James Delahunty
5 Jan 2007 2:33
Microsoft's Zune player did take a decent portion of the HDD-based MP3 player sales at large retail stores but failed to make the Top 10 list according to market researcher Current Analysis. Among the top 10 list were 8 different iPod models and 2 SanDisk models. The firm tracks figures at Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA, Staples and RadioShack in its research.
The Zune did capture 12% of the HDD-based player market according to the firm, but it is important to point out that it doesn't track figures from some retail outlets like Wal-Mart or Apple's own stores. "Microsoft did well for a newcomer, but it was competing in a segment that accounted for only one-fifth of all holiday sales," Current Analysis Research Director Samir Bhavnani said.
He applauded Apple's persistence in the market. "It has retained its top spot without having to turn on a subscription-based download service as a new product offering." he said. He also revealed that he does not expect Microsoft to sit back and not attempt to bring the Zune further into the market.
"Looking forward to 2007, I expect to see Microsoft offer a flash-based competitor to SanDisk and the iPod Nano/Shuffle in addition to a less bulky (hard-drive-based) player," Bhavnani said.
Source:
News.com