^ a b c Majoo, Farhad (October 26, 2012). "The Flop That Saved Microsoft". Slate. Retrieved November 15, 2012.

External links[edit]

  • Zune.net — Redirects to a Q&A for Zune users titled Important changes are coming to Zune Marketplace
  • Zune Insider – Insider blog & podcast — Dead link
  • Zune Podcast Support – An interview with Rob Greenlee, Podcast Programming Lead for the Zune about the second generation Zunes' support for podcasts. — Dead link
  • Zune Podcast Connected Show Interview – An interview with Rob Greenlee. During the Interview we discuss his long career in Podcasting, his work in the Zune Podcast team, how to make podcasts successful and finally the ZuneHD
  • Zune at Curlie
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Zune&oldid=903569068"