Microsoft Sniffs Out iPod Accessory Makers for "Zune"

[Kougar]

Microsoft going for the throat with its PMP


Engadget broke the news yesterday (http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/11/microsofts-media-player-dubbed-zune/) that Microsoft upcoming portable media player which has been code-named "Argo" is officially to be called Zune. Zune is said to have player to player wireless song transfer, a brushed metal backing and will be available in a variety of colors.

Today, we have word from iLounge that Microsoft has been in direct contact with iPod accessory manufacturers (http://ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/microsoft-approaches-ipod-accessory-makers-for-zune/) to score licensing deals for its player. iLounge also confirms that Microsoft is willing to offer lower licensing costs compared to Apple's "Made for iPod" program. Microsoft is likely hoping that lower licensing costs will allow third-party manufacturers to produce just as many accessories for Zune as there available for the range of iPods.


Full article is at http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=3288 (http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=3288)

http://images.dailytech.com/nimage/2062_2042_argo.jpg

[tomato]

Heh, it looks like M$ lured away some of Apple's designer's the create that thing... it's even white :P

[werty316]

Geeze it is me or does it look like an ipod? I guess as long as it isn't exact to a tee its fine.

[Kougar]

Geeze it is me or does it look like an ipod? I guess as long as it isn't exact to a tee its fine.

I've seen far, far worse imitations of the iPod... compared to them, this is pretty minor! ;) Infact the design doesn't look half bad, although I guess I'll have to see what they mean by "other colors" first...

Looks like they'll have plenty of screen space compared to the iPod though, I'll say that much. I suppose you will be able to turn it on it's side and watch a wide aspect movie now, for those that are into watching movies on tiny displays at least. ;)

[tomato]

Some more fuel to the "Zune" rumourmill:
Microsoft portable dubbed "Zune," won't game?
http://www.gamespot.com/news/show_blog_entry.php?topic_id=24794731&sid=6153942

"What we heard: The work week got off to a sizzling start on Monday when a report from the Seattle Times stated that Microsoft's rumored portable, sometimes referred to as the xPod or Xboy because of its music and gaming potential, was in fact a line of portables. Citing a source, the author of the article said that the "Argo" would feature WiFi capability and compete in the same market with the DS and PSP."

Well... there's always the next gen Zune...

[Kougar]

Well, the "Argo" was renamed Zune, so I guess it dispels the author of that rumor.

With a screen larger than that of the iPod I expect Zune to be a bigger hit for playing movies, it ought to at least play wide aspect ratio movies if you hold the player on it's side... ;)

[werty316]

I don't really see this product taking off as teh ipod has been in the market place and some users might be hesitant of the Zune but I guess we'll have to see how it fairs against the ipod.