Microsoft Zune

You probably heard of an iPod right? Then in the near future a new competitor will arise. There have been many failed efforts to take down the ever popular and symbolic iPod. A lot of companies have tried, the only difference now is that this is from Microsoft.

Zune has been in the works for well over a year, and the code name was “Argo”. Microsoft will have to focus the features of the player, style, and marketing. The features of the player will be quite identical in iPod’s with some Microsoft-type innovations. The style looks a lot like an iPod, but they are currently reviewing the product and nay choose the edit the style which I would suggest. Then there is marketing which the iPod has for free. Whether you get on the bus or watch TV. You will see some one pulling out such a stylish iPod and that’s product placement in most cases free. Microsoft can gain this with Zune, but Zune has to keep a low price at the beginning and a huge marketing campaign.

Microsoft has already taken marketing seriously, sources close to Microsoft say that a Super Bowl Ad Campaign is in the works. And that they will sweep Urban cities with a full fledged campaign near Christmas and in Q1 and Q2 2006. This will surely become a hit if Microsoft invests. And the release of Vista is sure to bring Zune again in the lead.

The functions of Microsoft Zune are similar to the iPods, but include WiFi and some other features which were not disclosed. A function that I would like to see is for the Zune to tell me the name and artist of each song before the song begins. This function is supposedly in the works by Apple for the next line of iPods. Another feature that is in the works for the next iPod is wireless earphones. This will most likely use the same technology as the PS3 and Nintendo Wii.

An interesting feature that is in the works for Microsoft Zune is the functionality to communicate with your Windows Live Messenger Contact via Zune.. This feature initially seemed unlikely to me, but once I got thinking it seemed quite possible. You ask how are you going to type in your message? Maybe there might be a retractable keyboard about the size of RAZR’s keypad that you can pull out from the bottom when in it horizontal position. Or maybe they will utilize the feature on WLM which allows you to speak to your contact. This whole feature could be an advantage to Zune. Most teens use MSN and listen to music. 2 greata features in one.

I would suggest to the people over at Microsoft not to include the functionality to play XBOX Live Arcade games. Save that for a different device.

And the Pixel is similar to the iPod nano. The Pixel will include some of the primary componants, a smaller screen and unlike the nano will include video functionality. Yes, using open source software you can get video on your nano. But why waste time using Linux.

——— to be continued —————-

Check back later today as I hope to complete the post by that time.