Microsoft To Roll Out New Zunes; Customization Available
Published: Monday - November 12, 2007
Words by Tim Boswell
Unique, laser-etched design from noted artist Catalina Estrada on the new red flash-memory Zune (Photo: Microsoft)
Beginning Tuesday (November 13), Microsoft gives fans of their Zune MP3 media players the first opportunity to get their hands on the second version of their new Zune devices.
The sleek new Zune players come with redesigned software and new online services -- including the Zune Marketplace and Zune Social, an online music community.
For the first time, consumers have the option to customize their Zune player with laser-engraved designs and personal text through a new Web store called Zune Originals. Customers will be able to purchase a Zune player directly from Microsoft at ZuneOriginals.net, beginning Tuesday, and choose from a collection of laser-engraved artwork designed exclusively for Zune by 18 internationally recognized artists.
"We're bringing the entire category to the next level by empowering consumers to play a role in redefining the digital music experience," said J Allard, corporate vice president for Zune. "Zune brings music discovery and acquisition into one simple, end-to-end solution, and the addition of unique customization options puts the originality back into portable entertainment."
Via the work of 18 accomplished artists from all over the world -- including artists Colletivo Studios, Catalina Estrada, Laurent Fetis, Sam Flores, Klaus Haapaniemi, Pierre Marie, Kenzo Minami to name a few -- fans of the player can choose from a collection of 27 different designs, called the Artist Series. In addition to the Artist Series, a separate Tattoo Series will feature 20 graphics that consumers can have laser-engraved on their Zune with up to three lines of text. Alternatively, people can choose to engrave up to five lines of text in place of a design.
"I'm always interested in the way art can merge with technology to create a new dialogue," Estrada said. "My work has been shown in different venues all over the world, but Zune represents a brand-new canvas for me to display my ideas."
The new Zunes come in 80 GB, 8 BG or 4 GB storage capacity, and comes in various colors including pink, green, black and red. It has a bright 3.2-inch screen, comes with premium in-ear noise-isolating headphones, and includes wireless sync and wireless sharing, and a built-in FM tuner.
The 80 GB Zune will sell for $249.99, the 4GB for $149.99 and the 8GB for $199.99.
For further information on the new Zune player, visit Zune.net.
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