Way too Early for Zune 3

Zunescene is reporting that meetings have already begun involving the new Zunes, dubbed as Zune 3. I don't know about this but I think Microsoft should focus more on what's in the present, and improving the current Zune 2 line base on initial customer feedbacks and reactions.

The image on the right is only a mock-up made by a user (you can relax now.) But if ever this mock-up design would be a reality (if ever) then this would surely be a flop, just like Zune 30 social-thing. The interface looks lost, there is no consistency on the typographic elements, the Zune logo button is too redundant plus it looks just like an iPhone merged with a Samsung player.

Just barely a month after it's release, I want my Zune 80 (in stock) first before any ZPhone or Zune 3 joins the scene and I do hope that Microsoft would set a high priority on the release of zunes outside U.S.A and Canada. In any case, Zune 3 would just be too early, we wouldn't want a repeat of the early compromise made on Zune 30 last year.

Comments

[Jason Bayer]

Yea, really. And they havent even officially sold it in Canada yet, it is still a U.S. Only, but there are numerous reports and facts that ultimately lead to a launch in Canada soon. and yea, I dont even have a Zune 2 yet, and they are already talkin about Zune 3 or Zune Phone. Geezzzz

[Jaxim]

Seriously. I agree. They need to start issuing updates to the firmware and software based on customer feedback, and do it soon!

[Louis Davidson]

Actually you want them talking about Zune 3 and possibly 4 right now. These things take a lot of time to actually materialize, and they need to be planning far in advance.

No question that they need to finish up what they have started with the second edition, and hopefully the groundwork they laid this time by rebuilding everything from the ground will mean that the next edition will be more evolutionary than revolutionary like this time, where we lost features that some people wanted (auto playlists) in order to fulfill on other desires (podcasts).

If they start to trickle out the features and fixes at a good pace, and especially keep upgrading my Zune 30, I will be very impressed (and will be the owner of an 80 and probably an 8 soon enough!)

[Khidr]

Roman, Amen, amen and amen. I have a perfectly awesome wm6 phone. I'm still waiting on my zune 80 preorder.

Besides that, the whole iphone convergence fever is a little misplaced, I've definitely thrown tracks on my phone in a pinch, but my phone also works as my gps, and well, my phone. Try handling those three tasks enjoyably in a car.

Now what could be hip down the line (and much less likely to alienate HTC and other windows mobile device makers), would be to offer a software only version of the zune os for embedding into future mobile devices, but keeping a distinct phone-less zune hardware line. That way, you could use your phone as one of your zune pass devices, but still have your beefy hdd zune for the extended remix.

[Rom]

I agree that Windows Mobile 6 is far more "experienced" than any mobile OS, other than maybe the Symbian platform.

iPhone is known for being a crippled device but Apple is learning and opening up to developers slowly. Microsoft should learn from that and first focus on user experience and from there gather useful feedbacks and integrate them into the SAME device and not creating an all-new device which may have new problems in itself.

Do we really need a zPhone at the present? or follow Apple's product line all the time?

[Sean]

I think they SHOULD start talking about the next Zune. Don't forget Microsoft is HUGE company. It doesn't take the entire Zune team to update the current line of Zunes, the same way it doesn't take the entire Zune team to begin the process of visualizing the next generation of product. These things take months to even plan, years to even develop. Now is the time to think about the future.

[stubby boardman]

there are mutliple teams that work together to make a product like the zune. a research and development team may be working on the Zune 3 right now while 2 others are working on the Zune 2's firmware and Zune marketplace's functionality. there's no reason to fret. this is standard in nearly all technology markets.

[Paul]

I totally agree! i mean look how long Apple we refining the iPod before the relsease of the iPhone! ( which i still feel is a glorified PDA!! ) Microsoft need to slow down, market the product over the world first, refine it, make it a real winner of the personal music industry! The Zune has a great chance of beating sales of the iPod down to it's unique selling points, such as FM radio and WiFi and file sharing! those things would be a great hit between children using them and sending songs to eachother!
They should get the idea of a Zune 3 out of there heads and make better what is already made! If not then they are just going to loose all customers! I recenlty purchased a Zune 80GB, and you know what, i actualy want a chance to use it propperly before they bring out a new version. I mean c'mon, are they really that stupid!?

[Workman]

What do any of you have against the Zune 3?? SERIOUSLY! i love the concept of a well made mobile computer merged with a cell phone. For those who like the concept of an Iphone but dont carry singular the zune 3 would fix that problem. i am greatly looking forward to the sune 3 and if anyone on a design team reads this i like the look of the concept model shown above and on zunescene. i think its a great idea wether its a copy or not and it will help all of us who would like to have an iphone but cant because were not on the singular network. my only wish would be that it would be made affordable to purchase and have a relitivle reasonable phone plan.

[Amos]

From a new Zune, I would want sensible additional features, like the ability to read RTF and TXT and a way of searching for songs.

From newer software, I'd like better metatag editing capability (being able to change the artist of a particular song, for example) and expansion of the Marketplace to Europe.

[zfreek]

i think that they should come out with them closer to each other but not that cloe to each other. i mean when you think about it, the people who had just bought zune 30's found out that a better zune was coming out right after they bought it. this happened to me and it ticked me off. im sure it did to other people also. im just putting that out there

[adam]

there is not many pics but from what it shows the set up looks plain compared to the i-pod touch. and if it uses t-mobile for phone service, then there is no way i will be gettin one. i use verizon and no other, i had a side kick with t-mobile and didnt get service anywhere. i dont think they need to try and compete but w/e.

[Kevin]

I believe that its too early to announce a Zune 3, but I've been wondering when will Microsoft put internet on a zune product. Iphone and Ipod touch owners say their stuff is better just cause the internet,but imagine if microsoft did release the Zune 3 or Zune Phone not only will they provide a challenge to Apple but hopefully they will also develop games and micosoft app. Indeed this sounds like a smartphone, but a zune smartphone the sending of songs with WiFi instead of bluetooth. The possibilities are endless, but the lead designers of this project really have to "Think out of the box" in order to make this really a top seller. They should make this as ridiculous as it can get. I own the Zune 30gb and I'm happy with it, but it annoys me how some people think that ipod is better or even "still" better than the zune

[Watson]

Frankly, its fine by me. The zune 3 isnt due out until Fall 2009. I just got an 80GB zune, and I love it, but i know that by the time the zune 3 comes out I'll be wanting a new one. Plus, the date will probably be pushed back at least once during the design process. Anyway, I'm sure once you set your eyes on what the Zune team really has in store youll forget all about it and want to pick one up as soon as posisble!

[Watson]

Frankly, its fine by me. The zune 3 isnt due out until Fall 2009. I just got an 80GB zune, and I love it, but i know that by the time the zune 3 comes out I'll be wanting a new one. Plus, the date will probably be pushed back at least once during the design process. Anyway, I'm sure once you set your eyes on what the Zune team really has in store youll forget all about it and want to pick one up as soon as posisble!

[Nick]

I really hope that they integrate the zune 3 with a phone. Microsoft needs to: 1. Make the interface better with regard to consumer reviews 2. Throw as much flash memory in the zune as possible 3. Equip it with mobile technology so that it can be used as a phone and to access the internet

If they squeeze all that in there, I'm in, even if its expensive!

[Austin]

I read this over and i think youre 50% correct, this is because i think they should improve on their current products and stuff but maybe they are just trying to catch up with erm, apple, witch would be zphone that would be the only thing i would like them to do, but then again i think their current product needs improvement, right now i think its good, they also maybe be creating a "games" feature on the zune too wich i dunno but i guess it would be some interesting to see happen eh? so i think 2009 would be great for a new product maybe lATE 2008 but def 2009

[Jeremiah]

I want a Microsoft branded phone/mp3 player that works like an ipod/phone. Essentially I like Apples products, but don't want to pay for it. I use Mac at work, but PC at home. I use my Xbox daily as well. I don't want to carry a MP3 player and a phone. I want both devices in one. Hell the Motorola Slvr had iTunes loaded. I haven't purchased a Zune or and iPod for this reason. I load my music on my LG Vue. Its cumbersome, but it gets the job done on one device. I would love to have a phone that integrates easily with my home PC and Xbox.