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]
FAIL MICROSOFT. FAIL. Just kill yourselves. :(
Microsoft Hardware Credibility = Zero
I really don't know why they got into Zune HD hardware, as one analyst recently said, its just a big mistake for a company with such dire track record in this field.
Are you serious? Have you even seen the Zune HD? It looks amazing. Have you ever even used a Zune device? It would be pretty hard to argue that they're not among the best music players on the market.
Zune has a bad marketing image, but they have fantastic products. It shouldn't be too hard for them to turn it around when they're sitting on a device that has everyone excited, especially while Apple's letting their iPod lineup stagnate with virtually no innovations for an entire year.
Have you ever used other Microsoft Hardware? Their microphones and webcams and keyboards are all brilliantly made, sturdy pieces of kit. Heck even the Zune 80 and the Flash Zunes were very well designed pieces of hardware. The only stumbling block they've had in recent years is the Xbox 360, and they've spent millions making ammends to that. And heck Zune HD is no 360 so I don't think there is much to worry about.
18 markets? Does that mean that they're going global with the Zune store but not the Zune device? Or does that mean 18 markets inside the US? I'm really confused, I always thought the reason why they didn't take Zunes outside the US was because they didn't have international content distribution rights. If they already have Zunes in Canada, why wouldn't they send the HD there too?
No we in Europe will have Zune marketplace soon(ZUNE:P) but MS means that we have to pay for our TV-Shows but we cant take em with us like u can after next week,....
They will sell thousands!
Very, very stupid. It was a surprise when the original Zune didn't go worldwide when its obvious target (the iPod) was already long established in every territory, but to have gone through various revisions and now a major new update while still positioned as a US only "experiment" not only seems, but is, crazy. Surely even in the states it's a little offputting to consumers that they're being offered a product that MS *still* doesn't think is ready for the rest of the world?
Yes, opening a music store in every country is hard, but that's the business MS are aiming at, they need to take the pain and get on with it. Apple did it, and in a relatively short space of time - iTunes has long been a global player with all the massive influence and market dominance that brings. How much longer are MS going to be peddling their mail order wares from a corneshop in comparison?
Because he's a mindless fanboy trying to get people riled up. Just move along, nothing to see here.
pfft. looks like it's me sticking to bloody iPods then, eh?
There are other manufacturers you know, hell the first zune was just a relabeled toshiba wasn't it?
I was trying to decide between the archos A5S and this. I guess living in canada decided for me eh?
The problem is the HD radio that is built into the Zune HD. HD radio (IBOC) transmission is only used in the USA. So if they released a Zune HD for the international market they'ed have to manufacture a different model either with no radio or with a DAB radio that most of Europe and Canada is using.
Typical idiotic decision. No wonder why the Zune, although a superior device, is unable to pick up speed.
We've been waiting for years in Canada for the marketplace (which is still not available). Now, we can't even get the device.
It is just ridiculous. Now, I really start thinking that the whole marketing management is run by a bunch of idiotic, obsolete and overwhelmed people having no clue about global economy. How can they even think that the US market is enough to create the hype that Apple is able to ignite?
Get your act together Microsoft and launnch internationally FAST! Few months and it will be too late!
I guess it's just that anti-competitive laws and copyrights stop them from setting up stores tied to the thing in civilized countries.
Is it so reliant on the store? Can't it be a useful device without it? What gives?
Can someone get me an invite? :P
*this ain't gmail*
The Zune HD also contains an HD radio. This standard is US only. Canada and Europe have different standards for HD radio, so the Zune HD will have to be re-engineered for use in those regions.
Seriously though how difficult would it be to design a Canadian version WITHOUT HD Radio (ie just an analog FM tuner)??
When it comes to content, whether it's iTunes or Zune, keep in mind that the owners of the content have sold the rights with distributors in each country. Neither Apple nor Microsoft own the content, and cannot offer it in different countries unless the local rights-holders agree. For the time being we'll have to stick with VPNs and foreign addresses to get material from other countries.
Can anyone give me some input on the zune player? Is the program that you use to work with the zune on the computer any good?
C'mon Microsoft, what is going on? They really have a genuine opportunity here to gain significant ground because from what I can perceive, there is an incredible amount of interest in the Zune HD.
Damn it, this means I won't be able to get one so eBay it is :(
Lol, that's it, i'm done. Microsoft's Zune team has no clue, they have the ability to capitalize on the failure of the new iPod line and what do they do? Use the same tactics they were using 30 years ago.
Hey microsoft how about shipping out single orders to those outside the US on your website
No?
How about giving us a definitive release date in Canada?
No?
How about ruining your first decent device before it has the chance to hit shelves?
SURE
To be fair, it's not ruined at all for those of us in the U.S.
It’s like this, the first Zune were a turn off it was a beta test, with that said it didn’t go global. The name was the butt of all jokes!! Now they are rebranding the Zune with Zune HD reintroduce it to the US first see the sales and market the Zune market place to the other 18 countries to give them a taste of what to come.
That's why we have Ebay, right?
I think there are many people inside microsoft that dont believe in ZUNE, and they are big names; so I feel really sorry for the ZUNE team they have made a great product and software, not perfect but great.
Hints, why the zune doesn't have full support on xbox, I mean that I must be able to use mixview, now playing while listening to music on my xbox360 using the zune interface.
I must be able to purchase music and use zune pass with my xbox; they both use the same backend.
And I must be able to purchase a Zune device from the moon if I wish to. So common if you MS dont want to open official channels to each country, let every body buy it from amazon, your site, etc and let the service run from within the US. So if I live in japan the marketplace must be available in English for now.
This is internal sabotage.
Should have been a global launch.
Is this a joke? they want to compete with the iPod by only selling the device in one bloody country?! what the hell is wrong with them. This has seriously got to be a big joke.
What would possess them to think '' lets launch this in the US only, that'll be good for business ''.
Well... Time for another drive down to Seattle from Vancouver to pick one of these up then...
Weak.
Please release the ZuneHD in Canada real soon, not like the 1.5yr wait that happened for the regular Zune.
I feel a boycott ZuneHD page coming on Facebook. If Microshaft wish to alienate their EU customers then I feel we ought to boycott their product (if we ever get it) and give Apple our business - second stupidest move ever by MS (Vista was the first)
Yes, boycotting the product that isn't for sale in your area yet is the second best protest idea ever.
Using facebook groups to express your outrage to a company is the first best ever-tied for first with standard online petitions, though.
heheheh.... wow. that comment was worth digging through all of my sticky notes next to my compy to find my comment password. +1 and bravo
Awww, guys... please? ;_;
WHY THE F*CK NOT CANADA!!??!?!??
YEAH! another stupid move by Microsoft, oh lets not have it for mac, and now, lets not release it to the world! Brilliant just brilliant... the one time they have a chance to really grab hold of what Apple has done with the ipod touch and iphone they screw it up....
Goddamn! Why not sell it in Canada. Sheesh, we get screwed on everything!
If I buy it in the US and then bring it over to Canada is there anything that will be blocked for me? I'm worried I wont be able to download apps or something stupid like that.
"...that means Canada is out, even though older Zune models are already on sale there."
barely... i work at a future shop and our display case has been out of stock for at least a month... we also sold our demo units too, so i know my store is completely dry... and there's no indication of any units being shipped from the distribution center...
why can't MS do the right thing and get it out there in as many markets as possible?...
So whats the big deal? Buy it from amazon, and download zune 4.0. I'm sure there are workarounds. Your banks should be able to help. And there are international banks all over the world. Just get a debit card from one of those. I dont know but i have friends in berlin and japan who use zune marketplace now.
Did anyone ever think that the reason it's not launching internationally is because of what the Zune does with all its music? Every song now comes with artist Bio, related artists etc. Imagine just having to do that on a global level in all different languages. They don't have it set up like that. Not saying it will never come, just saying that people need to think completely about what they are talking about. And on top of all that, they want to keep the supply high for the US rather than have a high demand and low supply because they launch world wide. Yes Apples "refresh" was a disappointment to any non apple fan boy, this is their chance to finally make there PMP mainstream in the US, then move onto the World.