Microsoft to Launch Zune in EU

An anonymous reader writes "Happy with the sales from the little brown music player here in the states, Microsoft is working to launch the Zune media player in Europe by the end of the year. According to the Washington Post article, they are trying to have a realistic outlook on the entrenched Apple product line. They're not trying to play catch-up at the moment ... they're just trying to get on the map. From the article: '"Our next round of introductions will probably be in time for the holiday of this year." [Jason Reindorp] said Microsoft planned extensive research with focus groups in Europe to see how it could be modified for a European consumer. He said the Zune had a 10.2 percent market share in the U.S. in the 30 gigabyte category, according to the latest data, and that it was still in line to sell over a million units by June 30, the end of its current fiscal year.'"

Comments

iPod?

[sammykrupa]

"He said the Zune had a 10.2 percent market share in the U.S. in the 30 gigabyte category, "

Probably convenient that there is no 30 gigabyte iPod.

Sam Krupa

Re:I've got a Zune

[EmbeddedJanitor]

... and you are able to read & write?

Please tell me you were given it and didn't actually buy it.

M$ Just Pooped on them All

[twitter]

According to CNET, there's a bunch of entries in the 30GB category.

But how many people who don't buy an iPod are going to spend more than $200 on something that M$ just crapped on? Their entry into the market by screwing every one who bought into "Plays for Sure" Digital Restrictions, has sent a clear signal to everyone. It's too bad all of those makers played the pawn for M$ and agreed not to support OGG for the M$ approval. Can't sell to Linux heads, Mac people or Windoze Slaves, they now have zero market.

Just the same, it's hard to believe that Zune got 10% of the market, unless they include a bunch of boxes that will sit on shelves. Zune is going to repeat the Dell Jukebox story. No one is going to buy them despite promotion that includes giving them away until they withdraw from the market with their tail between their legs.

I'd like to see the makers take their revenge and offer free software friendly players. It's not like M$ can treat them any worse.