140°

Zune Reaches 2m Sales; Flat Versus iPod

Microsoft has revealed selling 2 million of it's Zune MP3 players since launching November 2006, revealing relatively flat growth. Although the company promised and slightly exceeded a target for it's first 1 million sales between launch and by June 2007, it has remained silent on the sales data for nearly a year.

Apple's iPod, in only it's latest quarter, sold 10.6 million players. These sales for one quarter are more than 5 times the cumulative sales of Zune since launch.

Critics have sometimes attributed Zune's lack of success to relatively slow development. Zune has typically obtained key features later than iPod.

More after the jump.
Alternative Sources:
Zune sells 2 million units - gamesindustry.biz | By: Catastrophe
eagle21 - contributor
Published: 597 days 2 hours ago | News | Mobile | Industry News
 
 

Showing: 1 - 37 of 37 Comments
Shut this user up Let user speak
Ace Ventura - 597 days 2 hours ago
1 -
Wow, that is embarassing. Sony has sold wayyyyy more MP3 player than that.
Shut this user up Let user speak
uxo22 - 597 days 1 hour ago
1.1 - You're kidding me right
WHAT THE HELL DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH SONY SELLING MP3 PLAYERS!

Doesn't everything on this planet that is MS related have to draw a Sony comparison. The reason the FANBOY flame burns so bright, is because that's the way FANBOYS want it, they are not happy unless there is some type of argument going on that they can participate in.

JEEZ!

I think the zune is a relatively NICE mp3 player, and is second only to the IPOD as far as my preference goes. What's the name of the Sony MP3 player you spoke of, serious I rally don't know the name of it.

@aaquib - even though this type of talk doesn't go in the gamer zone, I'm going to say it anyway. you STFU, you moron. I was speaking more so on how the zune vs the ipod managed to draw in a sony comparison. So you can KMA!
Shut this user up Let user speak
aaquib - 597 days 1 hour ago
1.2 - @uxo. Shutup.
He means that Sony is such a small brand in the music player department, and even they have sold more than the Zune with little to no hype for their players. Don't accuse him of being a fanboy.
Shut this user up Let user speak
Icecold33 - 597 days 1 hour ago
1.3 - @uxo
I agree, and you are right aaquib is a moron! His hatred to MS is so bad that he can't even focus on normal things in life.
Shut this user up Let user speak
KingME - 597 days 1 hour ago
1.4 - @uxo
haha, you're funny man. Hey don't let him bring you down to his level. This is how he is, misery loves company.
Shut this user up Let user speak
Ace Ventura - 597 days 1 hour ago
1.5 -
LMAO!! Sony doesn't sale MP3 players??????????????????????? /

TRUST. Sony has sold MILLIONS and MILLIONS more than just 2 million MP3 players since 2006. They are the biggest and most coveted Electronics company in the world. The only company that's sold more MP3 player's than Sony is Apple. Samsung usually does better than most other as well.
Shut this user up Let user speak
Ace Ventura - 597 days 1 hour ago
1.6 -
You guys are funny. Those are just pathetic sales numbers. So I commented. If you don't like it, well get over it. Sony is a WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY more popular company than Microsft.
Shut this user up Let user speak
eagle21 - 597 days 1 hour ago
1.7 - @ace ventura, I can't beleive they disagreed with you. They are oblivious!
Sony's Walkman MP3 players, Sony Ericson Walkman Phones, PlayStation Portables (PSP), etc.! Like over 10 models of Walkman MP3 Players on Sonystyle.com.

Hell yeah, Sony's MP3 players are well over 40 million sold.

2 million Zune's in 2.5 years with MTV and other major marketing is a FLOP.
Shut this user up Let user speak
Tmac - 597 days ago
1.8 -
Actually he is right. The number one selling MP3 player in the world is a Sony MP3, following right behind it the IPOD and then in the top 10 I believe it's SanDisk. I have a Zune myself, first generation 30GB. To be honest there isn't a big difference between Ipod and Zune except style.
Shut this user up Let user speak
thewhoopimen - 596 days 23 hours ago
1.9 - @1.8
Thats why the zune is called a "copy" of the ipod...
Shut this user up Let user speak
Qbanboi - 596 days 17 hours ago
1.10 -
Chill out uxo22. Actually Ace is right. Sony had sold millions more MP3 that Microsoft. Because they had been on the market way more time. Actually the Psp is a MP3, that's just like 40 millions there ^^.
Shut this user up Let user speak
prowiew - 596 days 10 hours ago
1.11 -
marketshare mp3 players :
1. apple 77%
2. sandisk 9%
and then almost a tie ...creative labs, samsung and zune. 2% each.
Sony im not sure. Never has appeared on top selling list. Maybe 1% or 2%. dunno.
Shut this user up Let user speak
CrazyMystical - 597 days 2 hours ago
2 - wow that sucks, even HD DVD put up a better fight when it comes to war
.
Shut this user up Let user speak
HD DVD - 597 days 1 hour ago
2.1 -
:D
Shut this user up Let user speak
Cartesian3D - 597 days 1 hour ago
2.2 - rofl!!
nice one HD DVD ..

but I though u were dead! .. nice to see you again. thx for the laugh :)
Shut this user up Let user speak
eagle21 - 597 days 1 hour ago
3 - They should have stayed silent even more.
A flop. Pure and simple.

Remember when Steve Jobs asked the interviewer if Robbie Bach was inebriated when Bach stated Zune is threatening iPod?

See why? :)
Shut this user up Let user speak
thewhoopimen - 596 days 23 hours ago
3.1 - @3
hahaha... people were so offended by that at the time. Now... in hindsight... Robbie bach WAS inebriated lol.
Shut this user up Let user speak
permutated - 596 days ago
3.2 -
Look at all the cut little Microsoft drones disagreeing with you.

I agree with you bro.
Shut this user up Let user speak
aaquib - 597 days 1 hour ago
4 - HA!
2M vs. 150M. Keep going Microsoft, its a long way there. Apple is too innovative and intelligent to be overtaken by the Zune. You see, a new competitor in the market, and Apple still only keeps growing. Sorry MS, but you PHAIL. Stick to making Windows, nvm because Mac kills it. Stick to making XBOX's, nvm because none of them work. Stick to....making tables...
Shut this user up Let user speak
1stKnighT - 597 days 1 hour ago
5 -
Just shows that people don't care about the actual product, just the name brand. The Zune has everything the iPod has and tons more all at the same price.

Take away the name Apple and Microsoft and which player would you choose? The one with more features, right?

Apple fanboys are pretty intense with their loyalty. They buy EVERYTHING!
Shut this user up Let user speak
zerolinkgannon - 597 days 1 hour ago
5.1 - Hey I like apple!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Especially the green ones, they taste sweeter :D
Shut this user up Let user speak
Cartesian3D - 597 days 1 hour ago
5.2 - agree with u..
but dont say Ipods havent exclusive features

just to name afew:

one of the best UI s in Mp3 players (design, easy to use , FAST ,smooth )
Slim and elegant design

for example u cant name a product same as Ipod touch in term of design,speed,smooth WiFi web surfing and userfriendly OS...
Shut this user up Let user speak
LorD - 596 days 20 hours ago
5.3 -
A few months ago I got to play with an IPOD and a ZUNE that were gifts for family, both right out of the box.

The IPOD was beautiful from the get go, the design and simplicity was outstanding.

The ZUNE was a nightware to set up. It took forever for it to add its own DRM to everything I wanted to put on there. I was ready to return the ZUNE and get another IPOD, but the person it was for really, really wanted it.

IPOD FTW!
Shut this user up Let user speak
permutated - 596 days ago
5.4 -
Cartesian-

Definitely.
Shut this user up Let user speak
tonsoffun - 597 days ago
6 -
Well, they may see an increase in sales if they, I dunno, RELEASE IT IN ANOTHER REGION OTHER THAN THE US!!!!

Hell, you need to import it if you want it over the pond. It is far easier for peeps to buy what is available: namely the iPod,
Shut this user up Let user speak
Talvish - 597 days ago
6.1 - Other countries
Yup, looks like they are finally doing that though. As of mid-June you can purchase the hardware player (and have a marketplace) in Canada.

Software player you can use anywhere, you just dont' get access to the marketplace.
Shut this user up Let user speak
Talvish - 597 days ago
7 - Software player is nice
I can't speak for the hardware, since I don't own a Zune, but I do run the latest Zune 2.5 software player and I really like it. It does a good job allowing you to browse through your collection, handles large collections better than iTunes and I like the social aspects. By social aspects, I mean letting you seeing what your friends are playing, trying the music yourself, getting details on the artists, related artists, related bands, etc.

For those with a Live Gamertag, you already have an 'account'.

Anyhow, I recommend giving it a try. It is a free download.
8 Bladestar | 597 days ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show
Shut this user up Let user speak
eagle21 - 597 days ago
8.1 - Explain how the Zune is better than the Ipod Touch?
Please. Pretty please with a cherry on top :)
Shut this user up Let user speak
Talvish - 597 days ago
8.2 - Zune vs iPod
I believe you are referring to the Zune versus iPod Classic. The Zune is definitely more capable.

Compared to the iPhone or iPod Touch, the Zune isn't as capable hardware-wise. Though I am curious how well games will really play when you only have touch screen and accelerometers. I find the touch screen is not entirely accurate and doesn't register touch all the time.

Anyhow, I like that these devices are getting more capabilites and that SDKs are available to take advantage. It is a huge win for gaming.
Shut this user up Let user speak
Tmac - 597 days ago
8.3 -
Last I checked it's not about gaming capabilities. I actually own a Zune, but please stay on topic.
Shut this user up Let user speak
eagle21 - 597 days ago
8.4 - Well, everyone can talk features but let's discuss SOUND. (bass, pitch, noise, etc.)
Sony wins hands down. CNET will confirm this for just about every Walkman MP3 player. :)
Shut this user up Let user speak
TruthBTold - 597 days ago
9 - I love my iTouch
Very neat because of the features so it makes it neat and unique and fun. I think the iPod has become some sort of "in style" thing and its maintained its spot due to its innovations on each iPod generation. I would have considered getting the Zune because it seemed to have similar features to the regular iPod but honestly I was a little thrown off due to MS previous history with making hardware even though I have never heard of any complaints or issues with its hardware. I guess people and cultures have accepted Apple more into its music culture than any other brand. I do think think that the Zune should get more recognition since it does have many features that should easily compete with the iPod but then again its stepping into an already dominated market.
Shut this user up Let user speak
joeynox - 597 days ago
10 -
its hard to compete when 1 was launch like 3 years b4 the other so it carries the name brand. today most people dont say im going to listen to my sony mp3 or my ms mp3 they just say ipod. I own both a ipod and a zune .In a perfect world Id put the itunes software with the zune and a subscription service like zune software and Id be so happy.

I love my zune but the software is very buggy.The subscription service is great especially that you can unlock the drm is a flash
Shut this user up Let user speak
Reibooi - 596 days 22 hours ago
11 -
I used to have a I-Pod and then It was damaged playing in a I-pod dock and when i called to have it repaired while it was under warranty the customer service rep said i was lying and that there was no way it would have fallen out of the Dock if i was using it right. The fact that he straight up called me a liar was enough for me to say screw you.
I went out the next day and got a Zune and I have loved it. Just as good as a Ipod. I Like the Zune Social as well it nice to see what your friends are listening too and it helps you find other music you may like as well. I will agree that the updates are slow but that's a minor complaint considering there is nothing fatally wrong with the hardware or software.
Shut this user up Let user speak
myabsolution - 596 days 21 hours ago
12 - honestly im just gunna say it... but...
who the hell cares what you listen to music on?

its not like one mp3 player has exclusive songs on it that the other one doesnt, they all play the same stuff when it comes down to doing the job.

they are all good.
Shut this user up Let user speak
FordGTGuy - 596 days 18 hours ago
13 - To all The Sony MP3 Player remarks
Apple owns 90% of the MP3 Player market? How can they have that much marketshare and be behind Sony? To tell you the truth last time I checked the marketshare for the MP3 Player market Sony was no where in sight. The only companies listed were Apple, Sandisk, Microsoft and Creative.
Add Comment (Gamer Zone)
Gamer Zone Posting Guidelines
The Gamer Zone is for members who want a more friendly and civilized discussion. This section is heavily moderated by the N4G staff, so leave your fanboyism at the door please. Members who are unable to behave in a mature and respectful manner will be temporarily or permanently restricted from posting in the Gamer Zone. Using words such as Xbots and Sony droids, or other words from the console war vocabulary, is strictly prohibited in this Zone.
Read More...
 
 
You must log in to post comments.
Username:  
Password:  
 
 
About N4G
N4G is a social game news site that covers the game industry 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
More Info... | Submit News