Zune 2 to be announced tomorrow?
updated 03:55 pm EDT, Mon October 1, 2007
Zune 2 Launch Tomorrow
Microsoft is gearing up to launch its expected Zune sequel tomorrow, say inside sources. The tips echo earlier rumors and claim that the Redmond-based company is readying both hard disk and flash-based players for the launch; the new flash device would have similar overall dimensions to the second-generation iPod nano at 3 inches by 1.25 inches but would support video, Wi-Fi, and higher storage than at least some rivals. The hard disk version would be slightly thinner and hold more than the 30GB version but otherwise be very similar in terms of hardware. A beta Zune community site and a suite of first-party accessories would accompany the devices, the sources say.
The announcement is said to be important enough that both Microsoft chairman Bill Gates and Zune team head J Allard will make presentations to underscore the importance of the platform. As many as 2.4 million Zune players might be manufactured by the end of 2007 with the majority of these being less expensive flash-based units, according to the report. The figure would double Microsoft's 1.2 million Zunes sold between November 2006 and the end of June, significantly expanding Microsoft's marketshare if the majority of players are sold. Actual shipments would begin in November, however, providing the Zune creator roughly a month to reach its target.
No prices or concrete specifications were provided, though leaks in the past have pointed to $150 and $200 flash-based Zunes with 4GB and 8GB of storage as well as a $250, 80GB hard disk player. The jukeboxes would also have a redesigned, square directional pad and would likely expand wireless functions beyond today's limited user-to-user sharing feature.
This is big news?
10/01, 04:14pm reply
Must be a slow day. Like anyone gives a s*** about that cheap garbage designed for the clueless in society.
jarod
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2005
zzzzzune
10/01, 04:17pm reply
(insert snarky comment here)
climacs
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Joined: Sep 2001
Shut ut, Zune is great
10/01, 04:34pm reply
http://hideapod.com/
LordJohnWhorfin
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Joined: Aug 2002
That was, of course...
10/01, 04:34pm reply
Shut up. Zune is great. http://hideapod.com/ I never get tired of this page :)
LordJohnWhorfin
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Joined: Aug 2002
iPhone backlash...
10/01, 04:35pm reply
You never know - Apple may have pissed enough people off with the whole iPhone/iPod touch fiasco to drive people to the Zune, if for no other reason than pure spite.
Apple has become a very consumer-unfriendly company lately, which is unfortunate considering that a mere 10 years ago they were telling everyone to Think Different.
Oneota
Mac Elite
Joined: May 2000
By the way...
10/01, 04:35pm reply
Make sure you click the "buy now" button. Worth a chuckle.
LordJohnWhorfin
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Joined: Aug 2002
marketing slogan
10/01, 04:36pm reply
Its not as bad as our first attempt. If you use office suites for fun, this is the music player for you. If you are a monkey, this is the music player for you. If you are a m********, this product is for you.
bhuot
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Joined: Nov 2003
Zune 2.0...
10/01, 04:46pm reply
Hah... hah ha hah hahha...
wow, they haven't given up yet? Still, to date I have seen one Zune in Public. They are massively popular, they must have sold... um, dozens...
dwoodruff
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Joined: Jul 2006
Don't underestimate...
10/01, 04:58pm reply
Microsoft will treat Zune project the way they do XBox. They will keep throwing money at it, undercutting price, selling at a loss, and keep doing it for years until eventually they gain traction. They did it with IE to Netscape, they are (almost) doing it with XBox to Sony, they did it with WinCE/PocketPC/WinMobile to Palm. Microsoft has nowhere to grow with Windows or Office. They must create another market for themselves. Game console is still not making money. Therefore, MP3/portable players seem like a mature market ready for take-over.
Still, by the time MS begins making inroads, Apple will declare that the portable audio player market has become a commodity market and they will just exit, shifting their iPod experience to the iPhone entirely. By then, MP3 players will be selling for $10 - $20 (like portable CD players are now). Nobody (not even Apple) will be able to get $70 markup on these anymore. MS will find themselves competing with Coby, JWin and similar Chinese brands.
vasic
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Joined: May 2005
i cant wait.
10/01, 05:28pm reply
to get my finger on that "Squircle" button.
Herod
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Joined: Jun 2007