Responding to criticism that its original line of Zune music players -- available only in black, brown or white -- failed to inspire consumers, Microsoft plans to launch on Tuesday a new line of Zunes in a range of colors and bedecked with tattoos, custom engravings, and other artwork. Microsoft will also introduce a $249 Zune with an 80-Gbyte hard drive capable of storing 20,000 songs, 25,000 pictures, and 250 hours of video. Additionally, two flash memory-based Zunes -- an 8-Gbyte model and a 4-Gbyte model -- will go on sale Tuesday.
The launch comes one year, less a day, after the original Zune player hit stores on November 14, 2006.
Customers who purchase one of the new Zunes through Microsoft's Zune Originals Web site can choose designs from 18 "internationally recognized" artists along with up to three lines of laser-engraved custom text, according to Microsoft.
The new Zunes feature redesigned software that Microsoft claims makes it easier to drag and drop content from a Windows desktop to a connected Zune player. A new search feature gives users a master view across all of their digital files, including songs, videos, and podcasts.
In revamping its Zune line, Microsoft is looking to compete more effectively against Apple and its highly successful iPod music player. Apple recently upped the stakes, introducing the iPod Touch -- a version of the device designed with the look and feel of the company's sought after iPhone mobile phone.
Despite being on the market for a year, Zune sales continue to trail iPod sales significantly. In its most recently completed quarter, Apple said it shipped 10.2 million iPods -- accounting for revenue of $1.6 billion.
Microsoft does not provide precise sales figures for the Zune. Its Entertainment and Devices Division, which houses the Zune, posted total sales in the most recent quarter of $1.9 billion. Well more than half of those sales, however, were attributable to the company's Xbox 360 video game system and related products.