Entry updated · Sources & corrections policy
2006 - 2011
Zune Music Players
“A pocket full of music with a different point of view.”
- Birth year
- 2006
- Shutdown year
- 2011
- Lifespan
- 5 years
- Peak era
- 2006–2011
- Company
- Microsoft
- Category
- Devices
0 people remember this
Log in to leave a flower
What Was It?
Zune players were Microsoft’s portable music hardware. Their interface and sharing features gave listeners an alternative to the iPod during the years when a dedicated music player still had its own place in a pocket.
A dedicated player gave music a device of its own. Browsing a library on the Zune's interface was a different routine from opening one app among many on a phone, and the hardware's appearance became part of the listener's relationship with the collection.
The hardware ending should be separated from the histories of the software and branded services. This entry remembers the players themselves, including the period when carrying a second pocket-sized device for music was an ordinary and deliberate choice.
Things You Probably Forgot
- The first player launched in November 2006.
- Zune HD added a touchscreen to the hardware family.
The Story
- 2006 Zune players were Microsoft’s portable music hardware.
- 2009 The Zune HD introduces a different physical design and touch-based experience.
- 2011 Microsoft discontinued Zune hardware in 2011. The software and branded services had separate timelines and did not all end at the same moment.
How It Died
Microsoft discontinued Zune hardware in 2011. The software and branded services had separate timelines and did not all end at the same moment.
What Replaced It?
Memories
Log in to add a comment and share your memory.
Loading comments…