Audiophiles and media junkies may remember a certain device unveiled by Microsoft almost three months ago which was rumoured to be a worthy competitor to Apple’s fantastically popular iPod line of products.
The device, known as the Zune, made a splash here in Canada roughly a year and a half after the first models began to make their way out to American consumers. The new brand of media players hit the ground running with a unique image, brand new software, a diverse range of products (4GB, 8GB and 80GB sizes were immediately available) and unique features such as Wi-Fi wireless syncing with computers and other Zunes.
However, perhaps due to a lack of persistence in marketing — when compared to the omnipresent Apple — or because of the already established iPod line dominating the market, the Zune failed to pick up the steam it needed to reach even ground with the Apple products. And for a device that flaunts its social capabilities such as wireless file sharing with other Zune owners, as well as the Zune Social aspects of the software, market saturation is key to making growth exponential.
So, with that idea in mind, Microsoft is trying to breathe a bit more life into its sleek and stylish Zune line.
New announcements made last week informed the public that as of today two new Zune models will be available. These models are the 16 GB Zune and the 120 GB model. These will initially be available only in all black, though they can still be etched with personalized artwork and patterns. Other Zunes now have different colour schemes; the 4, 8 and 80 GB models are available in black and red, with the 4 GB models also available in pink and the 8 GB model also available in pink or blue.
At the same time, more features will be added into the products themselves complete with software and firmware upgrades for all sizes of Zune. These will include the ability to play and download games onto the Zune as well as audio books. The audio book feature is a welcome surprise, as it adds to the diverse range of content that the Zune can support (podcasts, music and videos included) but the games feature should not be a shock to any Zune owner.
That’s because earlier models included — in addition to the music, pictures, video, and other options in the main menu — a games tab. The tempting button would unfortunately bring users to an empty list that sadly stated “no items.” Some more persistent owners might have found a way to install C# onto their Zunes along with a handful of independently created games, but these were basic and installation was complicated.
Now that the firmware is released however, Zune fans are now able to get games officially through Zune’s own channels.
The audio book feature is also an interesting touch as it gives people another reason to carry their Zunes, not just to listen to radio, but perhaps to learn Spanish through audio lessons or listen to Macbeth on the go.
If you own a Zune, check out the official Zune site for all of the details and to get your firmware update.
The device, known as the Zune, made a splash here in Canada roughly a year and a half after the first models began to make their way out to American consumers. The new brand of media players hit the ground running with a unique image, brand new software, a diverse range of products (4GB, 8GB and 80GB sizes were immediately available) and unique features such as Wi-Fi wireless syncing with computers and other Zunes.
However, perhaps due to a lack of persistence in marketing — when compared to the omnipresent Apple — or because of the already established iPod line dominating the market, the Zune failed to pick up the steam it needed to reach even ground with the Apple products. And for a device that flaunts its social capabilities such as wireless file sharing with other Zune owners, as well as the Zune Social aspects of the software, market saturation is key to making growth exponential.
So, with that idea in mind, Microsoft is trying to breathe a bit more life into its sleek and stylish Zune line.
New announcements made last week informed the public that as of today two new Zune models will be available. These models are the 16 GB Zune and the 120 GB model. These will initially be available only in all black, though they can still be etched with personalized artwork and patterns. Other Zunes now have different colour schemes; the 4, 8 and 80 GB models are available in black and red, with the 4 GB models also available in pink and the 8 GB model also available in pink or blue.
At the same time, more features will be added into the products themselves complete with software and firmware upgrades for all sizes of Zune. These will include the ability to play and download games onto the Zune as well as audio books. The audio book feature is a welcome surprise, as it adds to the diverse range of content that the Zune can support (podcasts, music and videos included) but the games feature should not be a shock to any Zune owner.
That’s because earlier models included — in addition to the music, pictures, video, and other options in the main menu — a games tab. The tempting button would unfortunately bring users to an empty list that sadly stated “no items.” Some more persistent owners might have found a way to install C# onto their Zunes along with a handful of independently created games, but these were basic and installation was complicated.
Now that the firmware is released however, Zune fans are now able to get games officially through Zune’s own channels.
The audio book feature is also an interesting touch as it gives people another reason to carry their Zunes, not just to listen to radio, but perhaps to learn Spanish through audio lessons or listen to Macbeth on the go.
If you own a Zune, check out the official Zune site for all of the details and to get your firmware update.
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