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'''Zune Software''' functions as management software for the device and library and as a [[Client (computing)|client]] to the [[online music store]]. The Zune software includes the Zune Marketplace music, video and free podcast stores. The old version was a modified version of [[Windows Media Player]] 11{{Fact|date=October 2008}}, and the latest version is built from the ground up, with additional [[DirectShow]] decoders for [[Advanced Audio Coding|AAC]], [[MPEG-4]] and [[H.264]], it supports the following formats — for audio: [[MP3]] (.mp3), [[Advanced Audio Coding|AAC]] (Low complexity) (.aac, .mp4, .m4a, .m4b, .mov), [[Windows Media Audio|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 [[File synchronization|synchronize]]s music, pictures, videos and [[podcasts]] to the device. It [[Streaming media|streams]] files to the [[Xbox 360]]. It organizes the media in its library and allows users to add to the library by [[ripping]] from [[Compact Disc|CD]]s 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{{Fact|date=October 2008}}, the Zune device was designed to only work with the Zune Software. Zune Software requires [[Windows XP]] or [[Windows Vista|Vista]].
'''Zune Software''' functions as management software for the device and library and as a [[Client (computing)|client]] to the [[online music store]]. The Zune software includes the Zune Marketplace music, video and free podcast stores. The old version was a modified version of [[Windows Media Player]] 11{{Fact|date=October 2008}}, and the latest version is built from the ground up, with additional [[DirectShow]] decoders for [[Advanced Audio Coding|AAC]], [[MPEG-4]] and [[H.264]], it supports the following formats — for audio: [[MP3]] (.mp3), [[Advanced Audio Coding|AAC]] (Low complexity) (.aac, .mp4, .m4a, .m4b, .mov), [[Windows Media Audio|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 [[File synchronization|synchronize]]s music, pictures, videos and [[podcasts]] to the device. It [[Streaming media|streams]] files to the [[Xbox 360]]. It organizes the media in its library and allows users to add to the library by [[ripping]] from [[Compact Disc|CD]]s 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{{Fact|date=October 2008}}, the Zune device was designed to only work with the Zune Software. Zune Software requires [[Windows XP]] or [[Windows Vista|Vista]].


The current version of the software is 3.0.532.0 released alongside 3.0 firmware update.
The current version of the software is 3.1.620.0 released on November 18th, 2008.


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

Revision as of 04:28, 19 November 2008

This article is about the digital media brand. For the AROS GUI toolkit, see Zune (GUI toolkit).
Zune
File:Zune logo.svg
ManufacturerMicrosoft
TypePortable media player
Release dateUnited States November 14, 2006 (Zune 30) [1]
United States November 13, 2007 (Zune 4, 8, 80) [2]
Canada June 13, 2008 (Zune 4, 8, 80) United StatesCanada September 16, 2008 ( Zune 16, 120) [3][4]
LifespanUnited States November 14, 2006
Canada June 13, 2008
Units sold2+ million (as of July 2008)[5]
Operating systemWindows Embedded[citation needed]
CPUFreescale i. MX31L processor ARM Core
Storage4, 8, and 16 GB flash drive
30, 80, and 120 GB hard drive
Display1.8in Glass LCD screen, resolution 240×320 (Zune 4, 8, 16)
3in QVGA LCD screen, resolution 240×320 (Zune 30)
3.2in Glass LCD screen, resolution 240×320 at 4:3 aspect ratio (Zune 80, 120)
TouchpadCircular Directional Pad (non-touch)
(30 GB release)
Touch-sensitive Zune Pad
(4, 8, 16, 80, 120 GB releases)
ConnectivityWi-Fi (Zune-Zune, Sync-PC, Microsoft Surface)
USB
Online servicesZune Marketplace

Zune is a brand of digital media players and services sold by Microsoft. It includes portable media players, Zune Software that includes Zune Marketplace with online music, video and podcast stores. [6] Its primary competitors are Apple iTunes, iPod classic and the iPod nano. The devices come in three styles, all of which play music, videos, podcasts, display images, and receive (but not record) 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's companion software, which runs on Windows XP and Vista, allows users to manage files on the player, rip audio CDs, and buy songs, music videos, and TV shows at the online store using Microsoft Points.

History

The first Zune models were released in the United States on November 14, 2006, with 30GB of capacity. The Zune 4, 8 and 80 were announced on October 2, 2007. All Zunes (new and older models) now 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, and an upgraded song-sharing licensing. The Zune also allows a Zune to communicate with other Zunes. Zune 80 also has a 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.[7]

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.[8] Xbox 360 overseer J Allard ran the project, codenamed ‘Argo’, which consisted of some Xbox and MSN Music store developers,[9] who worked on ‘Alexandria’ and finalized it as Zune Marketplace,[10] 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[11] 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.

Zunes now feature games developed using XNA. Games feature custom soundtracks and 8-player wireless multiplayer using the built-in Wi-Fi. An early version of XNA Game Studio 3.0 released on May 7, 2008 allows developers to work on games that can be played on the Zune.[12]

Zune 3.0

With Zune firmware version 3.0 microsoft has stopped a hack that allowed Zune users to view files in their zune in a window with icons. With this hack, which effectively interrupted a transfer to the Zune in order to keep it 'open', you could put any file on the Zune and use it to play a wide variety of files. Even files which you couldn't play, you could at least store on the Zune. This version came with the option to put games on your Zune but it took away the right to edit or make playlists while your zune is disconnected from your computer. Even if your Zune is connected, a playlist can't be made unless the song is on your computer. Furthermore, methods of downgrading firmware aren't supported by microsoft and may leave your Zune unstable. As was true in previous versions, every video must be in wmv format in order to play.

On September 8, 2008, Microsoft announced the Zune 3.0 update, which includes the ability to tag for purchase songs heard on FM radio, channels which can be customized to deliver suggested songs for the user, the ability to purchase songs from the Zune device via the Zune Marketplace, as well as updates to the Zune software. The update will also include two sample games, Hexic and Texas Hold'em. And support for audiobooks from online stores like Audible.com, and Public Libraries that support OverDrive media files such as the Free Library of Philadelphia.[13][14][15]

Devices

Models

For the Main Articles, go to: Zune 30, Zune 4, 8, 16 or Zune 80, 120.

The 30 GB Zune was the first Zune music player. It has a 30 GB hard drive, 3” screen, and simple directional pad for menu navigation. The second generation of the Zune consists of the Zune 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 80GB and 120GB. The Zune 4, 8 and 16 feature a smaller size and hold 4, 8 and 16GB of flash memory, respectively. The 80GB Zune is the replacement to the Zune 30 that is also thinner and lighter. All the 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. On the back of all models it says "Hello From Seattle (Model #) Assembled in China", signifying that Microsoft is based in Seattle and the Zune is assembled in China.

In June 2008, Microsoft's Robbie Bach in an interview with the SFGate said that a touch-operated Zune that he says will be "a cornerstone of what we do," is in the works. Although Microsoft has not yet officially announced the “Zune Touch”, pictures surfaced on the web showing that the "Zune Touch" uses a similar interface as its predecessors.[16]

Preloaded content

Main article: List of Zune preloaded content

Zune featured preloaded content in both audio and video formats from various artists like BT, The Thermals, Paul Oakenfold, CSS. Special editions featured their own unique set of content.

Specifications

Zune 30 Zune 4 Zune 8 Zune 16 Zune 80 Zune 120[17]
Size 2.4 × 4.4 × 0.58 inches/6.1 × 11.2 × 1.5 cm 1.6 × 3.6 × 0.33 inches/4.1 × 9.1 × 0.8 cm 2.4 × 4.25 × 0.5 inches/6.1 × 10.8 × 1.3 cm
Weight 5.6 ounces/158.8 g 1.7 ounces/47 g 4.5 ounces/127.6 g
Screen 3 inches/7.6 cm (240×320 pixels) 1.8 inches/4.6 cm (240×320 pixels) 3.2 inches/8.1 cm (240×320 pixels)
Storage 30GB HDD 4GB Flash 8GB Flash 16GB Flash 80GB HDD 120GB HDD
Wi-Fi Zune-to-Zune, sync with computer / wireless network / wireless multiplayer gaming / wireless shopping from Zune devices as of September 16, 2008 (with firmware update) Zune-to-Zune, sync with computer / wireless network / wireless multiplayer gaming / wireless shopping from Zune devices as of September 16, 2008
Colors Black (JS8-00001), Brown (JS8-00003), White (JS8-00002), Hot Pink (JS8-00008), Pink[18] Black (Glossy Black in 16GB only), Green, Red, Pink, Blue (8GB only in retail, 16GB through Zune Originals)[18] Black, Red (previously available only as a Valentine's Day promotion, and later as a customization option for Zune Originals)[18] Black[19]
Limited Editions Orange (JS8-00007)[20], Brown (Halo 3)[21], Red, Pink with Diamonds (Nylon Magazine)[22], Black (Halo 3[23], Wisin & Yandel[24], Adult Swim[25], Microsoft Interns [26]) Citron 16GB (Zune Employees)[27], Gold 8GB (GOODS)[28], Black 8GB (Allen Iverson)[29], Green 4GB (2008 Democratic National Convention)[30], Red 4GB (2008 Republican National Convention)[30] Gold (GOODS) [28], Black (Joy Division)[31] Black (Gears of War 2)
Navigation Circular Directional Pad Zune Pad
Released November 2006 November 2007 September 2008 November 2007 September 2008
Price (USD at launch) $249.95 $149.99 $199.99 $199.00 $249.99 $249.99
Price (USD recommended today) $199.99 $129.99 $149.99 $199.00 $229.99 $249.99

Accessories

The Zune comes with earphones, USB data cable, and carrying bag (Zune 30 only). The Zune 80 models come with upgraded "Zune Premium" headphones. The Zune 120 includes standard headphones. 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.[32]

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 (restricted 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.[33] 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.[34] [35] 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, and GUI interface improvements.[citation needed]

Zune supports the Windows Media DRM (WMDRM) digital rights management system, which is not compatible with other DRM systems including Plays for Sure and is not part of the PlaysForSure platform or program.[36] [37] Multimedia content is transferred through Media Transfer Protocol (MTP); however, its proprietary MTP extensions ("MTPZ") place an interoperability barrier between the Zune and previous MTP-based software.

Zune Software

Zune Software version 3.0.532.0 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 Zune software includes the Zune Marketplace music, video and free podcast stores. The old version was a modified version of Windows Media Player 11[citation needed], 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[citation needed], the Zune device was designed to only work with the Zune Software. Zune Software requires Windows XP or Vista.

The current version of the software is 3.1.620.0 released on November 18th, 2008.

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.[38]
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.[39]
1.4 ? 2007-05-31 Improved shuffling. The dev team states: “this firmware update makes successive shuffle actions produce more random lists.”[40]
2.0 ? 2007-11-13 Complete re-write of the software and firmware. Inclusion of "Social" features in both. Original device software version that is installed for the Zune 4GB, Zune 8GB, and the Zune 80GB.
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.[41]
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).[42] 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 podcast 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.
2.4 2.3.1338.0 2008-01-22 Resolves a number of issues including problems with marketplace, podcasts, sync, Xbox streaming, and library problems.[43]
2.5 2.5.447.0 2008-05-06 TV show downloads now available from Marketplace. Also adds new features such as gapless playback, smart playlists, new sorting options, multiple device syncing, and support for XNA (Xbox game developers will be able to load custom code using the XNA platform). Zune Social is better integrated, and users with Windows Live Messenger can display which song is being played to people in their buddy list.[44] Video podcasts can be shared wirelessly between Zunes, allowing the receiving Zune owner to subscribe to a podcast on-the-go.[45]
3.0 3.0.532.0 2008-09-16 Buy from FM allows songs played from FM radio stations to be purchased from the Marketplace (using RDBS data). Wireless hotspot access added for automatically updating the user's collection, browsing the Marketplace, refreshing Channels, exchanging favorites with friends, or buying songs tagged from the device's FM radio. Zune Channels, custom programming stations that deliver personalized playlists to Zune from a variety of sources the user selects (such as music experts, celebrities, or top radio stations), is added. A clock, screen lock feature, and free games (Texas Hold'em and Hexic) are added. The "quick list" has been replaced with a "now playing" list, which functions differently from the previous "quick list".
3.1 ? 2008-11-18 * New Games: Checkers, Sudoku, and Space Battle 
   * New multiplayer mode, and single-player difficulty levels, for Texas Hold’em
   * Visual changes to the Zune Social, making it prettier and easier to navigate
   * Like-Minder Listeners feature added to social, allowing you to compare your music tastes to others
   * Improved play count reporting, content synchronization, and other bug fixes in both the hardware and software
{

Zune Marketplace

Zune Marketplace is an online music, video and podcast store that integrates with the software. Initially offering two million songs it grew to more than three million songs. With the update to version 2.5 the Zune Marketplace also offer TV shows for download and Music Videos are properly distinguished and sectioned. 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. TV shows are provided by NBC. Like other tech companies in the music business, the Zune team at Microsoft has 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).[46] Music Content is offered in DRM-restricted WMA format (2-pass CBR @ 192kbit/s) or non-DRM MP3 format (256kbit/s) for a per-song or per-album fee, or via a Zune Pass monthly/Quarterly subscriptions.

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 (3.0 as of September 2008) 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.

As an alternative to the Microsoft Points, users pay a monthly flat fee called the Zune Pass that costs US$14.99. This allows a member to download unlimited music in Zune Marketplace content for a flat monthly fee. Microsoft has also added Television shows from major networks such as NBC and FOX. The Zune Pass allows to download songs, with the rare exceptions of those required to pay points for. Zune Pass downloads cannot be burned to Audio CD unless purchased, and become unplayable if the subscription lapses, or if in the future Microsoft should decide to discontinue the service. The Zune pass allows for 3 Zunes to share the downloaded DRM content as well as the content to be downloaded on up to 3 computers.[47] A 14-day free Zune Pass is made available upon creating a Zune account.

With the launch of the new Zunes, the Marketplace was upgraded to support 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, and are encoded at 320 Kbp/s. 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. Podcasts however, are offered free of charge even to non-Zune Pass subscribers. Zune Marketplace now has over 170 television shows to download.From networks like Adult Swim,Bravo,Cartoon Network,CBS,CMT,Comedy Central,Fox,G4 Media Inc.Logo,MTV,MTV 2,NBC,Nickelodeon,Nicktoons,PBS,Sci Fi,Spike,Starz,The N,Ultimate Fighting,USA Network,and VH1.

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 and “Welcome to the social” as an advertisement tagline.[48] 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.[49]

Additionally, Microsoft launched an attempt at "viral marketing" with its "comingzune" site, complete with several videos in succession[50]. Along with ZuneInsider, and several other ad hoc events, Microsoft hoped to generate buzz for the product outside of the normal marketing avenues, and market its product as a part of a social construct.[51]

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."[37]

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,[52] said, "we see a great opportunity to bring together technology and community to allow consumers to explore and discover music together."[37] New York Times Magazine columnist Rob Walker agrees that the Zune's "community and togetherness seem like a reasonable counterpunch to iPod's supposed attraction as an individuality enabler that allows owners to wallow in their own tasteful personal soundtracks." But he also sees the Zune as having gained appeal as an individualistic statement against the omnipresent iPod: "The most salient feature of the Zune seems to be that it's not an iPod".[53]

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

MySpace has added the feature to label music players on personal profiles to Zune-themed or a red Zune 8.

Sales

NPD Group
Zune’s Hard Disk Unit Share
D '06 J '07 F M April May
10.2%[54] 9.9%[54] 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 in the United States; behind the market-leading iPod's 63%.[55] For the first 6 months after launch, NPD Group figures show that the Zune 30 achieved approximately 10% [54][56][57] market share in the Hard Drive based MP3 market and 3% [58][59][60] in the overall MP3 player market. According to Bloomberg Television 1.2 million Zune 30 players were sold between November 2006 and June 2007,[61] surpassing a milestone.[62] 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.[63][64] The Zune 80 was initially in short supply due to a combination of low production output and stronger-than-expected demand.

On May 6, 2008, Microsoft announced that it had sold just over 2 million Zunes. Roughly one million of those were sold since the second generation Zunes launched in November 2007.[65].

On May 22, 2008, TheStreet.com reported that GameStop "has decided to stop selling Microsoft's Zune players at its stores due to what it sees as insufficient demand from customers." TheStreet commented that "GameStop has hundreds of stores across the country and losing that distribution channel could hurt Zune sales," but quoted Adam Sohn, Zune marketing manager's response "We have a set of great partnerships ... Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart, and others."[66]

Availability outside the U.S.

Microsoft released the Zune to Canadian consumers on June 13, 2008, marking the first time it will be available outside the U.S.[67] A Microsoft spokesperson said a European launch might not occur until 2009.[68][69] Microsoft has even made efforts to ban visitors outside the U.S. from http://www.zuneoriginals.net. Users wishing to sign up for a Zunetag can easily circumvent most problems by signing up for a US based account. [70]

According to Microsoft France's Francois Ruault, Zune will debut in Europe Fall 2009, along with the release of the third generation Zune [71]

In keeping with Microsoft's US-only policy, the Zune does not support non-English fonts other than Cyrillic. East Asian characters used in Chinese and Japanese, for example, show up on the Zune device as small "boxes" instead of characters. Microsoft's Zune desktop software has no problem with Unicode.

Criticism

Digital rights management

Several entities have expressed the effect of Microsoft imposing Digital Rights Management (DRM) passively on 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.[72]

The EFF calls this “a stark example of DRM under the DMCA giving customers a raw deal.”[73] 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.[74]

Before the release of Zune 2.0, restrictive wireless-transfer policy and “three days or three plays whichever comes first” rule were noted.[75][76] Extra restrictions resulted for (1) those with a Zune Pass;[77] (2) all songs regardless if the song had copyright or DRM or even if the user created the song; [78] (3) a registered “play” for any portion of a song;[79][76][80] (4) prevention in song re-trades.[80]

Later on 40% of popular Zune store downloads were discovered non-exchangeable, triggering a “cannot send some songs due to rights restrictions” message.[81] Microsoft attributed the problem to a “new experience, and its implementation is in a version 1.0 stage [...] working to expand the number of songs that can be shared.”[82] Initially, observers criticized music publishers, UMG and Sony, for what was assumed to be an intentional restriction, while complaining why not disclose which songs could not be shared.[83] Music publishers denied having placed any such restrictions.[82]

Microsoft later became less strict in its use of DRM. With the introduction of the Zune 4G, 8G, 80G 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]


Incompatibility with other media players

As of September 2008 all Zunes, like iPods, are designed only to be compatible with the Zune software provided by Microsoft. The limited openness of the platform has raised criticism among those who wish to use their Zune with another media player, such as WinAMP, or with an application on a non-Windows operating system. Zune enthusiasts have made online forum postings that report some successes in evading these limitations. [84][85][86]

See also

References

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