US airport security bans Zune on flights But iPods OK

By Nick Farrell: Friday 11 August 2006, 06:47

US AIRPORT security seems to be following its UK counterparts in banning electronic gadgets on flights.But according to Gizmodo.com the ban is not based on all electronic gadgets but only those that the US security staff have not seen before.

Gizmodo cites the case of a reader who showed up with Microsoft's super soaraway new Zune machine. Apparently the official had never seen one before and decided that it must be part of a terrible terror plot to overthrow the US government and force US citizens to worship jam.
He would not even allow the Zune to be put in as checked-in luggage in case it exploded in the hold of the aircraft. He made the person mail the Zune back to his office or else not make the flight.

However the official said that iPods were OK, he knew what one of those were like. Dell laptops are OK, too.

Microsoft to launch Zune, Xbox in India

New Delhi, Aug. 13 (PTI): Microsoft is all set to revolutionise digital music and gaming market in India with the launch of its own version of popular music player iPod and its new video gaming console Xbox this festive season.

Global IT giant plans to launch its Zune music player, which is being touted as an iPod-killer, in India as well as worldwide before Christmas this year, sources close to the development said.
Indians would not have to wait for Zune longer than people in other parts of the world this time around, which has been the case with Xbox, the other eagerly awaited product from Microsoft here, company sources said.

The company has already announced its plans to launch its Xbox gaming consile in India during Diwali season.

Earlier last month, Microsoft announced the global launch of its music software and players under the brand name Zune, but it has not announced any official date for the launch.
The sources said Zune could come to India along with its worldwide launch as the retailing patterns and infrastructure in the country has undergone a drastic improvement in the recent past.

Microsoft's video gaming and entertainment system Xbox was launched in the US and European markets in November last year, but would hit Indian markets during Diwali.
Zune is being touted in the industry circles to be aggressively priced, which could be at par with the 299 dollars tag of Apple Computer's iPod, as well as similar or even better song download and storage features.

Apple currently holds nearly 75 per cent of the digital music player market with various versions of its iPod product.

For the launch of Xbox in the country, Microsoft has already drawn up an elaborate marketing strategy and distribution network to facilitate sales in the estimated 50 million dollar market.
India, which has about 1.6 million avid gamers who spend more than 20 hours a week on gaming and an average of Rs 926 on buying legal gaming software, has become a attractive market for gaming companies.

The company would set up 1,200 retail centres across 7 cities, including four metros, in the country for marketing Xbox, Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division India Country Manager Mohit Khanna said during the announcement of the launch of Xbox in India.
"The gaming community in the Indian market is expected to grow rapidly in the coming few years. Xbox will definetely act as a catalyst to fuel this growth and expose Indian gamers to next generation gaming experiences," he said.

"The market, which is coming off a small base, is rapidly increasing as the population is young and tech-savvy," he added.

"We see an opportunity to lead and define the market," said Mitch Koch, corporate vice-president for global retail sales at Microsoft's entertainment and devices division.

Microsoft said it had no plans to set up a gaming development centre in India but would work with third-party game developers.

Microsoft Zune Will Hit Stores at $299

BY AMY GILROY -- TWICE, 8/10/2006 7:36:00 AM

Redmond, Wash. - Microsoft is in the process of unveiling to select retailers the first of its line of Zune wearable digital audio players and informed retailers it will offer a single unit this fall, available in three colors at a suggested retail price of $299.

Retailers who have been briefed by Microsoft told TWICE the player will offer Wi-Fi capability, but will require that the portable be connected to a PC for the actual purchase of songs. Retailers, who claimed Microsoft remained “fuzzy” on the Zune’s wireless capability, said only that Zune will allow users to bookmark songs that may be shared via Wi-Fi, but that users cannot purchase songs on the go from the Microsoft Zune Web site.

Both retailers said the player would incorporate a 30GB hard drive. One said the unit’s display screen would be larger than Apple’s iPod models. The retailers were pleased with Microsoft’s feature-per-price package.

One retailer also said that Microsoft plans to continue to support its PlaysForSure licensees, even while it launches its own media Web site and sells its own digital media player, effectively competing with these same licensees.

Microsoft has not yet responded to TWICE inquiries to confirm the Zune details.

http://www.twice.com/article/CA6361350.html

Zune's wireless capabilities overblown - report

Microsoft's upcoming Zune digital media player has long been rumored to sport on-the-go wireless capabilities that would differentiate it from Apple's iPod offerings, but it appears those reports are partially inaccurate.

According to a report published on Twice, retailers briefed by Microsoft say Zune will offer Wi-Fi capability but will require that the player be connected to a PC in order to purchase tracks.

"Retailers, who claimed Microsoft remained 'fuzzy' on the Zune’s wireless capability, said only that Zune will allow users to bookmark songs that may be shared via Wi-Fi, but that users cannot purchase songs on the go from the Microsoft Zune Web site," the report states.

Retailers cited in the report further state that the player will incorporate a 30GB hard drive, be available in three colors and retail for US$299.

At least one retailer has claimed that Zune's display screen would be larger than that of Apple’s video iPod models.

"The retailers were pleased with Microsoft’s feature-per-price package," the report adds.

Last month, Microsoft confirmed that has been working on music and entertainment products that will compete with Apple's iPod and iTunes jukebox software.

Media reports suggest Microsoft will launch the music initiative in November.