Microsoft announces MP3 player to rival iPod
Apple’s iPod isn’t the only personal music player on the MP3 playground, but it’s definitely the bully.
Since its launch five years ago, the iPod has dominated the MP3 player market and changed the way people listened to music. Many have tried to compete: Panasonic, Philips, RCA, Siren and Sandisk are just a few of the companies that have gotten into the MP3 player game.
Now it’s Microsoft’s turn.
On Sept. 14, just two days after Apple revealed its revamped iPod Nano, Microsoft announced its new product, Zune.
The Zune brand will be a full digital music product line, according to Microsoft. More products will be announced in 2007.
The player will have a 30 GB memory and a 3-inch screen. It will be available in black, white and brown.
“The digital music entertainment revolution is just beginning,” said J Allard, vice president of design and development at Microsoft.
Microsoft is encouraging its customers to “be their own DJ” and use the device to expand musical horizons.
“They’re definitely targeting independent music people,” said junior film studies major Damon Arniotes. “Why be mainstream and buy an iPod when you can get a brown Zune?”
Bloggers and curious consumers are already buzzing about the few details that Microsoft has released.
Microsoft said that the Zune will be available for the gift-giving season.
As for the price, Microsoft hasn’t said anything yet. But Wal-Mart accidentally posted a price, $284, on their Web site for a short time last week.
The Buffalo Chip, a division of the CU Book Store, is unsure whether they will carry the Microsoft product.
Zune will also boast an FM tuner, as well as the ability to wirelessly share tracks, playlists and pictures with other Zune owners. Microsoft has also programmed some file protections into the Zune. Tracks that are wirelessly shared can only be listened to three times over the course of three days before users are locked out. The option to buy the song is then offered.
According to Microsoft, the Zune will have the capacity to store 7,500 songs, 25,000 pictures or 100 hours of video. This capacity is almost identical to that of the iPod, although, according to Apple, the iPod can only handle up to 40 hours of video.
Zune is already making appearances on TV and the Internet, building interest and anticipation for the product. Ellen DeGeneres gave away Zunes to her studio audience on her Sept. 20 show. Endgadget.com is also giving away Zunes, and several Microsoft employees have started their own blogs about the product. They ask for advice from readers and clear up questions or rumors readers have about the product.
