Zune 30

For the series line and brand, see Zune.
Zune 30
ManufacturerMicrosoft
TypePortable media player
Release dateNovember 14, 2006
Operating systemWindows Embedded CE 6.0
Storage30 GB Hard disk
Display320 x 240 resolution, 3 in. diagonal
InputCircular directional pad
ConnectivityWi-Fi, USB
Power3.7V Lithium-Ion Internal Battery
Current firmware3.30
Online servicesZune Marketplace
Dimensions2.4 × 4.4 × 0.58 inches
Mass5.6 ounces
SuccessorZune 80
RelatedZune 4, 8, 16

The Zune 30 is a portable media player developed by Microsoft, and the first hardware device in Microsoft's Zune brand. It was released on November 14, 2006, simply named the Zune. After subsequent versions with different hard drive capacities, the original Zune was renamed Zune 30.

The consumer edition was initially offered in black, brown, and pearl white, which came with a "doubleshot," or translucent glow, in a different color, of blue, green, and clear, respectively. First-party cases were made from leather and fabric while third-party cases were usually made from a silicone rubber. Controls included a circular controller with four buttons for direction, as well as a middle button to select a song album or menu, a back button to the left, a play/pause button to the right, and a hold switch atop the player next to the headphone port.[1] The words "Hello from Seattle" were inscribed on the back of the outer shell, and it featured several songs, videos, and images pre-loaded on the device.[2] The Zune originally sold at a retail price of $249.99 with the cost being reduced to $199.99 on September 5, 2007.[3]

The limited editions came in different colors and artwork and were offered in three consecutive months. 100 of each two special colors, Magenta and orange, were distributed randomly at launch were and came with a numbered certificate of authenticity.[4][5] 100 of each color were also given to the Zune team as gifts. They had "Welcome to the Social November 14, 2006" written on the back and came in white packaging featuring Zune artwork, then were released on the very same month.[6][7] Cesar Menendez from the Microsoft Zune team confirmed the coming of a Pink Zune around mid-May for a limited run of 100,000 units.[8] The aforementioned magenta color was commonly called "pink" at the time of its limited release, but with the release of an official pink option it became clear that the 200 limited release units were magenta and orange to represent that colors of the Zune logo. Red Zunes were also sold in a limited quantity of 100,000, but were exclusive to Target stores and the Amazon website. "Ambassador" artwork Zunes were given to Microsoft's "Zune Master" college-student marketers on December 15, 2006.[9]

A Halo 3 inspired Zune developed in partnership with the game's creators Bungie was announced at a Halo 3 event in May 2007. The Halo 3 Zune came in either dark brown or black, and featured a Halo symbol on the back. Both versions were loaded with Halo content, including a custom episode of the popular series Red vs. Blue and were designed to feel like something that came from the game.[10] The black Halo 3 Zune was sold exclusively through GameStop beginning on June 27, 2007, while the dark brown Halo 3 Zunes was carried in the AAFES "PX" for the military. In early August 2007, 300 of the dark brown Halo 3 Zunes were distributed free of charge by the USO to soldiers deployed to foreign soil. On June 10, 2007, a special edition red Zune became available on Amazon.com and also at Target stores within the United States.

Released on October 29, 2007, a Wisin & Yandel custom Zune was available exclusively at Wal-Mart stores. This custom Zune was created for fans of the Latin music group Wisin & Yandel and was pre-loaded with the album Wisin vs. Yandel Los Extraterrestres. Live concert footage, videos, images and other music were also included. The Wisin & Yandel Zune came in black with a custom graphic on the back.[11]

  1. ^ Horwitz, Jeremy (2006-08-17). "Zune interface, features detailed". iLounge. Archived from the original on 2008-08-27.
  2. ^ "Microsoft PressPass Press Release" (Press release). Microsoft. 2006-09-28. Archived from the original on 2012-01-17. Retrieved 2006-09-28.
  3. ^ Zune Insider : Price Drop Archived March 3, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ "Secret Pink Zune". Archived from the original on 2011-10-04.
  5. ^ Wittress, Bill (2006-11-28). "Pink Zunes in the wild". Archived from the original on 2012-07-11.
  6. ^ Wittress, Bill (2006-11-14). "Ship gift (Pink and Orange Zunes)". Archived from the original on 2012-02-16.
  7. ^ Ricker, Thomas (2006-11-15). "Zune in Pink (and Orange)". Engadget. Archived from the original on 2012-12-06.
  8. ^ Menendez, Cesar (2007-04-07). "Pink Photo". Zune Insider. Archived from the original on 2009-03-24.
  9. ^ "Inside glimpse into Zune Masters". Zunerama. 2006-12-23. Archived from the original on 2013-05-23.
  10. ^ "Halo 3 zune". Archived from the original on 2011-07-08.
  11. ^ Zune.net | Wisin & Yandel Custom Zune Archived September 11, 2008, at the Wayback Machine