Zune

Zune

Manufacturer	Microsoft
Type	Portable media player
Release date	November 14, 2006 (Zune 30)[1] November 13, 2007 (Zune 4, 8, 80)[2] June 13, 2008 (Zune 4, 8, 80) September 16, 2008 (Zune 16, 120)[3][4] September 15, 2009 (Zune HD 16, 32)[5] April 12, 2010 (Zune HD 64)[6]
Retail availability	November 14, 2006 June 13, 2008; currently discontinued
Units sold	55.5+ million (as of July 2010)[7]
Operating system	Windows Embedded CE 6.0
CPU	Freescale i. MX31L processor ARM Core nVidia Tegra APX 2600 (Zune HD)
Storage capacity	4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 GB flash drive 30, 80, and 120 GB hard drive
Display	1.8in glass LCD screen, resolution 240×320 (Zune 4, 8, 16) 3in QVGA LCD screen, resolution 240×320 (Zune 30) 3.2in glass LCD screen, resolution 240×320 at 4:3 aspect ratio (Zune 80, 120) 3.3in glass OLED touchscreen, resolution 480×272 at 16:9 aspect ratio (Zune HD)
Touchpad	Circular directional pad (non-touch) (30 GB release) Touch-sensitive Zune Pad (4, 8, 16, 80, 120 GB releases) Capacitive touchscreen (HD release)
Connectivity	Wi-Fi (Zune-Zune, Sync-PC, Microsoft Surface) USB
Online services	Zune Marketplace
Successor	Zune HD

Zune is an entertainment platform and portable media player made by Microsoft.The Zune entertainment software platform and supporting products designed and marketed by Microsoft include the Zune Software, the video component of Xbox 360, Zune devices, Microsoft Kin Phones, Windows Phone 7 devices, and the Zune website. The Zune Marketplace offers music, TV shows, movies, podcasts, and music videos.^[8] The Zune Social is a service integrated with Xbox Live that allows users to manage friends, send messages, and compare music. Each user has a personal Zune Tag, which corresponds with their Xbox Live Gamer Tag if they have one. The Zune software is used to manage the Zune, and runs exclusively on Windows. It can rip CDs, manage music and access Zune Marketplace. Purchasing media through Zune requires Microsoft Points, but a subscription model, Zune Pass, is also available. Zune Pass is a subscription music service that allows the user to temporarily download an unlimited number of songs for the length of the Zune Pass subscription, as well as permanently keep up to 10 tracks per month.^[9]

Zune's distinguishing features are HD radio (on the Zune HD model only), the Zune Pass subscription model, its multi-platform nature, and the Zune Social. FM radio is available on all Zune devices. The FM radio features RBDS, which displays Artists and Song Titles in conventional FM radio broadcasts. Subject to restrictions, files can be shared wirelessly between Zune devices. Zune's primary competitor is the Apple iPod product line.^[10]

History

The first Zune model, the Zune 30, was released in the United States on November 14, 2006, featuring a capacity of 30 gigabytes, FM radio, and a 3 inch screen. The Zune 30 was initially available in black, brown or white. Retail packages contained a pair of basic headphones, a carrying case, USB cord, and a software CD.

The Zune 80 was announced on October 2, 2007,^[11] along with the smaller Zune 4 and Zune 8 to compete with Apple's iPod nano line. These were to be known as the second generation of Zune devices. The Zune 80 featured a 3.2 inch screen, while the Zune 4 and 8 come with an 1.8 inch screen. Both come with a new touchpad-style input device (squircle as fans called it) and new software. Additional file support for H.264 and MPEG-4 formats was also included, whereas the older Zune 30 requires these formats to be transcoded to WMV prior to sync. The ability to sync wirelessly (automatically if connected to a power supply), podcast support, and an upgraded song-sharing licensing are now available on all models. The new software also allows a Zune device to communicate with other Zune devices to share pictures and songs. A free firmware update added the new software features to the original Zune 30, and was released on November 13, 2007.^[12] The Zune 80 came bundled with a USB connection cord and premium headphones. The Zune 4 and 8 come with a USB connection cord and basic headphones.

Development

The first-generation Zune device was created by Microsoft 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 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) starting in 2006.^[13] Xbox 360 overseer J Allard ran the project, codenamed "Argo," staffed with Xbox and MSN Music Store developers^[14] who worked on "Alexandria", finalized as Zune Marketplace.^[15] Both products were later united under the Zune brand name in the U.S. market.

The second-generation Zune 4, 8, and 80 devices were manufactured by Flextronics. In this generation the touch-sensitive Zune Pad was introduced. The 4 and 8 GB Zune devices use flash memory and are smaller in size than the 80 GB version. The 30 GB Zune was not redesigned.

The third-generation Zune 16 and 120 devices were released on September 16, 2008. The only changes to this generation of devices were to the storage capacity and the firmware, which was made available for all previous models.

The fourth-generation Zune devices were released on September 15, 2009 and featured a complete redesign that featured an OLED capacitative touch screen. In addition, the Zune HD features HD video out and HD radio. The Zune HD's primary competitor is the Apple iPod touch.

Zune 3.0

Zune 30/80/120 and Zune 4/8/16 menu system

Zune 80

On September 8, 2008, Microsoft announced the Zune 3.0 update. Included in this update is the ability to tag and later purchase songs heard on FM radio, channels which can be customized to deliver suggested songs for the user, and the ability to purchase songs from the Zune device wirelessly. The update also included sample games - Hexic and Texas Hold' em. In addition, support for audiobooks from online stores, such as Audible.com, and Public libraries that support OverDrive media files, was added.^[16][17][18] Other noticeable changes included the introduction of a clock and changed "quicklist" functionality. Zune devices feature games developed using XNA. An early version of XNA Game Studio 3.0, released on May 7, 2008, allowed developers to work on games for Zune devices.^[19]

On November 18, 2008, the Zune 3.1 update was released. Primarily a stability-oriented release, it also introduced Space Battle, Sudoku and Checkers for Zune devices. A new policy announced on November 20, 2008 allows Zune Pass customers to download 10 tracks per month, in addition to the existing "all you can eat" subscription usage at an unchanged monthly cost. Songs downloaded permanently are downloaded in either protection free MP3 format, if available, or WMA.

Zune 4.0

On September 15, 2009, the Zune 4.0 software was released^[20], a significant update that supports the Zune HD as well as providing several new features. These 4.0 updates simultaneously released in the Zune hardware, software and online services. Microsoft pointed out that this will bring customers instant access to their favorite music and videos anywhere, across their mobile device, PC and TV. Zune Pass subcribers can now stream tracks through a computer’s web browser.^[21] Zune 4.0 also supports internet radio streams similar to those of iTunes but is disabled by default and can only be enabled by a third-party patch.^[22] This was the first firmware released for the Zune line which did not provide new features for the older Zune 30, the flash-based Zunes, and the 80/120 Zunes. These models were given a firmware update with version 3.2.

On January 26, 2010, Zune software v4.2 was released as a mandatory update due to significant changes in architecture and content. Customers were prompted to upgrade their software and read the updated terms of service.^[23]

Microsoft released Zune 4.5 on April 5, 2010. Along with SmartDJ and codec features, the update brought picks and an improved the TV-out experience to the Zune HD.^[24]

Metro

Main article: Metro Design Language

Since it's inception, the Zune's interfaces have been based upon the Metro Design language, and Zune has been at the forefront of evolving the design from it's Windows Media Center roots to it's current form.

Since V2, the Zune Desktop Client has also based it's interface upon the Metro design language.

Phones

Zune software is currently available for the Microsoft Kin Phone and has been announced for Windows Phone 7. These phones sync with the Zune software and are compatible with Zune Pass. All Windows Phone 7 devices will include capacitative multi-touch screens, FM radios, Wi-Fi, and certain other features included on the Zune HD.

Other

Starting this summer, United Airlines will offer Zune in-flight audio by means of 21 playlists that are very similar to the Zune Channels currently offered on the Zune Marketplace.^[25] Each channel will offer up to 3 hours of unique programming ranging from classic rock, contemporary pop, opera, electronica, piano jazz, and others. All channels will be commercial free on both domestic and international flights.^[26]

Models

For the main articles, see Zune 30, Zune 4, 8, 16, Zune 80, 120 and Zune HD.

Three models of the Zune (not including Zune HD): Zune 4, 8, 16 (left), Zune 80, 120 (center), and Zune 30 (right).

The Zune 30, the original Zune music player, has a 30 GB hard drive, 3 inch screen, and a simple directional pad for menu navigation. The second generation of Zune devices includes the Zune 4, 8, and 80 and. The Zune 4, and 8 are smaller in size and have 4GB, and 8GB of flash memory, respectively. The 80GB Zune acts as a replacement for the Zune 30: it is thinner and lighter than the original. All second generation Zunes have a Zune Pad instead of the original directional pad that was included on the Zune 30. Microsoft released an upgrade for all Zune models, including the Zune 30, to the second generation software/firmware.

On May 26, 2009 Microsoft announced the Zune HD, the first touch screen Zune. The Zune HD has HD Radio and the ability to display video in High Definition through a docking station (sold separately). The screen is multi-touch enabled and uses gestures such as swiping and pinching throughout the player. The device comes with 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB of flash memory. The screen is OLED, 3.3 inches, and has a 480x272 16:9 resolution. Also included are WiFi, a custom Internet Explorer browser, and an accelerometer.

Preloaded content

Zune devices feature preloaded audio and video content from various artists, including, Wisin y Yandel, BT, The Thermals, Paul Oakenfold, and CSS. Special edition Zune devices feature their own unique set of content.

Specifications

Accessories

The standard Zune devices come with basic headphones and a proprietary USB data cable. The Zune 30 comes with these items as well as a carrying bag, and the Zune 80 model has upgraded "Zune Premium" headphones. 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, Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO), Dual Electronics, Griffin Technology, Harman Kardon, JBL, Integrated Mobile Electronics, Jamo International, Klipsch Audio Technologies, Logitech, Monster Cable Products Inc., Speck, Targus and VAF Research.^[46]

Firmware

According to Microsoft, the most current firmware version is 4.5 (109) for the Zune HD, which replaces the original player firmware that ships on the device, 4.0 (356). In the case of the Zune 4, 8, 16, 30, 80, and 120 players the most current player software version is 3.3, which provides compatibility with Zune 4.2.^[47] Version 3.3 was primarily a bug fix release and was released on January 26, 2010.

The operating system for the Zune devices is based on the Windows CE kernel for ARM architecture and uses a distribution similar to the Portable Media Center found on the Gigabeat S. Zune's native file compatible formats are:

• JPEG for images;
• WMV (Used by Zune Marketplace)
• MPEG-4 - supported on all models except the Zune 30 device
• H.264 - supported on all models except the Zune 30 device
• Avi video (Xvid) support is included on the Zune HD (firmware versions 4.5 and later).
• MP3 (used by Zune Marketplace)
• AAC (unprotected)
• .m4a (audio)
• WMA Pro (2-channel)
• WMA Standard (used by Zune Marketplace)
• WMA lossless

Any formats not compatible with an individual device are automatically transcoded into a compatible format.

The graphical user interface (GUI) (called the "twist interface" by Microsoft) has sections for music, videos, pictures, social, radio, podcasts, marketplace, games and settings. It is said to provide "two-dimensional navigation" for scrolling through items with its directional pad.^[48] 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 customized using any image stored on the device (for viewing) 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 the user's profile and current activity to others nearby.

The first updates to the firmware added sharing features (send, community, list nearby Zune users) as described in FCC filings.^[49][50] Firmware 1.1 allowed the device to inherit sharing capabilities described by codename Pyxis. Early firmware releases patched software bugs. About a year later, the much anticipated 2.2 firmware release added support for DVR-MS (Media Center Recorded TV) files, lossless playback, added wireless syncing, and GUI interface improvements.

Zune supports the Windows Media DRM digital rights management system, which is not compatible with other DRM systems and is not part of the PlaysForSure platform or program.^{[51]  [52]} 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.

Zune software

Zune software version 4.0.740.0 running in Windows Vista

The Zune software functions as management software for the device, a full media player application with a library, an interface to the Zune Marketplace, and as a media streaming server.^[53] Zune Software is used to sync with all devices with Zune functionality, including the Microsoft Kin phone and Windows Phone 7. Zune devices work exclusively with the Zune software and Marketplace.

As a media player, the Zune software supports the following formats:

• Audio
  • MP3
  • AAC (Low complexity)
  • .mp4, .m4a, .m4b
  • .mov
  • WMA (standard, pro, and lossless)
• Video
  • MPEG4 (in .mp4, .m4v and .mov containers)
  • H.264 (in .mp4, .m4v and .mov containers)
  • WMV
  • ASF
• Images
  • JPEG

The Zune software organizes the media in its library and allows users to add to the library by ripping from CDs, syncing with a Zune device, and downloading from the Zune Marketplace. The Zune software also allows one to organize song metadata. It can automatically download album art and metadata tag data for content in the library.

On the PC, the Zune software streams files to other PCs, the Xbox 360, and other compatible devices. The Zune software also connects with the Zune social and keeps track of files swapped with other users.

The Zune software runs only on 32-bit Windows XP or 32-bit/64-bit Windows Vista/Windows 7 ^[54]. Windows XP Professional x64 Edition is not supported.

History

The 1.0 versions of the Zune software were a modified version of Windows Media Player 11 while versions since 2.0 are built independently with additional DirectShow decoders for AAC, MPEG-4 and H.264. The current version of the software is 4.2.202.0 released on January 26, 2010. Several versions of the software have been released.

Zune 30 leap year bug

At approximately midnight Pacific Standard Time, on the morning of December 31, 2008, many^[63] first generation Zune 30 models were reported to have automatically rebooted and frozen during the boot process.^[64][65] Microsoft has stated that the problem is with the internal clock driver written by Freescale and the way the device handles a leap year; with an intermediate official "fix" to drain the device battery and then recharge after 12 noon GMT on January 1, 2009.^[66] Specifically, a third party analysis of the clock driver's source code revealed an infinite loop in the way the clock driver calculates years based on a given number of elapsed days.^[67]

Zune Marketplace

The Zune Marketplace is an online music, video and podcast store that integrates with Zune software, Zune devices, phones with Zune support, and Xbox 360. Initially offering two million songs, it has grown to include more than 6 million tracks, with 90% being DRM free. In addition, Zune Marketplace has podcasts, TV shows, music videos, and movies. Music on Zune Marketplace is provided by the big four music groups (EMI, Warner Music Group, Sony BMG and Universal Music Group), as well as smaller music labels.^[68] Like other technology companies in the music business, the Zune team at Microsoft has a team of music, TV, film and podcast experts responsible for the Zune Marketplace editorial content and programming.^[69]

Music

Music is offered in DRM-restricted WMA format (2-pass CBR at 192kbit/s) or DRM-free MP3 format (up to 320kbit/s) for a per-song or per-album fee, or via Zune Pass subscriptions.

Songs downloaded from the Zune Marketplace are restricted by DRM similar to yet slightly different from PlaysForSure. Songs purchased from PlaysForSure partners can't be played using Zune, but songs acquired from the Zune Marketplace can be played by PlaysForSure devices. Internally, Zune DRM is referred to as "9.1", differentiating itself from PlaysForSure DRM, which is version "9". Purchased songs can be burnt as a regular audio CD.

Media purchases are made using the Microsoft Points currency. The exchange rate is 80 points per dollar, and most songs are priced at 79 points. This works out to US$0.9875 per song. The points used for the Zune Marketplace are the same points used to buy content from the Xbox Live Marketplace and the Games for Windows Live Marketplace. At E3 2010, Microsoft announced that the music portion of the Zune Marketplace would be brought to Xbox 360. coinciding with the release of Kinect.

Microsoft's Zune Pass service allows subscribers to download an unlimited number of songs. Songs can only be used while the subscription is active. Zune Pass songs cannot be burned to CD. 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.^[70] Zune Pass subscribers are also able to keep 10 songs per month. This is offered in the form of a 10-song credit each month that doesn't rollover. The songs can be purchased as DRM-free MP3 files, when available.

Since the release of Zune device firmware 3.0, devices have the ability to access the music section of the Zune Marketplace while connected to a wireless access point. To help push this feature, Microsoft partnered with Wayport to allow Zune devices to access to its network of over 10,000 wireless hotspots, including McDonald's restaurants.^[71]

TV and movies

With the release of the Zune 4.0 software update, Microsoft added movies to the Zune Marketplace's existing selection of TV shows, podcasts, and music videos. At the same time, Zune became the video provider for Xbox 360. Videos purchased on Xbox 360 can also be viewed on PCs and Zune devices.^[72] Zune Marketplace also offers HD content. Zune Marketplace on Xbox 360 offers 5.1 surround-sound and 1080p instant streaming on a selection of titles. Content can be either purchased or rented.^[73] Zune Marketplace TV shows come from:

Applications

As of Zune 4.0, the Zune Marketplace includes an applications section where apps and games are available for the Zune HD. The store initially launched with 9 apps, all of which were developed by Microsoft and released for free. On November 9, 2009 Microsoft released 6 new apps (5 being games). Vans Sk8: Pool Service is a port of an iPhone/iPod touch app. A collection of basic games are available for non-HD Zune models. The latest release on March 1, 2010 contained the Facebook app.

Sales and marketing

Marketing

Microsoft launched several campaigns to jump-start the Zune. The company had a major 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. Also, the company enlisted about 300 "Zune-masters" to advertise the device on American college campuses, to promote the item, and to run Zune-related events. In exchange, they received free merchandise, including a Zune.^[74]

Additionally, Microsoft launched an attempt at viral marketing with its comingzune site, complete with several videos in succession.^[75] Along with ZuneInsider, and several other ad hoc events, Microsoft hoped to generate buzz for the product outside of the normal marketing avenues, and market its product as a part of a social construct.^[76]

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."^[52]

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 wireless sharing as key differentiators. Chris Stephenson, leader of Zune's marketing and manager of Global Marketing for the Entertainment Business,^[77] said, "we see a great opportunity to bring together technology and community to allow consumers to explore and discover music together."^[52] New York Times Magazine columnist Rob Walker agrees that the Zune's "community and togetherness seem like a reasonable counterpunch to iPod's supposed attraction as an individuality enabler that allows owners to wallow in their own tasteful personal soundtracks." But he also sees the Zune as having gained appeal as an individualistic statement against the omnipresent iPod: "The most salient feature of the Zune seems to be that it's not an iPod".^[78]

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 Millennial-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.

Sales

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%.^[80] For the first 6 months after launch, NPD Group figures show that the Zune 30 achieved approximately 10%^[79][81][82] market share in the Hard Drive based MP3 market and 3%^[83][84][85] in the overall MP3 player market. According to Bloomberg Television 1.2 million Zune 30 players were sold between November 2006 and June 2007,^[86] surpassing a milestone.^[87] A price drop on Amazon.com during November 2007 temporarily boosted the brown Zune 30 to the top Sales Rank in electronics.

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.^[88]

On May 22, 2008, It was 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." A statement issued by Adam Sohn, Zune marketing manager said "We have a set of great partnerships...Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart, and others."^[89]

In January, 2009 Microsoft's quarterly earnings filing with the SEC indicated that Zune sales had fallen $100 million from 2007 to 2008 during the fourth quarter of the calendar year. The Wall Street Journal estimated that sales appear to have dropped from about $185 million during the holiday period in 2007 to just $85 million in 2008. This may be due to the company's decision not to substantially update the Zune hardware in the fall of 2008.^[90]

Zune market share decreased to 2% in the first half of 2009, according to the NPD Group.^[91]

In September, 2009 "The Zune-HD is listed as 'sold-out' in all major internet outlets, such as Amazon, NewEgg and BestBuy. Amazon is listing a 1-2 month wait for the 16GB model and a 1-3 week wait for the 32GB"^[92] as reported.

Availability outside the U.S.

Microsoft released the Zune to Canadian consumers on June 13, 2008, marking the first time it was available outside the U.S.^[93] A Microsoft spokesperson said a European launch might not occur until 2009.^[94][95] Microsoft has even made efforts to ban visitors outside the United States from Zune Originals. Users wishing to sign up for a Zune Tag can easily circumvent most problems by signing up for a US-based account.^[96]

The Zune 2.0–3.* firmware does not support non-romanized fonts other than Cyrillic. East Asian characters used in Chinese and Japanese, for example, show up on the Zune device as small boxes instead of characters. Microsoft's Zune desktop software has no problem with Unicode. Users have improvised ways to downgrade the firmware on the Zune device to older version that support Asian characters (V1 Zunes can be hacked to display Asian font).

In late fall of 2009 Zune Marketplace replaced Xbox Live Video Marketplace offering streaming and downloading of movies and TV shows. This may also lead to international distribution of the Zune Marketplace on Xbox Live in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, France, Australia, Italy, Spain, and Germany.^[97].

When Windows Phone 7 was announced - which includes Zune software - it was made clear that Zune services would follow it into new markets. There is also a lot of speculation that Zunes devices will also go international with this. Britons can now access the 14 day Zune Pass trial, although, they can not use it or buy one. It has been confirmed that the Zune Pass will be available in every market that Windows Phone 7 is in.

See also

• Comparison of portable media players
• Comparison of Online music stores
• List of portable media players with Wi-Fi connectivity
• Comparison of Wi-Fi handhelds
• Online music stores
• Zune games

References

External links

• Zune.net — Official Site
• [1] - Zune Originals
• Zune Insider – Insider blog & podcast
• Zune Podcast Support – An interview with Rob Greenlee, Podcast Programming Lead for the Zune about the second generation Zunes' support for podcasts.
• Zune Podcast Connected Show Interview – An interview with Rob Greenlee. During the Interview we discuss his long career in Podcasting, his work in the Zune Podcast team, how to make podcasts successful and finally the ZuneHD
• Zune on Myspace
• Zune at the Open Directory Project

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