Jon Peddie News

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Microsoft has new Zune music players to take on iPods

Microsoft Corp. is introducing a series of Zune digital media players that for the first time will compete with the most popular iPod, the Nano.
Microsoft, which rolled out its first portable player, the 30-GB Zune, last year, is extending the line with an 80-GB Zune. In the latest stab at Apple’s lead in the market, it also is unveiling a smaller, cheaper 4-GB and 8-GB Zune, directly rivaling Apple Inc.‘s iPod Nano, which also comes with 4-GB and 8-GB storage capacities. Available next month, the new Zunes will cost $149.99 to $249.99.

I always like to see the heavyweights step into the ring with each other. But this tilt seems more like a Tyson vs. Spinks match-up rather than a classic Ali Vs. Frazier. To cut into Apple’s 70% market share one would think Microsoft would have to either come up with a product so innovative that it becomes a “have-to-have” item or hit a price point that Apple can’t reach or give away about a million free songs. None of which the Zune is offering. At $149.99 and $249.99 The new Zune is even more expensive than the iPod Nanos of the same storage capacity.  Maybe Microsoft is counting on a self-inflicted Vista-esqu implosion from our friends in Cupertino. Speaking of which ...—CRD

Monday, November 05, 2007

iPhone to launch outside U.S.

LONDON, England (AP)—Apple Inc.‘s iPhone will go on sale in Britain on November 9 exclusively through mobile operator O2, marking the first time the combination cell phone-iPod media player will be available outside the United States.

The 8-gigabyte model will be offered for £269, or $536—or $139 more expensive than what Apple now charges in the U.S. The British iPhone has the same technical specifications as the U.S. model, but the price includes the U.K.‘s value-added tax.
This is of course the “official” launch of the iPhone in Europe, others who just couldn’t wait until now have gotten their hands on an unlocked duty-free version of the iPhone. Apparently, Apple has seen these unlocked jewels as such a threat that the latest software upgrade disables unauthorized versions. One wonders, is this the end of the Apple’s Teflon era? There are a lot outraged free spirits out there as a result of Apple’s action. On the other hand Apple has skated past much worse.

I for one, am glad to see the iPhone in Europe, its nice to know The Brits import something from us besides 50 Cent and Kayne West singles both of which are topping the charts on BBC Radio 1 this week. Aaaayoohh!!!—CRD

Thursday, November 01, 2007

Windows XP won’t bow out so soon

Bowing to pressure from customers and computer makers, Microsoft plans to keep Windows XP around a little longer.

Large PC manufacturers were slated to have to stop selling XP after January 31. However, vendors have successfully lobbied Microsoft to allow them to continue selling PCs with all flavors of Windows XP preloaded until June 30, a further five months. Microsoft also plans to keep XP on retail shelves longer and will allow computer makers in emerging markets to build machines with Windows XP Starter Edition until June 2010.

This is good news to anyone who has had the pleasure of working with Vista and all its amazing security issues. I am usually not one to pile on, in fact I’ve even been known to defend MS and even GW (what can I say, Herny Fonda in 12 angry men left major impression) but when it comes to Vista I can’t help myself. Granted XP has security issues, but at least you could update a graphics card without spending an hour and 20 minutes on the phone with tech support trying to re-register the OS. Those kinds of problems need to be fixed.