Microsoft pitches Zune-based ad service
updated 12:00 am EDT, Wed May 21, 2008
Microsoft Zune ad service
Microsoft on Thursday revealed its plans for an advertising network built into its Zune media players, offering advertisers a direct line to consumers through the device. Yahoo writes that the company demonstrated the concept using a phony Doritos mockup. In the example, a user could befriend a musician through the Zune social page on a Doritos’ sponsored concert to view news and updates on the artist’s profile.
Once added to the friends list, users could also email the profile to friends, as well as downloading selected tracks from the website for playback on the Zune. When the recipient receives the email through Microsoft’s Hotmail service through their mobile phone, a brief ad will trigger, followed by a short game similar to Asteroids.
Provided the user does well at the game, they earn a coupon for a free bag of Doritos chips, with map directions to nearby stores that sell the chips.
While the program is currently in planning stages, requiring solid back-end infrastructure, Microsoft stresses that this isn’t “something that is far in the future”, that it is possible with current technology.










This is funny....
05/21, 12:36am reply
...and a beautiful demonstration of the fundamental differences between Microsoft's and Apple's way of thinking.
ZinkDifferent
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2005
huge hit!
05/21, 12:46am reply
with consumers!
lol.
"We can't sell this f****** thing, let's put ad streams on it. People love that."
rtbarry
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Will someone PLEASE...
05/21, 02:02am reply
...buy this McCompany and 'integrate' it or shut it down!
Hey Steve are you yet up to the task? Pretty please!
;-)
bobolicious
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2002
who the feck
05/21, 02:50am (1 reply) reply
wants ADS on their personal music player?
legacyb4
Mac Elite
Joined: May 2001
shocker!
05/21, 07:49am reply
Seriously, is anybody really surprised? This is Microsoft we are talking about here. Where Apple sees customers as human beings, MS sees only revenue streams to be exploited.
ender
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 1999
Apple sees customers...
05/21, 09:49am (1 reply) reply
As a revenue stream, just like Microsoft, and just like each and every business out there. Apple is much better at the appearance of caring.If you don't believe it, get a job at an Apple Store. I guarantee if your I.Q. is higher than a frisbee, two days and your opinion will change.
chulitomio
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2004
Leave it to Monople$oft..
05/21, 10:20am reply
Leave it to Monople$oft to always think of the consumer first.
Great idea, monkeyboy! Now I see why you're the new CEO...
Developers, developers, developers, developers, developers, developers, developers, developers, developers, developers, developers, developers, developers, developers...
Rezzz
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2006
WTF MacNN ??
05/21, 10:47am (1 reply) reply
Why are we geting news about a Microsoft Product on a Mac Based News Site?
You idiots need to hop over to MacWorld_ Thos they aren't the greatest thing since sliced pizza - they don't shove articles about the Zune into their Mac Oriented News Site_
Are you that hard up for attention?
UberFu
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 2002
MicroPod
05/21, 10:51am reply
In old news, Microsoft redesigns the original iPod package. The best line: "We still need something expressively human." Check out the video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeXAcwriid0
Somehow this new Zune news is reminiscent...
sgirard
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2005
you know, I was just
05/21, 11:41am reply
thinking the other day that I just don't have enough ads on my media player. Will I be able to intersperse the commercial content over the otherwise stupid fluff I've put on it?
Flying Meat
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2007