Will we ever see the Zune?
I'd really quite like to get my hands on a Zune, the media player from Microsoft, but the software-turned-hardware giant is not making things easy for me.
When it was originally release on November 14 last year, I was very excited to finally stuff my pockets with something other than Apples and Creatives. But Microsoft New Zealand crushed those hopes when they decided not to carry the player here. Judging from the so-so sales in the US it appears they made the right decision back then.
Then Microsoft launches three new models of the Zune this week, and again my hopes are flamed. This time around they've changed the software interface, as well as added functionality and changed size of the players. They are getting good reviews overseas, and I'm pinning my hopes on Microsoft's Aotearoa arm to bring them in.
A quick call quickly confirms my suspicion, no plans as of yet to bring the players into the country.
I try to order one online via the US (they offer free engraving at the moment), but I'm met with a very stern 'Access Denied', because of my NZ location.
I'm not about to buy one parallel imported either, I've had enough trouble with Microsoft to know that I might need support for the product in the near future.
All I want for Christmas is a Zune, and perhaps world peace. Is it too much to ask?
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Comments
The iPod Classic is the iPod that is "equivalent" to the latest Zune. The iPod Classic is considered old technology which is due to be EOL'd when the next gen iPod Touch gets introduced to the market next year.
As for the Zune being un hacked..I wouldn't call that a complement to its popularity.
Posted by: James | November 19, 2007 7:12 PM
I imported my own Zune in April. Functionally its far better than its equivalent Ipod. And if you import one, you can get it for half the price now days. Should also point out that Zune hasn't yet been hacked, which does say something about Microsoft's Hardware engineers.
Posted by: Matt | November 18, 2007 1:57 PM
"Microsoft is not a gadget or hardware designer"
Ssh! Don't tell their Xbox division that, they think they've been designing hardware all this time ...
Posted by: Dean | November 16, 2007 10:38 AM
If they got rid of the brown colour it might sell better...
Posted by: Alex Burgess | November 15, 2007 4:25 PM
The only reason anyone would want a Zune or Zune cover is to disguise their iPod to stop it from being stolen. There is a reason why Zune "sales" are tanking in the US. Microsoft is not a gadget or hardware designer.
Posted by: James | November 14, 2007 2:40 PM