So, Microsoft’s firstborn
has been around for six months, and in that time there have been unfavourable
comparisons with the iPod, Zuner frustration with limited wireless uses, and already
speculation about a new child: Zune 2. But how will this and future Zunes be
different? We’ve already seen a competent media player with wireless sharing,
but this aspect has not been successful because… well, there simply haven’t
been enough Zunes around to join “the Social”.
A new direction is needed,
and integration into Microsoft’s existing, recognised family of products seems a
wise route. We’ve already seen both the Zune and Xbox Marketplaces deal in
Microsoft Points, and some interactivity between the Zune and Xbox 360
(including the ability to connect the Zune to the Xbox 360 via USB to view
content). We’re also seeing tie-ins between the brands with the impending
Halo-themed Zune, but we could see much more integration that allows the Zune to
step out of the iPod’s shadow and do something different.
Zune and the Xbox both have
wireless so it seems logical they should be able to connect wirelessly – but as
with wireless-enabled PCs, they can’t. Wireless downloads have been speculated
about and both the Zune and Xbox marketplaces could become a vehicle for this –
allowing Zuners to download not just music, videos and firmware but also games,
if they ever become a feature. Bejeweled, once part of MSN Messenger, seems the
kind of game that would work well, as would chess and checkers – and the
wireless capability of the Zune would allow people close by to play against
each other.
We’ve also seen Xbox
integration with Microsoft’s Live Messenger brand, and Zune could join this
too. Or, how about the Zune becoming an additional (albeit limited) controller?
How about streaming music and video across the internet to your chat buddy? Or
their Zune? Or, suppose you did meet a fellow Zuner in the street and shared a
song – you could later hook up your Zune to your PC or Xbox and connect with
that Zuner again through the data saved on your Zunes. It could save a lot of
hassle asking for phone numbers – just ask him or her to “Zune you” instead!
Last but not least, the Windows Live I.D. could be stored on Zunes to allow
quick and painless downloading in music stores, as well as allowing for quick
user setup on Xbox 360s. The possibilities are endless, and I'd love to see the Zune fulfil its potential. Stay Zuned.
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