Digital Journal — It’s been a busy week for audio player fans. First, Apple announced the next generation of the iPod line, including a thinner design and brighter display for its iPod nano.
Now, Microsoft revealed details about its rival to Apple’s market leader: Simply called Zune, all the hubbub about this unit has Digital Journal thinking this soon-to-be-released MP3 player could overtake the iPod for industry dominance. That is, if Microsoft plays its cards right.
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Microsoft’s upcoming Zune player sports a 3-inch screen (compared to Apple’s 2.5 inches), an FM tuner, and on-the-go playlist. |
Zune, a 30GB player available in white, black and brown (er, brown?), features one big twist that will set it apart from other players: a Wi-Fi connection that can shuttle songs wirelessly to other Zune users. They get three free listens of the song, after which they can purchase the song or download it free as part of a “Zune Pass” subscription. It’s a fascinating idea, one that could rocket Microsoft past Apple as chief MP3 player innovator.
But in order for Zune’s Wi-Fi feature to take off, there needs to be enough players out there to send songs to and to get songs from. If none of your friends have a Zune, what’s the point of the wireless connection? Microsoft is banking on this community track-sharing to increase sales, even if its reputation as an audio player company has yet to be proven.
Zune’s other specs should impress sceptics, though: the player sports a 3-inch screen (compared to Apple’s 2.5 inches), an FM tuner, and on-the-go playlist creation. An online store, Zune Marketplace, will likely compete with Apple’s iTunes. No details have been revealed yet about battery life, cost or release date. Most insiders and technology writers predict a holiday launch.
What does this mean for Apple? They will likely step up their marketing campaign, which has been pretty under-stated in the past six months. Also, competition breeds a price war, so expect iPod prices to drop in 2007, as well as a reasonable price tag for Zune and other newcomers.
Microsoft’s entry into the MP3 player market only spells good news for the public. Finally, we have choice in area where there was a virtual monopoly. Finally, we have something to get excited about this holiday season.
