Version History: Zune
The Vergecast
Nov 02
Version History: Zune
Version History: Zune
The Vergecast
Nov 02
In the mid-2000s, Microsoft made a bold move to dethrone the iPod with a device that promised more than just music—it aimed to redefine how people shared and experienced digital content on the go. The Zune was packed with ambitious features and a distinct aesthetic, but its journey was riddled with strategic missteps and internal challenges.
The Zune was Microsoft’s answer to the iPod, launched in 2006 with innovative features like Wi-Fi sharing, FM radio, and a vibrant UI. Despite strong industry support and early enthusiasm from music labels wanting to counter Apple’s dominance, the Zune suffered from poor timing, fragmented strategy, and clunky software. Its 'squirting' feature, while novel, was limited by DRM and failed to catch on. Critics dismissed its design and user experience, and technical issues like the 2008 leap year bug damaged its reputation. Although the Zune HD saw brief success, the rise of smartphones, especially the iPhone, made dedicated players obsolete. Internally, Microsoft prioritized business goals over user-centric design, unlike Apple’s seamless ecosystem. Ultimately, the Zune was discontinued by 2011, but its legacy lived on in Microsoft’s Metro design language and as a cautionary tale in tech innovation.
19:15
19:15
Bill Gates expressed frustration over Apple's iTunes success in a 2003 company email.
26:05
26:05
UMG secured a deal to receive a share of Zune hardware revenues from Microsoft
30:49
30:49
Zune's 'squirting' feature allowed limited music sharing over Wi-Fi
50:16
50:16
All Zunes failed on December 31st, 2008 due to a leap year bug
58:10
58:10
The best thing about the Zune was its UI, which became the foundation of Microsoft's Metro design language.
1:14:21
1:14:21
The original brown Zune belongs in the Hall of Fame.
