Reports Of The Zune’s Demise May Be Premature….Or Not
Nov 30th, 2006 | By James Lewin | Category: iPods & Portable Media PlayersSome sources are suggesting that reports of the Zune’s demise may be premature. According to the market research firm NPD Group, Microsoft’s Zune took second place in the portable media player market for the first four days it was on sale.
“Considering it is a new brand, it’s a very good first-week showing,” said Ross Rubin, director of industry for NPD Group.
While some see this as a glimmer of hope for the much-hyped player, NPD’s findings are limited to off-line sales, and the numbers could represent pent-up demand caused by months of Internet buzz.
Since its debut, the Zune’s sales have plummeted at online retailers such as Amazon and reviews have been largely negative.
Even more important, though, may be the fact that retailers are recommending the iPod over the Zune 10 to 1.
Retailers Recommend iPods Over Zunes 10 to 1
The end of Microsoft’s Zune trouble is not in sight. Many consider the Zune introduction a debacle, and research suggests that retailers overwhelming prefer iPods.
Channel Checkers asked retailers around the world, although primarily focused on the U.S., which MP3 players were selling best, if they sold the Zune and which one they personally recommended.
- 81% of respondents told us they reccomended an iPod, with the 30GB or 60GB model most commonly suggested.
- 11% of survey respondents suggested the Creative Micro Zen MP3 player, primarily because functionality was close to the iPod and Zune and was cheaper to buy.
- Zune was recommended by only 7% of our respondents.
iPod’s were recommended for many reasons including:
- Flat out better product
- iTunes
- More accessories
- Been around longer, etc.
Yes, the Zune came in “second,” and it did in fact outsell the Creative Zen and other portable media players… but it made up something like only 8% of mp3 player sales since its introduction earlier this month. For something so built up and hyped, those numbers are pitiful.
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