Startup claims to be working on a, um, Zune-killer

For those music lovers out there who were eagerly awaiting entry into "the social" only to find out that the Zune's WiFi-enabled sharing feature was gimmicky at best, all hope is not lost: according to Wired News, a San Diego-based startup is poised to release a DAP that will not only let users get their share on, but actually enable direct-to-device downloads as well. While this as-yet-unnamed product sounds an awful lot like the promising-but-flawed MusicGremlin, the industry vets behind Broadband Instruments -- former Diamond Multimedia (makers of the Rio) boss Jim Cady, former MusicMatch CEO Dennis Mudd, and former iRiver America chief executive Jonathan Sasse -- may have enough experience and clout among them to ensure a successful implementation where others have previously faltered. Besides the wireless features, the BI device is also said to offer "a new type of integration with online radio stations," although so far details on this and other functionality remain under wraps. What we do know for certain is that "traditional USB connections will (only) play a minor role in getting content to your device," and that this content will come from a proprietary service, reflecting the Apple- and Microsoft-led trend to develop vertically integrated ecosystems. So when will we learn more? Wired claims that all the pertinent details will be revealed within the next two months, so if you're in the market for a new DAP, see if you can't hold out just a little longer (or buy from an outfit with a very lenient return policy).

[tcc3 @ Feb 12th 2007 2:32PM]

Maybe it jams Wifi. Take that, Zune! =P

[mattstl77 @ Feb 12th 2007 2:36PM]

As with the current Zune, there is nothing really to kill. But after a generation or two, look for the Zune to be killing the iPod. That's what I said, the Zune will be an iPod killer. Microsoft always does better than Apple in the long run.

[Sy @ Feb 12th 2007 5:35PM]

Isn't killing an endanger specie a federal offense?

[Zeek @ Feb 12th 2007 2:47PM]

There already is a Zune killer: Microsoft.

[The Big Fudge @ Feb 12th 2007 2:48PM]

Isn't the new Sandisk thing exactly the same?

[robotrock @ Feb 12th 2007 2:49PM]

http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/11/hands-on-with-aol-and-haiers-pmp/

?

[Rick Lyon @ Feb 12th 2007 3:05PM]

Not setting their goals too high I guess. I want to be a benchwarmer when I grow up!!!

[cloneofsnake @ Feb 12th 2007 3:16PM]

Infant killer!

[Sprint Customer @ Feb 12th 2007 6:48PM]

How do you kill something thats already dead?

the Zune was DOA

it was the #1 returned holiday item.

[AL @ Feb 12th 2007 3:34PM]

Oh my. If this is anything like the Rio Karma I would be so excited :-D

[michael @ Feb 12th 2007 4:31PM]

That's really mean Engadget. Yeah, many people know Zune's not the best, but do you have to bash it down so often? There are actually people who buy Zunes out there, 255,000 has been sold so far, if you look on their site, so that means it really is something, whether you think so or not. I for one wish you could give postive news about it.

[Ogre @ Feb 12th 2007 6:47PM]

"How can you kill that which has no life?"

[sboots @ Feb 12th 2007 10:27PM]

Actually, I can't wait until someone makes a firmware replacement for the Zune (like Rockbox for iPods, Rios, etc.) If the Zune's firmware *is* replaceable, it would be the perfect hardware hacking platform - built in Wifi, nice screen, a few buttons... You could get all the pros of WiFi connectivity without the corporate-overlord restrictions! A "social" where everyone can actually talk freely!

And it would probably be more secure then, too! ;-)

Firmware updating is incredible... and scary cool.
http://www.rockbox.org/

[Marian @ Feb 12th 2007 9:32PM]

Zune doesn't need a killer. It was born dead anyway.

[tekdroid @ Feb 12th 2007 9:36PM]

if it doesn't support FLAC & drag n drop without software, buh-bye...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FLAC
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_mass_storage_device_class

[Rusty Trombone @ Feb 13th 2007 4:57PM]

A stapler is a Zune killer...

[Colostomy Bagpiper @ Feb 14th 2007 10:22AM]

Using a Zune is akin to using WebTV, or riding a moped.
They should come with T shirts that say "Dork"

[SuFi @ Feb 25th 2007 7:12PM]

It's not a San Diego Based Company, it is an Austin Based company. Get it right people.