Zune is a discontinued brand of digital media products and services marketed by Microsoft. Zune includes a list of portable media players, digital media player software for Windows PCs, a music subscription service known as "Zune Music Pass", a music and video streaming service for the Xbox 360 gaming console via Zune Software, music, TV and movie sales, and desktop sync software for Windows Phone. Zune also provides music streaming for United Airlines flights after the partnership in 2010.
The Zune hardware players were discontinued in October 2011. In June 2012, Microsoft announced plans to stop all "Zune" services; instead Microsoft will distribute its digital media content and services under Xbox Music and Xbox Video brands available in its product line including Windows 8 PC and tablets, Xbox 360 game consoles, and Windows Phone smartphones. The www.zune.net domain is now redirected to the Xbox website, but the software still uses the Zune name. Windows Phone App replaces Zune Software as a desktop sync service for Windows Phone 8, as part of Microsoft's discontinuation of the Zune brand. However, Zune Software still needs to be used for Windows Phone 7 desktop sync, and is still available for download from the Windows Phone website for all Windows Phone 7 devices. In November 2015 Microsoft stopped the Zune download and streaming music service. The remaining Zune customers will be redirected to Microsoft Groove Music platform.
Video Zune
Histori
MSN Music
Zune music and devices follow Microsoft's MSN Music service. MSN Music was created in 2004 to compete with Apple's iTunes service. After just two years, Microsoft announced the closure of MSN Music in 2006 immediately before announcing the Zune service. In 2008, Microsoft closed its MSN Music license server just two years after promising server users will be available for five years.
First generation
The first generation Zune device was created by Microsoft in close collaboration with Toshiba, who took the Gigabeat S design and developed it under the name of Toshiba 1089 registered with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) beginning in 2006. Xbox 360 J Supervisor Allard runs the project, codenamed "Argo", managed with the Xbox developer and MSN Music Store working on "Alexandria", completed as Zune Marketplace. Both products are then united under the Zune brand name in the US market. While some of the features are praised, the initial Zune has been regarded with banter and joke due to its large size and brown color, with CNET regarding it's best as "high profile underdog alternative to Apple's iPod" where Windows MP3 Players Other media from Creative, iRiver, and Samsung did not work.
At midnight on December 31, 2008, many of the first 30-generation Zune models were frozen. Microsoft stated that the problem was caused by an internal clock driver written by Freescale and how the device handles leap years. This is automatically fixed itself 24 hours later, but the medium "fix", for those who do not want to wait, is to drain the device battery and then recharge after 12 noon GMT on January 1, 2009.
The first and later Zune devices included a number of social features, including the ability to share songs with other Zune users wirelessly. Songs that have been transferred via wi-fi can then be played three times over three days.
Second generation
The second generation Zune 4, 8 and 80 devices, manufactured by Flextronics, introduce a touch-sensitive Zune Pad, which is shaped like a squirrel. Zune 4 and 8 GB devices use flash memory and are smaller in size than the 80 GB version, which uses hard drives. The 30 GB Zune is not redesigned, although it receives software updates that bring the interface according to the second generation model. At the same time, Zune 2.0 software is released for Windows PCs. This software version is completely rewritten and displays a new user interface.
Third generation
Game features of Zune device developed using XNA. The initial version of XNA Game Studio 3.0, released in May 2008, allows developers to work on games for Zune devices. This generation includes a 120 GB model, one of the largest storage capacities ever released for portable media players.
The third and third generation Zune 16 and 120 devices were released in September 2008, to coincide with the release of Zune Software 3.0 updates. The only change in this generation device is the firmware, which is available for all previous models, and storage capacity. Included in this firmware update is the ability to tag and then purchase songs heard on FM radio, customizable channels for sending recommended tracks to users, Hexic games and Texas Hold 'em, support for audiobooks from online stores such as Audible.com and others that support OverDrive media files, clocks, and modify quick list functions. The ability to buy songs from Zune Marketplace on devices while connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi was also introduced. To help encourage this feature, Microsoft partnered with Wayport to allow Zune devices to access a network of more than 10,000 wireless hotspots, including those in McDonald's restaurant.
Zune Pass customers in the United States can now also download 10 songs to save per month in addition to unlimited music downloads that depend on subscriptions.
Fourth generation
On the same day, the Zune 4.0 software was released to support Zune HD. In addition, Zune Pass subscribers become possible to stream songs via a computer web browser. Zune 4.0 also supports internet radio streaming but this feature is disabled by default and can only be enabled by third party patches. This is the first firmware released for the Zune line that does not provide new features for the older Zune models. These models are updated firmware with version 3.2.
Microsoft released Zune 4.5 on April 5, 2010. This update introduces the SmartDJ and codec features. The firmware update brings options and enhanced the TV-out experience to Zune HD.
From Summer 2010, United Airlines began offering Zune audio in flight using 21 playlists that are very similar to Zune Channels offered at the Zune Marketplace. Each channel offers up to 3 hours of unique programming ranging from classic rock, contemporary pop, opera, electronica, jazz piano, and more.
Zune hardware shutdown
On March 15, 2011, Microsoft announced that no new Zune hardware players would be developed, although existing models would still be sold. Zune failed to gain significant market share after five years against the Apple iPod, and a recent study by the NPD Group showed that Zune did not list the top five portable music players in the US. The iPod has been more successful because of its simplicity and has a better ranking. It has also been suggested that there is a much larger trend that stand-alone music players give way to smartphones with personalized and app-driven music.
On October 3, 2011, Microsoft announced the suspension of all Zune hardware, which prompted users to transition to Windows Phone. Later, the announcement was removed and the Zune Support Team members tweeted that the page was added to the website in error. Finally, despite previous denials, the original announcement of the Zune hardware shutdown was restored to the Zune Support site.
Maps Zune
On other Microsoft products
Xbox 360
In the fall of 2009, movies and TV shows became available via streaming or download via the Zune Video Marketplace on Xbox 360. On November 4, 2010, the music section of Zune Marketplace was brought to the Xbox. This coincides with the Kinect owners launch and Kinect can navigate the app menu using hand gestures, without a controller. Users must have a Zune Pass subscription to play in-app music, and only available Zune Pass content. Locally stored music should still be played through the original Xbox media library.
Windows Phone
Microsoft announced a new version of Zune once a year before 2010. In March 2011, Bloomberg.com published an article stating that Microsoft will stop introducing a new version of Zune music and video player. The article has been widely quoted via the internet and by news agencies. However, Microsoft's representative for the Zune business development denied this rumor saying that the introduction of the Windows Phone platform should be considered an annual Zune update for 2010.
Zune branded media playback software is a feature of Windows Phone devices. This phone is synced with Zune software and is compatible with Zune Pass.
All Windows Phone devices include capacitive multi-touch screens, FM radio, Wi-Fi, and certain other features including the Zune HD. Zune device user interface, especially Zune HD, serves as an inspiration for Windows Phone user interface. Microsoft refers to the design language of this user interface as Metro.
On October 11, 2010, Microsoft released the Zune v4.7 software, which supports syncing Windows Phone 7 devices with Windows PCs. The Zune software then works as a desktop sync app by Windows Phone App for Windows Phone 8.
Zune Device
The first Zune model, Zune 30, was released in the United States on November 14, 2006, featuring a capacity of 30 gigabytes, FM radio, and 3-inch screen. The Zune 30 is initially available in black, brown or white. The retail package contains a pair of basic headphones, carrying case, USB cable, and software CD.
Zune 80 was announced on October 2, 2007, along with the smaller Zune 4 and Zune 8 to compete with Apple's iPod nano line. This should be known as second generation Zune devices. Zune 80 displays 3.2-inch screen, while Zune 4 and 8 comes with a 1.8-inch screen. Both come with new touchpad-style input devices ("squircle") and new software. Additional file support for H.264 and MPEG-4 formats is also included, while the older Zune 30 requires that this format be transcoded to WMV before being synced. Ability to wirelessly sync (automatically if connected to a power supply), podcast support, and improved song sharing licenses become available in all models. The new software also allows Zune devices to communicate with other Zune devices to share pictures and songs. The free firmware update adds new software features to the original Zune 30, and was released on November 13, 2007. The Zune 80 comes bundled with USB connection cables and premium headphones. Zune 4 and 8 are equipped with a USB connection cable and basic headphones.
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 Zune 4, 8, 80 and 120. Zune 4, and 8 are smaller in size and have 4 GB, and 8 GB flash memory, respectively. The 80 GB Zune acts as a Zune 30 substitute: thinner and lighter than the original. All second-generation Zunes have a Zune Pad instead of the original directional pad included on Zune 30. Microsoft releases upgrades for all Zune models, including the Zune 30, into second-generation software/firmware.
On May 26, 2009 Microsoft announced Zune HD, Zune's first touch screen. Zune HD has HD Radio and the ability to display videos in High Definition via docking station (sold separately). The multi-touch screen is activated and uses gestures such as swiping and pinching the entire player. The device comes with 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB flash memory. The screen is OLED, 3.3 inches, and has a 480x272 16: 9 resolution. Also includes WiFi, a dedicated Internet Explorer browser, and an accelerometer.
Pre-loaded content
Zune devices display audio and video content that has been loaded from various artists, including Wisin & amp; Yandel, BT, The Thermals, Paul Oakenfold, and CSS. Zune Device custom editions showcase their own unique set of content.
Specifications
Accessories
Standard Zune devices come with basic headphones and proprietary USB data cables. The Zune 30 comes with these items as well as carrier bags, and the Zune 80 model has upgraded the headphones "Zune Premium". Accessories sold separately include:
- Charger (car adapter, AC outlet adapter, external battery)
- I/O adapters (A/V composite, FM transmitter, headphone, USB data cable)
- Dock (charging, large multimedia speakers, vertical hands-free help)
- Protection (screen glass protector, hardened protective box protection/cushioning)
- Bring bag (standard problem, hood type, and belt clip)
- Parts and upgrade replacements (battery, hard drive, LCD, etc.)
Among the companies that make Zune accessories are Microsoft, Altec Lansing, Belkin, Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO), Dual Electronic, Griffin Technology, Harman Kardon, JBL, Integrated Mobile Phone, Jamo International, Klipsch Audio Technologies, Logitech, Products Cable Monster., Speck, Targus, Kicker and VAF Research.
Firmware
According to Microsoft, the most up-to-date firmware version is 4.5 (114) for Zune HD, which replaces the original player firmware sent on the device, 4.0 (356). In the case of Zune 4, 8, 16, 30, 80, and 120 players, the latest version of the player software is 3.3, which provides compatibility with Zune 4.2. Version 3.3 primarily releases bug fixes and was released on January 26, 2010.
The operating system for Zune devices is based on the Windows CE kernel for the ARM architecture and uses a similar distribution to Portable Media Center found in the Gigabeat S Zune original file compatible format:
- JPEG for images;
- WMV (Used by Zune Marketplace)
- MPEG-4 - supported on all models except Zune 30 devices
- H.264 - supported on all models except Zune 30 devices
- Avi (Xvid) video support is included on Zune HD (firmware version 4.5 and later).
- MP3 (used by Zune Marketplace)
- AAC (unprotected) instead of AAC (.m4a)
- WMA Pro (2-channels)
- WMA Standard (used by Zune Marketplace)
- lossless WMA
Any format that is not compatible with individual devices is automatically transcoded into a compatible format.
The graphical user interface (GUI) (called "twist interface" by Microsoft) has sections for music , video , images , social , radio , podcasts , marketplace , game and settings . It is said to provide "two-dimensional navigation" to scroll through items with the directional pad. In the music section, users can add songs to a quick playlist without reconnecting to desktop software. In the image section, the background can be customized using any image that is stored on the device (for viewing) as wallpaper. On the radio, users can receive and play FM radio internally, with tuning ranges of North America, Japan and Europe, and display Radio Data System information (usually artist and song) when available. When artist/song information is available, the device can search for songs in the Zune Marketplace to download or purchase. In the social section, users can broadcast users' profiles and recent activity to others around.
The first update to the firmware adds the sharing feature (send, community, Zune list of nearby users) as described in the FCC submission. Firmware 1.1 allows the device to inherit the sharing capabilities described by the Pyxis codename. The initial firmware release patches software bugs. About a year later, the much anticipated 2.2 firmware release added support for DVR-MS files (Media Center Recorded TV), non-loss playback, wireless sync additions, and improved GUI interface.
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. Multimedia content is transferred via Media Transfer Protocol (MTP); however, its proprietary MTP extension ("MTPZ") places an interoperability barrier between Zune and previous MTP-based software.
Zune software
The Zune software functions as a management software for devices, full media player apps with libraries, interface to Zune Marketplace, and as a media streaming server. Zune Software is used to sync with all devices with Zune functionality, including Zune devices, Windows Phone 7, and Microsoft Kin. Zune devices work exclusively with Zune and Marketplace software.
The Zune software organizes the media in its library and allows users to add to the library by tearing off CDs, syncing with Zune devices, and downloading from Zune Marketplace. The Zune software also allows one to set track metadata. Can automatically download album art data and metadata tags for content in the library.
On PC, the Zune software streams files to another PC, Xbox 360, and other compatible devices. The Zune software also connects with social Zune and keeps track of files that exchange with other users.
The Zune software only runs on 32-bit Windows XP or 32-bit/64-bit, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. Windows XP Professional x64 Edition is not supported.
Zune Software is replaced by Windows Phone App as a desktop sync service for Windows Phone 8. Windows Phone 7, Kin, and all previous Zune devices will still use Zune software, which is still available for download on the Windows Phone website.
Zune Marketplace
Zune Marketplace successor service
On October 16, 2012, all Zune Marketplace products and services have been replaced by Xbox Music, Xbox Music Pass, Xbox Video, and Windows Phone Store.
Zune Marketplace is an online store that offers music, podcasts, TV shows, movies, music videos, movie trailers, and mobile apps. Content can be viewed or purchased on a Windows PC with Zune software installed, Zune device, Xbox 360, Microsoft Kin phone, or Windows Phone phone.
It offers a choice of 14 million songs and a Zune Pass music subscription service.
Availability
Zune Marketplace was originally only available in the United States. In October 2010, certain Zune Marketplace content was available in additional countries: England, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Mexico, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. However, not all content is available in all countries; for example, podcasts and TV shows are not offered at all outside the United States.
Sales and marketing
Marketing
Microsoft launched several campaigns to Zune boost. It has a great campaign to promote Zune with "Music the way it be be be" as the main theme and "Welcome to the social" as an ad tagline. Also, the company requested about 200 "Zune-masters" to advertise devices on American campuses, to promote items, and to run Zune-related events. Instead, they receive free items, including Zune.
In addition, Microsoft launched a viral marketing effort with its comingzune site, complete with several videos in sequence. Along with ZuneInsider, and several other ad hoc events, Microsoft hopes to generate buzz for products outside of normal marketing channels, and market its products as part of social construction.
The choice of branding and distribution is part of the Zune as the "two strategies in the market today: cross-brand ecosystem... and single-brand ecosystem... The first gets the share and units sold, but the latter has a big share and will not give it with ease. â € <â € <"
Microsoft typically follows a platform strategy (cross-brand), as exemplified by the PlaysForSure system. However, its Xbox division has gained some experience with a vertically integrated strategy in which it controls everything from end to end from hardware to online stores. With Apple dominating the audio market with a vertically integrated iPod system, the Xbox division wins the permission to try the same approach, separately from PlaysForSure and PlayReady.
Microsoft also wants to surpass Apple's efforts and promote the "social" slogan and wireless sharing as a key differentiator. Chris Stephenson, global marketing and marketing manager for Zune Entertainment Business, said, "We see great opportunities to bring together technologies and communities to enable consumers to explore and discover music together." New York Times Magazine columnist Rob Walker agrees that Zune's "community and togetherness" looks like a fair counterpunch to the iPod's appeal as an individuality drive that allows owners to wallow in their personal tasteful soundtracks. "But he also saw Zune has gained an appeal as an individualistic statement against iPods everywhere:" The most outstanding feature of Zune seems to be that it's not the iPod ".
Microsoft also released the Zune theme for Windows XP that replaces the look of the operating system. This theme includes the orange Start button and the taskbar/Black start menu.
Zune is also expanding its brand effort by creating millennium-friendly websites and campaigns that focus on emerging artist talents: Zune Arts
MySpace has added a feature to label the music player on a personal profile to a Zune-themed or a red Zune 8.
Sales
During its launch week, the original Zune, now the Zune 30, is the second most-sold portable media device with 9% of US stock units: behind the iPod that leads the market 63%. For the first 6 months after launch, the NPD Group figures show that Zune 30 accounts for about 10% of the market share in the Hard Drive-based MP3 market and 3% in the overall MP3 player market. According to Bloomberg Television, 1.2 million Zune 30 players sold between November 2006 and June 2007, surpassing the milestone. The price drop on Amazon.com during November 2007 to temporarily push the Zune 30 chocolates to the top selling rank in electronics.
On May 6, 2008, Microsoft announced that it had sold more than 2 million Zunes. Approximately one million of them sold since the second generation Zunes was launched in November 2007.
On May 22, 2008, it was reported that GameStop "has decided to stop selling Microsoft Zune players in its stores because of what it sees as insufficient demand from customers." A statement issued by Adam Sohn, Zune's marketing manager says, "We have a series of great partnerships... Buy, Target, Wal-Mart, and more."
In January 2009, Microsoft's quarterly earnings filings with the SEC showed that Zune sales had fallen by $ 100 million from 2007 to 2008 during the fourth quarter of the calendar year. The Wall Street Journal estimates that sales appear to have dropped from about $ 185 million over the 2007 holiday period to just $ 85 million in 2008. This may be due to the company's decision not to substantially update Zune hardware in the fall of 2008.
Zune's market share declined to 2% in the first half of 2009, according to the NPD Group.
Availability outside the US.
Microsoft released the Zune to Canadian consumers on June 13, 2008, marking the first time it was available outside the US. Microsoft has even made efforts to ban visitors outside the United States from Zune Originals. Users who wish to sign up for Zune Tags can easily resolve most issues by signing up for US-based accounts.
Zune Firmware 2.0-3. * Does not support non-romanization fonts other than Cyrillic. East Asian characters used in Chinese and Japanese, for example, appear on Zune devices as mojibake instead of characters. Microsoft's Zune desktop software does not have problems with Unicode. Users have an improvised way to downgrade the firmware on their Zune device to an older version that supports Asian characters (V1 Zunes can be hacked to show Asian characters). This is, however, not recommended by anyone, because future firmware versions contain significant improvements and additional codec support.
Legacy
In 2012 Slate runs a reader poll that invites them to select a piece of dead technology that is eligible for reassessment, where Zune overpowers Myspace, PalmPilot, phone features ("dumbphones") and older Internet version of Explorer. Farhad Manjoo, the technology columnist of the site, is trying hard to get Zune HD. "[It] is not as complete a failure as you believe it," he wrote. "If you bought one of the iPod Touch in 2009, you will not regret it."
If Microsoft were to bring the first Zune to the market at the same time as the iPod, or even Zune HD on the iPod Touch, it might be a serious contender for the players. "At that point, the iPod has become the world's de facto digital entertainment device," he recalled. "To beat it, Microsoft needs to offer something that will make Apple's device look very old-fashioned.Zune HD does not do that.The design marks it as different from the iPod, but that's just the difference.There's no reason to buy Zune unless you want to stand apart from Apple's cult And there's a cost to stand apart from Apple: Due to its popularity, there are millions of apps and accessories for the iPod. "Zune HD can not match Apple's thin market power." Nevertheless, it's a pretty effective product that Manjoo started using as a player the main music. "
Like Edsel, who is sometimes likened, Manjoo says Zune's failure may have brought the road to ultimate success with other products. The HD user interface, he says, is the first Microsoft product to rely on text rather than icons, and it will form the basis for Windows Phone, Windows 8, Xbox and all of the company's web-based services. The Segoe letters are now used in all of them, as well as the current Microsoft logo, first used on Zune.
References
External links
- Zune.net - Redirection to Q & amp; A for Zune users titled Important changes will come to the Zune Marketplace
- Zune Insider - Insider blog & amp; podcast - Dead link
- Zune Podcast Support - Interview with Rob Greenlee, Podcast Programming Lead for Zune about Zunes second generation support for podcasts. - Dead link
- Zune Podcast Connected Show Interview - An interview with Rob Greenlee. During the Interview we discussed his long career in podcasting, his work on the Zune Podcast team, how to make a successful podcast and finally ZuneHD
- Zune on Curlie (based on DMOZ)
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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