Love it or hate it, mock it or praise it, the Microsoft Zune is here for at least a little longer with the upcoming release of the Zune HD. While the older 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 80GB, and 120GB models will be getting a digital dirt nap, Microsoft is pushing onward with their little player that still hasn’t bringing to market a more formidable challenger to the PMP market. But, is it too little too late? While I am actually quite impressed with the Zune HD and wouldn’t mind purchasing one, save for the Nvidia Tegra graphics inside, it is basically the same technology that was on iPod Touches two years ago. I’ll forget the fact that Microsoft took so long to bring a legitimate touchscreen, jack of all trades device to market, but why did they stop there? Why didn’t they bring some new technology or feature that would truly push those fence sitters over the edge or even better, win back a few iPod users in the process? What exactly is Microsoft’s strategy with the Zune?
Another particularly puzzling decision by Microsoft is the fact that for now, the Zune HD will be a U.S. only release. Surely more countries are eager to get their hands on the Zune HD. It isn’t hard to imaging really. Competition and choice are welcomed no matter what country you are in. While it may not be the most popular device here, that doesn’t mean it couldn’t be the “iPod of Ukraine”. I understand that with the first Zune device Microsoft held of on a global release as it was a new market for them and they wanted to test out the devices success before pursuing other markets. If that was the case, the Zune would be dead by now as uptake in the super saturated MP3/PMP player market is reaching its limit. Still the Zune lives on.
One would think that by now Microsoft has to be eager to expand the Zune’s reach globally. Other countries are seeking it out. Why ignore them? Of course, Microsoft could just be holding off a global release announcement for reasons unknown to me. Though, that doesn’t really make a whole lot of sense. In order for the Zune to become more popular and gain a cult following like the iPod did, Microsoft needs to push the Zune HD hard…in multiple countries across the globe, not just a half assed attempt by “going global” (a.k.a. Canada).
Even though it may be against the norm, I want the Zune to succeed. I want Microsoft to wow me and force other manufacturers to keep up their game. Unfortunately, I feel the Zune merely playing catch up. And with Microsoft’s rather weak marketing attempts and lackluster support for future Zune products/involvement, leaves me with little hope. Feeling ignored?
Source: Gear Log, Ars Technica
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