In a recent interview (German web site) Steve Ballmer was quoted saying:Â “so far we lose money in the business because we must invest. Therefore we decided not to go into new markets yet. When are we going to be ready? I cannot say for now”.
No thats a kick in the guts! Im going to go out on a limb here and assume that is pretty much every where, including where I’am, Australia. And yeah I know if people want a Zune, it really is not that hard to get your hands on it, there are even stores already set up in Australia selling the Zune. However it would be nice to have the Zune officially out here and have a local Zune MarketPlac.
 In a Houston Chronicle interview with Bryan Lee, corporate vice present for Microsoft’s entertainment business he said something that really caught my attention. Bryan Lee states in the Chronicle interview that it would be logical for the Zune platform to see an annual or twice-annual refresh of its software and hardware. He also said that there will be addition models to compliment the current line up, with the addition of flash based Zunes.
 On the software side, it will probably be the release of a new version as we have seen with iTunes and probably a redesign of the store itself. This will probably become a common thing with the Zune Marketplace with upgrade happening yearly. The store itself could add TV shows, Movies and Games in the future. The software side is a much simpilar task for Microsoft compared to hardware.
 On the hardware side, it is no surprise that the Zune will get a redesign soon. The 1st generation Zune was Microsoft’s entry into the market. It will keep getting improved over time, but it is possible for a complete redesign of the Zune from ground up or will it just be a simple advancement like 1Gen iPods to 2Gen iPods. It could possibly even make a move by releasing a touchscreen Zune for $249. People are really intrigued by the touch screen technology and there still isnt a standalone widescreen iPod (excludes iPhone, because it is integrated and therefore more expensive). So it is key for Microsoft to make some upgrades to reach their goal of becoming the #2 portable media player after iPod.
 Also when Microsoft does make its launch into the flash based Zunes, it will have tough competition from the nano and a ton of PlaysForSure devices. So Microsoft will really need to pull off an awesome, yet cheap product to gain some ground in this field. It will also be the stepping stone for the broad range of products under the Zune name.
Thanks to the boys at PodTech.net they have done a video interview with Matt Jubelirer, who is the product manager for the Zune at Microsoft. The video covers a variety of Zune subjects and runs for around 40 mins.
Click here to watch
Here to download
Cesar from Microsoft has done a little interview with the Creative Director behind the Zune. Thomas is the guy in charge of all the pics and videos on the viral marketing site, comingzune.com
So tell the Zune Insiders about yourself. Who are you? Where’d you come from?
Hi there, my name is Thomas Market. I am the new creative director for Zune. I spent the most of my adult life working for MTV, all over… new York, London, Singapore, Miami, berlin. For the last two years spongebob was my boss. I was launching nicktoons network in new York…
What’s it like working here?
I just started. When I saw the brown device - actually with a nice green shimmer - I was really blown away by it. Funny thing to say, but that color combination made me want to work here. Plus I like to stand in seattle traffic 2 hrs a day. . . (not)
It feels very much like early mtv days. I’m loving the international flavor mixed with people from all over the U.S. I heard you are from Peru; I’m from Germany. Cool. Plus the honest love for all kinds of music shared by my colleagues. That is definitely something I was missing during my last job.
It’s true. Born in Peru. (Tengo amigos en este blog tambien-hola!) Ok so the big question: About the videos and drawings on comingzune.com How did those come about?
It s really us getting in touch with the creative community, specifically with the people/studios/design houses we really admire. And have them do an expression of our brand, all about music, entertainment, plus friendship and sharing. We let them do their version of what they think friendship and sharing means. So what’s on comingzune is these artist’s interpretation and expression of the Zune brand. Motion Theory - this awesome company out of L.A. made “Two Little Birds.” And Jeremy Fish did some amazing posters for us… I’ve been a fan of his for a long time… his turtlecamper rocks !
How many more will we see?
This is and will be an ongoing campaign, so you’ll see a few more. I think the concept that we’re doing fits in with the overall ethos of Zune: it’s about people expressing themselves, and us (the Zune team) providing an opportunity to do that.
