Microsoft's iPod Killer is Officially Named ZUNE!

[slaughterbeck]

Microsoft Argo's Final Name: The Zune?
Our inboxes are on fire with brand new information about the new Microsoft MP3 player. We thought the player was code-named "Argo", but we now got word that the final product name that's been flying around is the "Zune"!

The pic on the right seems to be the final design, which makes the player very clean—a definite departure from Microsoft's other endeavors. You all remember the video Microsoft's own people made to illustrate their packaging shortcomings? Well, it seems like they haven't learned much, as our tipster tells us the packaging itself is pretty ugly.

More info after the jump!

Our mole also says there's no game menu to be seen on the device, putting those rumors of portable gaming from Xbox branding in possible jeopardy. More game options possibly coming in the 2nd iteration.

There's also mention of a black version of the Zune, being shown on a music video for the band CSS, and the brown version on the cover for "Band of Horses". You can display Album covers for the song you're listening to on the screen, which is "big enough" and looks "pretty good". Paul Oakenfold also has a tie-in deal.

From the looks of things, the Zune will definitely be ready for a Xmas release.

We'll have more information plus possibly the logo and/or UI Shots tomorrow. Stay tuned! – Jason Chen

Thanks Tipster!

Source: Gizmodo


Get your ZUNE domain names now. They're going fast!

 

[stewystarr]

I only regged 1 name. ZuneIM.com. I do not know if zune will ever have instant messaging capabilities but I thought what the heck I will give it a shot.
besides if you say it as a word zuneim it kinda sounds cool.

 

[Monsterman]

If you do not mind a hypen in your name. Or if you missed out on a Zune name you wanted, I would say this is a good name.

Zune-Tunes.com Available.

 

[-TV-]

I think you kinda went off on a tangent ," Watch what they play with " Means Buying a outright Trade Mark , if Zune becomes the name Zune.us would be a blatent TM . And as far as sales i can say i have made low xx,xxx in the last 4 months so im not sure what this comparison would be proving. If TM's are your thing more power to you , just not my cup of tea.

there is no TM for zune it was owned by a company befor but it is dead, and i dont think if MS registred the TM would take people s domain that they did register befor they register thier TM , it dont sound logic

Tv

 

[MyPGP]

available!

my2unes.com
zune2nes.com

 

[harkster]

Cooperation??

I see a few zune sites in early development by NPers and I have a suggestion.

During the blook 'rush' there were several of us who all exchanged links even though much of the content was very similar. While we are all out there to put some $$$ in our pockets the cooperation is to all our benefit. Several of the linked sites are now PR3/4 and getting bigG notice.

Total investment for my 2 Blook sites is $14.40 + a few hours of my time and one is PR4 and other is PR3 so things are looking nice heading into the next Blooker Prize cycle.

While the Zune will be extremely competitive and harder to crack every little bit would help. Zuneinfo and ZuneNation have a huge head start.

JMHO

Rumor Flash from Zune Nation -- M$ may be teaming with Urge and ZuneUrge was available a few minutes ago.

 

[-db-]

I have edited my previous post, and thegenius1 and I have spoken privately to settle some issues. Apologies all around. Peace has prevailed.

Now, regarding the "Zune" issue, and particularly my little splurge on Zune.us...

It was just that - a splurge. I consider myself a "careful" investor overall, but I take the occasional high(er) risk venture, because I 'win' more than I 'lose' overall. Aiming off the beaten path every now and then. And at this point in my domainer life-cycle, this is more than a business or hobby for me, it's a way of life. And these type investment scenarios/opportunities are FUN and FRESH.

I'm not worried about any TM issues, because of several factors, most importantly being that if Microsoft wants my name, or comes knocking, they can have it. Love you Bill. Can I gift wrap it for you? But that's part of the risk figured into my bottom line for taking the splurge.

It's true, this is not one of my safest investments, but it's one of my more interesting ones. :gl:

 

[Jo]

I have edited my previous post, and thegenius1 and I have spoken privately to settle some issues. Apologies all around. Peace has prevailed.

Now, regarding the "Zune" issue, and particularly my little splurge on Zune.us...

It was just that - a splurge. I consider myself a "careful" investor overall, but I take the occasional high(er) risk venture, because I 'win' more than I 'lose' overall. Aiming off the beaten path every now and then. And at this point in my domainer life-cycle, this is more than a business or hobby for me, it's a way of life. And these type investment scenarios/opportunities are FUN and FRESH.

I'm not worried about any TM issues, because of several factors, most importantly being that if Microsoft wants my name, or comes knocking, they can have it. Love you Bill. Can I gift wrap it for you? But that's part of the risk figured into my bottom line for taking the splurge.

It's true, this is not one of my safest investments, but it's one of my more interesting ones. :gl:

BRAVO -db-! :D

 

[MyPGP]

I have some available zune domain speculations. Pm me if you're interested.

 

[-TV-]

I have edited my previous post, and thegenius1 and I have spoken privately to settle some issues. Apologies all around. Peace has prevailed.

Now, regarding the "Zune" issue, and particularly my little splurge on Zune.us...

It was just that - a splurge. I consider myself a "careful" investor overall, but I take the occasional high(er) risk venture, because I 'win' more than I 'lose' overall. Aiming off the beaten path every now and then. And at this point in my domainer life-cycle, this is more than a business or hobby for me, it's a way of life. And these type investment scenarios/opportunities are FUN and FRESH.

I'm not worried about any TM issues, because of several factors, most importantly being that if Microsoft wants my name, or comes knocking, they can have it. Love you Bill. Can I gift wrap it for you? But that's part of the risk figured into my bottom line for taking the splurge.

It's true, this is not one of my safest investments, but it's one of my more interesting ones. :gl:

i dont think it will be an issue abou tthe TM , because if they register the TM that was dead allready , and you have registred the domain befor that , i dont think they have the rights to take your domain , if it is then that is crazy it sounds to me like if me going to trad mark NamePros and get rj to give me the name ... that is why i said befor it dont sound logic

Tv

 

[MyPGP]

Zunetopia!

 

[sanne]

.

 

[-db-]

Who was it that registered ZuneZone.com?

I just went to Google and searched "zune" and your site was the very top sponsored link. What did that cost you? (if you don't mind me asking) I also visited the site, and you've been busy.

Congratulations on taking the initiative to get the ball rolling. I hope it pays off for you!

 

[MyPGP]

that's a good idea.

 

[SteveAR]

does anyone think that the Rumor of the microsoft players name being with an X instead of the Z?

Xune

i know it can be a joke but hey who really knows its all rumors until we get actual proof

http://microsoftxune.blogspot.com/

 

[quickweb]

I'm ZuneZone - there's only 3 Zune sites paying for adwords currently, so prices are low. But now is the time to get the sitename known, get seeded within the SEs in time for the next few months. Good old marketing, really.

I have other ideas for the site which I'm working on at the moment which will take it beyond a blog, but as theres not much going on apart from scraps of info, then I've got time for the moment.

 

[Halobitt]

does anyone think that the Rumor of the microsoft players name being with an X instead of the Z?

Xune

i know it can be a joke but hey who really knows its all rumors until we get actual proof

Domain Name: ZUNELIVE.COM

Name Server: NS3.MSFT.NET
Name Server: NS1.MSFT.NET
Name Server: NS5.MSFT.NET
Name Server: NS2.MSFT.NET
Name Server: NS4.MSFT.NET

X instead of Z theories may be because the logo for the zune looks a little like an X, but the nameservers for zunelive give the game away.

 

[movingconcierge]

now is the time to get the sitename known, get seeded within the SEs in time for the next few months. Good old marketing, really.

Also a good way to attract the attention of the big bad wolf too... :imho:
If'n you advertise b4 the manufacturer, don't you think that might be a VERY risky venture?

 

[quickweb]

Maybe if we were doing the product down (ie a xxxsucks type site), but they shouldn't really have a problem with a site that helps them. I have an Xbox 360 site as well (xbox360locator-co-uk) which went mental around December/Jan time in the Xbox 360 shortages.

I've noticed a few hits from the Microsoft corp network...

I'm new here, and have noticed a lot of messages worrying about TMs etc. Maybe it's just an issue with buying/selling DNs, rather than developing them?

 

[zouzas]

Now, regarding the "Zune" issue, and particularly my little splurge on Zune.us...
It's true, this is not one of my safest investments, but it's one of my more interesting ones. :gl:

nice one congrats!!

 

[texasgamer]

He missed ZuneUrge.com too...
Zune is rumored to support WiFi for communicating with Microsofts/MTV's Urge Music Service

Looks Like Jack Spurr has been outed...He registered microsoftgadgets.com (a Microsoft site) as well as Zune.com and Zunelive.com