Microsoft Finally Confirms Zune
And, yes, it will eventually have gaming capabilities.
by Patrick Klepek, 07/21/2006
24 of 27 users recommend this story.
We've been talking on and off about Microsoft's confirmed-but-not-officially entry into the handheld market, Zune, for several weeks now -- even longer if we're talking idle speculation. Insiders kept suggesting there were gaming functions tied to Zune, but with a design more in-line with an iPod than a PSP, many wondered what the plan was.
All will be revealed soon. Billboard Magazine scored the scoop on Zune, which Engadget's perused and picked out the relevant details. At launch, Zune will stick to music. The plan, however, is "additional Zune-branded devices will follow, including a portable video player and, potentially, a portable game device," according to the magazine.
While music remains the primary focus (this has been billed as an iPod killer, after all), like many Microsoft projects, they quickly envision expansion. Zune will reportedly start including "ubiquitous access to digital media from a wide range of Windows-powered devices in what ultimately aspires to be one part MySpace, one part iTunes and one part Xbox Live."
The last part is the most important to gamers, obviously; as we expected Live Anywhere would become part of the Zune experience. Zune's initial success appears to be the testing ground for future iterations of the device, and if you're interested in keeping tabs on the device, Microsoft's already launched a website and blogs from employees working on the project.
Stay tuned for more.
And, yes, it will eventually have gaming capabilities.
by Patrick Klepek, 07/21/2006
24 of 27 users recommend this story.
We've been talking on and off about Microsoft's confirmed-but-not-officially entry into the handheld market, Zune, for several weeks now -- even longer if we're talking idle speculation. Insiders kept suggesting there were gaming functions tied to Zune, but with a design more in-line with an iPod than a PSP, many wondered what the plan was.
All will be revealed soon. Billboard Magazine scored the scoop on Zune, which Engadget's perused and picked out the relevant details. At launch, Zune will stick to music. The plan, however, is "additional Zune-branded devices will follow, including a portable video player and, potentially, a portable game device," according to the magazine.
While music remains the primary focus (this has been billed as an iPod killer, after all), like many Microsoft projects, they quickly envision expansion. Zune will reportedly start including "ubiquitous access to digital media from a wide range of Windows-powered devices in what ultimately aspires to be one part MySpace, one part iTunes and one part Xbox Live."
The last part is the most important to gamers, obviously; as we expected Live Anywhere would become part of the Zune experience. Zune's initial success appears to be the testing ground for future iterations of the device, and if you're interested in keeping tabs on the device, Microsoft's already launched a website and blogs from employees working on the project.
Stay tuned for more.
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