Microsoft's answer to Apple Computer's iPod appears to be no answer at all, according to an IDG News Service report.
The Zune, as the Microsoft player is named, has received less than glowing reviews from critics and retailers alike. Sales have been disappointing, especially considering the hype Microsoft generated with Zune's release on Nov. 15.
Gene Munster, a senior research analyst with Piper Jaffray & Co., said only eight percent of 40 retailers surveyed by the firm recommended the Zune while 75 percent pointed customers towards the iPod.
Somewhat startling was Mr. Munster's report that a number of sales people responsible for MP3 players had not heard of the Microsoft product even though it was being sold in their stores.
"The buzz that Microsoft was able to generate for the Zune's launch clearly helped the player in its first week, but much of the publicity took the form of Zune/iPod comparisons," Mr. Munster wrote in his research note. Those comparisons showed the Zune "failed to match up in the eyes of most reviewers" to the iPod.
As of this writing, iPods represent six of the top 10 selling electronics products on Amazon.com. The Zune stands at 62 on the online retailer's list.
Deutsche Bank analyst Chris Whitmore wrote iPods "appear to be immune to the Zune."
Discussion Questions: If Microsoft can’t break into the iPod/iTunes market with this latest effort, will anything or anyone be able to do it? What is Apple doing so well that others seem unable to rival?