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Microsoft`s Zune Predictions Conservative

Microsoft was hoping for a big bang when releasing their portable audio player, the Zune, however with lackluster customer interest, the software giant is tuning down expectations. Microsoft`s predictions are for a 1 million units to be sold before June 2007, that`s 1 million units in 6 months. Although Apple had to wait for 14 months before 600,000 units of its iPod were sold, the times were different then. Analysts say that by June 2007, Apple will sell 25 million units of its iPod, leaving Microsoft way behind.

Zune became available on November 15, and did not ignite any mass hysteria around the product. The market is filled with high-tech portable audio players from Apple, iAudio and Creative, and Microsoft`s new design does not bring any real news. True, the Zune does have wireless possibilities and a large selection of music stores, but that is just not enough to get people leave Apple`s iPod. Microsoft will have to build a solid community around its product if the company wants to make Zune successful. The option to send songs from one Zune users to another is a key feature, but Microsoft will have to make people use it for it to be successful.

Zune goes for about $250, which is the same price as the video iPod. Although Microsoft`s player offers more features, like many other portable audio players, iPod still offers a better design and a large community that makes it a stronger product. There are numerous accessories available for the iPod, and there are more people using it then any other portable player, at least for now.