more details emerge on msft portable “zune”

filed under: gadgets | media players | mobile tech | technology | video games

July 18th, 2006 post a comment (2) stumble it! digg it! by: technabob

Microsoft Zune Prototype? Rumor has it that Microsoft’s “iPod killer” / portable gaming device, known as “Zune” will integrate the social networking (aka “friends list” from Xbox Live) features of the previously announced Live Anywhere system. The Zune, developed by Xbox 360 guru J. Allard, is rumored to include a 30GB hard drive, WiFi capabilities for media downloads and possibly online gaming. It’s also been heard that the device will feature an iPod-esque scroll wheel and come in three colors initially.

Best speculation at present is that the device will release for the holidays at the same $399 pricepoint as the 60GB iPod and the Xbox 360 Premium. The price seems a bit high for only 30GB of storage (What’s with Microsoft and skimping on hard drives? They screwed up with the 360 - why couldn’t they could learn from that?) Also, with the brilliant Nintendo DS Lite out there for as little as $129.99, it’s going to be hard to compete with them on the gaming front.

Personally, I’m not sure this baby will be killing anything if the price remains at $399, but knowing J. Allard’s track record, I’m sure there are still surprises up his sleeve.

[via Engadget]

July 18th, 2006 post a comment (2) stumble it! digg it! by: technabob

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2 comments post a comment

1. zune | July 30th, 2006 at 12:44 am

The xbox 360 will be Microsoft’s ticket to success with the Zune product line. MS has one foot in the door with the gaming system, I bet the zune will be highly integrated.
2. Administrator | July 30th, 2006 at 1:40 pm

I agree, with Live Anywhere along with J. Allard’s Xbox history, you can bet the products will be integrated. My problem… I have an iPod, a PSP, a DS Lite and an Xbox 360…. So I just don’t know if I’d want another mobile device unless it really added something totally new.