Despite Microsoft's unsuccessful attempts in aiming to have its Windows Media technology lead the market’s music download stores, such as by offering the ability for its partners to allow unlimited downloads using its time-limited DRM technology, going by a study carried out by ABI Research, it looks like Microsoft may have a better chance of succeeding with its upcoming Zune player & music download service. In the study, 1,725 US teenagers and adults were asked if they plan on buying an MP3 player over the next 12 months. However, the outcome turned out to be quite a surprise, as 58% of those likely to purchase an MP3 player mentioned that they are either somewhat likely or extremely likely to go for Microsoft's Zune player over a competitor.
Interestingly, all those who plan on going for the Zune also mentioned that they are existing iPod owners. Of those who already own a competitor to the iPod and plan on replacing their player, 59% of these also said that they were somewhat or extremely likely to go for the Microsoft Zune. Only 15% of existing iPod owners surveyed mentioned that they were either not likely or very unlikely to choose the Zune as their next MP3 player.
On the other hand, even though this survey makes the Zune looking to be a real iPod killer, Microsoft will need to come up with a way to draw attention to its player in order to succeed. In this survey, the people taking part were provided with a photo of the Zune along with a description before being asked about their likelihood of choosing this or some competitor.
From what I can see, no matter how sophisticated, user-friendly or featured an MP3 player may be, it will be certainly be a major challenge for the manufacturer of it to take on the iPod brand, particularly when it comes to consumers who assume that if it does not have ‘iPod’ written on it, it ain't an MP3 player.
Thanks to GristyMcFisty for letting us know about his news. Further info can be read at the source here.
