Buy Zune

On Windows Mobile blog a Microsoft developer has asked the question, "What are some ways the Zune player and a Windows Mobile device can work better together?" Which is a very interesting question. Currently Windows Mobile and Zune use two completely different sets of software, they almost seem to be made by two different companies. For example, the music that you purchase for your Zune cannot be transferred to you Windows Mobile based phone.

I think Microsoft is really trying hard to enter the mobile market in a big way. They recently have purchased Danger, the maker of the Sidekick phone and now they are looking for synergies between Windows Mobile and Zune. Personally I feel that they should just create an application on Windows Mobile that either replaces or works in addition to Windows Media Player. This application should be fully compatible with all the Zune music, playlists, etc.

Rumors abound. There is a rumor that Creative is making a WiFi version of their Zen MP3 player which will resemble Zune. I used to personally own a Zen, in its early years and I have to say, after that experience I don't care what it looks like, it probably won't work too well. Of course, I may be being too harsh, however I have found that only very light users of MP3 players are happy with their Zen players.

There is a saying that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. With the new Zunes it is not surprising that people are starting to copy them. They are well designed, they offer something new, to the staid old iPod clones which are everpresent. I think, if Creative can get creative with their usage of WiFi then maybe they will be able to rise out of their imitative rut.

If you notice more and more big companies are starting to really leverage the popularity of their machines, this is especially true in the gaming world. For example, you have Sony PS3 which is leveraging its video game console's popularity to push its Blu-Ray format and now it seems that Microsoft is planning something similar.

With the announcement of XNA Game Studio to support Zune the first thought that popped in my head was how are they going to link up Zune games to Xbox 360 games. Say for example you are playing an RPG on the 360 and you want solve some minor puzzle, can you transfer a part of it to your Zune and solve it on the go? Of course, this also means that these gadgets are going to completely dominate our lives...

Some exciting news is in today, Microsoft announced at the Game Developer Confrence in San Francisco that the XNA programming environment will be extended to the Zune. They also showed off the first Zune gmae Zauri which can also work as a multiplayer game via WiFi.

XNA Game Studio 3.0 will be available from Spring 2008 and with it game developers will be able to develop games for PC, Xbox 360, and now Zune as well. XNA can be had for about $99/year if you are interested in developing games, and if you are not no problem just enjoy the influx of games sure to come.

Microsoft had released a special of a Red Zune for Valentine's Day. The problem is that Microsoft miscalculated how many people wanted the Red Zune 80 so they now have a product delay. Microsoft is trying to make it all good by emailing and telling customers that they may not receive their order and they hare refunding the money for the player.

This is a very proactive move on Microsoft's part. But when you are trying to trounce a very deeply entrenched market leader you have to spend money. Due to the deep pockets Microsoft has they are able to actually to take hits like this one. Of course, the stock price took a small dive after the news was released, but nothing permanent Microsoft will pull through.

Microsoft has bought Danger, the maker of the famous Sidekick phones. Of course, the internet is rife with speculation about the Zune Phone. For one there is the complete inadequacy of Windows Mobile, which is a sluggish overloaded operating system. It barely competes against RIM's Blackberry phones.

However with the iPhone taking the market by storm Microsoft has a lot to worry about. In only a couple months after its release Apple had a greater share of the smart phone market than Microsoft. Personally I think that they will first release Mobile Zune software, maybe by the end of this year. The next step would be to release the actual hardware which should be out by 2009.