Could Microsoft target iPod users with Zune services?


by Cyril Kowaliski — 9:41 AM on October 8, 2009

When you think about the Zune software, you probably think about Microsoft's new Zune HD (and, possibly, the older Zune devices that won't be around for much longer). Could Microsoft broaden the reach of Zune software and services to users of Apple devices, however? ZDNet's Mary-Jo Foley seems to think so.

Foley spoke to Jose Pinero, who's Director of Communications for the TV, Video, and Music business at Microsoft. When asked if iPod users who run Windows would be interested in using the Zune software, Pinero responded, "We are evaluating a lot of options in terms of platforms."

As Foley points out, not all iPod users are in love with iTunes—especially on Windows. Also, Microsoft offers something Apple doesn't: a subscription-based music service, which it calls Zune Pass. A Microsoft ad that came out in May specifically targeted iPods and iTunes, saying filling an iPod normally costs $30,000, but filling it via Zune Pass only costs $14.99 a month (or, as Penny Arcade put it, infinity dollars).

Microsoft doesn't sound worried about cannibalizing Zune device sales, either. The company has reportedly committed to "at least one more" Zune media player, but it expects users will eventually prefer buying convergence devices like smart phones. Pinero also stated plainly, "Zune is a music and video service from Microsoft. Period."

   
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