Zune - More Bark Than Bite?

A few months back, Microsoft made waves with they announced their intentions to take on Apple with the introduction of their own vertically integrated media player. With Zune, Microsoft has clearly set it’s sights on Apple’s tightly integrated iPod + iTunes. However, what was once expected to make a big splash, is starting to look like it may only make a whimper.

Zune is expected to be more than just an “iPod killer”, but rather an entire media platform. As Engadget puts it:

The Zune brand encompasses not only the device, but the software that will drive it, as well as a music, movie, and media service the Zune device family will use for acquiring, sharing, and discovery of said media. Music will be the first angle of service that is launched, “connected entertainment” being the ultimate goal.

With purported features such as a large 3” horizontal screen, WiFi capabilities, and FM tuner, it was looking like Microsoft might actually give Apple a run for their money. However, one feature stood out to me as a solution in search of a problem.

Microsoft’s forthcoming Zune player is shooting to be the life of the party, allowing users to create mobile social networks and stream music to nearby friends or strangers, according to a government regulatory filing.

What?

Why would I want to do that? How much will that kill the battery? What happens when I inevitably move away… I mean, it is a portable device we’re talking about here. And if you dig a little deeper, the Zune might not be all that innovative after all, as it’s starting to look a little familiar

Microsoft’s upcoming Zune digital media player appears to be little more than a repackaged Toshiba Gigabeat player, which itself has enjoyed only marginal success, one Wall Street analyst says.

I wish Microsoft the best of luck with Zune, but they’ve definitely got an uphill battle in front of them. A number of media devices that have stood in the area with the iPod, but none have managed to bring the same balance of hardware and software integration to topple it. If anyone can actually pose a serious threat to Apple’s dominance with the iPod, it’s Microsoft. They certainly have the cash flow do fight the long fight, and with the Xbox they’ve shown that they can muscle their way into an established market. It should be interesting to see what comes of this.