Zune HD International launch hopes crushed by Microsoft, others raised
By Thomas Ricker 
posted September 11th 2009 3:08AM
posted September 11th 2009 3:08AM
"For the time being the Zune HD device will remain US only. Right now we are focused on deploying an exciting service in the form of Zune Video to 18 markets. We are looking at potential future hardware experiences for these markets, but do not have anything to announce right now."Plenty of fodder for conspiracy types here. First, that means Canada is out, even though older Zune models are already on sale there. But the words "for the time being" leave plenty of wiggle room for an international launch window. And what does Microsoft mean by the generically phrased, "future hardware experiences?" Are they referring to a Zune service destined to "transcend Zune the device" later this year? Perhaps. One thing is clear: consumers are far more excited about the Zune HD than the original -- especially now that Apple's cat is out of the bag. Microsoft could be leaving a ton of money on the table if they don't go global, quick.
[Thanks, Safir]
Wow I seriously thought it was going to be global.
What use did it have earlier to say they wouldn't launch it in France if you're not even going to launch it in Europe?
LOL! Nothing bad! Almost Everyone will be able to buy it from ebay!!!:)))
It will be, soon.
But, why all the bad news about Zune show up just after the new iPod lineup fail to wow the people?
ARGH I LIVE IN CANADA.. guess i'll have to ebay it.
what's a zune?
I know... terrible business decision by MS. Even if they don't have the proper international distribution channels, how long has the Zune been out... so how long have they had the opportunity to build those distribution channels.
I'm particularly surprised since the rest of the world doesn't give Apple the automatic street cred it gets here in the U.S., so it would seem like the Zune would actually have a chance of making a dent in PMP market share in other countries, whereas it is much more difficult to do that here in the U.S.
I am sorry, but is Microsoft OUT OF THEIR MINDS?!?
Everyone knows that there will be a clash between iPod announcements and zune HD announcements this fall. Perhaps Microsoft intentionally not wanting to launch internationally because they don't want to engage on a fight with Apple head on. However, with the disappointing Apple event and the even more disappointing iPod "improvements", is Microsoft that clueless that this might be the one big chance to crack open the iPod stronghold? Are they not nimble enough to quickly change strategy and prounce on this chance?
I am a long time iPod user (with a 1st gen iPod touch right now) and I was waiting for the zune HD to come out. Then Apple had the event so I am on the wait and see camp... The new iPod is so disappointing that I am ready to get a Zune HD and now they pull this? F**king morons! Once I cool down it's going to be another long hard fight between iPod and Zune, AND THEY COULD HAVE HAD MY BUSINESS RIGHT NOW IF THEY LAUNCHED INTERNATIONALLY.
If they don't want or does not have time to negotiate with stores for shelve space yet, but at least they should be able to provide shipping from their inline store. Apple can do this and Microsoft with all their cash on hand cannot set this up quickly?
No wonder they are doing badly. Their decision makers are pretty clueless!
Fooking hosers! What the sh!t is this aull aboot, eh?!
@Pontro!
Superior work of Microsoft PR crew.
They can always reverse the decision and it will be a big PR win. "Nations of the world demand Zune!" will be the headline.
In the meantime, if the Zune fails, they can avoid the cost of global distribution.
a lot of the kids at my school are looking to upgrading their pmp hardware right about now, with the new school year starting and the fact that their launch iTouch is getting old now, and after the disaster of the new devices that apple rolled out, Zune HD is the only thing on the minds of everyone. i think there'd be 300 confirmed sales from my school alone, including teachers.
but unfortunately, i guess microsoft didnt realize that such scenarios exist outside of the united world of America.
its okay though, its only a 2 hour drive south :D
Why would you guys think it's global? The HD part of the Zune HD is largely because it supports HD Radio...and the US uses FM HD Radio but the rest of the world uses various other digital radio systems like DAB and DRM.
It's the same reason why we don't get those fancy cell phones that support digital TV and digital radio-they're devices that support codecs that don't exist in the US.
And the other problem is that places like Europe have multiple competing systems being installed right now so it becomes even more problematic to just ship a Euro version.
If they do release a global version it'll either be missing the HD tuner entirely or they'll have to make customized versions for each region with different tuners, or optimally they'll have to wait for a chipset that can support multiple digital radio systems.
Any bets on how long it'll take china to release the Zoone HD?
Meizu will probably make a version of it.
Meizu Z9; now with phone capability!
I'm betting on th "Poon HD".
Oh God, this won't end well....
I seriously thought that they said this was going to be a global device? I mean, I live in the US so I can get it either way, but for the rest of the world, it would be nice if they could pick up this awesome-looking device. If MS seriously has any intent on butting in on Apple's market PMP market share, they sure as hell better give the rest of the world some love.
Furthermore, does anyone look at that pic and want the Orange Soda more than the actual Zune itself?
I find myself very thirsty after seeing this post... and if you look closely you can see a Zune.
I can see why it has staid in the states so far. It kind of makes it more exclusive and intriguing. If the first gen zune had been global I think it would have been just another sansa or walkman for most iPod users who never bothered to give it a chance.
Now however is clearly the time to go with it and not balls up everything by making our first taste of the Zune brand some pointless internet explorer toolbar.
As an Australian, who had a Gigabeat S, and has always wanted a Zune (each gen except the first, because it was the same as the Gigabeat S), im very disappointed in MS.... I was expecting global launch, but no, they are far to preoccupied with the US..... Its really hurting sales figures for MS.... How can you compete against devices sold globally? Most Australians have never even heard of a Zune.... Or anything except an iPod apparently....
I believe the reason not to go Global might have something to do with the RIAA. Case in point, Pandora and Hulu. I think Microsoft has yet to been able to reach a deal with the RIAA that would allow them to offer that wicked $15 unlimited music access worldwide.
It could also have something to do with not upsetting the EU. Whatever it is though, I think its deeper then what Redmond is willing to squeal about.
I am tired of sending zunes to Colombia, they love those little things overthere.
Note to Microsoft:
WTF are you thinking, You have a sexy product that the whole world wants and you are not even going to release it worldwide? is like the apple touch without a camara.
^^ you do realize that itouch doesn't have camera. right?
All i want to know is why the hell doesn't Microsoft release a Zune HD phone??? wtF! come on Microsoft give us a freaking phone already, enough with the bs.. And don't go and put a crappy processor in it... give us the Zune HD with phone capabilities.. And make sure it's ATT compatible PLEASEEEE!!!
Well one can always import one... no Zune service though!
that and the fact you absolutely, positively get no support, of any kind, at all.
having had a flawless zune30 since launch (bought on ebay in the UK), i opted for a zune80 at launch (bought on ebay). Foolishly i dropped it once too many, and the hdd dive bombed. It was out of warranty anyway, so i purchased a zune16 (ebay uk), only to find the backlight was faulty. No support, no nothing.
for those that want a peace of mind, there are UK based suppliers that will give you a 12month warranty-like support for your device. Just don't hope to get any from microsoft.
And yes, i will be getting a zune HD, and yes, i am an ex-ipod user.
So I mean is it illegal for say online sites to sell to other english speaking countries?
Not sure exactly how a music device can be kept from leaking beyond the US even if MS only distributes it to US retailers/e-tailers
England is the only real English speaking country in EU. What do u imply ??
As well and England, there are all of other nations of the UK and Eire. Many other nations are also far more bilingual than us.
I know English is spoken extensively in EIRE making Irish a dead lang. But most countries in EU, ppl cannot speak in English.
@GnuGeek
Practically every country in Europe speaks English to some degree. In fact most Germans speak English better than we do here in the UK as they use it as their business language. I have even heard of German boardrooms that speak in English even when they are all German due to the ability to put across more descriptive words. If you go to Greece, Cyprus, Spain, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Portugal, Denmark, Austria etc etc you will be hard pressed to find someone that does not speak at least some English. So I am not sure which Europe you have been to where hardly anyone speaks English.....
Also InnocentEd did not specify Europe leaving even more English speaking countries like Autralia New Zealand South Africa etc
@Coolblue
Make a trip to Germany to inform yourself better. I have lived in Frankfurt (a more international city than even Berlin) for 10 years. The absence of english spoken TV in German society makes their mastery of english pitiful. I'm a management consultant and in those 10 years I have not come across a boardroom where they speak english even when foreigners were present. I have been kicked out of shops when I just moved to Germany, for asking friendly if they speak english, because at that moment my German was still below par.
You will see the same in Italy, Spain and most parts of France outside of Paris.
@pdvnews
I have been to Germany and many other European countries many times and have rarely had a problem. Someone I know also used to work for BMW and tells me that they enforced English even in their German factories. I also used to work for Land Rover and had no problem at all when speaking to any European dealerships etc.
@pdvnews
I used to work for a German company, and all the Germans spoke English (as did all the staff working from the various other European locations where they were based). In fact, the English in the documentation produced in Germany was often to a higher standard than the UK stuff!
As for France. They may speak English, but they'll never admit it!
I USED TO WORK FOR A GERMAN COMPANY BLAH BLAH BLAH
Who cares? We're talking about the Zune HD, not your CV.
it's interesting to see that Microsoft is avoiding competition with it's arch-rival(s) on both ends of the pacific ocean...should we judge this decision as the fact that Microsoft doesn't trust it's new masterpiece? Does it mean that all the monkey-like dancing/shouting and dissing of Mr. Ballmer was for nothing??
I don't think the Apple IPod is major factor in MS decision making. It could be a gentlemans agreement with all the other PMP manufacturers not to step on their toes.
More like a lack of confidence in the market and unwillingness to take a risk. If the US ZuneHD takes off, then it will roll out elsewhere next year. But its not a sure bet by any means. Microsoft has barely made money on the previous Zunes and its cheaper to support in a single market. It's being conservative. There may also be constrictions on the components (Tegra and screen)?
Personally, I think it will be more successful than the previous models and might gain 5% of the music market. That would be a success given the iPod lockdown.
Am I the only one that got an urge to go out and buy orange soda after this article?
i'm with you here, haven't have a orange soda for a long time, it will make something turn orange though.........;)
I am almost out the door to buy one.
An orange soda, that is.
Nah, I got plenty of them at home :D
oddly enough i was already drinking a bottle of orange crush while reading this article.
i live in the US so it doesn affect me, bu damn MS...you have a nice product her, get that shit out son
That's how you keep the hip factor.
MS f*cking hates the EU and you know why...
EU hate MS for something I don't know but I think EU sued MS and now MS are pissed and now we who live here have to pay for it. I like EU but now when they sue my favorite Company.....
Zune HD E.
comes without media playing capability.