Technology Blog

There is a lot of hype around the release of the Zune player. Microsoft claims that their portable media device is a real iPod killer. But the reality may not be that easy. There are 3 reasons though that makes us believe that the Zune can succeed. Two of them are already announced but the third one is more on our wish list for now.

Wi-fi connectivity

With the introduction of the zune in November, Microsoft brings the portable media players on new grounds. The Wi-fi feature will enable users to socialize within their music universe. The social web as took all the attention on the internet in the last year or so. With the Zune, a part of that trend becomes “portable”. Exchanging a song or a video may look boring but doing it with the Zune and at the speed of a Wi-fi network will be very attractive for young people. On a negative note, the drm feature (Digital Rights Management) could eventually generate frustration among Zune users.

Integrated Marketplace

The subscription base Zune Marketplace could be a real skyrocket feature. Being able to access an online database of new music without having to download it first to your computer will make the Zune a real and first “portable media device”. The other important aspect of the Zune Marketplace is the ability to download as many songs as you want for a flat fee. If we can access the Zune Marketplace thru a public wi-fi network it will be a real technology and music orgasm!

VoIp Phone

This feature as not been announced by Microsoft (yet!) but it would be like a cherry on a sundae to have it. Imagine if your Wi-fi portable device could connect thru internet to access a VoIp network. This feature should not be very difficult to develop because most of the required hardware is already there (besides the microphone). A VoIp phone would be a lot easier to release compared to a real mobile phone which requires a lot more integration work and approvals.

Labels: apple ipod, black zune, microsoft zune, zune

Posted by Aadi at 10:26 PM | Permalink | Comments

1. Battery Life
Battery life was a major issue when the iPod came out. Now, they managed to have a decent playing time with most of their models. The Zune needs to provide a battery life similar to the iPod. We already know that both players have the same kind of battery. What we don’t know is how much power the Wi-fi and the bigger screen are going to drain.

2. Hype around Movie Downloading
With the introduction of movie downloading at iTunes store, Apple could create a buzz strong enough to put a shadow on the Zune player. Microsoft already announced that they would not be able to download movies from the Zune Marketplace anytime soon.

3. Weight
Weight is a major issue with portable devices. Even a small fraction of an ounce can make a difference. We know that the Zune is heavier then the iPod, but only the future will tell if users are annoyed by that Zune “overweight”. Another important aspect is that Microsoft does not have a light version of the Zune like the Nano or the Shuffle.

4. Ease of use
One of the key features of the iPod is the ease of use. The seamless integration of iTunes with the iPod is certainly the top reason why the iPod was a huge success. You don’t need to be a computer geek to use it. Zune users do not expect anything less from the Zune player and software.

5. Prototype look & feel
Even more with the brand new design of the iPod, Zune fans are expecting a very attractive and professional design from the Zune. At this point, photos and videos are not enough to have a good idea of the quality of the design.

6. File Formats
By turning their back on Playforsure, Microsoft is going against their own fans. This is usually not a good thing! Other formats like .aa are also not currently supported by the Zune player.

Labels: black zune, microsoft zune, mp3 player, zune

Posted by Aadi at 11:34 PM | Permalink | Comments