Zune HD Not Sold Outside Of US; Microsoft Not Convinced Of Zune HD?

Sep 20 2009, 9:00am CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

The new Microsoft Zune HD is an interesting portable media player that is a valid alternative to the iPod touch 3G for many in the United States. Microsoft announced plans to bring the Zune video service to Xbox users around the globe, but there are still no plans to actually make the Zune HD a global product.

What is up with that? It is of course expensive to localize and market a gadget like the Zune along with the Zune service in Europe, Asia and other markets. But we are talking about Microsoft here. Microsoft is a huge global player with their operating systems, application software and of course their Xbox console and Xbox Live service.
Besides Microsoft's size and cash power, Microsoft already has the blue print for launching a product and online service internationally with the Xbox 360.
So what is holding them back to battle Apple not just in the United States, but also abroad?
To me it looks like Microsoft is not fully standing behind or believing in the Zune player. If they did I think the company would throw the money at it to launch it internationally. Update: Mary-Jo Foley at ZDNet actually reported last week that Terry Farrell, Senior Project Manager for the Zune, said that there will be at least one more generation of Zune players after the Zune HD. The report confirms that Microsoft is more concerned about building the Zune Service brand and sees the Zune players just as temporary product line until the Zune service is available on other platforms and device categories.

The Zune HD has been shipping since last week in the United States.

Updates

IDG's Computerworld Names FireHost to 2013 List of 100 Best Places to Work in Information Technology

Source: Business Wire

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FireHost, the secure cloud hosting company, today announces it has been selected by IDG's Computerworld as a 2013 Best Place to Work in Information Technology (IT) honoree. The annual award recognizes organizations that p ...
Full article at: Business Wire More like this 21 minutes ago

Historic Windsor Dairy block in LoDo to be redeveloped by McWhinney

Source: Denver Post

The Denver Post's reporters and editors offer news, analysis and commentary on the latest business, real estate, tourism, gambling and technology news in Colorado. Loveland developer McWhinney and Grand American Inc. will redevelop the hi ...
Full article at: Denver Post More like this 54 minutes ago

Houston Chronicle Seeks Nominations For Top Workplaces In Houston

Source: PR Newswire

HOUSTON, June 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Houston Chronicle is accepting submissions for its annual publication of the best places to work in the Houston area. In its fourth consecutive year, the Houston Chronicle Top Workplaces recognizes ...
Full article at: PR Newswire More like this 59 minutes ago

where to buy

Buy from Amazon

Don't miss ...

Technology News

Solar Powered Clothing: The Future of Mobile Charging...

Luigi Lugmayr
Luigi Lugmayr (Google) is the founding chief Editor of I4U News and brings over 15 years experience in the technology field to the ever evolving and exciting world of gadgets. He started I4U News back in 2000 and evolved it into vibrant technology magazine.
Luigi can be contacted directly at ml@i4u.com.

blog comments powered by Disqus

Latest stories

Power Your Finger With NFC GEAK Ring
The all new GEAK Ring is launched. It will grant NFC powers to your finger for just $30. Now you can unlock your phone and share your data from anywhere without typing anything.

50-inch 1080p 120Hz LED TV for $400
Plus $5 shipping, today only

NVIDIA to License its Kepler GPU Graphics Technology
The CEO of NVIDIA spoke of how he is planning on licensing the graphics technology of his company to other large organizations in a bid to be the best. This is a new move by the microchip producer.