Guide Note:
In 2006, Microsoft introduced the Zune brand of products. Zune is Microsoft's answer to Apple's iPod, in that it is not only the name of their Portable Media Player, but also for the software used to organize and run music on the player.
Fast Facts:
- 1st available: November 19, 2006
- Digital player released: November 2007
- Storage models: 4, 8, 30, and 80 GB hard drives
- Connectivity: WiFi, USB
- Runs on any PC that has Microsoft Windows XP or Microsoft Vista
- Support: 1-877-GET-ZUNE (438-9863)
Looking to 'Zune' Up the Competition
Microsoft jumped into the video gaming business with the introduction of the Xbox, and in 2006 they decided to similarly get aggressive in going after Apple's stranglehold on the music playback industry. Originally, they teamed up Toshiba to develop the Zune player. The 4 different size Zunes are memory-based in size and capacity, with music able to be downloaded directly from their Zune Marketplace, which is obviously similar to the iTunes store. The concept includes the eventual ability for the Zune player to also be used as its own gaming system, to allow for interactive play between those using Zune, Xbox and PC. As of May 2008, over 2 million Zune units have been sold.
Categories
