New Microsoft Zunes by end of the year

Posted on Saturday, August 04 2007 @ 4:11 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
Microsoft is expected to release new Zune digital audio players just before the holiday shopping season. This will include a new 80GB model and a Zune which uses flash memory:
t hasn't been a matter of if Microsoft plans to expand its Zune product line beyond the several 30GB players it has on the market, it's been a matter of when. At its annual financial analyst meeting last week, Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Division, said Microsoft plans to "broaden" the Zune brand with new styles, capacity sizes, and price points as well as new features, though he did not reveal the timing of releases or exact product specifications.

Matt Rosoff, an analyst with Directions on Microsoft, said Microsoft is definitely working on a flash memory-based Zune and models with higher capacity than the current 30GB version, but the company has not yet discussed specific details of the forthcoming Zune models.

He also confirmed that Microsoft hopes to get the new Zunes to the market in time for the busy Christmas shopping season, which typically begins in late November. "They're cranking to get them out in time for the holidays," Rosoff said.

In the meantime, several device-centric blogs, including Zune Scene, Whiz Byte, Gadgetell, and others reported that an 80GB Zune code-named Scorpio and a flash memory-based Zune code-named Draco are currently in the works.

Zune Scene also has reported a production snag that could delay the release of the Scorpio device. According to a post on the blog late last week, the production schedule of Scorpio has been delayed due to problems with wiring. The blog also said that production on Scorpio was expected to be completed on Aug. 31 but has now been pushed back to September.
Source: InfoWorld


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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