Microsoft confirms Zune project

Well, it's not much, but we've got a quote and an official confirmation of the Zune project at Microsoft. The Zune brand is being billed as a "music and entertainment" project aimed at "connecting with others to discover new music and entertainment and will deliver a family of hardware and software products." Here's what they sent over, by way of Microsoft's GM of marketing, Chris Stephenson:

"Today we confirmed a new music and entertainment project called Zune. Under the Zune brand, we will deliver a family of hardware and software products, the first of which will be available this year. We see a great opportunity to bring together technology and community to allow consumers to explore and discover music together."

We've got a lot of questions waiting to be answered (as we're sure you do too), and we'll post updates here as we find out more information from our peeps at Microsoft. In the mean time, keep yourself occupied with their official announcement in Billboard Magazine, as well as two new Zune blogs sprouted by people working on the project.

Update: Billboard confirms that "additional Zune-branded devices will follow, including a portable video player and, potentially, a portable game device," as well as an initial device offering WiFi and drive-based storage. The WiFi won't just be for moving around music files, as in the MusicGremlin, however. Apparently other "seven or eight" wireless usage scenarios are envisioned, as suspected, and aims at providing "ubiquitous access to digital media from a wide range of Windows-powered devices in what ultimately aspires to be one part MySpace, one part iTunes and one part Xbox Live." Yikes. Zune will definitely be a general media player, though at launch music will be the "primary content," later also including video and "other types of media." More to come...

[Dolomite @ Jul 21st 2006 3:27PM]

I just don't see how Microsoft plans to compete in this already crowded marketplace, especially with the over-priced and buggy Zune. The beleagured software giant is really struggling to remain relevant in the fast paced tech market that always seems to be a few steps ahead of them. Hopefully when Gates steps down, they will return their focus to their core markets.

[Elliot @ Jul 21st 2006 3:27PM]

Snore. Anyone remember the Toshiba Gigabeat? Anyone?
A Microsoft lable on a DAP will just mean it crashes as often as your Windows CE cellphone.

[dave95 @ Jul 21st 2006 3:32PM]

Sure they will confirm it now, they couldn't have asked for better coverage Ryan and the rest of Engadget staff.

Think Secret move over!

[St.Clair @ Jul 21st 2006 3:34PM]

So Dolomite how exactly do you know its over priced & buggy. Did you take a time travel trip to the future to find out details that haven't been releaseed yet? I know its "cool" to hate MS but sometimes you guys are unbelievable.

[Loban @ Jul 21st 2006 3:36PM]

Oh boy, more multifunction devices. I love those.

/end sarcasm

Why do we have to pack so many features and so many buzzwords onto a device these days that it becomes overpriced and nearly useless. I'm looking at you PSP.

[Trae @ Jul 21st 2006 3:37PM]

Seems to me Microsoft is at the top of the tech market. They kinda make the operating system for a super majority of the home computer market.

[Allan Rojas @ Jul 21st 2006 3:39PM]

I think this URL is also related:

http://www.comingzune.com/

...

[Jeff @ Jul 21st 2006 3:47PM]

"Seems to me Microsoft is at the top of the tech market. They kinda make the operating system for a super majority of the home computer market."

They may have 95% market share in OS's, but they have 0% market share in DAPs. And if Apple can't break MS in OS's, what makes you think MS can break Apple in DAPs?

I realize this news is big because it's MS, but really, in 2 years we'll have forgotten all about this thing just like we have the UMPC and the tablet PC.

[greenfly360 @ Jul 21st 2006 3:48PM]

I am not sure about that site seems so tacky. lol I am suprised they have not got zune.com though. Registered to someone in london.

[KawF @ Jul 21st 2006 3:49PM]

Domain Name: COMINGZUNE.COM
Registrar: GO DADDY SOFTWARE, INC.
Whois Server: whois.godaddy.com
Referral URL: http://registrar.godaddy.com
Name Server: PARK27.SECURESERVER.NET
Name Server: PARK28.SECURESERVER.NET
Status: REGISTRAR-LOCK
Updated Date: 13-jul-2006
Creation Date: 13-jul-2006
Expiration Date: 13-jul-2007

[nimro @ Jul 21st 2006 3:53PM]

Can we please take a small break from Zune? Please? Even Apple's rumor/hype mill isn't this annoying!

[Chad Brantly @ Jul 21st 2006 3:53PM]

ZuneNation.com has this info as well as a forum for anyone interested in discussing Zune.

[Shawn @ Jul 21st 2006 3:53PM]

hey Dolemite, can you give me next week's lottery numbers as well? Seeing as how you are so good at predicting the future and all...

And for all the Microsoft haters out there...get a life. You were the same people laughing at the Xbox, saying it was irrelevant, outdated, bulky, and that they could never break into the market while Sony and Nintendo were there.

And laught all you want at the PSP (i hate them myself), but it has defied the prognosticators as well, and has successfully cracked the once impervious Nintendo handheld market.

Zune will be successful because it will be heavily marketed in concert with two incredibly successful and well-known microsoft brands: Windows Vista and Xbox 360.

And lets not forget that MTV will likely get behind Zune as well, due to Zune likley pushing the Urge service. MTV has quite a sway with the prepubescent teen market...

[JMatt @ Jul 21st 2006 3:58PM]

"Zune will be successful because it will be heavily marketed in concert with two incredibly successful and well-known microsoft brands: Windows Vista and Xbox 360."

Hey Shawn, do you have next week's lotto numbers too? From what I see, and I could be wrong here, Vista hasn't launched, no launch date has been given, and hardly a lot of people know about Vista yet.

[zune @ Jul 21st 2006 4:00PM]

thank goodness, I thought I wasted 9.99 on my zune domsin name. apparantly not. This is great.

[dave95 @ Jul 21st 2006 4:01PM]

JMatt beat me to it!

Shawn is predicting the future of Zune ;-)

[greenfly360 @ Jul 21st 2006 4:02PM]

OMG that website just changed! Looks very good now with music and hugging!!!!! Past comment is void now.
lol

[greenfly360 @ Jul 21st 2006 4:03PM]

Here is the zune wallpaper.
http://comingzune.com/images/ComingZune_wallpaper.jpg

[tank @ Jul 21st 2006 4:09PM]

Any word on the rumor that MS will replace your iTunes library with widows media songs? That might be their only ticket to gain iPod converts.

[Prez.KFC @ Jul 21st 2006 4:17PM]

actually, MTV will not get behind the Zune becuase of the "Zune-ecosystem". Much Like the iPod+iTunes, Zune will be designed for and locked to a new Zune Music Store, not Urge. So, as said in an earlier Engadget article, this will likey anger the likes of PlaysForSure buddies like Yahoo, Rhapsody, Napster, and Urge.

But i do think that this could be a succesful product. They just need to keep the price around the same as the 30gb iPod.

With billions to invest, Microsoft is more than capable of getting a product off the ground, and advertising it.

Also, with news of what this player can do, i am interested.

3.5" screen
WiFi capabilities
-music sharing
-MySpace communties
Satelite radio
Video Playback
Photo Viewing
(hopefully) WPMC UI.

as said before, if they can keep the cost down, it might be a succesful competitor.

[shon @ Jul 21st 2006 4:17PM]

hmmm way to shamelessly promote your site. HOwever im glad they stuck with the name Zune!

Registrant:
Chad Brantly
6339 John Chapman
San Antonio, TX 78240
US

Registrar: NAMESDIRECT
Domain Name: ZUNENATION.COM
Created on: 11-JUL-06
Expires on: 11-JUL-07
Last Updated on: 11-JUL-06

[primetime @ Jul 21st 2006 4:17PM]

"And lets not forget that MTV will likely get behind Zune as well, due to Zune likley pushing the Urge service."

I guess you didn't read the previous Zune article. The content service will most likely be new from the ground up. Good luck MS.

[Rahat @ Jul 21st 2006 4:19PM]

why do you people care? i mean unless you actually own apple stock or microsoft stock - why get "upset" about the other product?

i myself, dont care either way, i just like reading tech news.

i think you're all gay. thats the only explanation.

[dc @ Jul 21st 2006 4:29PM]

Allan Rojas,

Interesting URL. At least the bald guy is "petting the bunny" and not "spanking the monkey" when his new friend stops by. ;-)

[Ted @ Jul 21st 2006 4:53PM]

Uhm, are you guys all that sure that Zune will be the actual rollout name? Interestingly, xbox.com was registered 5 years before it's rollout.

[Larry @ Jul 21st 2006 4:56PM]

Sung to the tune of "Dear Mr. Fantasy" by Traffic

Dear Mr. Fantasy
Play us a Zune
Hype to entrall
then take a fall
Just like Oragami

You are the one
Who can make us all laugh
but it's not the kind you want
at you, not with you
and you'll break out in tears

(repeat)

[S.A. @ Jul 21st 2006 5:00PM]

I think this is going to be an awesome product. Micrsoft is turning itself around and it started with the Xbox. This is definitely going to be a better product than the Ipod, but it just depends on the public. For some reason, nowadays your not cool unless you have an Ipod, you cant have anything else. I have a Zen Vision M now and it is much better in every aspect than any Ipod I have played around with. I might end up selling it any buying the Zune.

[Googs @ Jul 21st 2006 5:17PM]

This is going to be a good product; Microsoft is not as 'dumb' as some of you might like to think. People should not be negative on the subject, but rather should be positive as increased competition brings down prices, so in the lease your iPod will be less expensive. Many people will buy this simply because they know who Microsoft IS, as opposed to some random company that makes the DingleBerry MP3 player that may be good, but no one has heard of. You also have to realize that the majority of the market doesn't have as much knowledge as you people do, and therefore will buy the flashiest player they see when they walk into Best Buy. Despite what some die hard iPod fans might want, only good can come from the Zune.

[Shawn @ Jul 21st 2006 5:19PM]

"Hey Shawn, do you have next week's lotto numbers too? From what I see, and I could be wrong here, Vista hasn't launched, no launch date has been given, and hardly a lot of people know about Vista yet."

Nope, unfotunately I don't play the lotto. However, if you want me to throw some numbers out there for you, I will.

You are correct in that no firm launch date has been given, although January 2007 is the new window...after what is this now, 3 delays? Or are we up to 4?

My point is that Zune will most likely be in some way integrated with Vista. And Microsoft would be stupid not to market the Zune when they market Vista. And while the general public doesn't know too much about Vista at the moment, Zune isn't out at the moment either. By the time it comes out, I'd imagine, so long as Vista stays on its newest release schedule, the general public will start to catch wind of Vista.

And while we don't necessarily know how successful Vista will be, I think it's pretty likely that it will be successful. Given the 90-95% market penetration that XP has and all.

Let's face it. Vista is eye candy. It just looks a lot nicer than XP. And if anything will convince the ignorant consumer to upgrade, it will be pretty graphics. Clear menus. Pretty screensavers. etc.

[Googs @ Jul 21st 2006 5:26PM]

"Let's face it. Vista is eye candy. It just looks a lot nicer than XP. And if anything will convince the ignorant consumer to upgrade, it will be pretty graphics. Clear menus. Pretty screensavers. etc."

Exactly. Most people wouldn't be running Mac OS if it wasn't flashy. It will be interesting to see what Mac comes out with in their next OS now that Microsoft is at least on parallel eye-candy-wise.

[willyjsimmons @ Jul 21st 2006 5:26PM]

'in 2 years we'll have forgotten all about this thing just like we have the UMPC and the tablet PC.'

FUD ALERT!!!

FUD ALERT!!!

FUD ALERT!!!

Find cover in your neartest FUD Shelter!!!

I dislike Microsoft as much as the next, but...

reality tells me that having such an integrated media delivery system gives them a hugh opportunity to market any portable device as a viable alternative to the ipod.(if they can work out the kinks in media center)

What it will come down to is the features list of the device.

If MS did something crazy like support multiple playlist formats, drag-and-drop and open media formats, then maybe.

[Revrant @ Jul 21st 2006 5:34PM]

First off, no, nothing can ever be as annoying as the Apple rumor mill.

"OMIGOSH MORE RUMORED IRRELEVANT FEATURES OTHER PLAYERS HAVE, YAY, LET US REPORT ON THEM DAY AFTER DAY!"

No, no, nothing is more annoying than that on here, the only thing that I found even Remotely comparable to that was the ATI-Bias BS Engadget pulled(Ignoring positive ATI news in favor of a standard they don't support, which doesn't exist yet, and has no PC Monitor support).

Next off, STOP reporting on Zune! I don't care! When people post "We don't care!" in such unison on your GD comments section, take a hint!

[Googs @ Jul 21st 2006 5:37PM]

"Next off, STOP reporting on Zune! I don't care! When people post "We don't care!" in such unison on your GD comments section, take a hint!"

I suppose if you don't care, then you could just not read it... You did take the time to leave a comment though. When i see something i don't care about on the site, i just don't read it. Simple, right? I'll agree to some degree that there is an awful amount of news about the Zune, but we have to realize that it's only going to get worse in the coming months..

[Zeke @ Jul 21st 2006 6:05PM]

Zune.es has been registered by someone (anonymous) at the same address/contact information as Jack Spurr. Not that we really need confirmation of the zune name any more. I recently downloaded and installed the "Urge" service application. One word. Bloated.
The only way this product could be an Ipod Killer is if it's actually an xboy and comes with HALO 3.

[john @ Jul 21st 2006 7:08PM]

what are you guys wining about? this is good news. it's about time we had an alternative to the ipod out there. hopefully the zune will be a nice piece of hardware that plays mp3/wma and the drm 'plays for sure' stuff like rhapsody.

[Prez.KFC @ Jul 21st 2006 10:22PM]

john, do you not read?

It has been stated several times that the Zune will operate within a closed Player/Program ecosystem that shuns DRM PlaysForSure.

[Marcos @ Jul 21st 2006 10:57PM]

For those that think the xbox team at Microsoft will necessarily make a good design... let me remind of you the original giganamous controllore for the original xbox. If the Zune's design is by those people... I wouldn't hold your breath.

In any event ,competition is a good thing... but I don't think overloading a device with features few people will use is the way to compete with the iPod. Sometimes, less is more.

[Googs @ Jul 22nd 2006 2:37AM]

Marcos, many people prefer that controller. The 'bear claw' design as some refer to it. You can't judge a company by its controller. Also Apple's first iPod is trash compared to what they have now; same with the XBOX controller.. now it's wireless, ergonomic, etc

Do any of you want the ability to play games on it? Would you pay more? I personally would just want a media player, if i wanted to play games on the go i'd get something for that.

Also, along this 'networking' thing they're doing with the wifi... It won't work if no one else has one, so you'd look pretty stupid if you got one and all your friends had an iPod. They should have a deal where they take 10 bucks off each one if you buy them with friends, or at least a rebate or something, to encourage groups of people to get them. That's what they're pitching right? Networking of music on the go..?

[Phronk @ Jul 22nd 2006 8:33AM]

Not sure if anyone has mentioned this before...but what if one version of this has the ability to play Xbox Live Arcade games? With this Live Anywhere stuff, they could include the ability to upload the games directly from the Xbox 360 to the Zune, for free after the initial purchase. Better yet, have it allow you to upload it onto a PC with Vista.

Probably unlikely, but I'd love to be able to take Geometry Wars on the go. Probably something I'd barely use (I agree that it'd be best to focus on the music player aspect for now), but it would be a nice bonus over the iPod.

[michelbites @ Jul 22nd 2006 11:05AM]

Is it just me or does this thing just look as ugly as the first xbox... Why don't they make one more pleasing to the eye!?

[Justin @ Jul 22nd 2006 11:19AM]

i'm paying $400 for a portable myspace client?

[Craig Montgomery @ Jul 22nd 2006 4:00PM]

This whole thing reminds me of the very "real" yet sarcastic video spoof on what the iPod packaging would look like if Microsoft redesigned it. Watch it (if you have never seen it) and you will agree that this is not very far from the potential reality to come. While Microsoft is good at what it does, one thing it is not good at is simplicity and style. I hope they surprise us all on this new venture, but I fear the outcome will be more like the video.

More commentary on this at Digressions http://www.montysbox.typepad.com

[Steve Jobs @ Jul 23rd 2006 4:15AM]

"Shawn" writes:

"hey Dolemite, can you give me next week's lottery numbers as well? Seeing as how you are so good at predicting the future and all..."

"And for all the Microsoft haters out there...get a life. "

"Zune will be successful because it will be heavily marketed in concert with two incredibly successful and well-known microsoft brands: Windows Vista and Xbox 360."

Talk about predicting the future! It's the pot calling the kettle black.
Vista is an "incredibly successful and well-known microsoft brand"??? Duh, Vista is still in beta, dude. Can you buy it? Did you just come back from the future? If ppl who criticize Micro$hit are "haters", I guess whoring yourself out for boring-ass unreleased beta software makes you MicroSlave Byatch.

What makes you think Vista will be (even in your future) an "incredibly successful and well-known microsoft brand"? It'll be successful as a PRODUCT cuz customers have no freakin' choice. They buy a computer, they get MicroCrap PissTa whether they want it or not. Nobody gives a shit about MicroSoftee as a BRAND. "Well-known"? What kinda crack you smokin? Most computer users don't know what the hell they're using. They have "XP" staring them in the face every morning when they boot up, but when asked what OS they run, they say "Microsoft". XP is not a brand, and Vista will not be a brand. They have no clue. And neither do you.

"And while we don't necessarily know how successful Vista will be, I think it's pretty likely that it will be successful. Given the 90-95% market penetration that XP has and all. "

What planet are you living on? Only about half of ALL WINDOWS systems are running the XP version, 5 YEARS after release. The rest are Win 2000 or earlier. Vista won't do much better. As I already said, no one gives a shit about XP or VISTA as a brand, and most ppl don't care about them as an OS either - they just see it as a computer.

Yeah, I'm being a jerk, but you deserve it. Before you criticize someone's "know-it-all" attitude, try to at least know what the hell you're talking about. And lose the sarcasm - you suck at it, seeing as how it totally backfired on your ass.

[Russ Davenport @ Jul 24th 2006 12:37PM]

The Zune projesct sounds interesting. The problem is timming. Apple has been on working on a new IPod with a large wide screen display, touch sensitive click wheel on the screen and wireless as well. If Apple gets this out first then Zune seems like another copy. Vista has had so much bad press for Microsoft. If this is not a hit then they appear weaker in the eyes of consumer and the press.

[nAzRuLe @ Jul 24th 2006 9:05PM]

Zune won't be successful... Trust me... I know :)
Ipod is still the best Mp3 Player...

[Jimmy @ Jul 26th 2006 4:01AM]

Is it true? Zune's several features listed at http://www.zunevideoconverter.com/

Capacity: 30GB or 60GB hard drive.
Video size: 3.5-inch bigger than video iPod's 2.5-inch.

[Cdn_Nix @ Jul 27th 2006 9:35PM]

Has anyone thought about Microsoft's radio transmision network that they use to transmit news, weather, movie listings, msn messenger messages and outlook calender info already for the MSN Direct Smart Watches. The service is subscription based but some of the data has been made free since it started a couple years ago and it could easily be implemented into the devices, maybe not for huge music files but for useful info that would add a connectiveness to the Zune that Apple can't offer. Check out more at http://www.msndirect.com/DirectBand_Network_Content.htm

[zune @ Jul 29th 2006 6:55PM]

The xbox 360 will be Microsoft's ticket to success with the Zune product line.

[parth s @ Aug 2nd 2006 11:47AM]

its really amazing to see our displacement of concepts related to these emerging technologies on art,culture,society and politics..but surely MTV will not nemore depend on Zune due to their release of MTV Flux on Aug 1 (coinciding with the 25th anniversary, part of MTV.co.uk)..

read this article on MTV angles for MySpace genereation:
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/13999779/

but what i am really interested in (reason also being part of developing countries), is getting low on the tech. platform (wudnt use words like 'thin client' and 'networked computer', although its changing our conventional notions and reshaping our meaning and associations to physical/virtual space.place due to the advent and adaptability of wifi mesh technologies) and higher on the content and services platform which can seamlessly help us to organise/manage/share/communicate and obviously who wants multiple devices and multiple platforms for multiple functions??

an interesting article on how these devices and platform can help to enrich the networked fabric:
http://www.emergic.org/archives/2006/04/14/index.html#tech_talk_city_wifi_networks_the_india_opportunity

[Microsoft Zune @ Aug 21st 2006 11:00PM]

The Zune will not be an instant iPod Killer but will no doubt put a huge dent in their market share. The community is getting behind the Zune and fans are ready for it. You can find more at the Zune Forums http://www.zunemax.com/forum/index.php