Microsoft Zune MP3 Player

The term Microsoft Zune MP3 Player is kind of a misnomer, since the device also displays pictures and plays videos. But the term mp3 player is sort of a leftover from those times when such players only played mp3 files. Today they’re rather media players, in that they play music, videos, and display pictures.

In that regard, the feature-packed Zune Media Player is a very good choice when looking to buy a portable media player. But how did it come about?

The Zune was launched on September 14th 2006 as Microsoft’s answer to Apple’s iPod dominance of the portable music device market (with a market share of roughly 70%). Its original version was not met with that much enthusiasm as far as reviews went. It’s also safe to say that customers didn’t rush out to buy the new Zune MP3 Player. Nonetheless, it sold a million units in about eight months (by June 2007), and that’s a good performance for a new mp3 player on a market with a runaway leader.

In last May, the Zune has reached another milestone, reaching the 2 million units sold mark. Microsoft has now gained in overall US moving from 3 to 4%, and securing third place behind Apple and Sandisk.

Despite a slow adoption, the Zune MP3 Player (or Media Player) is a very capable player, with features that are absent from other rivals. Some insist that it’s a better player than the market leader. When you look at the feature set, it’s true. And while some will be quick to point out that the iPod is selling a lot more than the Zune, it’s also very relevant to point out that the former didn’t become the juggernaut that it is right now until about 3 years into its life cycle.

So if you’re looking to buy a media player, and depending on your personal tastes and openness to try new things, it might be a very good idea for you to check out the Zune. There’s nothing the iPod can do that it can’t. The opposite is not true

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