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Zune

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Zune is Microsoft's digital portable media player and online music store. The device released to the U.S. market was a 30 GB model for US$249.99 on November 14 2006.

Overview

The first model of the Zune device comes equipped with a 30 GB hard drive, built-in FM tuner with Radio Data System, a 3 inch screen, and Wi-Fi networking. Zune supports the MP3, WMA and AAC audio formats, as well as WMV movie format. Zune software will also transcode MPEG4 and H.264 video to synchronize to the device.[1] Preloaded music, videos, and images ship with the device.

A key difference between Zune and competing players is its Zune-to-Zune Wi-Fi communication that only allows for limited sharing of songs, recordings, playlists and pictures with other Zunes. Audio files (songs, podcasts, etc.) transferred from one Zune to another can be played for up to three days or three plays, whichever comes first, after which it expires unless purchased or downloaded via the Zune Marketplace online. Recipients cannot re-send music or audio files that they have received via the sharing feature. Many DRM-protected songs are ineligible for sharing, as record companies can flag songs from the Zune Marketplace as "non-distributable".

As part of an effort to build a complete end-to-end network delivery of digital content, Zune uses a new digital rights management system to protect content which is incompatible with other DRM systems. This system includes a PC client called Zune Software and an online store called the Zune Marketplace. Zune does not support Audible.com's audio-books and container format. It uses Media Transfer Protocol (MTP); however, its proprietary MTP extensions place an interoperability barrier between the Zune and previous MTP based software and services.

The Zune can connect to a Xbox 360, giving users the ability to stream music, videos, and pictures via USB. Zune software can also stream music, videos, and pictures to Xbox 360 via a home network.

J Allard, who oversaw the design of the Xbox 360, has also overseen the design of the Zune.

Features

  • Ability to send photos, and some music files (not all music files may be shared) from Zune-to-Zune via Wi-Fi. Music files can be played only a maximum of three times on the device, and expire after three days whether they are played or not. Recipients cannot re-send music that they have received via the sharing feature.[2] Photo files may be shared without restriction.
  • Ability to flag tracks received from Zune-to-Zune transfer, a feature used so that a shared song may be purchased from the Zune Marketplace after it has expired.
  • Ability to play videos and view pictures.
  • Updateable firmware.
  • "ZuneTags," a field changeable username/profile visible to others who wirelessly scan the area for fellow Zune users.
  • The wallpaper on the Zune can be changed to any user-specified image.
  • The player software will automatically convert most audio and video in a format not supported by the Zune into a format that is. (e.g. a video with a resolution of 720x540 will be converted to a resolution of 320x240 if necessary).[3]
  • Zune lacks integrated podcast support, with no podcast directory or automatic downloading through RSS feeds. However, most podcast files will play on a Zune, if they are unprotected and in a format which the Zune supports.
  • Able to show other Zunes nearby what you are listening to or doing through advanced settings.
  • Able to add songs to a quick playlist without reconnecting to the Zune software.
  • Built-in FM only radio, capable of showing song information on supported FM stations using RDS
  • Support for Japanese FM tuning, North American FM tuning, and European FM tuning ranges.
  • Support for controllable power management.
  • Analog TV output (A/V) supporting NTSC and PAL but not SECAM. A connector must be purchased separately.
  • Support for Windows Media DRM (WMDRM) (incompatible with other DRM systems)

Device

Origin

The Zune was created in close cooperation with Toshiba who filed an FCC registration for it under the name Toshiba 1089. The Zune is largely based on the Gigabeat S.[4]

Colors

The device is available in three colors and features what Microsoft calls the "doubleshot" effect, with a translucent glow in a different color. The colors of mainstream availability are light black, brown, and pearl white with a doubleshot of blue, green, and clear respectively.

Limited edition colors

100 pink Zunes and 100 orange Zunes[5] were made available as random inserts into normal Zune boxes. These come with a numbered certificate of authenticity.[6][7]

A limited-edition red Zune was put up for auction in various stores in the Los Angeles area.[8]

Pink and orange Zune devices were given to the Zune team as ship gifts with "Welcome to the Social November 14, 2006" written on the back. Instead of the normal packaging that showcases the Zune device, the Ship Gift packaging box is white and features a collection of Zune artwork.[9][10]

Zunes with "Ambassador" artwork were released on December 15th, 2006 to recipients of the Zune Master inductees.[11]

Specifications

  • 4.4 × 2.4 × 0.58-inch (11.2 × 6.1 × 1.4 cm)
  • 5.6 ounces (158.8 grams)
  • 802.11b/g built-in Wi-Fi
  • 30 GB hard drive
  • 3-inch QVGA LCD screen, with a resolution of 320×240
  • Radio Data System enabled FM receiver
  • Supports MP3, ASF, WMA, WMA Pro (2-channel), WMV, MP4, MPEG-4, JPEG and AAC
  • Charge Time: 3 hours; 2 hours to 90%[12]
  • With Wi-Fi turned on, up to 13 hours battery life when playing music (optimal conditions)
  • With Wi-Fi turned off, up to 14 hours battery life when playing music, 4 hours playing video or viewing pictures.[13]
  • Operating system: Based on Portable Media Center / Windows CE.

Hardware

  • CPU: Freescale i. MX31L processor; ARM Core, FPU (SCIMX31LVKM5 / 3L38W / CTAU0629) [1]
  • RAM: 64 MBytes x32 Mobile SDR DRAM / 133 MHz / 90 mA (K4M51323PC-DG75) [2]
  • Flash: 2 MBytes NOR flash, 3.3V, 1Mx16 Boot block (PH28F160C3TD) [3]
  • FS456LF: radio PC to TV video scan converter (Macrovision 7)
  • Audio: Stereo CODEC with speaker driver / 0.9 W power out (WM8978G) [4]
  • FM Tuner: Silicon Labs Si4701 single-chip radio tuner (4701A15) [5]
  • TV out: Focus (FS456) [6]
  • USB: USB2.0 Philips (ISP1504) [7]
  • bus switch: Low voltage octal FET bus switch (CL245 / SN74CBTLV3245A) [8]
  • ATA driver (?): 8-bit bus transceiver/driver (P003 / 620A5)
  • Wi-Fi: RF/BB/MAC 802.11g Wi-Fi (KeyStream) module (KS3021 / KS7010)
  • Power manager: Freescale MC13783 [9]
  • Battery: Li-Ion battery 3.7 V / 800 mAh (G71C0006Z110)
  • Hard Disk: Toshiba 30 GB hard disk, 1.8" (MK3008GAL) [10]

Model

Image Capacity Changes Introduced Connection Original Release Date Launch Price (US$)
File:Zune.JPG 30 GB First release. Available in White, Black, and Brown. USB, Wi-Fi November 2006 $249.99

Software and marketplace

File:Zune-marketplace.png
The Zune Marketplace

The Zune Software syncs music, pictures and videos to the Zune device. It organizes the media in its library and allows users to add to the library by ripping from CDs, and organize the metadata. It can automatically pull down album art and metadata for all content in the library. The Zune Software is also the interface to access the Zune Marketplace.

The Zune Marketplace is an online service that integrates with the Zune player. Over two million songs are available for purchase using Microsoft Points. The Zune Marketplace can also be used as a subscription-based flat-fee service, if users purchase a monthly "Zune Pass."[14]

Individual tracks (in protected WMA format) currently cost 79 points. This works out to $.9875 per song (at an exchange ratio of 80 points per US dollar). Points must be purchased blocks of around $5. The actual cost and minimum purchase for these points varies due to differences in foreign currency exchange rates.

The unlimited "Zune Pass" costs US$14.99 per month or $44.97 for three months. However, some selected albums and tracks are not available to the subscription service and can only be purchased with Microsoft Points.

The Zune's device software includes an inbox, which keeps track of flagged music (for later purchase) as well as songs swapped with other Zune users. The inbox shows up in the Zune PC software as well. All music downloaded under the subscription plan becomes unplayable if the user lets the subscription lapse. Songs downloaded under a subscription are not burnable to CD without paying an additional charge per track.

The initial release of the Zune Software supports the following types of files: ASF (.asf), WMA (.wma), MP3 (.mp3), AAC (.mp4,.m4a,.m4b,.mov), JPEG (.jpg), WMV (.wmv), MPEG4 (.mp4,.m4v,.mov) and H.264 (.mp4,.m4v,.mov). This software can also stream AAC files to the Xbox 360, which supports AAC natively.

Firmware

Microsoft has stated that its goal is to update the Zune on a regular basis [citation needed]

  • Firmware update 1.1 was released alongside the 30GB Zune digital media player, and creates a new menu item, "community", allowing the user to search for other Zunes in the vicinity, see the current status of those Zunes (should they allow it) and allows the transfer of music (with a 3-play/3-day limit) and pictures to other Zunes. It also includes performance enhancements.
  • Firmware update 1.2 was released December 19th, 2006 mainly to include Windows Vista compatibility, but also includes a boost in performance when browsing the Zune, along with a few other minor enhancements. [11]

Preloaded content

The Zune has the following songs, videos, and images preloaded into memory. [15] [Note: Preloaded songs may be lost upon sync between a Zune player and a host computer.]

Audio tracks

Music videos

Short films

  • 5boro: "A New York Skateboarding Minute" (Skateboarding)
  • Radical Films: "Kranked -- Progression" (Mountain Biking)
  • TGRTV The North Face (Skiing/Snowboarding)

Images

There are a variety of images to personalize a Zune device, including 12 classic rock posters from Art of Modern Rock, 8 pictures of Records and DJs, and pictures of graffiti art.

Additional details

The device uses the twist interface on a Freescale 400 MHz DSP processor, and contains a Toshiba 1.8 inch 30 GB hard drive.[16]

The device features a five button controller arranged in a circle, with a menu button and a play/pause button to the left and right, respectively. However, when the Zune is flipped horizontally the controls remain in the same location, unless you are viewing a picture or movie. A hold switch is featured on the top of the player, next to the headphone port. The entire system casing is made from rubberized plastic.[16]

The Zune plastic shell casing uses a non-visible screw design, which hinders access to open the device.

Accessories

The original packaging of Zune already comes with headphones, USB data cable, and carrying bag.

There are a variety of accessories for the Zune. A classification of such devices 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; replacement parts and upgrades*: battery, hard drive, LCD, etc. An extended list of accessories continues to grow. Microsoft, Altec Lansing, Belkin, Griffin Technology, Harman Kardon, JBL, Incipio[17] are a couple of major manufacturers that produce Zune accessories. A wider list of options are made available at local electronic retail stores and online accessory stores.

  • Modifications and upgrading are not supported by Microsoft and will void your warranty.

Windows XP theme

To be able to mimic the look-and-feel of Zune on Windows XP, a special desktop theme can be downloaded from the Zune's website. This theme is black and has an orange start button, to match up with the Zune's interface.

Advertising campaign

According to Brandweek, Microsoft plans a $100 million campaign to promote Zune with "music the way it wants to be" as a major theme. [12]

Microsoft has enlisted approximately 300 "Zune masters" to advertise the device on American college campuses. They receive free merchandise, including a Zune; in return, they are expected to promote the item and run Zune-related events. [18]

Speculation and rumors

The European release date is scheduled for "the first half of 2007."[19]

According to UK site Tech.co.uk, in an article dated January 15, 2007, the Zune is coming to the UK in "two-to-three months."[20] meaning Zune "could arrive in the UK sooner than any of us thought.

Chris Stephenson, general manager of global marketing for the Zune project, has also said in an interview with Engadget that some phone functionality is in store for the Zune at a later date.[21]

At the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Bill Gates said little about the Zune; a ZDNet reporter summarized it as "no Zune news," told readers not to expect any new Zune devices soon, and inferred from Gates' remarks that Microsoft will promote the device at its own Zune-specific events.[22]

At the same event, however, Peter Moore, vice president of Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment and Devices Division, mentioned that the Zune will support videogames by mid-2008.[23]

Sales

As MP3 Newswire recorded, the initial release of Zune was met with mostly consumer indifference. Sales weren't terrible, but the heavy marketing failed to launch Zune as a genuine threat to the iPod's dominance.[24] A survey of 40 retailers conducted by Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster found only 8% of the sales people recommended Zune compared to 75% recommendation for Apple iPod, and that most of the sales people did not even know what Zune was or who made it.[25]

During its launch week, the Zune was the second most sold player with a 9% unit share of portable media devices; far behind the market-leading iPod's 63% [26]. In the second week Zune was the 5th most sold player, with a 2.1% market share, according to the market research firm NPD Group. [13] [14] [15] [16] Sales relative to other MP3 players continue to decline, with NPD placing its market share at 1.9% by the second week of December 2006.[17] None of the above numbers include sales from Apple retail stores (thus the cited percentage is higher for Microsoft than the real market share percentage).

According to Amazon.com sales charts the Zune falls behind many other competing products. The most popular Zune model (the black one) is behind a number of Apple, SanDisk, Creative and other manufacturers' devices [18].

Zune vs. Apple challenge

According to a blog dated July 31, 2006 before the release of the Zune, Peter Kim illustrates two quotes that were potent motivating factors of what Microsoft's intent was with the Zune.[27]

The first quote mentioned an implied issued challenge against Apple. "However, there are really two strategies in the market right now - cross-brand ecosystems PlaysForSure (PFS) and singular brand ecosystems (Apple). The former is gaining in share and units sold, but the latter has enormous share and won’t give that up easily." This quote was made by Dave McLauchlan of the Windows Media Devices Group who was not part of the Zune team.

The second quote that Peter Kim points out from Chris Stephenson GM marketing of Microsoft, "We see a great opportunity to bring together technology and community to allow consumers to explore and discover music together." It is important to point out that there was supposed to be a community aspect of the product to spread the word. Many times the community and the technology are in disagreement because of its limited freedoms of DRM imposed on them such as the restrictive nature of it's sharing capabilities.

Criticism

As viewed by its critics, these are some of the limitations with the existing Zune:

  • In the view of the Electronic Frontier Foundation (which opposes all DRM): "Microsoft's Zune will not play protected Windows Media Audio and Video purchased or 'rented' from Napster 2.0, Rhapsody, Yahoo! Unlimited, Movielink, Cinemanow, or any other online media service. That's right—the media that Microsoft promised would Play For Sure doesn't even play on Microsoft's own device." The EFF calls this "a stark example of DRM under the DMCA giving customers a raw deal."[28] The Zune will not even play content previously purchased Microsoft's own MSN Music store.[29]
  • Numerous industry pundits have criticized the Zune for its shortcomings (see below) compared with other portable music players such as the obvious direct competitor, the Apple iPod[30]. Meanwhile, others[31][32][33] have criticized its implementation of DRM. 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.[34]
  • While Zune has built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, it can only use it to connect other Zune devices. It cannot use it to sync to its host computer, nor to connect to the Internet or download content.[35][36]
  • Songs wirelessly transferred from one Zune to another can only be played three times. While this is understandable for a protected song for which the recipient has not paid, this limitation is applied even if the song was purchased through the Zune store and the recipient has paid for a Zune Pass.[37] It is also applied even for material that is self-recorded, or copyright-free and unprotected by DRM. After three days, the song expires regardless of whether or not it has been played. Just playing half the song (or one minute, whichever comes first) counts as one "play." A song cannot be re-sent to the same device, nor can a song received from someone else be passed on to a third person.[38][39][40][41]
  • Zune's ability to wirelessly send songs to other Zune devices is unreliable; many songs downloaded from the Zune Marketplace cannot be shared. A Microsoft spokesperson attributed the problem to the feature's being a "new experience, and its implementation is in a version 1.0 stage" and saying that it "is working to expand the number of songs that can be shared."[42] Various observers have reported that about 40% of the most popular Zune store downloads are affected, displaying the message "cannot send some songs due to rights restrictions."[43] Initially observers criticized two music publishers, UMG and Sony, for what was assumed to be an intentional restriction, while criticizing Zune Marketplace not providing any way for a customer to identify which songs could be shared.[19]. Music publishers subsequently denied having placed any such restrictions.[42]
  • The Zune is not capable of being used as an external storage device (a common feature in other similar products).
  • In addition, the Zune software won't install even on many computers running Windows XP.[45]
  • As columnist Andy Ihnatko put it, "The Zune Marketplace doesn't even take real money."[46] Instead, Zune Marketplace uses the established system of Microsoft Points that do not easily translate into any real world currency. A song costs 79 points (corresponding to $0.99) is deemed deceiving by some as it gives the impression that songs only costs 79 cents. Moreover, points can only be purchased in blocks of at least 400 points, leading to possible over-purchase and unused points.[47][48]
  • "The Zune only speaks English;" i.e. the Zune as launched lacks native language support (NLS) or handling unicode metadata found in file container formats that support this feature.

References

  1. ^ Engadget (15-11-2006). "Zune Review". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ http://www.Zune.net/en-us/support/howto/ZunetoZune/sharesongs.htm
  3. ^ ClicZune (4-10-2006). "Zune Review: The Zune PC Software is Equipped with a Transcoder". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ^ Miller, Paul (2006-08-25). "Zune revealed by FCC as "Toshiba 1089"". engadget. Retrieved 2007-01-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ "Orange Zunes now released too".
  6. ^ "Secret Pink Zune".
  7. ^ "Pink Zunes in the wild".
  8. ^ "Red union Zune up for auction". Engadget. 29-10-2006. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  9. ^ "Ship gift (Pink and Orange Zunes)". 14-11-2006. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  10. ^ Engadget (15-11-2006). "Zune in Pink (and Orange)". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  11. ^ "Inside glimpse into Zune Masters". 23-12-2006. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  12. ^ Microsoft (2-11-2006). "Zune homepage specs". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  13. ^ Engadget (17-09-2006). "Zune battery life: 12 hours music, 3.5 hours video". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  14. ^ Engadget (14-09-2006). "Zune Marketplace To Keep Your Zune Player Happy". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  15. ^ Microsoft (2006-09-28). "Microsoft PressPass Press Release". Microsoft.com. Microsoft. Retrieved 2006-09-28.
  16. ^ a b Horwitz, Jeremy (2006-08-17). "Zune interface, features detailed". iLounge. The Media LLC. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) Cite error: The named reference "iLounge hands-on" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  17. ^ incipiotech. "Incipio is poised to launch microsoft Zune accessory solution". incipiotech.com. incipiotech. Retrieved 2006-10-10.
  18. ^ ZuneInfo.com (12-09-2006). "Zune Masters Program". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  19. ^ Ponikelská, Lenka (2007-01-05). "Microsoft Education key to competitive edge". Czech Business Weekly. Retrieved 2007-01-05. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  20. ^ Tech.co.uk (15-01-2007). "Zune coming to the UK in 'two to three months'". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  21. ^ Engadget (14-09-2006). "Zune phone en route". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  22. ^ Ina Fried (January 8, 2007). "Gates at CES: Thinking servers, pet projects, Vista billions". Retrieved 2007-01-13. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |publlisher= ignored (|publisher= suggested) (help): "No Zune news There wasn't a lot of Zune news. Gates said the company wants to give the music player its own time in the spotlight, suggesting that Microsoft watchers can expect to see one, maybe two Zune-specific events this year. Don't expect any new Zune devices soon.
  23. ^ geek.com (01-16-2007). "Zune Gaming Article from CES 2007". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  24. ^ Menta, Richard (15-11-2006). "Zune Opening Sales Good, but Not Great". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  25. ^ Dan Frommer (28-11-2006). "Zune Who?". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  26. ^ Ryan Block (29-11-2006). "Zune takes #2 spot in retail launch week". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  27. ^ http://createdigitalmusic.com/2006/07/31/microsoft-not-turning-back-on-playsforsure-with-zune-player/
  28. ^ "Microsoft's Zune Won't Play Protected Windows Media". Electronic Freedom Foundation. September 15, 2006. Retrieved January 25, 2007. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  29. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6120272.stm
  30. ^ http://hwduel.com/mp3/1/85 iPod and Zune side-by-side comparison
  31. ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/09/technology/09pogue.html
  32. ^ http://db.tidbits.com/article/8751
  33. ^ http://practical-tech.com/entertainment/microsofts-Zune-drm-madness/
  34. ^ http://leo.am/podcasts/kfi
  35. ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/09/technology/09pogue.html?pagewanted=2
  36. ^ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15669798/site/newsweek/page/2/
  37. ^ Seth Jayson (2007-01-10). "Microsoft's New Paperweight: Meet the only pet rock with wireless file-sharing". MSNBC. Retrieved 2007-01-10.: "... there's absolutely no reason whatsoever for the Zune DRM system to apply the same limitations to tracks shared between users who have paid up for the Zune Pass "all you can download" subscription model. The device already knows who's got a valid subscription, and which songs have been downloaded via subscription service. So how on earth is the software too stupid to put one and one together and give a free pass to songs legitimately shared between two subscription-paying Zune owners?"
  38. ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/09/technology/09pogue.html?pagewanted=2
  39. ^ http://ptech.wsj.com/archive/ptech-20061109.html
  40. ^ http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/ae/291959_Zune11.html
  41. ^ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15669798/site/newsweek/page/3
  42. ^ a b {{cite web|url=http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/300733_msftzune23.html%7Ctitle=Zune unable to share all songs, Microsoft says|publisher=Bloomberg News|author=Dina Bass|date=January 23, 2007|accessdate=Jaunary 23, 2007 Cite error: The named reference "squirtfailure" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  43. ^ http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/19/universal-and-sony-prohibit-zune-sharing-for-certain-artists/
  44. ^ http://www.zune.net/en-us/meetzune/software/releasenotes.htm#minimumsystemrequirements
  45. ^ http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/13/installing-the-zune-sucked/
  46. ^ Andy Ihnatko (2006-11-23). "Avoid the loony Zune". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2007-01-16.: "The Zune Marketplace doesn't even take real money, proving that on the Zune Planet there's no operation so simple that it can't be turned into a confusing ordeal."
  47. ^ http://ptech.wsj.com/archive/ptech-20061109.html
  48. ^ http://winsupersite.com/reviews/zune.asp

See also


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