The Guild Comes To Zune

Microsoft is focusing on wider distribution of their content across multiple partners.  Today we're learning one example of this: The Guild.  This is an online video series that focuses on the real lives of virtual players of a fantasy MMO.  It is coming to both the XBox Live Marketplace, and Zune platforms.  The jury is out if this will buy them more cool, or just more geek, but I think they'll take the sales either way.

Can Microsoft Buy Cool For Zune?

As much as I like the Zune player, I can fully admit that they've done a lousy job marketing it.  While Apple incessantly advertises on television shows that younger folks flock to, like "Gossip Girl" and "90210" currently, I have yet to see an ad for any Zune player on TV- ever.  Clearly this is a missed opportunity because without the right marketing campaign, the Zune product line will never succeed in gaining market share.

At any rate, my personal opinion aside, apparently Microsoft has come to a similar conclusion, and has hired a new advertising company for the Zune line.  Taking the responsibility of getting the word out will be Crispin Porter & Bogusky.  These folks will take on managing the $41 million of marketing media that Microsoft threw into Zune last year.  Hopefully, Microsoft's music player, a worthy competitor to any other music player on the market, will finally get a piece of the elusive "cool factor" that has eluded them thus far.  Can I recommend some product placement among the elite NYC teens on "Gossip Girl?"

Zune 120 gets unofficial $249 pricing

UPDATE: Here are the latest news related to the Zune 120:

• Microsoft officially lets the new Zune details out
• Zune 120: The unofficial roll-out continues...or does it?
• Frys leaks new Blue Zune 8 along with new features

This latest bit of information comes, assuming we can believe this latest listing (screenshot above) on the B&H Photo website, and has the upcoming 120GB Zune being priced at an affordable $249.95.

Currently the Zune 120 is being listed just in black. So far we have seen the FCC approval with further conformation coming from Cesar Menendez. The pricing seems to be legitimate, of course this has not been confirmed, so lets not get disappointed if it changes. Of course, at least at the time of this screenshot, B&H seems to be taking orders, however they are not listing any availability date.

In addition, just to add further speculation of a quick launch for the Zune 120, another tip which comes courtesy of a "Wal-Mart worker" is claiming that they (Wal-Mart) have discontinued the Zune 4 and Zune 80. According to the worker, both models are being listed as NRPL, which is better known as non-replenishable. Of course, and again this has not been officially confirmed however it does fit in with the recent Zune 120 and Zune 16 findings.

All in all it looks like we may have some new options when it comes to the Zune in the not to distant future.

In the wild style images surface, include recently approved Zune 120...with a Zune 16

Some recently surfaced in-the-wild style images, and by that we of course mean slightly blurry images have surfaced online showing off a few new models of the Zune. Of course that recently confirmed 120GB Zune is included, but that comes with little surprise considering that we have recently seen the FCC approval and gotten further confirmation from Cesar Menendez, but perhaps more important is that the images also included a new flash based Zune, which is 16GB.

A release date has still not been mentioned, but we can only hope that both models will become available soon, if nothing else in time for the holiday season. Based on the images it seems that (at least) the 120GB model will be getting a slight makeover with a new black backing. While these images seem authentic enough, we do have to remind you, that at this time they have not been officially confirmed.

Continue on to check out the rest of the new Zune images...

[Zunited]

Microsoft gets political, unveil special edition Republican and Democrat themed Zunes

Microsoft has offered up some political themed Zunes for both the Republican and the Democratic National Conventions. Based on the images these appear to be only available in the 4GB model, and each feature a unique design on the back, as well as unique packaging.

The Zune for the Republican National Convention is red, while the model for the Democratic National Convention is an olive green. Both models feature packaging the reads;

"At Microsoft, we are committed to software and technology innovations that help people and organizations around the world improve their environment. Our goal is to reduce the impact of our operations and products, and to be a leader in environmental responsibility."

While I am personally a Zune user and a Zune fan, I do find it a little strange that they are handing out a product that the recipients may or may not even want and are stating how they want to "reduce the impact of our operations and products." We can only hope that if they are truly living up to that statement that these will be given to those that wanted one and not just tossed at everyone.

[Gizmodo]

Cesar Menendez adds further confirmation of the upcoming Zune 120

Of course, we have already seen the FCC approval come in, which typically means that we will see a production model hit the market in the future, but still, its always nice to get some additional confirmation.

So after the FCC image made its way around the blogosphere, Cesar Menendez was kind enough to come forward with the following statement;

"You've probably all seen about 120GB @the FCC- and just wanted to send you a note to confirm that is indeed part of the plan. There's definitely more details coming in the way of new software and hardware, pricing etc."

Basically he has confirmed that there will be a 120GB model Zune, along with some new software coming in the future, however was are still unsure of any further details or pricing. We have heard of a rumored release in November 2008, but as of now it is nothing more than a rumor. Lets just hope the new Zune 120 will be priced competitively.

Any current Zune users looking to upgrade? Personally I have been more than happy with my Zune 80 and most likely will hold off.

[ZuneThoughts]

Robbie Bach interviewed: No Zune phone coming, but possibility of touchscreen Zune in the future

Robbie Bach, Microsoft's president for entertainment and devices was recently interviewed by the SFGate and dropped some interesting tidbits of information touching a wide variety of Microsoft products.

First off, the fabled Zune phone is just not going to happen, commenting that “we don't make phones ourselves. We don't have any plans to make phones ourselves.” But was also quick to point out that the Zune is more than just a product, but instead a platform which means we could see it integrated into other Microsoft products in the future. So while we may not be getting a Zune phone, we may be able to get a version of the Zune software on a Windows Mobile based phone. Bach even went as far as stating that "the Windows Mobile Team has even asked how Zune could work better with Windows Mobile."

Next up was dealing with what we may be getting in the future in terms of the Zune itself. There was not much to sum up here, as he stated it very clearly, so I will let his words speak for themselves.

“Take the device independent for a second and just assume that over time where there's a screen, touch will be part of it. It's not going to matter what the product line is. You're going to see it be a cornerstone of the work we do.”

So, based on this interview it seems pretty clear that Microsoft has no major announcement in the works for tomorrow in an attempt at stealing some of Apple's thunder, but it does give us Zune fans something to look forward to in the future. I for one would love to see a Zune Touch.

Bach also covered a variety of other topics to include further debunking the recent rumor about a Blu-ray drive coming for the Xbox 360. Head on over to SFGate.com to check out the rest of the interview.

[SFGate]

Zune Christmas Sales Spike Zune.net Traffic

One possible measure of how well Zune sales did this holiday season can be seen in new Zune.net traffic figures announced by online metrics service Hitwise. The firm noted a significant jump in Zune.net traffic on Christmas day.

Hitwise reported a "299 percent" jump in traffic on the Zune Web site on Christmas day. This is compared to traffic the same time last year. The research firm speculated the spike in traffic was related to new Zune owners visiting the site to sign up for new accounts and download software.

It was also mentioned "the market share of visits to Zune.net showed an increase of 392 percent" when comparing visitors from the day prior to Christmas.

PC World Puts Zune in Disappointments Article

Print media doesn't seem to be that favorable to the Zune right now as they publish their year end gadget lists. First Popular Mechanics bashes Microsoft's player in its Worst Gadgets of 2007 article. Now comes the freshly published 15 Biggest Tech Disappointments of 2007 from venerable publication PC World and yes, you guessed it, the Zune makes the list.

PC World ranked the Zune number 11 in its countdown, titling the section Singing an Old Familiar Zune. The magazine does give the Zune some good marks, but mainly knocks the player for Microsoft's failure to "lose the Zune's proprietary DRM scheme or remove all its restrictions on wireless music sharing."

Doesn't it seem to have become a common theme to bash the Zune despite it getting better reviews in generation 2.0? Is it a thing against Microsoft in general or is there just a common theme that the iPod will always be better than anything else out there?

Zune Continues to Show Strong Holiday Interest

Interest in the Microsoft Zune continues to be a growing topic as we progess through the early days of holiday sales. As we earlier reported, the Zune saw a lot of sales and curiosity seekers on Black Friday. Now, come Cyber Monday, we find interest continues to remain high as some sites report back on weekend traffic and others report on Zune trends in general.

First off, it seems as if the Zune did well on shopping sites like Yahoo Shopping and eBay. Yahoo reported the brown Zune was in the top ten products from the holiday weekend. eBay added that the Zune placed high among consumer electronics sales on its auction site, with close to 30 80GB players going "for an average selling price of $326.57."

Hitwise, a Internet metrics firm, meanwhile reported that for Cyber Monday specifically it saw the Microsoft Zune break into the top ten searches in the last week, coming in as the fith most searched product. Cyber Monday traffic in general increased 26 percent this year, with Amazon taking the honors as the most visited Web retail site.

Zune Does Quite Well on Black Friday

Yes, the image above does tell the tale - the Zune 30GB is currently the most popular item in MP3 players on shopping comparison site PriceGrabber. Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales seem to be telling some interesting tales about Microsoft's rising star against the Apple iPod.

A summary of Black Friday findings from PriceGrabber found that the Zune beat out all models of the iPod in searches this year. Particularly in the last few days - searches have jumped a reported 246 percent alone. It's also received 13.3 percent of all inquires in the MP3 player category. PriceGrabber ranks the 30GB brown edition as the second best-selling product on Black Friday.

Other reports indicate the Zune seems to be doing well at other sites as well, in particular over at eBay and Shopping.com. Shoppers overall (not just for the Zune) spent a boatload of money - $531 million on Black Friday. Maybe they should start calling it Green Friday for all the cash which changes hands.

Zune: Seen in the news

Basics: Portable Media Players Aim for the Masses
New York Times - 10/19/2006 - 969 words
inches) for playback, as do other music players that also play video, including the Microsoft Zune, scheduled for release next month. Dedicated media players with larger screens have tended to be

Apple: iPods, Macs rock earnings
CNN.com - 10/19/2006 - 740 words
this holiday season with Microsoft (Charts) set to debut its so-called iPod killer named Zune next month. But CEO Steve Jobs provided an upbeat view. "Looking forward, 2007 is likely

Zune Video: Zune unpacked at CBS

Watch Chris Stephenson, as he poses with his new Zune player and talks about the social networking features and the new mp3 player. The box reads: “Welcome to the social,” which seems to be the main marketing punch line!

Zune in the News - 28/09/2006

PR Newswire - 28/09/2006 - 1392 words Microsoft to Put Zune Experience in Consumers' Hands on Nov. 14 REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) is putting the social into digital music, starting this holiday

Microsoft Discloses Zune Pricing, Ship Date Ziff Davis (web site ref.) - 28/09/2006 - 803 words - PC Magazine Thu Sep 28, 6:29 AM ET Microsoft announced the price of its Zune digital media player, which will launch on Nov. 14 at about the same price as

Zune to Hit Shelves in November InternetNews.com (web site ref.) - 28/09/2006 - 840 words Microsoft has taken the wraps off the Zune digital media player, promising to release the would-be "iPod killer" on November 14 for a suggested price of $249.99. The price

Zune in the News - 25/09/2006

Mercora Music Goes Mobile TechWeb (web site ref.) - 25/09/2006 - 651 words , too, through your mobile device," Ghose said. "We believe we've accomplished what the Microsoft Zune product was intended to do." Ultimately, consumers will decide. The service remains free through Oct

Microsoft Aims to Boost Web Ads Versus Google, Yahoo (Update2) Bloomberg.com (web site ref.) - 25/09/2006 - 937 words to companies such as Dell Inc. and Bank of America Corp. Two new products, the Zune music player and the MSN Soapbox video service, plan to carry ads as well. In

Microsoft Pushes to Boost Internet Ads, Gain on Google, Yahoo Bloomberg.com (web site ref.) - 25/09/2006 - 819 words to companies such as Dell Inc. and Bank of America Corp. Two new products, the Zune music player and the MSN Soapbox video service, plan to carry ads as well. Bradford

Fool on the Street: Sirius Potential Motley Fool (web site ref.) - 25/09/2006 - 1491 words is what Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT - News) is hoping will win fans over to its upcoming Zune line. Back to reality Sirius is hoping to wrap up the year generating $615 million

Zune in the News - 23/09/2006

Rivals line up to battle iPod's dominance Vancouversun.com (web site ref.) - 23/09/2006 - 87 words Rivals line up to battle iPod's dominance DIGITAL I Microsoft's new Zune is a Christmas no-show Microsoft's highly hyped new Zune music and video player -- complete with

In brief London Daily Telegraph - 23/09/2006 - 289 words , and provides enough power for 90 minutes of talking and 480 minutes on standby. Coming Zune Microsoft will go head-to-head with the Apple iPod this Christmas. The company's

Zune in the News - 21/09/2006

Zune joins the fray as iPod gains the platform Guardian Unlimited (web site ref.) - 21/09/2006 - 1378 words brown. It waited until the day after Apple's announcements to lift the lid on Zune, its own attempt to break the music market open. Zune, which will reach US shops

Retailers Betting on LCD TVs, iPods for Holidays Ziff Davis (web site ref.) - 21/09/2006 - 1324 words TVs will be a hit. However, some analysts aren't so bullish on the Microsoft Zune personal media player. Although the holidays are still months away, major retailers like Best Buy

New York Daily News - Marketwatch - New York Daily News (web site ref.) - 21/09/2006 - 836 words is to move higher: release its long-awaited Vista operating system and make its upcoming Zune music player a hit with consumers. "When Microsoft brings Vista out," Parrish said, "it should

Zune in the News - 20/09/2006

Napster seeks possible sale or ventures International Herald Tribune - 20/09/2006 - 221 words by the Apple Computer service iTunes, and Microsoft plans to start a service for its Zune player this year. "They've come somewhat full circle from being the rebel with a

New York Daily News - Business - Smaller Yule sales gain seen New York Daily News (web site ref.) - 20/09/2006 - 314 words 3.6% climb a year ago. New products being introduced this fall, including Microsoft's Zune digital music and video player, will lift consumer electronics sales, Mullin said. Bloomberg News Originally

Google Takes a Napster? Motley Fool (web site ref.) - 20/09/2006 - 872 words , let's explore the tactical incentive. Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT - News) is about to introduce its Zune portable-music player. It will also launch a music service to help feed the machines

Zune in the News 19/09/2006

Napster Ponders Sale or Alliance New York Times (web site ref.) - 19/09/2006 - 193 words by iTunes from Apple Computer, and Microsoft plans to start a new service for its Zune player this year. About 72 percent of music downloads are from iTunes, according to the

More iPod rivals arriveBriefing International Herald Tribune - 19/09/2006 - 116 words As Microsoft prepares to introduce its Zune digital music player to compete with the recently updated market leading iPod line from Apple Computer, Creative Technology and SanDisk announced new devices linked

UPDATE 2-Napster to explore alternatives, sale of company Reuters Economic - 19/09/2006 - 368 words million iPods since October 2001. Microsoft Corp. is mounting a challenge to iPod with its Zune digital music player. Likely Napster suitors could include a media company such as Viacom Inc

UPDATE 3-Napster to explore sale, cites interest Reuters Economic - 19/09/2006 - 397 words million iPods since October 2001. Microsoft Corp. is mounting a challenge to iPod with its Zune digital music player, due to launch later this year. "Both media properties and potentially handset

Zune in the News - 18/09/2006

RealNetworks, SanDisk to take on iPod Globeandmail.com (web site ref.) - 18/09/2006 - 858 words against a new common foe: Microsoft Corp., which recently announced plans to release its own Zune portable music player and service. Redmond-based Microsoft has been providing the technology that allowed

New music pair-ups: SanDisk and RealNetworks; YouTube and Warner Music The Mercury News (San Jose, CA) - 18/09/2006 - 386 words its market. Microsoft also wants to make a dent in that market with its new Zune media player, which will be made by Toshiba. Speaking of music online, by now you

Creative out with movie MP3 player to challenge Zune, iPod AFP World News - 18/09/2006 - 338 words While Microsoft's Zune MP3 player remained a mere promise Monday, Creative Technology delivered to market a competing device crafted with movie viewing in mind. Creative's freshly unveiled Zen Vision

people The News-Sentinel (Fort Wayne, IN) - 18/09/2006 - 401 words Nonviolence; Joyce Dulworth of BKD LLP; Linda Fox of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne; Zune May Oo of the YWCA Women's Shelter; and Mary E. Starks, Early Foundation Childcare

Zune in the News - 17/09/2006

Zune to rival iPod with wireless song-sharing People's Daily Online (web site ref.) - 17/09/2006 - 230 words Microsoft unveiled its portable "Zune" media player Thursday, hoping its wireless song-sharing feature will help it win over customers from its major rival Apple's iPod. The portable Zune media

Bill Thompson column BBC News (web site ref.) - 17/09/2006 - 1082 words Regular columnist Bill Thompson remains unimpressed by Microsoft's new Zune music player

It's showtime at Apple, Zune time at Microsoft The Mercury News (San Jose, CA) - 17/09/2006 - 444 words help small businesses use Google's advertising, map and listings services. Thursday Is Microsoft's Zune media player on your holiday wish list? We didn't think so. Nevertheless, the company

Zune in the News 16/09/2006

Muted welcome for Microsoft Zune BBC News (web site ref.) - 16/09/2006 - 687 words Microsoft's Zune will have to work very hard to unseat the dominance of Apple's iPod and iTunes say industry experts

Around Canada Winnipeg Free Press - 16/09/2006 - 241 words a potential linguistic pickle when they conducted consumer test-runs of the digital music player Zune, which the company officially announced on Thursday will be competing by Christmas with Apple's

A Zune is a Zune; it's a what? Leaderpost.com (web site ref.) - 16/09/2006 - 380 words A Zune is a Zune; it's a what

Microsoft sees music sharing as Zune boost The Taipei Times (web site ref.) - 16/09/2006 - 576 words Microsoft sees music sharing as Zune boost AP , SEATTLE Saturday, Sep 16, 2006,Page 10 Microsoft Corp's effort to compete against Apple Computer Inc's iPod

Zune in the News - 15/09/2006

Muted welcome for Microsoft Zune BBC News (web site ref.) - 15/09/2006 - 687 words Microsoft's Zune will have to work very hard to unseat the dominance of Apple's iPod and iTunes say industry experts

Microsoft's Zune Globeandmail.com (web site ref.) - 15/09/2006 - 603 words iPod juggernaut will focus on the idea that people want to be able to easily share music with friends and others. The software maker said Thursday that its portable Zune media

Zune takes wireless aim at Ipod Winnipeg Free Press - 15/09/2006 - 280 words easily share music with friends and others. The software maker said yesterday that its portable Zune media player, scheduled to be available around the holiday season, will include wireless technology to

Microsoft's Zune can carry tune: Portable music player designed to rival Apple's iPod allows users to share songs, playlists and photos Contra Costa Times (San Francisco, CA) - 15/09/2006 - 539 words Microsoft Corp. said Thursday that its Zune digital music player will allow users to share music with each other. But what Microsoft did not include, such as video downloads, suggest that

Zunes to share tunes Pioneer Press (St. Paul, MN) - 15/09/2006 - 122 words easily share music with friends and others. The software maker said Thursday that its portable Zune media player, scheduled to be available around the holiday season, will include wireless technology to

Coming Zune: Microsoft's Music Player Business Week (web site ref.) - 15/09/2006 - 831 words lead. On Sept. 14, the software giant offered the most detail yet on its upcoming Zune digital music player and service (see BusinessWeek.com, 7/6/06, "Microsoft Singing Its Own

Music Player From Microsoft Offers Wireless Song-Sharing New York Times (web site ref.) - 15/09/2006 - 722 words Microsoft said its Zune music player will include wireless technology that will allow owners to share songs and playlists easily

Zune in the News - 14/09/2006

Microsoft's Zune Delivers Connected Music and Entertainment Experience ; Built-in Wireless Technology Lets Consumers Share Experiences Device to Device PR Newswire - 14/09/2006 - 788 words Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) today unveiled details of the first products to be released under its Zune(TM) brand. Designed around the principles of sharing, discovery and community, Zune will create new

Microsoft to Launch iPod Rival Before Christmas PCWorld.com (web site ref.) - 14/09/2006 - 679 words Elizabeth Montalbano, IDG News Service 1 hour, 44 minutes ago The first Microsoft Zune products will hit U.S. retailers in time for the busy Christmas holiday season, with a 30GB

Microsoft Releases More 'Zune' Details Ziff Davis (web site ref.) - 14/09/2006 - 563 words Staff - PC Magazine Thu Sep 14, 8:53 AM ET Microsoft semi-officially launched its Zune wireless MP3 player on Thursday, describing in more detail how its business model will work

Microsoft releases details of IPod competitor Zune, including song-sharing The Canadian Press - 14/09/2006 - 436 words easily share music with friends and others. The software maker said Thursday that its portable Zune media player, scheduled to be available around the holiday season, will include wireless technology to

Microsoft unveils 'Zune' challenge to iPod reign AFP World News - 14/09/2006 - 585 words Software giant Microsoft unveiled a "Zune" MP3 player and online store on Thursday to challenge Apple Computer's internationally popular iPod-iTunes personal entertainment duo. While the Zune player and matching

Microsoft unveils "Zune" challenge to iPod AFP World News - 14/09/2006 - 409 words Software giant Microsoft unveiled a "Zune" MP3 player and online store on Thursday to challenge Apple Computer's internationally popular iPod-iTunes personal entertainment duo. "The digital music entertainment revolution is

Microsoft releases details on iPod rival Zune TheStar.com (web site ref.) - 14/09/2006 - 575 words easily share music with friends and others. The software maker said Thursday that its portable Zune media player, scheduled to be available around the holiday season, will include wireless technology to

UPDATE 3-Microsoft touts wireless connection as iPod killer Reuters Economic - 14/09/2006 - 524 words comment, previous SEATTLE) By Daisuke Wakabayashi REDMOND, Wash. (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. unveiled Thursday its new "Zune" portable media player, hoping its ability to share music wirelessly can win over consumers despite

Microsoft Releases Details About Zune: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance Associated Press (web site ref.) - 14/09/2006 - 592 words Microsoft Unveils Details of Zune Media Player, Which Include Wireless Song-Sharing Technology SEATTLE (AP) -- Microsoft Corp.'s effort to compete against Apple's iPod juggernaut will focus on the idea

Microsoft Releases Details About Zune ABC News (web site ref.) - 14/09/2006 - 556 words Microsoft Unveils Details of Zune Media Player, Which Include Wireless Song-Sharing Technology

Analysis: The Zune Is Official, But So What? Ziff Davis (web site ref.) - 14/09/2006 - 736 words Thu Sep 14, 9:58 AM ET Microsoft's official announcement of its much-hyped Zune music player came today, just 48 hours after Apple released its updated arsenal of iPods

Microsoft Zune out for Christmas BBC News (web site ref.) - 14/09/2006 - 210 words Microsoft announces that its Zune digital music player will be released in the US in time for Christmas

UPDATE 2-Microsoft touts wireless connection as iPod killer Reuters Economic - 14/09/2006 - 499 words the ability to share music through wireless connectivity is a key element for its new "Zune" portable media player to win over consumers from Apple's market-leading iPod. The world