Zune

Microsoft Zune
Image:Zune logo.svg
Manufacturer	Microsoft
Type	Portable media player
Release date	Nov 14, 2006 (Zune 30) [1] Nov 13, 2007 (Zune 4, 8, 80) [2] Spring 2008
Connectivity	Wi-Fi (Zune-Zune, Sync-PC) USB Microsoft Surface (wireless)
Retail availability	since Nov 14, 2006 Spring 2008
Units sold	1.2 million (as of July 2007)[3]
Operating system	Windows Embedded
CPU	Freescale i. MX31L processor ARM Core
Storage capacity	4 and 8 GB flash drive 30 and 80 GB hard drive
Display	1.8in Glass LCD screen, resolution 240×320 (Zune 4, 8) 3in QVGA LCD screen, resolution 240×320 (Zune 30) 3.2in Glass LCD screen, resolution 240×320 at 4:3 aspect ratio (Zune 80)
Online services	Zune Marketplace
Touchpad	Circular Directional Pad (30 GB release) Touch-sensitive Zune pad (4, 8, 80 GB releases)

Zune is the name of a brand of digital music products and services sold by Microsoft. It includes digital audio players, client software, and the Zune Marketplace online music store.^[4]

The devices come in three styles, all of which play music, pictures, and videos; display images; and receive FM radio. They can share files wirelessly with other Zunes and via USB with Xbox 360s, and can sync wirelessly with Windows PCs.

The Zune Software, which runs on Windows XP and Vista, allows users to manage files on the player, rip audio CDs, and buy songs at the online store.

History

The most recent Zune models were released in the United States on November 19, 2007. The Zune 4, 8 and 80 were announced on October 2, 2007. The new Zunes offer the ability to sync wirelessly (automatically if connected to a power supply but can be manually started without it), a new touchpad-style input device, additional file support for H.264 and MPEG-4 files, podcast support, upgraded song-sharing licensing, the Zune also alows a Zune to communicate with oter Zunes within a short distance this is called The Social and software that includes support for DRM-free music in the Marketplace. The Zune 80 also has a larger, 3.2” screen. A free firmware update added the new software features to the original Zune (now called the Zune 30) and was released on November 13, 2007.^[5]

The first-generation Zune was created while Microsoft was 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 FCC starting in the year 2006.^[6] Xbox 360 overseer J Allard ran the project, codenamed ‘Argo’, which consisted of some Xbox and MSN Music store developers,^[7] who worked on ‘Alexandria’ and finalized it as Zune Marketplace,^[8] then later unveiled both products united under a single brand in the U. S. market as the Zune.

The second-generation Zune 4 GB, 8 GB, and 80 GB were announced^[9] on October 2 2007. The 4 and 8 GB Zunes are flash-based and smaller in size than the 80 GB version. The 30GB Zune was not redesigned.

Music player

Models

The 30 GB Zune was the first Zune music player. It has a 30 GB hard drive, 3” screen, and simple directional pad for menu navigation. The second generation of the Zune consists of the Zune 4, 8, and 80. The Zune 4 and 8 feature a smaller size and hold 4 and 8 GB of flash memory, respectively. The 80 GB Zune is the replacement to the Zune 30 that is also thinner and lighter. All three second generation Zunes have a Zune Pad instead of the simple directional pad that was included on the Zune 30. Microsoft did, however, distribute a mass upgrade for all Zune models (including the Zune 30) to the Zune's second generation software/firmware.

Preloaded content

Main article: List of Zune preloaded content

Zune featured preloaded content in both audio and video formats from various artist like BT, Paul Oakenfold, CSS. Special editions featured their own unique set of content.

Specifications

Accessories

The Zune comes with earphones, USB data cable, and carrying bag (30 Gigabyte version only). 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 Corp., Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO), Dual Electronics, Griffin Technology, Harman Kardon and JBL, Integrated Mobile Electronics, Jamo International, Klipsch Audio Technologies, Logitech, Monster Cable Products Inc., Speck, Targus Group International Inc. and VAF Research.^[20]

Firmware

Users often refer to on-device software as firmware, differing from the desktop media player as Zune software. Zune’s operating system is based on Windows CE kernel for ARM architecture and uses a distribution like the Portable Media Center found on the Gigabeat S. Zune’s native file compatible formats are

• JPEG for images;
• WMV, MPEG-4 and H.264 for video;
• MP3, AAC (.m4a), Zune Marketplace (Protected and DRM free), WMA Pro (2-channel), WMA Standard, WMA lossless for audio.

The graphical user interface (GUI) (called the “twist interface” by Microsoft) has sections for music, video, pictures, social, radio, podcasts, and settings. It is said to provide “two-dimensional navigation” for scrolling through items with its directional pad.^[21] 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 personalized using any image 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 user profile and current activity to others nearby. In the setting section, users can control backlight settings and output analog TV in with purchase of a separate connection.

The very first updates to the firmware added sharing features (send, community, list nearby Zune users) as described in FCC filings.^[22] [23] Firmware 1.1 allowed device to inherit sharing capabilities described by codename Pyxis. Early firmwares patched software bugs. Later, the much anticipated 2.2 firmware released from about a year after first generation Zune added support for DVR-MS (Media Center Recorded TV) files, lossless playback, added wireless syncing, and GUI interface improvements.^{[citation needed]}

Zune supports the Windows Media DRM (WMDRM) digital rights management system incompatible with other DRM systems and not part of the PlaysForSure platform or program.^[24] [25] Multimedia content is transferred though 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 functions as management software for the device and library and as a client to the online music store. The old version was a modified version of Windows Media Player 11, and the latest version is built from the ground up, with additional DirectShow decoders for AAC, MPEG-4 and H.264, it supports the following formats — for audio: MP3 (.mp3), AAC (Low complexity) (.aac, .mp4, .m4a, .m4b, .mov), WMA (.wma); for video: MPEG4 (in .mp4, .m4v and .mov containers), H.264 (in .mp4, .m4v and .mov containers), WMV (.wmv), ASF (.asf); and for still images: JPEG (.jpg). It synchronizes music, pictures, videos and podcasts to the device. It streams files to the Xbox 360. It organizes the media in its library and allows users to add to the library by ripping from CDs and to organize the metadata. It can automatically pull down album art and metadata tag data for some content in the library. There is also an inbox feature in the desktop client software as well on the device, which keeps track of songs swapped with other Zune users. On the desktop client, the inbox also serves as a message center for Zune Social. Although the Zune Software was originally a modified version of Windows Media Player, the Zune device was designed to only work with the Zune Software. Zune Software requires Windows XP or Vista, but can run on other versions of Windows with minor modifications.

The current version of the software is 2.3.1338.0 released along side 2.3 firmware update.

Several versions of the software were released. A history of each version reveals:

Zune Marketplace

Zune Marketplace is an online music store that integrates with the software. Initially offering two million songs it grew to more than three million songs. With the update to version 2.2 the Zune Marketplace also offers music videos. Music on the marketplace is provided by the big four music groups (EMI, Warner Music Group, Sony BMG, Universal Music Group) and smaller music labels. Like other tech companies in the music business, the Zune team at Microsoft had a team of music experts responsible for the Zune marketplace editorial content and programming. The team is led by Kyle Hopkins (also known as DJ “Kid Hops” on KEXP-FM ).^[32] Music Content is offered in DRM-restricted WMA format (2-pass CBR @ 192kbit/s) or non-DRM MP3 format (320Kbps) for a per-song or per-album fee, or via a Zune Pass monthly/Quarterly subscriptions.

Songs downloaded from the Marketplace are restricted by DRM similar to yet slightly different from PlaysForSure DRM, meaning that songs purchased from PlaysForSure partners could not be playable in Zune Software, although the reverse is true. Internally, Zune DRM is referred to as “9.1”, differentiating itself from PlaysForSure DRM, which is version “9”. While removal of PlaysForSure DRM has been facilitated with several tools, none would remove Zune DRM until July 14, 2007 when one of the tools (“FairUse4WM” [Windows Media]) was updated to support removal of the Zune DRM wrapper, thus allowing interoperability between the platforms. As of September 6th, 2007, an update from Microsoft has broken FairUse4WM once again, resulting in that anyone with the updated license cannot strip the DRM (presumably until FairUse4WM is updated again). Note that updating the Zune software to the most recent version (2.1, as of November, 2007) will not affect previously functioning DRM components.

Purchases are made through a system called Microsoft Points, in which users prepay US$5 for a block of 400 points that can be applied to downloads at 79 points per song. This works out to $0.9875 per song, plus whatever remainder is left after a user makes his or her final purchase from the Marketplace. Cost and minimum purchase varies with foreign currency exchange rates and taxes. The points used for the Zune Marketplace are the same points used to buy media from the Xbox Live Marketplace. Purchased songs can be burned to Audio CD.

As an alternative to the Microsoft Points, users pay a monthly flat fee called the Zune Pass that costs US$14.99. This allows a member to download and participate in Zune Marketplace content for a flat monthly fee. The Zune Pass allows to download songs, with exceptions of those required to pay points for. Zune Pass downloads cannot be burned to Audio CD and will become unplayable when the subscription lapses, and while the subscription is up-to-date, it can not be burned or synced to anything but a Zune. 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.^[33] Initially, Zunes included a 14-day Zune Pass free trial in the package.

With the launch of the new Zunes, the Marketplace was upgraded to support interface(as opposed to being a modified version of URGE), and drop DRM for around 1 million tracks (out of roughly 3 million). DRM-free MP3s sell for a slightly higher price than protected tracks. Unlike DRM-free songs purchased from iTunes, DRM-free songs from Zune Marketplace do not have watermarks intended to identify the person who initially purchased the song. Music Videos and Podcasts were also added to the Marketplace.

Sales and marketing

Marketing

Microsoft launched several campaigns to jump-start the Zune. The company had planned a $100 million 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.^[34] Also, the company had enlisted about 300 “Zune masters” to advertise the device on American college campuses, to promote the item, and to run Zune-related events as expected. In exchange, they have received free merchandise, including a Zune.^[35]

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”.^[25]

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 Wi-Fi (wireless sharing) as key differentiators. Chris Stephenson, leader of Zune’s marketing and manager of Global Marketing for the Entertainment Business,^[36] said, “we see a great opportunity to bring together technology and community to allow consumers to explore and discover music together.”^[25]

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 gen-y friendly website and campaign focused on emerging artist talent: Zune Arts

Sales

During its launch week, the original Zune, now Zune 30, was the second-most-sold portable media device with a 9 % unit share; behind the market-leading iPod’s 63 %.^[38] For the first 6 months after launch, NPD Group figures show that the Zune 30 achieved approximately 10% ^{[37] [39] [40]} market share in the Hard Drive based MP3 market and 3% ^{[41] [42] [43]} in the overall MP3 player market. According to Bloomberg Television 1.2 million Zune 30 players were sold between November 2006 and June 2007,^[44] surpassing a milestone.^[45] A price drop on Amazon.com during November 2007 temporarily boosted the brown Zune 30 to the top Sales Rank in electronics.

Critical reception for the new flash based Zunes and the Zune 80 has been much more positive than with the first generation Zune. While some reviewers concluded that the iPod is still superior, others deemed the Zune to be better.^[46] [47] The Zune 80 was initially in short supply due to a combination of low production output and stronger-than-expected demand, but many retailers now have it in stock as of December 7, 2007.^[48]

Official MP3 player sales numbers for the 2007 holiday season are not yet available. According to Hitwise Ltd., a web analytics firm, web traffic to the Zune web site tripled on Christmas Day 2007 (as compared to the previous Christmas).^[49]

Criticism

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Digital rights management

Several entities have expressed the effect of Microsoft imposing Digital Rights Management (DRM) passively to the customer before and immediately after the introduction of the Zune. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, in opposition to the Zune’s DRM, wrote:

The EFF calls this “a stark example of DRM under the DMCA giving customers a raw deal.”^[51] Technology reviewer Leo Laporte of G4techTV Canada said in his November 11, 2006 radio show that Zune may be the “beginning of the end” for DRM as a business tactic.^[52]

Before the release of Zune 2.0, restrictive wireless-transfer policy and “three days or three plays whichever comes first” rule were noted.^[53] [54] Extra restrictions resulted for (1) those with a Zune Pass;^[55] (2) all songs regardless if the song had copyright or DRM or even if the user created the song; ^[56] (3) a registered “play” for any portion of a song;^{[57] [54][58]} (4) prevention in song re-trades.^[58]

Later on 40% of popular Zune store downloads were discovered non-exchangeable, triggering a “cannot send some songs due to rights restrictions” message.^[59] Microsoft attributed the problem to a “new experience, and its implementation is in a version 1.0 stage [...] working to expand the number of songs that can be shared.”^[60] Initially, observers criticized music publishers, UMG and Sony, for what was assumed to be an intentional restriction, while complaining why not disclose which songs could not be shared.^[61] Music publishers denied having placed any such restrictions.^[60]

Microsoft later became more lax with the use of DRM. With the introduction of the Zune 4, 8, 80 devices and a firmware upgrade to 2.0 for Zune 30, the next version of Zune Marketplace dropped the DRM for around a third of its tracks. Also, the “three days or three plays” rule were cut to simply “three plays”, with no timed expiration, and traded tracks will be able to be re-traded on.^{[citation needed]}

Availability outside the U.S.

Microsoft announced plans at CES 2008 to release the Zune to Canadian consumers, marking the first time it will be available outside the U.S.^[62] A Microsoft spokesperson said a European launch might not occur until 2008.^[63] Microsoft has even made efforts to ban visitors outside the U.S. from http://www.zuneoriginals.net. Users wishing to sign up for a Zunetag can easily circumnavigate most problems by signing up for a US based account. ^[64]

Compatibility

CNET noted that at its release date, the Zune was unable to function as a hard drive. However, it was also stated that, “Overall, the Zune is a well-designed portable media device with good playback performance, a snappy processor, and an excellent interface. Wi-Fi sharing worked well, but prospective owners should know its format support, especially for videos, is limited.”^[65]

The Zune software isn't restricted to specific Windows platforms.^[66] The initial version of the Zune software was criticized for faulty device detection and buggy installation.^[67] The software has since been completely rewritten, resolving some of these issues. The software initially did not support 64-bit versions of Windows XP or Windows Vista. It now supports Vista in both 32 and 64 bit editions, but it does not support Windows XP x64.

Zune software was initially created using Windows Media Player code-base. The version 2 software was started from a new code-base and lost functionality for future upgrade flexibility and simpler user-interface. Functionality lost as a result of this includes auto-playlists and the 5-star rating system, although the latter was intentionally replaced with a new system based on a heart, broken heart, or no rating. Also lost was the ability to auto-convert DivX files through a registry edit. The gains include Zune Social functionality, a simpler interface, and new skins. Microsoft representatives had expressed the possibility of reimplementing auto-playlists and the 5-star rating system on Zune Social, but so far there has been no action on their part to restore this highly popular functionality.^{[citation needed]}

See also

Microsoft Portal

• Comparison of portable media players
• Comparison of Online music stores
• Online music stores
• Comparison of Wi-Fi handhelds

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Zune

• Zune.net — Official Site
• Zune Insider – Insider blog
• Zune Podcast Support – An interview with Rob Greenlee, Podcast Programming & Marketing Lead for the Zune about the second generation Zunes' support for podcasts.