It appears that Microsoft is really pushing every avenue to ensure that the launch of Zune is a blockbuster. According to Reuters, EMI has inked a deal to preload music video content on the fledgling device. "The London-based company said the deal would see artists, including American actor Jared Leto's alternative rock band 30 Seconds To Mars and English electro-pop band Hot Chip, featured on the player when it goes to market later this year."
Competition is alwyas healthy, and everyone enjoys a good fight. Apple's massive market and mindshare should bolster it against the onslaught from Zune for a sizeable grace period, but it reamins to be seen if Microsoft can deliver the good and truly make an iPod class device that is compelling enough to disrupt the market.
As one quipster recently remarked to me, "An mp3 player with short battery life that I can reboot after every song! Yippie". I'm expecting Microsoft's venture to at least surpass those low expectations, but the devil lies in the margin between expectations and delivery.
[via Reuters]
