Zune

If you are interested in gadgets and have not heard about Microsoft's Zune, you probably were disconnected all weekend or living under a rock. I think this is a positive move for Microsoft and the consumer (real competition for the iPod). Last November, I discussed the different strategic design models Microsoft uses in this post, and the problem with their current approach of developing reference hardware platforms for vendors to implement and customize. This leaves users out in the cold when it comes to software upgrades. Bill Gates' mantra has always been that software is king. How can you have a product model that leaves software updates up to the whim of vendors. For me, Zune is another acknowledgment that for a consumer product to succeed, it must be hip, up to dateand provide a seamless experience controlled by one vendor.

Already a slew of web sites have popped up but there is very little information coming out of Microsoft other than the Billboard magazine interview. There is a blog probably worth watching, zuneinsider by Cesar Menendez, a member of the Zune product team. For now the only capabilities, we know about, are that the device will be a music/video player, have a dedicated web store and WiFi support. With the proliferation of Bluetooth stereo headsets (more on BT headsets later this week) using the A2DP profile, I sure hope they include this functionality. However, I am also conscious that although the device needs to be technologically up to date, it also must be very simple. The key to it's success against the iPod will be how the designers balance form, functionality, and usability.

I hope Microsoft will have learned some lessons from the UMPC experience. It is not enough to generate buzz, you must have the right product at the right price point. I like the UMPC concept but not enough to pay $1000.00.

Microsoft has a formidable job ahead of it. Apple has sold more than 58 million iPods. Most individuals who own iPods, like myself (5500+ tracks), have their music libraries in AAC format and purchased music from iTunes in Apple's proprietary protected format. There will have to be a compelling reason to switch at this point in the audio/video device continuum.

Now that the initial buzz has taken place, we must wait until August for some prototype to be shown or at least more specifications. The stakes for Microsoft's reputation are high, it will be interesting watch how the iPod war develops. It won't be long before it becomes an MBA case study, so stay tuned.