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Microsoft announced plans at CES 2008 to release the Zune to Canadian consumers, marking the first time it will be available outside the U.S.<ref>[http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/06/finally-zune-headed-to-canada]</ref> A Microsoft spokesperson said a European launch might not occur until 2008.<ref>http://www.afterdawn.com/news/archive/9980.cfm</ref> Microsoft has even made efforts to bar visitors outside the U.S. from http://www.zuneoriginals.net. Users wishing to sign up for a Zunetag can easily circumnavigate most problems by signing up for a US based account. <ref>[http://www.zunethoughts.com/news/show/23506/no-joining-the-social-for-you-non-american-zune-lovers.html ]</ref>
Microsoft announced plans at CES 2008 to release the Zune to Canadian consumers, marking the first time it will be available outside the U.S.<ref>[http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/06/finally-zune-headed-to-canada]</ref> A Microsoft spokesperson said a European launch might not occur until 2008.<ref>http://www.afterdawn.com/news/archive/9980.cfm</ref> Microsoft has even made efforts to bar visitors outside the U.S. from http://www.zuneoriginals.net. Users wishing to sign up for a Zunetag can easily circumnavigate most problems by signing up for a US based account. <ref>[http://www.zunethoughts.com/news/show/23506/no-joining-the-social-for-you-non-american-zune-lovers.html ]</ref>


A petition has also been created online for people to sign called 'Releasing the Zune Worldwide', located here: http://www.petitiononline.com/Zune0/petition.html. The petition urges Microsoft to release the Zune in various countries, inluding high demands for the release in Europe, Australia and Japan. It was created a few weeks before the announcement on CES 2008 that the Zune was to be released in Canada this coming Spring. The petition has reached 423 signatures as of the 12th of January 2008, only a few weeks after its creation.
A petition has also been created online for people to sign called 'Releasing the Zune Worldwide' (http://www.petitiononline.com/Zune0/petition.html). The petition urges Microsoft to release the Zune in various countries, inluding high demands for the release in Europe, Australia and Japan. It was created a few weeks before the announcement on CES 2008 that the Zune was to be released in Canada this coming Spring. The petition has reached 423 signatures as of the 12th of January 2008, only a few weeks after its creation.


===Compatibility===
===Compatibility===

Revision as of 05:41, 12 January 2008

This article is about the digital media brand. For the AROS GUI toolkit, see Zune (GUI toolkit).
Microsoft Zune
File:ZuneLogo Horizontal Large.jpg
ManufacturerMicrosoft
TypePortable media player
Release dateZune 30 – November 14, 2006[1],
Zune 4, 8, 80 – November 13, 2007[2]
Canada Spring 2008
LifespanUnited States November 14, 2006,
Canada Spring 2008
Units sold1.2 million units[3]
Operating systemWindows Embedded
CPUFreescale i. MX31L processor ARM Core
Storage4 and 8 GB Flash Drive, 30 and 80 GB Hard drive
DisplayZune 4, 8: 1.8 Inch Glass LCD screen, with a resolution of 320x240
Zune 30: 3 Inch QVGA LCD screen, with a resolution of 320×240
Zune 80: 3.2 Inch Glass LCD screen, with a resolution of 320x240 at 4:3 aspect ratio
TouchpadCircular Directional Pad (30 GB Release), Touch-sensitive Zune pad (Later 4, 8, 80 GB Releases)
ConnectivityWi-Fi (Zune to Zune, Sync to PC), USB, Wirelessly with Microsoft Surface
Online servicesZune Marketplace

Zune is the name of a brand of digital music products and services sold by Microsoft. It includes digital audio players, client software, and the Zune Marketplace online music store.[4]

The devices come in three styles, all of which play music, pictures, and videos; display images; and receive FM radio. They can share files wirelessly with other Zunes and via USB with Xbox 360s, and can sync wirelessly with Windows PCs.

The Zune Software, which runs on Windows XP, Vista, and the Xbox 360, allows users to manage files on the player, rip audio CDs, and buy songs at the online store.

The first Zune player was released in the United States on November 14, 2006. The Zune 4, 8 and 80 were announced on October 2, 2007. The new Zunes offer the ability to sync wirelessly (automatically if connected to a power supply but can be manually started without it), a new touchpad-style input device, additional file support for H.264 and MPEG-4 files, podcast support, upgraded song-sharing licensing, and software that includes support for DRM-free music in the Marketplace. The Zune 80 also has a larger, 3.2” screen. A free firmware update added the new software features to the original Zune (now called the Zune 30) and was released on November 13, 2007.[5]

History

The first-generation Zune was created while Microsoft was in close cooperation with Toshiba, which took the design of the Gigabeat S and redeveloped it under the name Toshiba 1089 as registered with the FCC starting in the year 2006.[6] Xbox 360 overseer J Allard ran the project, codenamed ‘Argo’, which consisted of some Xbox and MSN Music store developers,[7] who worked on ‘Alexandria’ and finalized it as Zune Marketplace,[8] then later unveiled both products united under a single brand in the U. S. market as the Zune.

The second-generation Zune 4 GB, 8 GB, and 80 GB were announced[9] on October 2 2007. The 4 and 8 GB Zunes are flash-based and smaller in size than the 80 GB version. The 30GB Zune was not redesigned.

Music player

Models

The Zune 30 was the first Zune music player and had a 30 GB hard drive, 3” screen, and simple directional pad for menu navigation. The second generation of the Zune consists of the Zune 4, 8, and 80. The Zune 4 and 8 feature a smaller size and hold 4 and 8 GB of flash memory, respectively. The Zune 80 is a 80 GB replacement to the Zune 30 that is also thinner and lighter. All three second generation Zunes have a Zune Pad instead of the simple directional pad that was included on the Zune 30. Microsoft did, however, distribute a mass upgrade for all Zune models (including the Zune 30) to the Zune's second generation software/firmware.

Default Zune Content

Music

The Zune comes preloaded with eleven songs all in a playlist called "Zune Gems." Unlike their video counterparts song thumbnails (album covers) display.

Name Album Artist Time
Tell Me Tell Me A New Language The Adored 2:34
A Pillar of Salt The Body, The Blood, The Machine The Thermals 2:57
Stay Small Sins Small Sins 3:53
At the End of the Sky Darkel Darkel 3:39
Can't Let Go LP Landon Pigg 3:58
Signs of Life Heart = Weapon Every Move a Picture 3:47
Alala Cansei de Ser Sexy CSS 3:58
Wicked Gil Everything All the Time Band of Horses 2:57
Munich The Back Room Editors 3:46
Open Book Capture/Release The Rakes 2:17
The Mating Game The Mating Game Bitter Sweet 3:24

Videos

The Halo 3 Zune employs different sections for videos, the only Zune with the capability to do this.

Movies
Name Description Year Time Can be downloaded
Halo 2:Theatrical Trailer The Halo 2 cinematic trailer, created by The Ant Farm, that ran in movie theaters in the US during the summer of 2004. 2004 45 sec Yes
Halo 3:E3 2006 Announcement Trailer The real-time trailer that officially announced Halo 3. 2006 2:31 Yes
Halo 3:Starry Night The Halo 3 CG prime time teaser ad which ran one time only - "Starry Night". 2006 1:01 Yes
A New York Skateboarding Minute A ride through NYC & beyond, brought to you by 5Boro Skateboards. 2006(Unrated) 4:13 No
Progression - Kranked 6 8 of the world's best mountain bikers are given a challenge: to create the most progressive and stunning line, then ride it. 2006(Unrated) 2:08 No
Red vs Blue: Tune On, Tune In, Zune Out The soldiers of Red vs Blue welcome you to your new Zune player and invite you to turn on, tune in, and zune out! 2007 4:23 Yes
TGRTV Teaser No description available. 2006(Unrated) 3:27 No
TV Shows

The TV shows section is available on only the Halo 3 Zune. It has videos placed in subsections, where the line you would usually click to view a videos information takes the user to a list of videos

Halo 3 ViDOC

The Halo 3 ViDOC section contains three videos, all downloadable from the Zune to the computer. In these subsections of videos it shows the month and date of creation to the left of the video, with thumbnails at the top and the name of the section directly below.

Name Description Year Time
Is Quisnam Protero Damno! Dive deep into the planning, process and personalities behind Halo 3's incredible new multiplayer game. Glimpse new levels, new techniques and new features [content cuts off] 1/1/2007 7:19
Et Tu Brute? In the second Bungie "Vidoc" we take a long hard look at the ferocious new antagonist for Master Chief, the Brute. Now that a tentative alliance has formed between Humans [content cuts off] 1/1/2007 7:19
Finish the Fight! In this fascinating short, you'll see some of the teamwork, thought processes and imagination that went into this Halo 3 teaser. You'll see the actual [content cuts off] 1/1/2006 7:23
Red vs Blue: The Blood Gulch Chronicles

The second of the two subsections contains the first six episodes of Red vs Blue, all can be downloaded from Zune to PC.

Name Description Year Time
Why Are We Here? The first episode of Red vs. Blue introduces the main characters, and poses the all-important question, why are we here? 1/1/2003 2:34
Red Gets a Delivery The Red get a new piece of equipment. and Grif has a problem with its name. 1/1/2003 3:49
The Rookies The Red and Blue armies get new recruits. 1/1/2003 3:12
Head Noob in Charge Caboose is given the job of "guarding the flag". Donut goes to the store 1/1/2003 4:18
The Package is in the Open Donut returns from the store with a surprise. 1/1/2003 3:35
1.21 Giga-Whats?? The Blues go through the teleporter. The Reds get the upper hand. 1/1/2003 3:24
Music Videos

None of the music videos can be downloaded from Zune to computer and as such none of them have thumbnails when searching through videos.

Name Description Year Time
1.618 No description available. 2006 11:32
Drain Cosmetics The video for "Drain Cosmetics" by Serena-Maneesh was shot in an Oslo mansion and features brother and sister combo Hilma and Emil 2006 3:17
Elevate Myself Jason Lytle and the recently disbanded California quintet travel through an animated metropolis while performing a single off their 2006 release "Just Like The Fambly" 2006 3:29
Faster Kill Pussycat No description available. 2006 3:21
Keep Me Home Wildly creative, this video for "Keep Me Home" features an unlikely, yet sympathetic protagonist. 2006 3:23
The Kill No description available. 2006 4:54
Let's Make Love and Listen to Death from [Above] From the 2006 Sub Pop release "Cansei de Ser Sexy." 2006 3:38
Over and Over See the amazing new video from the critically acclaimed UK act. 2006 4:02
Red Hot Drops From the 2006 Sub Pop release "Skelliconnection." 2006 3:27
The Snowy Parts of Scandinavia (Live) Recorded Live in NYC. Originally from the album "Alpine Static." 2006 9:08
True Skool Root Manuva guests on this bouncy selection from Coldcut's "Sound Mirrors" album. 2006 3:35
The Wind that Blew My Heart Away (Live) Recorded Live in NYC. Originally from the album "Spelling in Bones." 2006 3:17

Specifications

Zune 30 Zune 4 Zune 8 Zune 80
Size 2.4 × 4.4 × 0.58 inches 1.6 × 3.6 × 0.33 inches 2.4 × 4.25 × 0.5 inches
Weight 5.6 ounces (158.8 g) 1.7 ounces (47 g) 4.5 ounces (127.6 g)
Screen 3 inches 320×240 pixel 1.8 inches 3.2 inches
Storage 30GB HDD 4GB Flash 8GB Flash 80GB HDD
Wi-Fi Zune-to-Zune, sync with computer/ wireless network (with firmware update) Zune-to-Zune, sync with computer/ wireless network
Colors Brown, black, white, red, pink, hot pink, orange (only 100 were made), dark brown (Halo 3), black (Halo 3), black/red (Winsel and Yandel), pink w/ diamonds (nylon edition), black (adult swim edition – very rare) Pink, green, black, red Black and choose your zune originals
Navigation Circular directional pad Zune pad
released 2006-11 2007-11
Price (USD) $199.99 $149.99 $199.99 $249.99

Accessories

The Zune comes with earphones, USB data cable, and carrying bag. Accessories sold separately include:

  • Charging devices (car adapter, AC wall-socket adapters, external battery).
  • I/O adapters (A/V composite, FM transmitters, headphones, USB data cable).
  • Docks (charging, multimedia large speaker, vertical hands-free assist).
  • Protection (glass screen protection, hardened/cushioning material case protection).
  • Carrying cases (standard issue, armband type, and belt clip).
  • Replacement parts and upgrades (battery, hard drive, LCD, etc.).

Among the firms that make Zune accessories are Microsoft, Altec Lansing, Belkin Corp., Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO), Dual Electronics, Griffin Technology, Harman Kardon and JBL, Integrated Mobile Electronics, Jamo International, Klipsch Audio Technologies, Logitech, Monster Cable Products Inc., Speck, Targus Group International Inc. and VAF Research.[10]

Firmware

Users often refer to on-device software as firmware, differing from the desktop media player as Zune software. Zune’s operating system is based on Windows CE kernel for ARM architecture and uses a distribution like the Portable Media Center found on the Gigabeat S. Zune’s native file compatible formats are

  • JPEG for images;
  • WMV, MPEG-4 and H.264 for video;
  • MP3, AAC (.m4a), Zune Marketplace (Protected and DRM free), WMA Pro (2-channel), WMA Standard, WMA lossless for audio.

The graphical user interface (GUI) (called the “twist interface” by Microsoft) has sections for music, video, pictures, social, radio, podcasts, and settings. It is said to provide “two-dimensional navigation” for scrolling through items with its directional pad.[11] In the music section, users can add songs to a quick playlist without reconnecting to the desktop software. In the picture section, the background can be personalized using any image as wallpaper. In the radio section, users can receive and play FM radio internally, with North American, Japanese, and European tuning ranges and show song information on supported FM stations. In the social section, users can broadcast user profile and current activity to others nearby. In the setting section, users can control backlight settings and output analog TV in with purchase of a separate connection.

The very first updates to the firmware added sharing features (send, community, list nearby Zune users) as described in FCC filings.[12] [13] Firmware 1.1 allowed device to inherit sharing capabilities described by codename Pyxis. Early firmwares patched software bugs. Later, the much anticipated 2.2 firmware released from about a year after first generation Zune added support for DVR-MS (Media Center Recorded TV) files, lossless playback, added wireless syncing when plugged into its dock, and GUI interface improvements.[citation needed]

Zune supports the Windows Media DRM (WMDRM) digital rights management system incompatible with other DRM systems and not part of the PlaysForSure platform or program.[14] [15] Multimedia content is transferred though Media Transfer Protocol (MTP); however, its proprietary MTP extensions ("MTPZ") place an interoperability barrier between the Zune and previous MTP-based software.

Zune Software

File:Newzunesoftwarerunninginvista.jpg
Zune software version 2.1.888.0 running in Windows Vista

Zune Software functions as management software for the device and library and as a client to the online music store. The old version was a modified version of Windows Media Player 11, and the latest version is built from the ground up, with additional DirectShow decoders for AAC, MPEG-4 and H.264, it supports the following formats — for audio: MP3 (.mp3), AAC (Low complexity) (.aac, .mp4, .m4a, .m4b, .mov), WMA (.wma); for video: MPEG4 (in .mp4, .m4v and .mov containers), H.264 (in .mp4, .m4v and .mov containers), WMV (.wmv), ASF (.asf); and for still images: JPEG (.jpg). It synchronizes music, pictures, videos and podcasts to the device. It streams files to the Xbox 360. It organizes the media in its library and allows users to add to the library by ripping from CDs and to organize the metadata. It can automatically pull down album art and metadata tag data for some content in the library. There is also an inbox feature in the desktop client software as well on the device, which keeps track of songs swapped with other Zune users. On the desktop client, the inbox also serves as a message center for Zune Social. Although the Zune software was originally a modified version of Windows Media Player, the Zune device was designed to only work with the Zune software. Zune software requires Windows XP or Vista, but can run on other versions of Windows with minor modifications.

The current version of the software is 2.1.888.2 released along side 2.3 firmware update.

Several versions of the software were released. A history of each version reveals:

Firmware
Version 		Software
Version 		Date Software and Firmware changes
1.0 1.0.5341.0
-
 Zune 30 device original default
1.1 ? 2006-11-14 Added menu item “community” allowing to search for nearby Zunes, see their status, and transfer music and pictures. Improved performance.
1.2 1.2.5511.0 2006-12-19 Fixed compatibility with Windows Vista and improved browsing performance.[16]
1.3 1.3.5728.0 2007-03-28 Prevents FM tuner from draining the battery while the device is sleeping. Fixed Zune Marketplace music to not skip on the device. Improved device detection and syncing.[17]
1.4 ? 2007-05-31 Improved shuffling. The dev team states: “this firmware update makes successive shuffle actions produce more random lists.”[18]
2.0 ? ? Original device software version that is installed for the Zune 4GB, Zune 8GB, and the Zune 80GB. A number of features including the five-star rating system and the ability to manually control the album information update process were removed.
2.1 ? ? Enhances device functionality and performance.
2.2 2.1.888.0 2007-11-13 Improved performance and added several new features, including wireless sync and podcast support. New user interface on both the Zune device and the Zune software.[19]
2.3 2.1.888.2 2007-12-18 Resolves an issue in which the battery Zune80 and upgraded Zune30 would discharge prematurely due to difficulty entering sleep. Also includes improved device recognition and improved stability and reliability on sync (both wirelessly and while connected to a PC).[20] It has also been noted that the new firmware features the option to unsubscribe from a podcast right on the device. This can be activated by bringing up the menu during a song play and selecting “unsubscribe”. This feature was originally slated to be part of the original consumer release of the 2.x firmware (several reviewers described having this option), but it was removed.

Zune Marketplace

Zune Marketplace is an online music store that integrates with the software. Initially offering two million songs it grew to more than three million songs. With the update to version 2.2 the Zune Marketplace also offers music videos. Music on the marketplace is provided by the big four music groups (EMI, Warner Music Group, Sony BMG, Universal Music Group) and smaller music labels. Like other tech companies in the music business, the Zune team at Microsoft had a team of music experts responsible for the Zune marketplace editorial content and programming. The team is led by Kyle Hopkins (also known as DJ “Kid Hops” on KEXP-FM ).[21] Music Content is offered in DRM-restricted WMA format (2-pass CBR @ 192kbit/s) or non-DRM MP3 format (320Kbps) for a per-song or per-album fee, or via a Zune Pass monthly subscription.

Songs downloaded from the Marketplace are restricted by DRM similar to yet slightly different from PlaysForSure DRM, meaning that songs purchased from PlaysForSure partners could not be playable in Zune Software, although the reverse is true. Internally, Zune DRM is referred to as “9.1”, differentiating itself from PlaysForSure DRM, which is version “9”. While removal of PlaysForSure DRM has been facilitated with several tools, none would remove Zune DRM until July 14, 2007 when one of the tools (“FairUse4WM” [Windows Media]) was updated to support removal of the Zune DRM wrapper, thus allowing interoperability between the platforms. As of September 6th, 2007, an update from Microsoft has broken FairUse4WM once again, resulting in that anyone with the updated license cannot strip the DRM (presumably until FairUse4WM is updated again). Note that updating the Zune software to the most recent version (2.1, as of November, 2007) will not affect previously functioning DRM components.

Purchases are made through a system called Microsoft Points, in which users prepay US$5 for a block of 400 points that can be applied to downloads at 79 points per song. This works out to $0.9875 per song, plus whatever remainder is left after a user makes his or her final purchase from the Marketplace. Cost and minimum purchase varies with foreign currency exchange rates and taxes. The points used for the Zune Marketplace are the same points used to buy media from the Xbox Live Marketplace. Purchased songs can be burned to Audio CD.

Somewhat fewer songs are available through the US$14.99-per-month subscription service called a “Zune Pass”. This allows a member to download and play participating Zune Marketplace content for a flat monthly fee. Zune Pass downloads cannot be burned to Audio CD and will become unplayable when the subscription lapses.[22] Initially, Zunes included a 14-day Zune Pass free trial in the package.

With the launch of the new Zunes, the Marketplace was upgraded to sport a new interface (as opposed to being a modified version of URGE), and drop DRM for around 1 million tracks (out of roughly 3 million). DRM-free MP3s sell for a slightly higher price than protected tracks. Unlike DRM-free songs purchased from iTunes, DRM-free songs from Zune Marketplace do not have watermarks intended to identify the person who initially purchased the song. Music Videos and Podcasts were also added to the Marketplace.

Sales and marketing

Marketing

Microsoft launched several campaigns to jump-start the Zune. The company had planned a $100 million campaign to promote Zune with “music the way it wants to be” as a major theme.[23] Also, the company had enlisted about 300 “Zune masters” to advertise the device on American college campuses, to promote the item, and to run Zune-related events as expected. In exchange, they have received free merchandise, including a Zune.[24]

The choice of branding and distribution were part of the Zune as a decision of “two strategies in the market right now: cross-brand ecosystems [...] and singular brand ecosystems [...]. The former is gaining in share and units sold, but the latter has enormous share and won’t give that up easily”.[15]

Zune desktop theme.

Microsoft normally follows a platform (cross-brand) strategy, as exemplified by the PlaysForSure system. However, its Xbox division has gained some experience with the vertically-integrated strategy in which it controls everything end-to-end from the hardware to the online store. With Apple dominating the audio market with its vertically-integrated iPod system, the Xbox division won permission to try the same approach, separately from PlaysForSure and PlayReady.

Microsoft also wanted to go beyond Apple’s efforts and promote the tagline “the social” and Wi-Fi (wireless sharing) as key differentiators. Chris Stephenson, leader of Zune’s marketing and manager of Global Marketing for the Entertainment Business,[25] said, “we see a great opportunity to bring together technology and community to allow consumers to explore and discover music together.”[15]

Microsoft also released a Zune theme for Windows XP that replaced the appearance of the operating system. This theme includes an orange Start button and black taskbar/Start menu.

Zune has also expanded its brand efforts by creating a gen-y friendly website and campaign focused on emerging artist talent: Zune Arts

Sales

NPD Group
Zune’s Hard Disk Unit Share
D '06 J '07 F M April May
10.2%[26] 9.9%[26] 8.7% 9.1% 9.2% 11.3%

During its launch week, the original Zune, now Zune 30, was the second-most-sold portable media device with a 9 % unit share; behind the market-leading iPod’s 63 %.[27] For the first 6 months after launch, NPD Group figures show that the Zune 30 achieved approximately 10% [26] [28] [29] market share in the Hard Drive based MP3 market and 3% [30] [31] [32] in the overall MP3 player market. According to Bloomberg Television 1.2 million Zune 30 players were sold between November 2006 and June 2007,[33] surpassing a milestone.[34] A price drop on Amazon.com during November 2007 temporarily boosted the brown Zune 30 to the top Sales Rank in electronics.

Critical reception for the new flash based Zunes and the Zune 80 has been much more positive than with the first generation Zune. While some reviewers concluded that the iPod is still superior, others deemed the Zune to be better.[35] [36] The Zune 80 was initially in short supply due to a combination of low production output and stronger-than-expected demand, but many retailers now have it in stock as of December 7, 2007.[37]

Official MP3 player sales numbers for the 2007 holiday season are not yet available, but there are signs that the Zune is becoming more popular. According to Hitwise Ltd., a web analytics firm, web traffic to the Zune web site tripled on Christmas Day 2007 (as compared to the previous Christmas).[38]

Criticism

Digital rights management

Several entities have expressed the effect of Microsoft imposing Digital Rights Management (DRM) passively to the customer before and immediately after the introduction of the Zune. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, in opposition to the Zune’s DRM, wrote:

Microsoft’s Zune will not play protected Windows Media Audio and Video purchased or ‘rented’ from Napster 2.0, Rhapsody, Yahoo! Unlimited, Movielink, Cinemanow, iTunes, or any other online media service. The Zune will not even play content previously purchased from Microsoft’s own MSN Music service. ...The media that Microsoft promised would Play For Sure doesn't even play on Microsoft’s own device.[39]

The EFF calls this “a stark example of DRM under the DMCA giving customers a raw deal.”[40] A technology reviewer Leo Laporte of G4techTV Canada said in his November 11, 2006 radio show that Zune may be the “beginning of the end” for DRM as a business tactic.[41]

Before the release of Zune 2.0, DRM critics said Zune’s wireless-transfer policy was restrictive and unfair. They claim the Zune is more restrictive than the face value of this common phrase: “three days or three plays whichever comes first.”[42] [43] Extra restrictions were applied in a way that:

  • apply to songs for which the recipient owns a paid-for and current Zune Pass;[44]
  • show playing a portion of a song counts as one “play";[45] [43][46]
  • prevent someone attempting to re-trade a traded song.[46]

Regardless of these restrictions, many Zune owners disagree with the alleged unfairness of DRM files.[citation needed] In such cases, Zune owners dislike the restrictions placed, but work around them to acquire the songs which have expired, but not disappeared (unless manually).

Still preceding the second generation devices, DRM critics also noted that researchers have reported that about 40% of the most popular Zune store downloads cannot be shared, which trigger the message “cannot send some songs due to rights restrictions.”[47] A Microsoft spokesperson attributed the problem as being a “new experience, and its implementation is in a version 1.0 stage” and saying that the company “is working to expand the number of songs that can be shared.”[48] Initially, observers criticized two music publishers, UMG and Sony, for what was assumed to be an intentional restriction, while criticizing the Zune Marketplace for not disclosing which songs could not be shared.[49] Music publishers denied having placed any such restrictions.[48]

Microsoft later became more lax with the use of DRM. With the introduction of the Zune 4, 8, 80 devices and a firmware upgrade to 2.0 for Zune 30, the next version of Zune Marketplace dropped the DRM for around a third of its tracks. Also, the “three days or three plays” rule were cut to simply “three plays”, with no timed expiration, and traded tracks will be able to be re-traded on.[citation needed]

Availability outside the U.S.

Microsoft announced plans at CES 2008 to release the Zune to Canadian consumers, marking the first time it will be available outside the U.S.[50] A Microsoft spokesperson said a European launch might not occur until 2008.[51] Microsoft has even made efforts to bar visitors outside the U.S. from http://www.zuneoriginals.net. Users wishing to sign up for a Zunetag can easily circumnavigate most problems by signing up for a US based account. [52]

A petition has also been created online for people to sign called 'Releasing the Zune Worldwide' (http://www.petitiononline.com/Zune0/petition.html). The petition urges Microsoft to release the Zune in various countries, inluding high demands for the release in Europe, Australia and Japan. It was created a few weeks before the announcement on CES 2008 that the Zune was to be released in Canada this coming Spring. The petition has reached 423 signatures as of the 12th of January 2008, only a few weeks after its creation.

Compatibility

CNET noted that at its release date, the Zune was unable to function as a hard drive. However, it was also stated that, “Overall, the Zune is a well-designed portable media device with good playback performance, a snappy processor, and an excellent interface. Wi-Fi sharing worked well, but prospective owners should know its format support, especially for videos, is limited.”[53] However, through tweaking in system registry, you can enable the Zune to appear in Windows Explorer; thus allowing for it to be used as a portable harddrive.[14]

The Zune software is restricted to specific Windows platforms.[54] The initial version of the Zune software was criticized for faulty device detection and buggy installation.[55] The software has since been completely rewritten, resolving these issues. The software initially did not support 64-bit versions of Windows XP or Windows Vista. It now supports Vista in both 32 and 64 bit editions, but it does not support Windows XP x64.

Zune software was initially created using Windows Media Player code-base. The version 2 software was started from a new code-base and lost functionality for future upgrade flexibility and simpler user-interface. Functionality lost as a result of this includes the 5-star rating system and auto-playlists. The gains include the Zune Social interaction.[citation needed] Also lost was the ability to auto-convert DivX files through a registry edit.


See also

References

  1. ^ Microsoft. "Microsoft to Put Zune Experience in Consumers' Hands on Nov. 14".
  2. ^ Microsoft. "Microsoft Release Date For Zune 4, 8, 80 Set For November 13".
  3. ^ "It's Official: Zune Hits (and exceeds) One Million Mark".
  4. ^ Fried, Ina (2006-07-25). "Swan song for Microsoft's music allies?". CNET. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ "Microsoft's new Zunes: officially in 80, 8, and 4GB sizes". Engadget.
  6. ^ Miller, Paul (2006-08-25). "Zune revealed by FCC as "Toshiba 1089"". Engadget. Retrieved 2007-01-03. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ Dudley, Brier (2006-07-10). "Argo aims guns at more than iPod". Seattle Times. Retrieved 2007-03-30. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  8. ^ Oswald, Ed (2006-07-20). "October Debut for Microsoft 'iPod Killer'". BetaNews. Retrieved 2007-05-05.
  9. ^ Menta, Richard (2007-10-03). "Zune 2 Unveiled". MP3 Newswire. Retrieved 2007-10-03.
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External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Zune.
  • Zune.net — Official Site
  • Zune Insider – Insider blog
  • The Zune.net – Blog and Community for the Zune Media Player.
  • Zune Podcast Support – An interview with Rob Greenlee, Podcast Programming & Marketing Lead for the Zune about the second generation Zunes' support for podcasts.
  • Zunerama – Blog and Forum by Zune MVP, and author of Zune for Dummies and insider contacts.
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