Reasons Why Zune Could Beat the iPod

There are a lot of hype surrounding the release of the Zune player. Microsoft claims that their portable media device is a real iPod killer. But the reality may not be so easy. There are 3 reasons though that makes us believe that the Zune can succeed. Two of them are already announced but the third one over on our wish list for now.

Wi-fi connectivity

With the introduction of the Zune in November, Microsoft brings the portable media player with a new excuse. Wi-fi feature will enable users to socialize within their music universe. Social web as took all the attention on the internet in recent years. With Zune, part of a trend that becomes "portable". Exchanging a song or video may look boring but do it with the Zune and the speed of Wi-Fi network will be very attractive to young people. On a negative note, drm feature (Digital Rights Management) could eventually generate frustration among Zune users.

Integrated Marketplace

Subscription base Zune Marketplace could be a real skyrocket feature. Able to access an online database of new music without having to download it first to your computer will make the Zune a "portable media device" and the first real. Another important aspect of the Zune Marketplace is the ability to download the songs you want for a flat fee. If we can access the Zune Marketplace via public wi-fi network it will become a real technology and music orgasm!

VoIP Phone

This feature was not announced by Microsoft (yet!) but would like the cherry on the ice cream to have it. Imagine if the Wi-fi portable device you can connect via the internet to access the VoIP network. This feature should not be very difficult to develop because most of the necessary hardware is already there (besides the microphone). A VoIP phone will be much easier to break than a real phone that requires more integration work and approvals.