Zune Hits US Consumer Market on Nov. 14

Posted: Friday, September 29, 2006
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Author: pradhana
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Filed under: Gadget

Microsoft Corp. is putting the social into digital music, starting this holiday. Today the company announced that the Zune digital media player and online service will be available to consumers in the U.S. on Nov. 14, 2006, just in time for the holidays. The Zune device will retail for $249.99 U.S. (ERP) and will create new ways for entertainment fans to connect and share media experiences device-to-device through the use of wireless technology and new software scenarios.

For $249.99, consumers will get an incredible entertainment experience right out of the box:

-- 30GB digital media player will come equipped with wireless functionality for Zune-to-Zune sharing of music, pictures and home recordings; a bright, three-inch LCD video screen that works in portrait or landscape mode to view pictures and videos; and a built-in FM tuner. The device will be available in three colors: black, brown and white.

-- A selection of preloaded content including songs, music videos and film shorts are installed on the device's hard drive to help consumers discover new artists and entertainment.

Zune makes it easy to find music you love -- whether it's songs in your existing library or new music from the Zune Marketplace:

-- Its dynamic music service will be continually updated with new content and experiences so there is always something to discover. The Zune Marketplace lets users browse and purchase songs individually.

-- A Zune Pass subscription gives consumers access to millions of songs for $14.99 per month.

-- Users can purchase songs individually using Microsoft(R) Points for 79 points per track. Similar to a pre-paid phone card, Microsoft Points is a stored value system that can be redeemed at a growing number of online stores, including the Xbox Live(R) Marketplace.

In addition, consumers can choose from a full line of accessories to enhance the Zune experience and help Zune users enjoy their entertainment where they want to, at home or on the road. Accessories range in price from $19.99 to $99.99.

"On Nov. 14 we're delivering not only a device, but a shared, social experience that will be shaped by the collective imagination of consumers," said Chris Stephenson, general manager of global marketing for Zune. "We're infusing the spirit of discovery and sharing into everything we do -- from the experience we crafted around the device and service to pre-loading music and videos on every device to expose people to something new."

Zune is a vehicle to explore new sounds and experiences. With that in mind, Microsoft pre-loaded each Zune device with a variety of songs and music videos from hot, new artists as well as some fun films and images. With something for everyone, the pre-loaded Zune content may just help you discover your new favorite band. Zune preloaded content includes the following:

Audio Tracks
-- Band of Horses, "Wicked Gil" (Sub Pop Records)
-- Bitter:Sweet, "The Mating Game" (Quango Music Group)
-- CSS, "Alala (Microsoft edit)" (Sub Pop Records)
-- Darkel, "At The End of The Sky (edit)" (Astralwerks)
-- Every Move a Picture, "Signs of Life" (V2)
-- Small Sins, "Stay" (Astralwerks)
-- The Adored, "Tell Me Tell Me" (V2)
-- The Rakes, "Open Book" (V2)
-- The Thermals, "A Pillar of Salt" (Sub Pop Records)

Music Video
-- 30 Seconds to Mars, "The Kill" (Virgin Records)
-- BT, "1.618" (DTS Entertainment)
-- Chad VanGaalen, "Red Hot Drops" (Sub Pop Records)
-- Coldcut featuring Roots Manuva, "True Skool" (Ninja Tune)
-- CSS, "Let's Make Love and Listen to Death From Above" (Sub Pop Records)
-- Fruit Bats, "Live: The Wind That Blew My Heart Away" (Sub Pop Records)
-- Grandaddy, "Elevate Myself" (V2)
-- Hot Chip, "Over and Over" (Astralwerks Records)
-- Kraak & Smaak featuring Dez., "Keep Me Home" (Quango Music Group)
-- Kinski, "Live: The Snowy Parts of Scandinavia" (Sub Pop Records)
-- Paul Oakenfold, "Faster Kill Pussycat (Featuring Brittany Murphy)" (Maverick Records)
-- Serena-Maneesh, "Drain Cosmetics" (Playlouderecordings)

Film Shorts
-- 5 Boro: "A New York Skateboarding Minute" (Skateboarding)
-- Radical Films: "Kranked - Progression" (Mountain Biking)
-- TGRTV The North Face (Skiing/Snowboarding)

Images
-- A variety of images to personalize a Zune device, including 12 classic rock posters from "Art of Modern Rock"

Zune Accessories

For entertainment fans who want to experience their media from anywhere, Microsoft will offer the following accessories:

-- Zune Home A/V Pack. The Home A/V Pack includes everything you need to amplify your Zune experience. This set of five products integrates Zune with your big-screen TV and the best speakers in your house. The wireless remote puts you in control from virtually anywhere in the room. When you buy the Zune Home AV Pack, you'll get the AV Output Cable, Zune Dock, Zune Wireless Remote with Lithium Battery, Zune Sync Cable and Zune AC Adapter for $99.99.

-- Zune Travel Pack. The Travel Pack includes everything you need to travel with your Zune device in style. This set of five products is designed to keep you and your friends and family entertained while you travel. When you buy the Zune Travel Pack, you'll get the Zune Dual Connect Remote, Zune Premium Earphones, Zune Gear Bag, Zune Sync Cable and Zune AC Adapter for $99.99.

-- Zune Car Pack. The Car Pack includes everything you need to hit the road with your Zune device. With AutoSeek, setup is easy, and you can enjoy your music on the go and charge at the same time. When you buy the Zune Car Pack, you'll get the FM tuner with AutoSeek and the Zune Car Charger for $79.99.

In addition to the rich service and Zune-to-Zune sharing capabilities available at launch, the built-in wireless technology and powerful software provide a strong foundation for Zune to continue to build new shared experiences around music and video. "We're offering a compelling experience right out of the box and providing customers with a solid base to customize and personalize their entertainment," Stephenson said. "This is just the beginning."

Source: ABIResearch