Microsoft Zune and Satellite Radio
Written By: Sarawanan Ravindran (saran81kid91)
Could Satellite Radio really work with Zune? Nobody really thought about Satellite Radio as a strong feature that will be included with Zune. But as I did my research I found out that Satellite Radio could be a low cost and effective feature for Zune.
First Off, many believe that if Microsoft chooses to adapt this feature it is open for both XM and SIRIUS. The truth is that XM Satellite Radio has the clear advantage because they are indeed ahead of SIRIUS in the market and Microsoft is already working with XM. The features that XM provides are perfect for this type of system which was clearly visible during my research.
Though many believe this will increase the price of Zune. It really won’t impact the price too much. It would certainly add more value to the player because the price of a basic standalone is around $70 and if this could be an add-on that cost Microsoft less than $10.
The way Microsoft can accomplish such a goal is by taking advantage of their WiFi connections. In terms of monthly fees, they already are working close with XM and to get XM Online for $2.99/month. They must then work to get full WiFi coverage across major urban cities. Some cities such as Toronto have Wifi across the city using hydro lines.
The thing that Microsoft needs to obtain in the market is a clear feature that iPod can’t have. If XM become a success on Zune, Apple can easily copy these features and team up with SIRIUS. As it states Satellite Radio is really a possibility in Zune, though many doubt it.
What is Microsoft working with xm on? Last I read Microsoft is working with Sirius on the upcoming Video platform. I know of nothing that microsoft is working with xm to produce.
Saying XM is ahead of Sirius is like saying the Edsel was ahead of its time. Sirius has shown to be the superior satellite radio sercive for the last 3 plus quarters stealing market share from XM in large chunks by providing superior content. If the Zune wants to make a hit with a satellite radio option, MS will go with the satellite radio company with all the buzz and better content or possibly go with both.
Sirius is the one coming out with WiFi enabled radios later this year and there is little or no reason both content providers could not be streamed on the Zune.
I thought that they were working on Alexandria……. but the Radio thing sounds good…
Micorsoft MUST put some new stuff on the Zune…. stuff that the Ipod doesnt have…. IM JUST GETTING SICK OF THAT STUPID LITTLE WHITE BOX!!!!!!! I never really liked apple stuff… (well, just mac’s video editor)
Come ON Msoft!!!!
Any satellite radio would be a huge feature for me. I could use that 2.99 online feature at work where I have a WiFi connection. I’ve considered buying a standalone satellite radio but I really don’t want another device in my pockets. Personally, a phone & an iPod is too much to carry. Maybe car head units will start supporting WiFi / Windows Mobile too. That would be totally killer!
I won’t buy an iPod because Apple locks me into iTunes. I won’t buy a Zune device if they try to lock me into XM or Sirius as my satellite solution.
Best way to deal with it would be to allow users to purchase add on module (expansion card?) for the service they choose. I have heard GM (currently affiliated wtih XM) is planning this in future models.
Please keep ALL aspects of the Zune open to user choice!
“Please keep ALL aspects of the Zune open to user choice!”
Dude, don’t you get it? Zune is MS saying screw the open model. Users don’t want a bunch of meaningless choices, they want stuff that works and is simple. MS admits Zune is copying Apple’s model, cause that’s what works.
They finally realized the digital audio player market is not the PC market. Zune will be one family of devices married to a single software player and supported by a single store. Just like iPod, iTunes and iTunes Music Store.
If Sirius is coming out with a WiFi portable model that uses flash memory (2GB), has MP3 AND MP4 capacity, why not buy that?
Sirius seems very close, with this product. All they need to do is add the video functionality, and that would be just as attractive to me, than waiting for Zune to release and get all the bugs worked out.
http://shop.sirius.com/edealinv/servlet/ExecMacro?nurl=control/StoreItem.vm&ctl_nbr=2640&siId=601930&catLevel=1&scLevel=0&thisCatLevel=&oldParentID=7870&catParentID=7870&scId=7874
Microsoft Zune and Satellite Radio…
I’ve been thinking about getting some sort of iPod slash Zune slash SIRIUS satellite Walkman like device. Ipod’s are the most popular if you want to purchase and down music to play over and over again. Microsoft’s soon to be released …