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Microsoft sings a new Zune

Microsoft's newly released music player is the latest in a years-long desire to counter Apple's dominance in the sector.

5 min read

Microsoft sings a new Zune

Microsoft and its Zune portable media player have some catching up to do. But although Apple Computer's iPod is by far the leading media device, some analysts and consumers feel there is plenty of room for the Zune to best it. Will the Zune emerge as one of the cool kids in the fast-growing portable media player crowd? Or is that just a rock 'n roll fantasy for Microsoft?

Latest News

Analyst: Zune finding some willing ears

But sales strength is coming from West Coast cities and not college towns, says market researcher Current Analysis.December 20, 2006

Microsoft makes Zune Vista-friendly

Music player now works with new operating system, thanks to software update that also improves the installation process.December 20, 2006

Desperately seeking Zune

reporter's notebook The music player is supposed to be all about sharing and socializing. So where is everyone?
Photos: In search of Zune pals
Map: Looking for Zune love
December 11, 2006

Microsoft: Zune sales to top 1 million by June

The music player has slipped from its early perch in the sales charts, but Redmond is still whistling a happy tune.December 6, 2006

Zune moving at slow tempo

In downtown San Francisco, anyway, Microsoft's just-launched music player certainly wasn't flying off the shelf. November 14, 2006

Microsoft Zune (30GB, brown)

review The Zune is a very good start, but lukewarm format support and limited Wi-Fi capability will have advanced users seeking more. November 14, 2006

Microsoft sees Zune as just opening act

Due out Tuesday, Microsoft's music player is the latest in a years-long desire to counter Apple's dominance in the sector. November 14, 2006

Taking Zune software for a spin

blog Interested in getting a sense of Zune, but don't want to shell out $249? Downloading the software is one option. November 14, 2006

Zune is out of tune, for now

perspective CNET News.com's Scott Ard says Microsoft's first attempt at a digital music player still isn't ready for prime time.November 13, 2006

Will they swoon for Zune?

podcast Join the CNET News.com Reporters' Roundtable with Charlie Cooper, Ina Fried and James Kim as they consider the newest entry in the digital media player market.November 13, 2006

Microsoft heads to the mosh pit

reporter's notebook Is the software giant's music player for those who rock steady, or is it all just a rock 'n' roll fantasy?November 10, 2006

Debating iPod's merits at Zune's party

reporter's notebook Plenty who attended the launch party for Microsoft's Zune are iPod owners, although some sounded ready for a change. November 10, 2006

A rude awakening for Zune

blogma Forget brown, the true color of the Zune is black-and-blue. Now, with the player's retail launch finally upon us, the reviews are in, and they're not pretty. November 10, 2006

A first look at the Zune

CNET editors' take The Microsoft Zune can hold its own as a portable media player, and the sharing feature is definitely cool. But the lack of format support will estrange some seasoned users.

Zune accessories rolling in

Crave blog As the Zune booty starts making an appearance, ezGear has announced details of its initial lineup for the music player. November 9, 2006

Swan song for Microsoft's music allies?

news analysis Some say Microsoft's Zune player means an end to Windows Media PlaysForSure partner program. July 25, 2006

Zune could kill Microsoft partners, not iPod

blogma Bloggers chime in on Redmond's strategy for battling Apple Computer on the music player and downloadable music front. July 22, 2006

Microsoft sings a new Zune

Microsoft and its Zune portable media player have some catching up to do. But although Apple Computer's iPod is by far the leading media device, some analysts and consumers feel there is plenty of room for the Zune to best it. Will the Zune emerge as one of the cool kids in the fast-growing portable media player crowd? Or is that just a rock 'n roll fantasy for Microsoft?

Latest News

Analyst: Zune finding some willing ears

But sales strength is coming from West Coast cities and not college towns, says market researcher Current Analysis.December 20, 2006

Microsoft makes Zune Vista-friendly

Music player now works with new operating system, thanks to software update that also improves the installation process.December 20, 2006

Desperately seeking Zune

reporter's notebook The music player is supposed to be all about sharing and socializing. So where is everyone?
Photos: In search of Zune pals
Map: Looking for Zune love
December 11, 2006

Microsoft: Zune sales to top 1 million by June

The music player has slipped from its early perch in the sales charts, but Redmond is still whistling a happy tune.December 6, 2006

Zune moving at slow tempo

In downtown San Francisco, anyway, Microsoft's just-launched music player certainly wasn't flying off the shelf. November 14, 2006

Microsoft Zune (30GB, brown)

review The Zune is a very good start, but lukewarm format support and limited Wi-Fi capability will have advanced users seeking more. November 14, 2006

Microsoft sees Zune as just opening act

Due out Tuesday, Microsoft's music player is the latest in a years-long desire to counter Apple's dominance in the sector. November 14, 2006

Taking Zune software for a spin

blog Interested in getting a sense of Zune, but don't want to shell out $249? Downloading the software is one option. November 14, 2006

Zune is out of tune, for now

perspective CNET News.com's Scott Ard says Microsoft's first attempt at a digital music player still isn't ready for prime time.November 13, 2006

Will they swoon for Zune?

podcast Join the CNET News.com Reporters' Roundtable with Charlie Cooper, Ina Fried and James Kim as they consider the newest entry in the digital media player market.November 13, 2006

Microsoft heads to the mosh pit

reporter's notebook Is the software giant's music player for those who rock steady, or is it all just a rock 'n' roll fantasy?November 10, 2006

Debating iPod's merits at Zune's party

reporter's notebook Plenty who attended the launch party for Microsoft's Zune are iPod owners, although some sounded ready for a change. November 10, 2006

A rude awakening for Zune

blogma Forget brown, the true color of the Zune is black-and-blue. Now, with the player's retail launch finally upon us, the reviews are in, and they're not pretty. November 10, 2006

A first look at the Zune

CNET editors' take The Microsoft Zune can hold its own as a portable media player, and the sharing feature is definitely cool. But the lack of format support will estrange some seasoned users.

Zune accessories rolling in

Crave blog As the Zune booty starts making an appearance, ezGear has announced details of its initial lineup for the music player. November 9, 2006

Swan song for Microsoft's music allies?

news analysis Some say Microsoft's Zune player means an end to Windows Media PlaysForSure partner program. July 25, 2006

Zune could kill Microsoft partners, not iPod

blogma Bloggers chime in on Redmond's strategy for battling Apple Computer on the music player and downloadable music front. July 22, 2006