My call today with Microsoft

[Zunerama Ed.]

After speaking today with two members of the Zune team, and with my MVP rep, I’m feeling encouraged about the health and future of Zune.

I am hearing very clear statements that, despite the concerning reports of Zune player sales, and some visible layoffs in the Zune team, Microsoft is unquestionably committed to Zune player hardware. In fact, we can expect to see a significant new generation of Zune players before the year is out.

Other sources are reporting similarly unequivocal statements from Microsoft. (link)

While I don’t know details on the new hardware, and would be under NDA if I was told anything officially by Microsoft, my perception is that we’re looking at some considerable advances in the next line of Zune players.

Microsoft’s focus on player innovation seems to be undiminished, even while work is afoot to extend the Zune experience to additional devices - among them, according to many hints, devices from Microsoft’s Windows Mobile cell phone partners.

[Jander]

We'll still be treated doom filled prophesies till they actually see what they have in store, sad to say. But it's nice they are communicating clearly and firmly to look forward to a significant hardware advance.

[cmw3218]

Well thats really nice to hear, an makes me a little more comfortable with supporting Microsoft an their mp3 players. 

[tbird]

I am hearing very clear statements that, despite the concerning reports of Zune player sales, and some visible layoffs in the Zune team, Microsoft is unquestionably committed to Zune player hardware. In fact, we can expect to see a significant new generation of Zune players before the year is out.

So a stupid question. Why aren't they a little more public about this? I would think that would defuse a lot of the negative and misleading comments floating around. Oh wait that would be a marketing decision wouldn't it? I guess I answered my own question.

[gab0]

wow.. new hardware... i cannot wait to see it!...

i'm looking forward on getting a new zune device.. but wait, you said late this year??.. okay i'll wait till it comes out to change my faithful black 30!

[RL]

Harve, thanks.  Good to hear this from someone with a little more street cred than the current PR from Microsoft. 

Tbird, you are absolutely right about that marketing remark.  If they would just realize that the current community expects certain "Press Releases" at certain times of the year.  CES, E3, and the fall, are the three times a little bit of guidance could be given.  Then again, Zune has always been a little bit different, kinda of like its users. 

[Jander]

If they would just realize that the current community expects certain "Press Releases" at certain times of the year.  CES, E3, and the fall, are the three times a little bit of guidance could be given.  Then again, Zune has always been a little bit different, kinda of like its users. 

Heh, but they do have a schedule, and they've kept to it since the beginning of year 2. Spring update, fall hardware. CES was never part of the equation, but would have had better timing considering the Zune's performance news for last year. Expect actual news in a few months, and more later in the year. Keep to the existing precedent and you won't be as disappointed.

[Bigshott]

I agree with tbird. Your sales are falling, your customers are uneasy, you have layoffs, and instead of building confidence with future announcements, you keep quiet to try to sell off the remaining stock vs. those that will defect to somewhere else.
Makes no sense.

"Before the year is out?"  Its ONLY January! So when, Oct? Nov? Dec 30th?

[Zunerama Ed.]

^ Count on it in time to be there for the full holiday shopping season. My money is on early November.

[WillysJeepMan]

Heh, but they do have a schedule, and they've kept to it since the beginning of year 2. Spring update, fall hardware.

Did Microsoft actually announce that schedule or is it something they just started doing and we're assuming that it will continue?   Or will the tune change if they don't release a Spring update with a "well, they never promised they would release an update every Spring."?

[Juice-Master]

Willy, if you ever lose the tack for your tail, lemme know and i'll mail you another 

[Ricardo Dawkins]

^ Count on it in time to be there for the full holiday shopping season. My money is on early November.

Too little and too late.

[Trastan]

Too little and too late.

No kidding. Zune needs a shot in the arm right now. If Microsoft thinks it's going to be fine for nearly a year with only a software update midway, they'll be in for a painful time.

I can't imagine they'd wait so long.

[whiteone30]

Im excited...I want to see MS'S strike back to Apple

[typoink]

Did Microsoft actually announce that schedule or is it something they just started doing and we're assuming that it will continue?   Or will the tune change if they don't release a Spring update with a "well, they never promised they would release an update every Spring."?

Somewhere between the two.  MS never formally said, "THIS IS HOW IT GOES," but one of the head Zune honchos said something like, "It's the schedule we started keeping early on and we're sticking with it" and they also said something like "the spring and fall updates have been succesful with the 360, and we think the same schedule will work well for the Zune."