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Zune

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Zune is a Microsoft brand of portable media players, associated software, and an online service for acquiring and sharing media. 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. In terms of audio formats, Zune supports MP3, WMA and AAC. Zune supports Microsoft's WMV movie format, and Zune software will transcode MPEG4 and H.264 video to synchronize to the device.[1] Preloaded music, videos, and images ship with the device.

A key differentiator between Zune and competing players is Zune-to-Zune Wi-Fi communication. This allows limited sharing of songs, recordings, playlists and pictures with other Zunes. A track received from another Zune 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. Not all songs are eligible 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, Globals Inc., a US incorporated company, associated with Microsoft to offer Podcasting service, with the Zune using a new digital rights management system to protect content which is incompatible with other DRM systems including Microsoft PlaysForSure. This system includes a PC client called Zune Software and an online store called the Zune Marketplace. Zune does not support audio-books downloaded from Audible.com. It does use the Media Transfer Protocol albeit in a modified and extended version that deviates from the specification published by Microsoft themselves as a reference to other device manufacturers.

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

J Allard, who oversaw the creation of the Xbox 360, has also overseen the creation 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. Sharable 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. [2] Recipients cannot re-send music that they have received via the sharing feature.[3] Photo files may be shared without restriction.
  • Ability to flag tracks received from Zune-to-Zune transfer, a tool 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 Zune will play standard podcast files, which are usually available in unprotected MP3 or AAC format. However, the Zune software lacks full podcast support, such as a directory and automatic downloading via RSS feeds. The Zune Team, however, has promised complete podcast support in the future. [1][4][5]
  • 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).[6]
  • Able to show other Zunes nearby what you are listening to or doing through advanced settings.
  • Support for Zune Digital Rights Management (DRM) (incompatible with other DRM schemes).
  • Able to add songs to a quick playlist without reconnecting to the Zune software.
  • Built-in FM radio, capable of showing song information on supported FM stations using RDS

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.[7]

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 black, brown, and white with a doubleshot of blue, green, and clear respectively.

Limited edition colors

100 pink Zunes were made available as random inserts into normal Zune boxes. These come with a numbered certificate of authenticity.[8][9]

A limited-edition red Zune was put up for auction in various stores in L.A.[10]

Pink and orange Zune devices were given to the Zune team as ship gifts with "Welcome to the Social" and "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.[11][12]

Zunes with "Ambassador" artwork were released on December 15th, 2006 to recipients of the Zune Master inductees.[13]

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 unprotected MP3, WMA, WMA Pro (2-channel), WMV, MP4, MPEG-4,JPEG and AAC
  • Charge Time: 3 hours; 2 hours to 90%[14]
  • 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.[15]
  • Operating system: Windows Mobile Portable Media Center edition.

Hardware

  • CPU: Freescale i.MX31L processor; ARM Core, FPU (SCIMX31LVKM5 / 3L38W / CTAU0629) [2]
  • RAM: 64 MBytes x32 Mobile SDR DRAM / 133 MHz / 90 mA (K4M51323PC-DG75) [3]
  • Flash: 2 MBytes NOR flash, 3.3V, 1Mx16 Boot block (PH28F160C3TD) [4]
  • FS456LF: PC to TV video scan converter (Macrovision 7)
  • Audio: Stereo CODEC with speaker driver / 0.9 W power out (WM8978G) [5]
  • FM Tuner: Silicon Labs Si4701 single-chip radio tuner (4701A15) [6]
  • TV out: Focus (FS456) [7]
  • USB: USB2.0 Philips (ISP1504) [8]
  • bus switch: Low voltage octal FET bus switch (CL245 / SN74CBTLV3245A) [9]
  • 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 [10]
  • Battery: Li-Ion battery 3.7 V / 800 mAh (G71C0006Z110)
  • Hard Disk: Toshiba 30 GB hard disk, 1.8" (MK3008GAL) [11]

Model

Generation Image Capacity Changes Introduced Connection Original Release Date Launch Price (US$)
1G 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, taking advantage of Windows Media Foundation.

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. It is similar to the MTV URGE service that is available for Windows Media Player 11. Over two million songs are available for purchase using Microsoft Points, the same currency used on Xbox Live, for per-song purchase. The Zune Marketplace can also be used as a subscription-based flat-fee service, if users purchase a monthly "Zune Pass".[16]

Individual tracks (in protected WMA format) currently cost 79 Microsoft Points (at an exchange ratio of 79.8 points per dollar).[17] Users must purchase blocks of points in $5 increments.

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 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 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: Windows Media Audio (.wma), MP3 (.mp3), AAC (.mp4,.m4a,.m4b,.mov), JPEG (.jpg), Windows Media Video (.wmv), MPEG4 (.mp4,.m4v,.mov) and H.264 (.mp4,.m4v,.mov). Unlike the Windows Media Player 11 media server, the Zune Software can also stream AAC files to the Xbox 360, which supports AAC natively.

Firmware

Microsoft's goal is to update the Zune on a regular basis

  • 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, and includes a boost in performance when browsing the Zune, along with a few other minor enhancements. [12]

Preloaded content

The Zune has the following songs, videos, and images preloaded into memory. [18] [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

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 400MHz DSP processor, and contains a Toshiba 1.8 inch 30 GB hard drive.[19]

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.[19]

Accessories

Microsoft has made several first party accessories for the Zune, including the Zune Car Pack, which contains an FM-transmitter with AutoSeek and a Zune Car Charger, the Zune Home A/V pack, which contains a dock, wireless remote, sync cable, AC adapter, and A/V output cable, and the Zune Travel Pack, which includes in-ear earphones, a dual-connect remote, a travel case, a sync cable, and an AC adapter.[20] Each of these accessory packs will sell for $100. Microsoft's accessories are also available for individual purchase. Microsoft is working with other manufacturers like Altec Lansing, Belkin, Griffin Technology, Harman Kardon, JBL, Incipio[21] and more to make additional accessories.

Windows XP Theme

To be able to let the look of Windows XP match up with the Zune, a special Theme can be downloaded from the Zune 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. [13]

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. [22]

Speculation and rumors

It was previously thought that Zune was one of Microsoft's media players under codename "Project Argo".[23][24] However, it now seems that the "Zune" brand will be used for all media players and other services, throughout the new project.[25]

It was also thought that, during the time, Microsoft was working on a portable gaming handheld, dubbed, the "Xbox 180" or simply, "Xbox 2.0". However, when word of the product becoming a music player leaked onto the internet, the portable gaming system was debunked.

The European release date is set before half 2007.[26]

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.[27]

Opening sales

The Zune was the second most sold player during the launch week (first four days). Microsoft captured a 9% unit share and a 13% dollar share (total cash spent) in the portable media device space, but still lagged far behind the market-leading iPod's 63% and 72.5% respectively[28]. These numbers don't include sales from Apple retail stores, which sell only iPod players. However, 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.[29] 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.[30]

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. The figures do not include iPods sold directly from Apple. [14] [15] [16] [17] 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.[18]

According to Amazon.com sales charts the position in the market declined rapidly soon after the opening week. The most popular Zune model (the black one) is also behind a number of SanDisk, iRiver, Creative, and other manufacturers' devices [19].

Criticism

  • Though Zune is a Microsoft product, it is not compatible with players and online music stores using Microsoft's PlaysForSure technology. This includes music purchased from Microsoft's recently retired MSN Music store.[31]
  • Numerous industry pundits have criticized the Zune for its features and functions (see below) based on a side-by-side comparison with the iPod[32]. Meanwhile, others[33][34][35] have criticized its DRM and the market's potential responses, especially given that it will compete with Microsoft's own early-adopters of the PlaysForSure DRM scheme. 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.[36]
  • While Zune has built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, it can only connect to other Zune devices; it can't wirelessly sync with its host PC, nor can it wirelessly connect to the internet and download new music via a Wi-Fi hotspot.[37][38]
  • Songs wirelessly transferred from one Zune to another can only be played three times, even if they are 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 resent to the same device, nor can a song received from someone else be passed on to a third person. However, after the plays are up, the Zune remembers the title and artist of the song for future reference. [39][40][41][42] In addition, not all songs purchased from the Zune Marketplace can be shared via Wi-Fi with other Zunes (see note 1). However they have said that they plan on adding more features for the WiFi as it is still in the early stages.
  • Unlike many hard drive-based music players, Zune cannot be used as an external hard drive.
  • TV shows recorded using Microsoft's own Windows Media Center digital video recorder software (which is included in Windows Vista and Windows XP Media Center Edition) cannot be transferred to the Zune without the help of third-party video converters. There are rumors that Microsoft is planning to add support for Media Center recorded TV files (DVR-MS format) to the Zune in a future firmware update, but this functionality currently does not exist.
  • Zune is incompatible with Microsoft's own media player, Windows Media Player, and instead uses its own media player. However, this does allow the Zune to easily receive firmware updates automatically through the software, functionality which is not supported by Windows Media Player.

These criticisms apply to the actual Zune as it exists today. David Coulton, of Microsoft's Zune team, in an interview with tech reporter Paul Thurrott, held out the possibility, but did not promise upgrades for these Zunes: "The people who buy the device now are our best customers, so we don’t want to screw them over. There is no hunger at all to not upgrade the first product[sic]." Making no promises of specific improvements, he warned "Sometimes there are subtle reasons why certain features can't be brought downlevel. Maybe the DSP chip on the first device isn't powerful enough or whatever. But we will bring every new feature we can to the first Zune."[43]

References

  1. ^ Engadget (15-11-2006). "Zune Review". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ Cesar Menendez (19-09-2006). "Zune and DRM (or "My Bad; I mis-Blogged")". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ http://www.Zune.net/en-us/support/howto/ZunetoZune/sharesongs.htm
  4. ^ ClicZune (15-09-2006). "Zune will play Podcasts". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ TechCast Weekly (09-09-2006). [http://www.techcastweekly.com/2006/09/09/Zune-supports-podcasting-maybe/ "Zune supports podcasting � maybe"]. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); replacement character in |title= at position 26 (help)
  6. ^ ClicZune (4-10-2006). "Zune Review: The Zune PC Software is Equipped with a Transcoder". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ 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)
  8. ^ "Secret Pink Zune".
  9. ^ "Pink Zunes in the wild".
  10. ^ "Red union Zune up for auction". Engadget. 29-10-2006. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  11. ^ "Ship gift (Pink and Orange Zunes)". 14-11-2006. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  12. ^ Engadget (15-11-2006). "Zune in Pink (and Orange)". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  13. ^ "Inside glimpse into Zune Masters". 23-12-2006. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  14. ^ Microsoft (2-11-2006). "Zune homepage specs". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  15. ^ Engadget (17-09-2006). "Zune battery life: 12 hours music, 3.5 hours video". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  16. ^ Engadget (14-09-2006). "Zune Marketplace To Keep Your Zune Player Happy". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  17. ^ "Use of Microsoft Points for Zune explained". Zunerama.com. 2006-10-13. Retrieved 2006-10-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  18. ^ Microsoft (2006-09-28). "Microsoft PressPass Press Release". Microsoft.com. Microsoft. Retrieved 2006-09-28.
  19. ^ 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).
  20. ^ "Zune Accessories". Zune.net. Microsoft. Retrieved 2006-11-11.
  21. ^ incipiotech. "Incipio is poised to launch microsoft Zune accessory solution". incipiotech.com. incipiotech. Retrieved 2006-10-10.
  22. ^ ZuneInfo.com (12-09-2006). "Zune Masters Program". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  23. ^ Chen, Jason (2006-07-11). "Microsoft Argo's Final Name: The Zune?". Gizmodo. Retrieved 2006-07-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  24. ^ Chen, Jason (2006-07-11). "Microsoft Zune Update". Gizmodo. Retrieved 2006-07-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  25. ^ Ryan Block (2006-07-21). ""Zune: what we know, think we know, and don't yet know". Engadget. Retrieved 2006-09-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  26. ^ Ponikelská, Lenka (2007-01-05). "Microsoft Zune Europe 2007". Czech Business Weekly. Retrieved 2007-01-05. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  27. ^ Engadget (14-09-2006). "Zune phone en route". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  28. ^ Ryan Block (29-11-2006). "Zune takes #2 spot in retail launch week". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  29. ^ Menta,Richard (15-11-2006). "Zune Opening Sales Good, but Not Great". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  30. ^ Dan Frommer (28-11-2006). "Zune Who?". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  31. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6120272.stm
  32. ^ http://hwduel.com/mp3/1/85 iPod and Zune side-by-side comparison
  33. ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/09/technology/09pogue.html
  34. ^ http://db.tidbits.com/article/8751
  35. ^ http://practical-tech.com/entertainment/microsofts-Zune-drm-madness/
  36. ^ http://leo.am/podcasts/kfi
  37. ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/09/technology/09pogue.html?pagewanted=2
  38. ^ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15669798/site/newsweek/page/2/
  39. ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/09/technology/09pogue.html?pagewanted=2
  40. ^ http://ptech.wsj.com/archive/ptech-20061109.html
  41. ^ http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/ae/291959_Zune11.html
  42. ^ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15669798/site/newsweek/page/3
  43. ^ http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/zunestory.asp

See also


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