Related Sections: Portable Gadgets
Microsoft Zune portable player: rumors aplenty!
There's been lots of buzz around the Web about Microsoft's plans to take Apple head on in the portable audio market, but today all sorts of info has been leaking, specifically from "insiders" to our buddies over at Gizmodo and Engadget. Arguably the biggest reveal is the photo above, which is said to possibly, maybe, just might be the final design of the player. Featuring a 4:3 screen, it's a clean design — simple if somewhat uninspiring. While there have been loads of rumors about a portable Xbox gaming device somehow being tied into this project, the above image doesn't look like a portable that would lend itself well to gaming, but we'll see. Previously known as "Project Argo," it seems like this player will be known as the "Zune" and will come in multiple colors, such as white, black, and brown. Ooooo, brown! Nice. Expect loads of promotions and band endorsements when this thing approaches market, which should be in time for the holiday-shopping orgy. No word on price or anything on the user interface yet, but be patient; it's sure to come soon, and we'll keep you updated.
By elo2k666 at 1:13 PM ON 07/12/06
I like the screen, but Microsoft rival Apple? I dont think so. Creative already does that with their Zen Vision: M.
By kghare at 1:35 PM ON 07/12/06
Let's think about the logic of this player. Microsoft is dedicated to making the xbox360 a media center for the home, beyond just a game console. This most likely will talk directly to the 360 so it becomes an extension of the 360 and through that xbox live. Given the increasing amount of online music services offering encrypted wma format in challenge to the apple aap format this also slows Apples Itunes growth.
There is room for another player, expecially one with the potential growth of this one.
I hope it has bluetooth.
By righteousboy at 6:58 PM ON 07/12/06
Oh wow, Hey look its Microsoft stealing another Apple idea, big surprise there. It will be interesting to see if they pull their norm and copy apple only taking a great idea and making it worse. Yes there are more then just the ipod for playing music but the ipod is number one because its a great palyer! Just to add to the above comment, its not aap its acc and apple has had to create a file type with copyright protection! It was an agreement made but the music industry to allow apple to sell the songs via itunes on such a large scale. It's much better then the crap WMA file type...
I say two thumbs down to yet another microsoft knock off
By kghare at 7:41 PM ON 07/12/06
Oops, looks like we were both wrong with the extension (how earth shattering) Don't know where I got aap came from since it's an mpeg 4 protected content file from apple with an .m4p extension. I'm thinking you and I were trying for aac (advanced audio codec)
Let's face it, there will those who look at this player and see 'knockoff' How people become enamoured with a manufacturer beats me but you have some who love Apple to the point of distraction. I see this as further competition from a manufacturer that can provide some level of competition to Itunes and Ipod. I love the fact my little samsung plays ogg vorbis, mp3 and wma so I'm hoping (though not holding my breath) that this player will play ogg vorbis and wma pro. I hate the fact that every manufacturer has to pay a royalty for mp3 codec support to Thomson.
Lets wait and see.
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kghare:
Oops, looks like we were both wrong with the extension (how earth shattering) Don't know where I got aap came from ...More »