Zune: not headed for Europe this year?

We regret to inform the iPod-harshing residents of France, Norway, Germany, Sweden, etc., but it sounds like Steve Ballmer told German publication Wirtschafts Woche that the Zune's European fall / winter launch has been pushed back into 2008, citing the fact that Microsoft is still very much so in a money-losing cycle on the product and doesn't yet want to branch out into new markets. Since we don't read German (and our Zune PR peoples are out enjoying their weekend, unlike us) we can't yet confirm the statement, but we've got news for ya Microsoft -- you're probably gonna be losing money on your Zune business for a long time (same as you still are with Xbox), so you'd better be prepared to go big or go home against the 800-pound gorilla.

[Via I4U]

Update: Looks like the statement may be rescinded, although Zune PR has yet to confirm one way or another. We'll let you know when we learn more.

[carlo @ Jun 3rd 2007 10:27PM]

Ouch...

You know, Europe has different Intellectual Property laws... I wonder if that's got something to do with it.

:( Looks like you guys can get iPhones before the new Zune.

[Reginald @ Jun 3rd 2007 10:30PM]

Was anybody really anticipating it anyway?

[kingofwale @ Jun 3rd 2007 10:41PM]

Why would Zune to go to Euro when it hasn't even made its way to Canada yet?

[Shawn @ Jun 3rd 2007 10:49PM]

exactly my point.. But I've decided to pass on this Zune and wait to see what they come up with for a 2nd gen.

[aStopperBy @ Jun 3rd 2007 11:02PM]

Actually, Microsoft's Xbox division has posted a quarterly profit once. A big, freaking ONCE!!!! Keeping stockholders happy.

[Cupajo @ Jun 4th 2007 3:07PM]

NeutralaStopperBy: "Actually, Microsoft's Xbox division has posted a quarterly profit once. A big, freaking ONCE!!!! Keeping stockholders happy."


Yeah, I'm sure Microsoft stockholders are REALLY unhappy. Please, PLEASE, PLEASE can I pay somebody to take this Microsoft stock off my hands?!

[Guinness @ Jun 3rd 2007 11:04PM]

Why not just pass on a Zune altogether? I quite frankly think they're hideous and bulky. If you really want an alternative, Sandisk's offerings look the best. I personally love my iPod Video and can't wait for an iPhone. If Zunes never make their way to Canada it's fine by me, I think Microsoft should just call it quits and invest more in its Playforsure campaign and partners, who it is now in direct competition with with the Zune.

[Big @ Jun 3rd 2007 11:04PM]

#1 Microsoft screwed up with the ZUNE. They shoulda designed something with a touch screen and better wifi systems like what they have on the SANSA CONNECT.

#2 Microsoft has shown that when they enter a market for the first time, i.e. video game console market, Digital Audio player market, etc... that they need to make alot of mistakes before they get their act together. Eventualy they will get better but only after multiple quarters of losses.

#3 Microsoft needs to form stronger ties with Motorola. They need to produce an Iphone combatant and better PDA's with global GSM service.

[natef @ Jun 3rd 2007 11:06PM]

Could be that a Zune 2.0 is coming this fall/winter and it makes more sense to launch with that than with a last gen product...

That, or with Halo 3's fall launch they will finally have an opportunity to post some earnings in that division which they don't want to screw up with a costly global Zune launch.

[brendan Sheehan jnr @ Jun 3rd 2007 11:13PM]

I hate to break it to you Ryan, but that's no map of Europe.

[derek @ Jun 4th 2007 1:13AM]

yeah that is the UK lol

[michael @ Jun 3rd 2007 11:24PM]

I don't see why they shouldn't sell Zunes out of the U.S. I know many people outside of the U.S. who would really want a Zune (no joke), and actually buy it in their homeland, than to travel overseas to get one. In fact, while ipods are dominant here in the U.S., iPods outside of the U.S. usually range around even with other PMP's in marketshare. Mainly because of cheaper prices, and a wide variety of PMP's with features that the iPod doesn't have, appeals to these people. So the Zune would be a great fit to put on the market there. The only thing they really would need to do, is create special Zune software, so that Marketplace music appeals to each country's taste is all (or universally international with all music in one store, is just as nice). So the Zune really should become international, especially to the European market (who surprisingly to most people here, are Microsoft fans) and I doubt that Zune will completely flop there.

[AC @ Jun 4th 2007 7:14AM]

In Asia there might be more competition for the iPod, but in Europe, definitely not. The iPod is just as on top here as the US. Microsoft should target the Eastern Block for more growth, where the iPod won't have made such a large impression yet. And i don't know many people that like Microsoft either, we're just indifferent.

[kingofwale @ Jun 3rd 2007 11:30PM]

>I don't see why they shouldn't sell Zunes out of the U.S.

you mean other than the fact that NOBODY wants a zune and it still only sold 1 million units in god knows how many weeks? (under Microsoft's extremely generous data even)

I hate to break it to ya, a few people you know who might want a zune, aren't going to bring profitability to Microsoft.

[Teelo @ Jun 3rd 2007 11:35PM]

Translation of the WirtschaftsWoche article:
"Ballmer offered some cautious words regarding the Zune player. Despite the current expectations the device will not be released in Europe this fall: "The Zune business is still running at a loss due to the necessary investments. So we decided not to open up new markets just yet. I can't yet say when we will", a back-paddling Balmer said to WirtschatsWoche."

[RyanTV @ Jun 3rd 2007 11:36PM]

awwwwwww... those 3 people in Europe that wanted a Zune wont be able to get one. That's just too bad.

[Chris @ Jun 3rd 2007 11:52PM]

"I don't see why they shouldn't sell Zunes out of the U.S."

It's because the more they sell, the more money they lose. They're trying to limit their losses.

[drtekger @ Jun 4th 2007 12:10AM]

I as a German demand a correct map of Europe, not just one of Great Britain. These half-assed Europeans didn't even introduce the pwning EURO as currency yet.

Besides that I am fine with waiting for the Zune, I am fine with leaving this gadget to other early adaptors and waiting for the improved version.

[LTM @ Jun 4th 2007 3:01AM]

"These half-assed Europeans didn't even introduce the pwning EURO as currency yet."

.....and why the hell would we want to do that? It's just one more step towards globalization and centralized control. The European countries can't even agree on the same bloody power adapter into something like a wall socket; what chance have you got with everyone's voice being heard and everyone actually being on the same page with anything if the simple things aren't even united? Just because we don't recognize the Euro as a currency doesn't rule us out as being anything less than 100% European.

[drtekger @ Jun 4th 2007 3:33AM]

As a matter of fact, Brits don't like Germs and vice versa. Don't take things too personal buddy. I was just pissed about the map, nothing more nothing less.

[Mr. B @ Jun 4th 2007 12:53AM]

I hope this is because Zune 2 is on the way. I wanted so bad to like this thing.

[JohnTitor @ Jun 4th 2007 2:25AM]

Zune is overhyped, simply because it's Microsoft's alternative to the Apple's hugely marketed iPod
what does it have that's so special?
the gimmicky WiFi? (see SanDisk Sansa Connect, Archos 604 WiFi/704 WiFi)
the lousy color quality that's no better than iPods? (see Creative Zen Vision M, or any real PMP)
or the .5" bigger screen? (there are just too many PMPs that do better)
maybe it's the lack of Harddrive mode, poor file support, and proprietary software then

[ian @ Jun 4th 2007 3:28AM]

drtekger - "I as a German demand a correct map of Europe, not just one of Great Britain."

Sorry to have to correct you 'drtekger' but, the picture on the Zune is actually a picture of the United Kingdom not Great Britain.

[jrbrewin @ Jun 4th 2007 3:51AM]

nice to see we can rely on the apple boys to come out and attempt to hijack a zune thread.

Alas, this is somewhat bad news, i live in the UK and have a zune. I'm an ex-ipod / iriver user, and to be frank i love my zune to bits.. although yes, it could be thinner. I don't remember the gen1 ipod being particularly miniscule though.

Hopefully this delay is to get zune2.0 out the door first. :)

[Scott @ Jun 4th 2007 4:22AM]

That's not even a proper map of the UK... I don't know why England is split up like that...

[peterjohndean1 @ Jun 4th 2007 7:26AM]

Now if only they had called it X-zune

[Mak @ Jun 4th 2007 9:03AM]

PS. Does someone want to tell the dumb American authors, that Europe != UK. I know eography and Americans are words you never mention in the same sentance (unless the Americans are at war there), but you would think that Engadget could at least get the correct map for their news article.

PS. Can someone tell Microsoft, nobody in Europe wants Zune, it's junk like all Microsoft hardware...

[Niklas Sundqvist @ Jun 4th 2007 9:26AM]

I already have a Zune. I bought one when it was launched. I live in Sweden :P

[Karl Viklund @ Jun 4th 2007 9:42AM]

Ohh thank god. Hope it never comes to EU. We don't really need it here. We got the iPod.

[Argot @ Jun 4th 2007 10:04AM]

Yeah, cause that's sooo much better... *snicker*

[ronin @ Jun 4th 2007 10:37AM]

The article says just as you stated, hence you can confirm it. Balmer states that because the Zune is currently losing money and they have to keep investing in it, they will not try to enter new markets. When that might happen, he could not tell.

[Victor @ Jun 4th 2007 10:39AM]

I'm still waiting for the Canadian Zune... guess V2.0 might be worth the wait?

[agroupuk @ Jun 4th 2007 11:23AM]

I bought a Zune from the USA on day of release (I live in the UK) and to be honest I like it.

Its not the smallest nor the most advanced but it does what I want it to and more.

It was nice having the 2 weeks free "all you can eat" pass to the US marketplace but when that expired I couldnt register a cc to continue. Thats been my only gripe.

Yes, Apple are kings of the MP3 portable but sometimes I dont want to be a sheep - this was one of those times and I don't regret it one bit. You can put it down as much as you want but all in all I personally like the machine and recommend it. (great screen btw)

Thats just my take on it :)

[HenryJonesJr @ Jun 4th 2007 12:02PM]

It's people like you, Mak, that cause us "dumb Americans" to not give a shit about where your country is. Don't be such an arrogant prick.

[Ondskan @ Jun 4th 2007 3:58PM]

I don't understand that decision,they should forget this one and launch the Zune 2.0 in eEurope, because when they launch this in 2008,the Europe market probably will have a IPod 6gen and the successor of Zen Vision:M, and the Zune will look outdated when compared to them. But, if they go forward with this, I hope they sell it with a low price.

[Bogdan @ Jun 4th 2007 6:47PM]

I just hate the fact that I need to use special software with either Zune or iPod (like iTunes). I just cannot stand it. Therefore my vote goes to Sandisk and Creative. You lost one more customer, Apple and Microsoft.

[Mark @ Jun 4th 2007 6:57PM]

Would you please just give us a 2g Zune, and make it available in Canada? I'm fine tith the Zune the way it is, but the 30gb hdd is a bit of a turn off. That and the lack of availability up north.

[TheWakeUpCall @ Jun 5th 2007 1:04PM]

Damn, because I *really* wanted to buy one. lol, America can keep the Zune.

[Mike @ Jun 5th 2007 11:55PM]

you do know that A. thats not europe and B. that the zune dosnt show photos vertically.

[GangsterPanda @ Jun 6th 2007 3:44PM]

There's currently one retailer in Norway who sells the Zune, and it's priced at the same level as the 30GB iPod.
I'm very happy with my Zune, purchased one earlier this year after my first-generation 10GB iPod went dead.

[Paulo @ Jun 8th 2007 6:56AM]

Zune??? With so good alternatives, the question is: who cares ...?