Microsoft launched the first Zune portable media player in the United States in 2006 as a competitor to iPod media players. Since then Microsoft released the iteration and software and updated which brought significant improvement. From the much maligned ‘iPod wannabe’ to becoming an outstanding piece of software in its own right. Zune grew not only as good mp3 players, but also as excellent software that is built right into the PC and is now a great companion component to the recently released and well-regarded Windows Phone 7.
The impressive Zune Hd is probably the one that heralded the Metro user interface that can be found in Windows Phone 7. The simple yet elegant user interface of the Zune Hd wins a lot of praise because there was nothing like it before. It is considered one of the best media players on the market today.
But the sad truth is that the Zune hardware line isn’t taking off as much as Microsoft wanted it to.
Many thought that the end of the Zune is inevitable because consumers don’t really accept the product and also because the Zune is only released in a few select territories. But Microsoft has added the Zune software and services on PC, Xbox, and Windows Phone 7. They become an integral part of your digital experience like the Zune Pass, which is a digital music subscription.
So it’s safe to say that the Zune software is thriving with its impressive array of features. On the hardware side, the Zune hardware may be on the decline, but Microsoft seems to profit from moving from a less profitable portable music player to a very decent line of Zune software and services.
Still the Zune music players have some solid followings. Microsoft released a 64GB version of the Zune HD earlier this year. There are many accessories available for the Zune, such as docks, cases, and speakers.