It appears the wheels are turning to get the Microsoft Zune into Canada. A marketing firm called CIM (Consumer Impact Marketing) has let the cat out of the bag by placing a help wanted ad on Craig’s List in Vancouver:
Reply to: loana.morgan@cimweb.com
Date: 2008-04-28, 10:15AM PDT
CIM (Consumer Impact Marketing) is Canada’s leading 3rd Party Marketing company and one of “Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies”. We are excited to announce that once again we have an awesome employment opportunity for early summer 2008!
We are currently seeking a Full-time Coordinator to represent our client Microsoft on their launch of ZUNE in the Canadian marketplace.
Requirements:
* Strong communication, organizational and computer skills
* Experience in merchandising and administation
* Must have a positive attitude, team oriented and have strong leadership skills.
* Must be willing to work 40 hours per week from May 12th-June 20th
Location:
Vancouver
If you think you can work hard, play hard, and have fun at both, APPLY NOW!
Only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted, and we thank you for your submission in advance.
CIM…a FUN place to work!
Location: Vancouver
Compensation: To be negotiated
Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster.
Please, no phone calls about this job!
Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.
Currently, the Zune 80 is only available in black. Last Valentine’s Day Microsoft released a limited Red Zune. There is no schedule for the releases yet, but Cesar Menendez has confirmed that the red Zune will be in retail stores soon.
Microsoft released their fourth quarter earnings Friday. They missed earnings, but gave a good outlook for the next 12 months. What surprised me was that for the first time that I have been tracking the Zune was not mentioned in their earnings. The Zune is tracked with the Xbox360, which was mentioned.
Revenue from the division responsible for the Xbox 360 video game system ballooned 68 percent to $1.58 billion, which Microsoft attributed to robust demand for game consoles.
Overall, the Xbox division did very well, but game consoles were attributed to the success. I don’t want to read into anything, but I can only guess that sales for the Zune were flat or they would have mentioned it as a strength. Hopefully, they will release sales numbers soon because I’m curious how many Zune owners there are out there!
Great news for Microsoft Zune users! Audible.com has unofficially announced it is bringing its library of audio books to Zune. Here is the e-mail Wired received:
I understand that you have contacted us today in regards to whether or not the Microsoft Zune is compatible with our service. We have great news! After much anticipation, Audible and Microsoft have completed negotiations on making the Zune AudibleReady! While we do not have an exact date as to when the device will be officially AudibleReady, we expect to make the Zune compatible before years end. Our Device Center on our website will be updated upon the Zune becoming compatible, so please be sure to check there periodically.
I wonder why this is “unofficial” and Microsoft has not released a press release. Personally, I love the idea and would be a buyer of Audible.com audio books.
