Next gen Zune reportedly on track for holiday season

We've already heard some talk that a new Zune would be coming before the end of the year, but it looks like things now may be starting to get a bit more certain -- at least according to the folks at Whiz Byte, who say they've heard as much from a Microsoft press representative. Specifically, the rep reportedly said that we can "expect an update later this year prior to the holiday season." While there's no word on exactly what form that "update" will take, the rep did give a few less than surprising general indications of what we can expect from the Zune in the future, stating that there's "three predictable paths along which we'll expand Zune." Those include updates to the device family itself, including "new sizes, styles and price points," along with new features that'll help the Zune "move towards parity with iPod" and new geographic markets for the Zune.

[Via Slashdot]

[Mike @ Jul 23rd 2007 12:38PM]

What's wrong with the current Zune? iPod comparisons aside, it could be a great device if they gave it to consumers as they originally pitched it. I mean come on, enable true wifi sharing and perhaps the current device wouldn't need so much of an update eh?

Mike

[paloooz @ Jul 23rd 2007 12:43PM]

Impossible controls.
Slow interface.
Lack of codecs.
Small storage capacity.
Fugly, low resolution, 4:3 display.
Lack of codecs.
Inability to play videos that are higher resolution than the display (for video output).
Resizes your images to 640x480, but I want full resolution copies.
WiFi sharing is a joke.
Zune software only works on Windows.
Will play FM radio (just awful).
Did I mention lack of codecs?

[Erik @ Jul 23rd 2007 12:46PM]

You know, they could enable "true" wifi sharing...but I'm guessing they'd rather not get raped by the RIAA for "enabling piracy."

[Sy @ Jul 23rd 2007 1:21PM]

Also, the iPod is a moving target. Don't expect Apple to NOT introduce new ones for the holiday season ...including possibly ones with iPhone-like/multi-touch interface.

[michael @ Jul 23rd 2007 1:53PM]

@palooz - true in some points, but:
- Controls work for me. Not a clickwheel, but regular buttons never killed anyone.
- The 1.4 firmware fixed that, and it never seemed that slow. It seems quite slick to me.
- I'll give you that
- To some people, 30 GB is enough. But yeah, they should offer a more variety of capacities.
- It didn't seem that bad to me, but I guess it could have been better
- Lack of codecs, again?
- I'm not that experimental, but I guess you're right.
- You're right about this one
- WiFi isn't too bad, if all your friends have a Zune. It's at least better than no WiFi at all. And a firmware update could fix that.
- Considering most people actually use Windows, it's not surprising. Although I agree an OS X version should come to better compete.
- FM radio isn't too bad in my city. Better than no radio on the iPod
- Yeah, the codecs. I'm sure anyone could just download them off the internet for their Zune, just like with the iPod.

So it's not that bad. I could give you how it improves over the iPod, but you probaly wouldn't be interested.

[Revrant2394 @ Jul 23rd 2007 3:58PM]

Shill much, paloooz?

[Manuel @ Aug 22nd 2007 10:00AM]

widascreeeeeeeenn !

[Mrmean @ Jul 23rd 2007 12:42PM]

yawn...

[James @ Jul 23rd 2007 12:45PM]

Let me get in here before the debate goes this way anyway: yes, the iPod did take a lot longer to sell a million than did the Zune. Yes, the iPod was a Mac only device introduced to a fledgling market. But the Zune was introduced to an Apple-dominated and saturated market where nearly everybody interested in portable music alread has an iPod - or a Sansa, Sony, Creative, iRiver etc.

So the Zune has done pretty damned well.

Oh, and by the way, in response to a recent comment on another Zune article of "Didn't MS say they sold a million Zunes three months ago?!", the answer is no, they did not. What MS DID say three months ago (and what was almost universally misreported) was that they were on course to sell their target number of a million units by....end June, as their plans predicted. Et voila.

Facts, dear fanboys, facts. No need to fear them.

[Jonathan Keim @ Jul 23rd 2007 12:48PM]

""So the Zune has done pretty well.""

Maybe it wouldn't have done 'as' well if Apple didn't already create the market... It's debatable since there is no way to go back in time and put the Zune in place of the iPod.

[Chris @ Jul 23rd 2007 1:16PM]

Keep in mind the original iPod was not supported on Windows. That slowed the adoption rate considerably.

[Shabbis @ Jul 23rd 2007 1:24PM]

How about the iPhone selling more units than the Zune in the first week? I know, different devices, but similar situation. The cell phone market is much more mature than the DAP market dominated by Nokia, Moto et al. I'd say the iPhone has done phenomenal in its first week. I personally know four people in my office who switched from HTC Wm5 phones to the iPhone and couldn’t be happier. It’s exactly what the market has been looking for.


Not to worry, the 6G iPod, most likely to be released this fall, will blow away anything MS has in the works. MS will have to warm up those copiers yet again.

[roach @ Jul 23rd 2007 2:20PM]

Zune is still not available outside of USA.

[angelsvairwaves1 @ Jul 23rd 2007 3:37PM]

If Apple can sell a million $642 iPhones in less than 3 days, then think fast the new iPods will sell out (if they are clones of the iPhone).

Zune2 is screwed, thats just how it is. I've always liked the zune, but its just not that revolutionary or neat. Would you rather have an iPhone-like iPod, or a zune? No question for me, but to each his own.

[derek @ Jul 23rd 2007 12:46PM]

Who cares...

[James @ Jul 23rd 2007 12:52PM]

Derek,

Then why waste your time commenting, you moron? Suggests to the rest of us that you are an Apple fanboy.

[derek @ Jul 23rd 2007 1:01PM]

Close... Sony fanboy. Moron

[paloooz @ Jul 23rd 2007 12:59PM]

What makes you think he's an Apple fanboy? Maybe he really likes his Sansa, or maybe he's a die-hard Creative Zen user. There are plenty of other players to like besides the Zune, not just iPods.

[echo @ Jul 23rd 2007 1:30PM]

paloooz I don't know what Zune you have used, but it is not a slow interface. Actually it is the iPod 5g that lags from screen to screen, stalling when you fastforward in movies, out of different menus. Before you say Oh he is just a Zune fanboy, I have a 5.5g iPod.

There is no need to knock the Zune. It is a good product just like the iPod is a good product. They people here defend products it seems like they are getting a paycheck from that company.

[paloooz @ Jul 23rd 2007 1:51PM]

I wouldn't know, I've never used an iPod 5.5g. The last iPod I used was the original Shuffle. So I can't attest for their user interfaces. But, I have used the Zune and must say ... it is very annoying. You push a button and you have to wait for it to slide pointlessly, fading, wasting battery power...

[Jaxim @ Jul 23rd 2007 12:46PM]

I hope they provide a "major" firmware update SOON. The current Zune just needs some software improvements in order to be great. I hope they don't forget those who bought the 1st version. Any software improvements that the 2nd generation has should also be made available (if technically feasible) to the 1st generation.

[GregGrunge @ Jul 23rd 2007 1:11PM]

But that's not typical MS style. What will probably happen is right before the new models are released (probably the day before) they will let loose a firmware/software update for the models already in the wild which will render them completely useless forcing customers to upgrade to the new version if they want to continue to be able to use all the peripherals they have already invested in. And no, I'm not an Apple fanboy. Just someone (one of many) that have been burned by MS's business strategies.

[Paule @ Jul 23rd 2007 12:48PM]

Oh come on. That's so ridiculous. They didn't even manage to release the first version over here in old Europe. Thanks a lot.

[James @ Jul 23rd 2007 12:55PM]

Jonathan Keim,

That may be the most nonsensical, incomprehensible and downright stupid comment I have ever read on a blog. It's not even a comment, let alone a reply; it's a ridiculous nothing-statement. Well done.

Now finish your homework.

[Victor @ Jul 23rd 2007 1:10PM]

Maybe this time they'll release the Zune in Canada.

[Michael Francis @ Jul 23rd 2007 4:48PM]

I know tons of places that sell it in Canada, and cheap too. I saw it once here in btown (Brampton) for 269 + tax. I was considering getting one but I really hate WMP11 and since I would be forced to use it ... well you can see where this is going.

[Homeboy @ Jul 23rd 2007 1:16PM]

I hope MS has kick ass plans up their sleeves for the next gen Zune because the new iPod G6 and the iAudio X7 will be launching in the coming months.

The Wifi in Zune is as useless as Bluetooth is in the iPhone, you can't use in the way you want to. It would be awesome if a Wifi Zune could be used as a wireless remote for controlling Vista Media Center.


Come on MS, get creative! If you could Challenge Sony and Nintendo with the Xbox, I'm sure you can challenge the iPod.

[david @ Jul 23rd 2007 1:22PM]

this article isnt properly cited. The story was from a wordpress blog called whizbyte not slashdot

[Sy @ Jul 23rd 2007 1:23PM]

Expect a new slogan. Here is a good candidate: Puke Green(Halo xbox 360 edition) is the new black.

[Iced_Eagle @ Jul 23rd 2007 1:26PM]

Can't wait for this :) I really want a Zune, but I didn't have the money. Now with the second gen coming up, it should fix a lot of the first-gen flaws.

We'll see how they fix the flaws though. Hell, I may even wait another year for the third gen.

[David @ Jul 23rd 2007 1:42PM]

Hmm... here's a chance for MS to take the lead by actually releasing a DAP that people want: Fullscreen, Wifi Acess, and (SSD?), or just basically an iPhone without the phone service.

I mean I would definitely buy that if it is still $300.

Plus, competition is good because now Apple will have to release something new to keep its market share.

[michael @ Jul 23rd 2007 1:50PM]

@palooz - true in some points, but:
- Controls work for me. Not a clickwheel, but regular buttons never killed anyone.
- The 1.4 firmware fixed that, and it never seemed that slow. It seems quite slick to me.
- I'll give you that
- To some people, 30 GB is enough. But yeah, they should offer a more variety of capacities.
- It didn't seem that bad to me, but I guess it could have been better
- Lack of codecs, again?
- I'm not that experimental, but I guess you're right.
- You're right about this one
- WiFi isn't too bad, if all your friends have a Zune. It's at least better than no WiFi at all. And a firmware update could fix that.
- Considering most people actually use Windows, it's not surprising. Although I agree an OS X version should come to better compete.
- FM radio isn't too bad in my city. Better than no radio on the iPod
- Yeah, the codecs. I'm sure anyone could just download them off the internet for their Zune, just like with the iPod.

So it's not that bad. I could give you how it improves over the iPod, but you probaly wouldn't be interested.

[Chicksta @ Jul 23rd 2007 1:53PM]

If they're thinking of releasing it 'prior to' the holiday season, they'd better aim for sooner rather than later. People will be making up their wishlists and they'll need time for people to know about it in order for them to want one. To this day, most people I know (even many tech-savvy ones) are not aware of the Zune, let alone eagerly awaiting a rev 2. People look at 'which iPod to get', not at 'which mp3 player'. It's like how everyone wanted a Walkman, not just 'any' portable tape player.
But as far as people defending products that they like, it doesn't come across to me as 'getting a paycheck'. Think deadhead, parrothead... lots of people revolve a lifestyle around a product (like a band or its music) and are passionate devotees. I'd actually be impressed with the fact that Microsoft finally had devotees of something that they made (xbox, 360, Zune, whatever) except that the great majority of people signing their praises only wants to claim that they like that product in comparison to something else, not in and of itself. The tired 'it's better than... cos I like it more' argument smacks of devotion based on beligerance rather than passion or true for-target-audience benefits. I think a product needs to differentiate itself better than the Zune has to deserve real devotees, not just the 'I hate whatever's popular' and 'I'd eat anything Microsoft serves' camps, which is kind of an odd paradox really...

[Josh @ Jul 23rd 2007 2:17PM]

You don't know very many tech savy people who keep up on tech news then. If you haven't heard of the Zune I don't think you can call yourself (or call them) tech savy.

It's like saying you are a video game fanatic but you've never heard of Nintendo.

[Chicksta @ Jul 23rd 2007 2:59PM]

I have to disagree wholeheartedly about that - there are generalists, and there are specialists. Many tech people I know fall into the 'specialist' category, whereas they could give a rat's ass about any mp3 players or digital cameras, for example. A doctor can be savvy without knowing all about the latest brain surgery techniques - say, if he's a dentist and knows the latest laser tooth removal products, for a different example. A 'tech enthusiast' would be a different beast, but that's not what I said.

[rip @ Jul 23rd 2007 2:31PM]

@josh

More like you've never heard of a N-Gage.

Actually, considering the Zune isn't available worldwide, it's more like the Wonder Swan.

[Dragod @ Jul 23rd 2007 2:38PM]

I think all that we really need right now is to change the "3 days or 3 plays" to a wireless guest sync-like download. Let us play the songs as much as we want, but have them so that we can't sync them to our computers without purchasing the song from the marketplace... I think people would be much happier with that.

Other than that, all I'd like to see is a clock, podcast support, and an easier way to edit video metadata. Other than that, I couldn't be happier with my Zune, 3 days or 3 plays is fine for me, but not for everyone.

[obiwan @ Jul 23rd 2007 2:40PM]

Here, let me cheerfully add nothing to the conversation:
Open up the WiFi and make it Mac-friendly.
Expand the available codecs.
Speed up the interface.

And I STILL won't buy one. They lost me at Hello, World (I mean, welcome to the social).

[Dragod @ Jul 23rd 2007 2:58PM]

All I really hope to see from Generation 2 is for people to actually give it a chance. People complain about "3 days or 3 plays" and it's size, but I'm sure not many people have used them for a decent amount of time... If you want to know why I bought the Zune, here's why:
-I had an iPod, I couldn't stand the clickwheel.
-You can't scratch it except for the screen and navigation pad.
-Larger screen.
-WiFi, 3 days is plenty for me.
-It was something new.
-Magnets on the earbuds. (I know this is stupid, but I love it. I actually don't use headphones without magnets now)
-I loved the Double-shot. The Black with Blue looks amazing to me.
-I can personalize it. I love using my pictures as my background. I just got a dog, and I have his picture looking at me.
-The Customer service is great. I've only had to call once, and it only took 10 minutes.
-The radio helped me a lot. I actually was warned about a tornado because of it.
-I like the "Twist" interface. I don't like having to backup all the way if I miss hit.
-The navigation buttons work well. I don't ever scroll pass what I want.
-People ask to look at it. Everyone's seen an iPod, the Zune looks different.
-The feedback is great. I actually get commented back at Zuneinsider.com
-The Zune software doesn't take a minute to load. When I used iTunes it would lag my computer for a bit. Though that was on an old XP Professional with 512mb ram.


I admit, I am a bit of a Microsoft fanboy, but I don't have a problem with the iPod. It's just not my style.

[michael @ Jul 23rd 2007 3:50PM]

Wow! You just like described everything I've liked about my Zune.

I also have the black Zune (practically ever Zune owner does), and the blue doubleshot is neat to me too.

I agree about the customer service. They're really fast. I've heard other Zune owners were happy about the customer service too. I don't know if it comes from not having lots of users, but it works for me!

Everything else you say is as true as anything. Top notch comment you have there

[JC @ Jul 23rd 2007 4:02PM]

Exactly why I love my Zune too. I had a 4g iPod and I hated the click wheel, it's more of a novelty than anything else (like the touch screen interface, ah-hem ;).

[Jason @ Jul 23rd 2007 5:30PM]

Totally agree with your comments. I have owned too many iPods to justify, and purchased the Zune the day it was released. I like the screen, interface, and overall feel of the Zune over the iPod. I have never been a big fan of the clickwheel particularly when fast forwarding through a long selection. I purchased a brown Zune because a lot of people were mocking the color. It is certanly different. My Zune is scratch free unlike my video iPod which was a disgrace after about two weeks.

The one thing I am disappointed in is the lack of new features via software/firmware update. The Zune should support Audible format, have a desktop Podcast accumulator, and definitely support more video codecs.

[L.M.L.Y.P @ Jul 23rd 2007 8:25PM]

I love all those and the help they give me when i called. i replaced my gf's zune and headphones all within 10 minutes. theyre awesome and i cant wait to buy the new zune . even if i still have my gen 1 by the release, because i can trust itll be jawesome , as long as its not touch i cant stand that . prolly means ill have to buy one for my gf also

[Damien Wright @ Jul 23rd 2007 11:33PM]

Nice comment. I've used the Zune quite a bit (belonging to a friend of mine) and think it's wonderful hardware, though, I'm not completely in love with the software.

I have an iPod and it works very well, but lacks most of the features I would like. (Steve Jobs said for years that iPods users don't want FM Tuners. He's wrong!)

The best thing about the Zune is the screen, the wifi (3 days is plenty for me, too), the customizable background and the scratch-less, smudge-less/double-shot finish on on the hardware.

The worst thing about Zune is the software. It's not horrible, but not easy to figure out either.

That said: I totally want a flash version.

However, here's the problem: I use a Mac. Zune doesn't work on Macs.

:(

[FAT MAN GO BOOM @ Jul 23rd 2007 3:41PM]

More MS shit... I am done with MS no more I will by there products... I am on my 3rd Xbox 360, My MS XP OS will not renew I am tired of their BS... once my 360 dies again... I will not get another...

Sorry MS you screwed me way to many times....take your Zune and shove it...

[timatl @ Jul 23rd 2007 5:07PM]

competition is always good for the consumer. even though the zune is not a true threat today, it will force apple to make the ipod to be more feature rich and lower cost. i am sure micro$oft will step the game the next round.

[Quietell @ Jul 29th 2007 10:08AM]

I really can't say to much about the zune, because I've only used it in stores, but I think that MS made a mistake by trying to make something better then the iPod. I think that they should've made something completely different, rather then try to kill the iPod at it's own game.