Microsoft’s iPod rival to Come “Zune”
There had been many rumors that Microsoft was in the process of creating a music device that would rival Apple’s popular iPod. Myriads of other companies have tried their hand at dethroning Apple, to no avail.
I’m wondering if Microsoft will be able to pull this one off. Granted they have had plenty of time to study how Apple was so successful with creating a legendary music device and service. Microsoft has created a website (www.comingzune.com) It features a small flash video for now, but there are now pictures of the player at the moment.
Eric Bangeman of arstechnia.com wrote an article about Zune that included rumors from Microsoft sources. The article was pretty in depth. It stated that the Zune is rumored to have a similar clickwheel as Apple’s iPod (if true I wonder if Apple will sue Microsoft. What an interesting lawsuit that would be).
However, the player will be able to do more than the current Apple iPod (which we would hope if it intends on dethroning Apple). It will contain a 400 Mhz processor and run on Windows Mobile. It will come with a 30 GB hard drive and have the ability to connect to Wi-Fi networks.
That’s nothing.
The Zune may have the ability to play games. That’s right and not just games but mulitplayer games over the Wi-Fi connection. This would explain why such a good CPU will be used. Earlier we discussed Live Anywhere (Microsoft’s plan to have games playable on any device from one platform). This would seem like the device that would be able to use this and fit in with Microsoft’s vision.
It’s also rumored that Zune can be used as a satellite radio.
However, Microsoft will also follow Apple’s lead in tying a media player with a music service. It doesn’t surprise me that rumors exist that have Zune tied in with URGE (music service from MTV and Microsoft).
The specs on this thing are pretty good and, if the rumors are true, it is much more powerful than an iPod. It will cost roughly $399 and will only have a 30 GB hard drive. But this baby can do way more than play video and music.
But will people switch? That’s the answer to the question we’ll have to see play out.
