Zune

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Zune

Manufacturer Microsoft
Type Portable media player
Release date Flag of the United States Nov 14, 2006 (Zune 30) [1]
Flag of the United States Nov 13, 2007 (Zune 4, 8, 80) [2]
Flag of Canada June 13, 2008
Connectivity Wi-Fi (Zune-Zune, Sync-PC, Microsoft Surface)
USB
Retail availability Flag of the United States since Nov 14, 2006
Flag of Canada June 13, 2008
Units sold +2 million (as of May 2008)[3]
Operating system Windows Embedded
CPU Freescale i. MX31L processor ARM Core
Storage capacity 4 and 8 GB flash drive
30 and 80 GB hard drive
Display 1.8in Glass LCD screen, resolution 240×320 (Zune 4, 8)
3in QVGA LCD screen, resolution 240×320 (Zune 30)
3.2in Glass LCD screen, resolution 240×320 at 4:3 aspect ratio (Zune 80)
Online services Zune Marketplace
Touchpad Circular Directional Pad
(30 GB release)
Touch-sensitive Zune pad
(4, 8, 80 GB releases)

Zune is a brand of digital music products and services sold by Microsoft. It includes portable media players, client software, and the Zune Marketplace online music and video store.[4] The devices come in three styles, all of which play music and videos, display images, and receive FM radio. They can share files wirelessly with other Zunes and via USB with Xbox 360s, and can sync wirelessly with Windows PCs.

The Zune Software, which runs on Windows XP and Vista, allows users to manage files on the player, rip audio CDs, and buy songs, music videos, and TV shows at the online store.

Contents

[edit] History

The first Zune models were released in the United States on November 19, 2006. The Zune 4, 8 and 80 were announced on October 2, 2007. All Zunes (new and older models) now offer the ability to sync wirelessly (automatically if connected to a power supply but can be manually started without it), a new touchpad-style input device, additional file support for H.264 and MPEG-4 files, podcast support, upgraded song-sharing licensing. The Zune also allows a Zune to communicate with other Zunes. Zune 80 also has a large, 3.2” screen. A free firmware update added the new software features to the original Zune (now called the Zune 30) and was released on November 13, 2007.[5]

The first-generation Zune was created while Microsoft was in close cooperation with Toshiba, which took the design of the Gigabeat S and redeveloped it under the name Toshiba 1089 as registered with the FCC starting in the year 2006.[6] Xbox 360 overseer J Allard ran the project, codenamed ‘Argo’, which consisted of some Xbox and MSN Music store developers,[7] who worked on ‘Alexandria’ and finalized it as Zune Marketplace,[8] then later unveiled both products united under a single brand in the U.S. market as the Zune.

The second-generation Zune 4 GB, 8 GB, and 80 GB were announced[9] on October 2, 2007. The 4 and 8 GB Zunes are flash-based and smaller in size than the 80 GB version. The 30GB Zune was not redesigned.

Recently, Microsoft has announced that Zunes will eventually be able to play games developed using XNA. Games will feature custom soundtracks and 8-player wireless multiplayer using the built-in Wi-Fi. It will also be possible to develop games that allow for Zune, Xbox, and Windows gamers to compete against each other.[10] An early version of XNA Game Studio 3.0 released on May 7, 2008 allows developers to work on Zune games.[11]

[edit] Devices

[edit] Models

For the Main Articles, go to: Zune 30, Zune 4, 8 or Zune 80.

The 30 GB Zune was the first Zune music player. It has a 30 GB hard drive, 3” screen, and simple directional pad for menu navigation. The second generation of the Zune consists of the Zune 4gb, 8gb, and 80gb. The Zune 4 and 8 feature a smaller size and hold 4 and 8 GB of flash memory, respectively. The 80 GB Zune is the replacement to the Zune 30 that is also thinner and lighter. All three second generation Zunes have a Zune Pad instead of the simple directional pad that was included on the Zune 30. Microsoft did, however, distribute a mass upgrade for all Zune models (including the Zune 30) to the Zune's second generation software/firmware. On the back of all models it says "Hello From Seattle Model # Assembled in China", signifying that Microsoft is based in Seattle and the Zune is assembled in China.

[edit] Preloaded content

Zune featured preloaded content in both audio and video formats from various artist like BT, Paul Oakenfold, CSS. Special editions featured their own unique set of content.

[edit] Specifications

Zune 30 Zune 4 Zune 8 Zune 80
Size 2.4 × 4.4 × 0.58 inches/6.1 × 11.2 × 1.5 cm 1.6 × 3.6 × 0.33 inches/4.1 × 9.1 × 0.8 cm 2.4 × 4.25 × 0.5 inches/6.1 × 10.8 × 1.3 cm
Weight 5.6 ounces/158.8 g 1.7 ounces/47 g 4.5 ounces/127.6 g
Screen 3 inches/7.6 cm (240×320 pixels) 1.8 inches/4.6 cm (240×320 pixels) 3.2 inches/8.1 cm (240×320 pixels)
Storage 30GB HDD 4GB Flash 8GB Flash 80GB HDD
Wi-Fi Zune-to-Zune, sync with computer/ wireless network (with firmware update) Zune-to-Zune, sync with computer / wireless network
Colors Black, brown, white, red, pink[12] Black, green, red, pink[12] Black, red (previously available only as a Valentine's Day promotion, and later as a customization option for Zune Originals)[12]
Limited Editions Orange[13], brown (Halo 3)[14], black (Halo 3)[15], black (Wisin & Yandel)[16], pink w/ diamonds (Nylon magazine)[17], black (Adult Swim)[18], black, red (Microsoft interns)[19] Yellow (Zune employees only)[20], gold (Goods)[21]
Navigation Circular directional pad "Squircle" Zune pad
released November 2006 November 2007
Price (USD at launch) $249.95 $129.99 $179.99 $249.99

[edit] Accessories

The Zune comes with earphones, USB data cable, and carrying bag (Zune 30 only). Accessories sold separately 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, and belt clip).
  • Replacement parts and upgrades (battery, hard drive, LCD, etc.).

Among the firms that make Zune accessories are Microsoft, Altec Lansing, Belkin Corp., Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO), Dual Electronics, Griffin Technology, Harman Kardon and JBL, Integrated Mobile Electronics, Jamo International, Klipsch Audio Technologies, Logitech, Monster Cable Products Inc., Speck, Targus Group International Inc. and VAF Research.[22]

[edit] Firmware

Users often refer to on-device software as firmware, differing from the desktop media player as Zune software. Zune’s operating system is based on Windows CE kernel for ARM architecture and uses a distribution like the Portable Media Center found on the Gigabeat S. Zune’s native file compatible formats are

  • JPEG for images;
  • WMV, MPEG-4 and H.264 for video;
  • MP3, AAC (.m4a), Zune Marketplace (restricted and DRM free), WMA Pro (2-channel), WMA Standard, WMA lossless for audio.

The graphical user interface (GUI) (called the “twist interface” by Microsoft) has sections for music, video, pictures, social, radio, podcasts, and settings. It is said to provide “two-dimensional navigation” for scrolling through items with its directional pad.[23] In the music section, users can add songs to a quick playlist without reconnecting to the desktop software. In the picture section, the background can be personalized using any image as wallpaper. In the radio section, users can receive and play FM radio internally, with North American, Japanese, and European tuning ranges and show song information on supported FM stations. In the social section, users can broadcast user profile and current activity to others nearby. In the setting section, users can control backlight settings and output analog TV in with purchase of a separate connection.

The very first updates to the firmware added sharing features (send, community, list nearby Zune users) as described in FCC filings.[24][25] Firmware 1.1 allowed device to inherit sharing capabilities described by codename Pyxis. Early firmwares patched software bugs. Later, the much anticipated 2.2 firmware released from about a year after first generation Zune added support for DVR-MS (Media Center Recorded TV) files, lossless playback, added wireless syncing, and GUI interface improvements.[citation needed]

Zune supports the Windows Media DRM (WMDRM) digital rights management system incompatible with other DRM systems and not part of the PlaysForSure platform or program.[26][27] Multimedia content is transferred through Media Transfer Protocol (MTP); however, its proprietary MTP extensions ("MTPZ") place an interoperability barrier between the Zune and previous MTP-based software.

[edit] Zune Software

Zune Software version 2.5.447.0 running in Windows Vista
Zune Software version 2.5.447.0 running in Windows Vista

Zune Software functions as management software for the device and library and as a client to the online music store. The old version was a modified version of Windows Media Player 11, and the latest version is built from the ground up, with additional DirectShow decoders for AAC, MPEG-4 and H.264, it supports the following formats — for audio: MP3 (.mp3), AAC (Low complexity) (.aac, .mp4, .m4a, .m4b, .mov), WMA (.wma); for video: MPEG4 (in .mp4, .m4v and .mov containers), H.264 (in .mp4, .m4v and .mov containers), WMV (.wmv), ASF (.asf); and for still images: JPEG (.jpg). It synchronizes music, pictures, videos and podcasts to the device. It streams files to the Xbox 360. It organizes the media in its library and allows users to add to the library by ripping from CDs and to organize the metadata. It can automatically pull down album art and metadata tag data for some content in the library. There is also an inbox feature in the desktop client software as well on the device, which keeps track of songs swapped with other Zune users. On the desktop client, the inbox also serves as a message center for Zune Social. Although the Zune Software was originally a modified version of Windows Media Player, the Zune device was designed to only work with the Zune Software. Zune Software requires Windows XP or Vista.

The current version of the software is 2.5.447.0 released alongside 2.5 firmware update.

Several versions of the software were released. A history of each version reveals:

Firmware
Version
Software
Version
Date Software and Firmware changes
1.0 1.0.5341.0
-
Zune 30 device original default
1.1  ? 2006-11-14 Added menu item “community” allowing to search for nearby Zunes, see their status, and transfer music and pictures. Improved performance.
1.2 1.2.5511.0 2006-12-19 Fixed compatibility with Windows Vista and improved browsing performance.[28]
1.3 1.3.5728.0 2007-03-28 Prevents FM tuner from draining the battery while the device is sleeping. Fixed Zune Marketplace music to not skip on the device. Improved device detection and syncing.[29]
1.4  ? 2007-05-31 Improved shuffling. The dev team states: “this firmware update makes successive shuffle actions produce more random lists.”[30]
2.0  ? 2007-11-13 Original device software version that is installed for the Zune 4GB, Zune 8GB, and the Zune 80GB. A number of features including the five-star rating system and the ability to manually control the album information update process were removed.
2.1  ?  ? Enhances device functionality and performance.
2.2 2.1.888.0 2007-11-13 Improved performance and added several new features, including wireless sync and podcast support. New user interface on both the Zune device and the Zune software.[31]
2.3 2.1.888.2 2007-12-18 Resolves an issue in which the battery Zune80 and upgraded Zune30 would discharge prematurely due to difficulty entering sleep. Also includes improved device recognition and improved stability and reliability on sync (both wirelessly and while connected to a PC).[32] It has also been noted that the new firmware features the option to unsubscribe from a podcast right on the device. This can be activated by bringing up the menu during a song play and selecting “unsubscribe”. This feature was originally slated to be part of the original consumer release of the 2.x firmware (several reviewers described having this option), but it was removed.
2.3 2.3.1338.0 2008-01-22 Resolves a number of issues including problems with marketplace, podcasts, sync, Xbox streaming, and library problems.[33]
2.5 2.5.447.0 2008-05-06 TV show downloads now available from Marketplace. Also adds new features such as gapless playback, smart playlists, new sorting options, multiple device syncing, and support for XNA (Xbox game developers will be able to load custom code using the XNA platform). Zune Social is better integrated, and users with Windows Live Messenger can display which song is being played to people in their buddy list.[34] Video podcasts can be shared wirelessly between Zunes, allowing the receiving Zune owner to subscribe to a podcast on-the-go.[35]

[edit] Zune Marketplace

Zune Marketplace is an online music store that integrates with the software. Initially offering two million songs it grew to more than three million songs. With the update to version 2.5 the Zune Marketplace also offer Music Videos and TV shows for download. Music on the marketplace is provided by the big four music groups (EMI, Warner Music Group, Sony BMG, Universal Music Group) and smaller music labels. TV shows are provided by NBC.Like other tech companies in the music business, the Zune team at Microsoft had a team of music experts responsible for the Zune marketplace editorial content and programming. The team is led by Kyle Hopkins (also known as DJ “Kid Hops” on KEXP-FM ).[36] Music Content is offered in DRM-restricted WMA format (2-pass CBR @ 192kbit/s) or non-DRM MP3 format (320Kbps) for a per-song or per-album fee, or via a Zune Pass monthly/Quarterly subscriptions.

Songs downloaded from the Marketplace are restricted by DRM similar to yet slightly different from PlaysForSure DRM, meaning that songs purchased from PlaysForSure partners could not be playable in Zune Software, although the reverse is true. Internally, Zune DRM is referred to as “9.1”, differentiating itself from PlaysForSure DRM, which is version “9”. While removal of PlaysForSure DRM has been facilitated with several tools, none would remove Zune DRM until July 14, 2007 when one of the tools (“FairUse4WM” [Windows Media]) was updated to support removal of the Zune DRM wrapper, thus allowing interoperability between the platforms. As of September 6th, 2007, an update from Microsoft has broken FairUse4WM once again, resulting in that anyone with the updated license cannot strip the DRM (presumably until FairUse4WM is updated again). Note that updating the Zune software to the most recent version (2.1, as of November, 2007) will not affect previously functioning DRM components.

Purchases are made through a system called Microsoft Points, in which users prepay US$5 for a block of 400 points that can be applied to downloads at 79 points per song. This works out to $0.9875 per song, plus whatever remainder is left after a user makes his or her final purchase from the Marketplace. Cost and minimum purchase varies with foreign currency exchange rates and taxes. The points used for the Zune Marketplace are the same points used to buy media from the Xbox Live Marketplace. Purchased songs can be burned to Audio CD.

As an alternative to the Microsoft Points, users pay a monthly flat fee called the Zune Pass that costs US$14.99. This allows a member to download and participate in Zune Marketplace content for a flat monthly fee. The Zune Pass allows to download songs, with exceptions of those required to pay points for. Zune Pass downloads cannot be burned to Audio CD and will become unplayable when the subscription lapses, and while the subscription is up-to-date, it can not be burned or synced to anything but a Zune. The Zune pass allows for 3 Zunes to share the downloaded DRM content as well as the content to be downloaded on up to 3 computers.[37] Initially, Zunes included a 14-day Zune Pass free trial in the package.

With the launch of the new Zunes, the Marketplace was upgraded to support interface(as opposed to being a modified version of URGE), and drop DRM for around 1 million tracks (out of roughly 3 million). DRM-free MP3s sell for a slightly higher price than protected tracks. Unlike DRM-free songs purchased from iTunes, DRM-free songs from Zune Marketplace do not have watermarks intended to identify the person who initially purchased the song. Music Videos and Podcasts were also added to the Marketplace.

[edit] Sales and marketing

[edit] Marketing

Microsoft launched several campaigns to jump-start the Zune. The company had planned a $100 million campaign to promote Zune with "Music the way it wants to be" as a major theme and “Welcome to the social” as an advertisement tagline.[38] Also, the company had enlisted about 300 “Zune masters” to advertise the device on American college campuses, to promote the item, and to run Zune-related events as expected. In exchange, they have received free merchandise, including a Zune.[39]

The choice of branding and distribution were part of the Zune as a decision of “two strategies in the market right now: cross-brand ecosystems [...] and singular brand ecosystems [...]. The former is gaining in share and units sold, but the latter has enormous share and won’t give that up easily”.[27]

Zune desktop theme.
Zune desktop theme.

Microsoft normally follows a platform (cross-brand) strategy, as exemplified by the PlaysForSure system. However, its Xbox division has gained some experience with the vertically-integrated strategy in which it controls everything end-to-end from the hardware to the online store. With Apple dominating the audio market with its vertically-integrated iPod system, the Xbox division won permission to try the same approach, separately from PlaysForSure and PlayReady.

Microsoft also wanted to go beyond Apple’s efforts and promote the tagline “the social” and Wi-Fi (wireless sharing) as key differentiators. Chris Stephenson, leader of Zune’s marketing and manager of Global Marketing for the Entertainment Business,[40] said, “we see a great opportunity to bring together technology and community to allow consumers to explore and discover music together.”[27]

Microsoft also released a Zune theme for Windows XP that replaced the appearance of the operating system. This theme includes an orange Start button and black taskbar/Start menu.

Zune has also expanded its brand efforts by creating a gen-y friendly website and campaign focused on emerging artist talent: Zune Arts

MySpace has added the feature to label music players on personal profiles to Zune-themed or a red Zune 8.

[edit] Sales

NPD Group
Zune’s Hard Disk Unit Share
D '06 J '07 F M April May
10.2%[41] 9.9%[41] 8.7% 9.1% 9.2% 11.3%

During its launch week, the original Zune, now Zune 30, was the second-most-sold portable media device with a 9 % unit share in the United States; behind the market-leading iPod’s 63 %.[42] For the first 6 months after launch, NPD Group figures show that the Zune 30 achieved approximately 10% [41][43][44] market share in the Hard Drive based MP3 market and 3% [45][46][47] in the overall MP3 player market. According to Bloomberg Television 1.2 million Zune 30 players were sold between November 2006 and June 2007,[48] surpassing a milestone.[49] A price drop on Amazon.com during November 2007 temporarily boosted the brown Zune 30 to the top Sales Rank in electronics.

Critical reception for the new flash based Zunes and the Zune 80 has been much more positive than with the first generation Zune. While some reviewers concluded that the iPod is still superior, others deemed the Zune to be better.[50][51] The Zune 80 was initially in short supply due to a combination of low production output and stronger-than-expected demand, but many retailers now have it in stock as of December 7, 2007.[52]

On May 6, 2008, Microsoft announced that it had sold just over 2 million Zunes. Roughly one million of those were sold since the second generation Zunes launched in November 2007.[53].

On May 22, 2008, TheStreet.com reported that GameStop "has decided to stop selling Microsoft's Zune players at its stores due to what it sees as insufficient demand from customers." TheStreet commented that "GameStop has hundreds of stores across the country and losing that distribution channel could hurt Zune sales," but quoted Adam Sohn, Zune marketing manager's response "We have a set of great partnerships ... Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart, and others."[54]

[edit] Availability outside the U.S.

Microsoft announced plans at CES 2008 to release the Zune to Canadian consumers on June 13, 2008, marking the first time it will be available outside the U.S.[55] A Microsoft spokesperson said a European launch might not occur until 2008.[56] Microsoft has even made efforts to ban visitors outside the U.S. from http://www.zuneoriginals.net. Users wishing to sign up for a Zunetag can easily circumnavigate most problems by signing up for a US based account. [57]

According to Microsoft France's Francois Ruault, Zune will debut in Europe Fall 2009, along with the release of the third generation Zune [58]

[edit] Criticism

[edit] Digital rights management

Several entities have expressed the effect of Microsoft imposing Digital Rights Management (DRM) passively to the customer before and immediately after the introduction of the Zune. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, in opposition to the Zune’s DRM, wrote:

Microsoft’s Zune will not play protected Windows Media Audio and Video purchased or ‘rented’ from Napster 2.0, Rhapsody, Yahoo! Unlimited, Movielink, Cinemanow, iTunes, or any other online media service. The Zune will not even play content previously purchased from Microsoft’s own MSN Music service. ...The media that Microsoft promised would Play For Sure doesn't even play on Microsoft’s own device.[59]

The EFF calls this “a stark example of DRM under the DMCA giving customers a raw deal.”[60] 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.[61]

Before the release of Zune 2.0, restrictive wireless-transfer policy and “three days or three plays whichever comes first” rule were noted.[62][63] Extra restrictions resulted for (1) those with a Zune Pass;[64] (2) all songs regardless if the song had copyright or DRM or even if the user created the song; [65] (3) a registered “play” for any portion of a song;[66][63][67] (4) prevention in song re-trades.[67]

Later on 40% of popular Zune store downloads were discovered non-exchangeable, triggering a “cannot send some songs due to rights restrictions” message.[68] Microsoft attributed the problem to a “new experience, and its implementation is in a version 1.0 stage [...] working to expand the number of songs that can be shared.”[69] Initially, observers criticized music publishers, UMG and Sony, for what was assumed to be an intentional restriction, while complaining why not disclose which songs could not be shared.[70] Music publishers denied having placed any such restrictions.[69]

Microsoft later became less strict in its use of DRM. With the introduction of the Zune 4G, 8G, 80G devices and a firmware upgrade to 2.0 for Zune 30, the next version of Zune Marketplace dropped the DRM for around a third of its tracks. Also, the “three days or three plays” rule were cut to simply “three plays”, with no timed expiration, and traded tracks will be able to be re-traded on.[citation needed]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Microsoft. Microsoft to Put Zune Experience in Consumers’ Hands on Nov. 14.
  2. ^ Microsoft. Microsoft Release Date For Zune 4, 8, 80 Set For November 13.
  3. ^ Microsoft, chasing Apple, adds TV shows to Zune Marketplace.
  4. ^ Fried, Ina. "Swan song for Microsoft’s music allies?", CNET, 2006-07-25. 
  5. ^ Microsoft’s new Zunes: officially in 80, 8, and 4GB sizes. Engadget.
  6. ^ Miller, Paul. "Zune revealed by FCC as “Toshiba 1089”", Engadget, 2006-08-25. Retrieved on 2007-01-03. 
  7. ^ Dudley, Brier. "Argo aims guns at more than iPod", Seattle Times, 2006-07-10. Retrieved on 2007-03-30. 
  8. ^ Oswald, Ed. "October Debut for Microsoft 'iPod Killer'", BetaNews, 2006-07-20. Retrieved on 2007-05-05. 
  9. ^ Menta, Richard. "Zune 2 Unveiled", MP3 Newswire, 2007-10-03. Retrieved on 2007-10-03. 
  10. ^ Chen, Jason. "Xbox 360 XNA Arcade Games to Come to Zune", Gizmodo, 2008-02-20. 
  11. ^ Weller, David. "Announcing: XNA Game Studio 3.0 Community Technical Preview (CTP)", XNA Team Blog, 2008-05-07. 
  12. ^ a b c Compare Devices. Microsoft Corporation (2008). Retrieved on 2008-03-19.
  13. ^ Orange Zune Photos. Retrieved on 2008-02-18.
  14. ^ Exclusive Halo 3 Zune for Military Personnel (2007-08-06). Retrieved on 2008-02-22.
  15. ^ Zune - Halo 3 Edition Unboxed (2007-05-15). Retrieved on 2008-02-22.
  16. ^ Zune 30GB Wisin & Yandel edition. Retrieved on 2008-02-18.
  17. ^ Zune 30GB Nylon Edition. Retrieved on 2008-02-18.
  18. ^ An Adult Swim limited edition Zune (2007-04-27). Retrieved on 2008-02-18.
  19. ^ intern Zune (2007-07-22). Retrieved on 2008-02-18.
  20. ^ Zune Citron Shots Reveal 16GB Capacity (You Still Can't Have It) (2007-11-17). Retrieved on 2008-02-18.
  21. ^ Goods Limited Edition Zune (2007-12-03). Retrieved on 2008-02-18.
  22. ^ Microsoft (2006-09-14). "Microsoft’s Zune Delivers Connected Music and Entertainment Experience". Press release.
  23. ^ Sadun, Erica (2007-01-26). A Half Dozen Lessons that Apple should take from the Zune. O'Reilly Media.
  24. ^ Clunky-looking Microsoft Zune player revealed in filing. AppleInsider (2006-08-25).
  25. ^ Zune review. Engadget (2006-11-15). Retrieved on 2007-05-05.
  26. ^ Kim, James (2006-11-14). Zune (30GB, black) Reviews. CNET.
  27. ^ a b c Kirn, Peter (2006-07-31). Microsoft Not Turning Back on PlaysForSure with Zune Player.
  28. ^ How to update the firmware for your Zune device
  29. ^ "Zune firmware update v1.3 is out", Engadget, 2007-03-28. 
  30. ^ "Zune Insider – Firmware Update 1.4: Today", Zune Insider, 2007-05-31. 
  31. ^ "How to update to the current Zune device software version", Microsoft. 
  32. ^ "Firmware Update 2.3", Zune Insider, 2007-12-18. 
  33. ^ "Software Update 2.3", Zune Forums, 2008-01-22. 
  34. ^ "The Zune Spring Update v2.5 is Here!", Zune Forums, 2008-05-06. 
  35. ^ http://www.mobilecasternews.com/2008/06/wireless-sharing-of-video-podcasts-in.html
  36. ^ Bishop, Todd (2007-02-26). Software Notebook: Microsoft, others tap music veterans. Zune Insider.
  37. ^ Farivar, Cyrus. "Zune Marketplace To Keep Your Zune Player Happy", Engadget, 2006-09-14. 
  38. ^ Solman, Gregory. "Microsoft Preps Big Spend for Zune MP3 Player", Brandweek, 2006-11-16. 
  39. ^ "Zune Masters Program", ZuneInfo.com, 2006-12-28. 
  40. ^ Chris Stephenson. Microsoft Corp..
  41. ^ a b c Claburn, Thomas (2007-03-22). Google News Thinks “Zune” Is a Typo. InformationWeek. Retrieved on 2007-03-31.
  42. ^ Block, Ryan. "Zune takes #2 spot in retail launch week", Engadget, 2006-11-29. 
  43. ^ Bishop, Todd. "Zune market share slips in February", Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 2007-03-28. Retrieved on 2007-03-31. 
  44. ^ Rosmarin, Rachel (2007-03-30). Apple Says Buy Another iPod. Forbes.com. Retrieved on 2007-03-31.
  45. ^ Cruz, Phillip. "U.S. Top Selling Computer Hardware for January 2007", Bloomberg, 2007-03-13. Retrieved on 2007-03-31. 
  46. ^ Eran, Daniel (2007-03-16). Market Share Myth 2007: iPod vs Zune and Mac vs PC. Retrieved on 2007-03-31.
  47. ^ Eran, Daniel. "Market Share Myth 2007: iPod vs Zune and Mac vs PC", roughlydrafted.com, 2007-03-16. Retrieved on 2007-05-17. 
  48. ^ Bloomberg.com: News
  49. ^ Microsoft: Zune sales to top 1 million by June | CNET News.com
  50. ^ First 6 Takes on Zune 80 (Verdict: Better Than iPod Classic?)
  51. ^ Stars of the Small Screen - Microsoft Zune 80GB - Reviews by PC Magazine
  52. ^ "Zune 80 in Short Supply". 
  53. ^ Microsoft adds TV shows to Zune Marketplace
  54. ^ GameStop to Stop Zune Sales. TheStreet.com (2008-05-22). Retrieved on 2008-05-23.
  55. ^ Finally! Zune headed to Canada - Engadget
  56. ^ No Zune for Europe this year
  57. ^ Zune Thoughts: No Joining The Social For You, Non-American Zune Lovers!
  58. ^ Gizmodo: What's interesting to EU readers is that Francois said the third-gen Zune will debut in Europe at the same time http://gizmodo.com/367597/zune-3-details-+-holiday-2009-with-wi+fi-music-store
  59. ^ "Zune problems for MSN customers", BBC News, BBC, 2006-11-06. 
  60. ^ Slater, Derek. "Microsoft’s Zune Won't Play Protected Windows Media", Electronic Frontier Foundation, September 15, 2006. Retrieved on 2007-01-25. 
  61. ^ Laporte, Leo (2006-11-11). KFI Tech Guy 299. (9:50)
  62. ^ Steve Ballmer Speaks Passionately about Microsoft, Leadership ... and Passion. Knowledge@Wharton (2007-01-10).
  63. ^ a b Chansanchai, Athima (2006-11-11). Microsoft’s new portable media device isn't the apple of our iPod eyes. Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
  64. ^ Jayson, Seth. Microsoft’s New Paperweight. The Motley Fool.
  65. ^ Zune does not allow to share all songs.
  66. ^ Mossberg, Walter S. (2006-11-09). Microsoft’s Zune Challenges iPod. Personal Technology from The Wall Street Journal. Dow Jones & Company.
  67. ^ a b Pogue, David (2006-11-09). Trying Out the Zune: IPod It’s Not. New York Times.
  68. ^ Miller, Paul. "Universal and Sony prohibit Zune sharing for certain artists", Engadget, 2007-01-19. 
  69. ^ a b Bass, Dina. "Zune unable to share all songs, Microsoft says", Bloomberg, 2007-01-23. Retrieved on 2007-01-23. 
  70. ^ Dunn, Jason (2007-01-15). Zune Marketplace Song Sharing: A Test.

[edit] External links

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