Zune

Zune is originally the brand of the digital player which was issued Microsoft company. After a stop of release of a player in 2011 the Zune brand is used on such devices as Xbox 360, computers based on Windows and smartphones based on Windows Phone 7. The software of Zune is used for purchase of a multimedia content and its organization on the computer and synchronization with mobile devices running Windows Phone. Besides, Zune is integrated into Bing and MSN".

Product history

The first Zune model was produced in 2006 when in the market with might and main there were sales of a player of iPod Apple company of fifth generation^[1].

Last time the line of Zune was updated in September, 2009 - then start of the first Zune player equipped with the touch screen and capable to reproduce movies with permission of high definition took place (to 720p). From here he also received the name - Zune HD. The player was well apprehended, however to compete with iPod was already late.

Did not help Microsoft and advantages of its product. In addition to the built-in radio (in its iPod never was), the first model of the device had the screen of the bigger size and was offered in the fashionable brown body. Besides, the vendor tried to attract buyers, offering an opportunity of unlimited access to the music service - what Apple did not offer still (March, 2011).

The USA was the main sales market of players of Microsoft. According to NPD Group, the share of Microsoft is small here - the company was not included into the first five of producers. For comparison, the market leader, Apple companies, possessed 77% of deliveries.

In March, 2011 it became known that Microsoft will stop development of new models of the Zune mediaplayer in connection with low demand for these devices, reported Bloomberg with reference to the informed source.

In March, 2011 the company conducted sales of a remaining balance of Zune at the reduced price - $170 for the 16-gigabyte version and $200 for the version with 32 GB of memory that is about 30% less in comparison with iPod Touch. Support of the existing owners of Zune players will be limited to North America.

At the same time Microsoft will continue to release the software of Zune of the same name which will be used for purchase of a multimedia content and its organization on the computer and synchronization with mobile devices running Windows Phone.

"We do not close any services and we do not limit functionality of Zune, - specified in Microsoft. - The Microsoft corporation will continue to make a contribution to development of the film and musical industry by means of the Zune brand on such devices as Xbox 360, computers based on Windows and smartphones based on Windows Phone 7. Besides, Zune will be integrated into Bing and MSN". Thus, in the company let know that the Zune brand will continue the existence.

According to experts, the reason of a failure of Microsoft in the market of pocket players was the fact that over time users even more often began to listen to music on smartphones. Trying to follow a trend of distribution of konvergenny devices, in 2010 Microsoft released the Kin smartphones, but they did not find popularity and afterwards were laid off.

• Office Microsoft Zune (photos)

Notes