The rumors are buzzin’ like crazy now that Zune has been labeled the “iPod Killer” and we’ve received a few details about it. The specifics that remain unknown are all becoming rumors and now the rumors are flying about the launch date.
Betanews is claiming an October launch date while Engadget is rumoring a November 14th date. Either way, I’m sure we can expect it to be fully stocked on the shelves before the holiday rush if Microsoft has any intention of competing with the iPod. I think it’s safe to say that it will probably take years before Microsoft will truly be able to compete with Apple. If only the rumor about the iPod lasting for four years (really, it’s “for years”) was true, Microsoft may have had a chance to build the competition early on in the game.
In other rumored news about Microsoft’s portable entertainment devices, it is believed that there is an additional player that Microsoft is working on code named Pyxis. Betanews says it would be comparable to the iPod Nano in size and function but with added video support.
Just like the iPod relationship with iTunes, the Zune is rumored to be companioned with a service called Alexandria. Seriously, could they have thought of a better name? I don’t know about you but Alexandria just doesn’t flow like iPod does with iTunes.
So if the Zune is really expected to be launched in October/November, I anticipate Microsoft will be unveiling this “iPod Killer” shortly complete with all of the juicy details. Until then all rumors.
So this Alexandria service will be a music store? The only way I could see it competing with iTunes is if the songs are prices dramatically lower or have less protection (able to put the song on more PCs or something). Because in my opinion, the iPod is better looking than the Zune (or at least the model that we saw) by a lot and Microsoft isn’t going to take any market share away from Apple by their player’s appeal.
Also, Ashley, where you wrote about the rumor that the iPod lasts four years, that’s not what really happened according to: [ipodobserver.com] and other sources.
Hi Max, in saying that “If only the rumor about the iPod only lasting for four years was true” I meant that it wasn’t. I linked back to the Appleinsider article talking about the same thing your link talked about– how it lasts “for years”. I guess my wording was just a little confusing
I may have to re-write that sentence.
Also, from what I gather, Alexandria would be a music store similar to iTunes. I agree, I like the look of the iPods. I think Apple has done well establishing themselves with it. I think Microsoft is in for a long battle to gain any share of the market with this one. Who knows what will happen…..