Andre Yoskowitz
11 Aug 2008 15:47
Citing slow sales of their Zune media player, Microsoft is turning to Hollywood to license original content exclusive to the player.
According to a Reuters report, the software giant has been sending executives out to all the talent agencies and production companies available to find video programming that can be used exclusively on the Zune, or at least launched on the Zune exclusively at first.
Instead of just looking for traditional programs such as sitcoms, Microsoft is looking for "nonconventional" programming that will capitalize on the device's excellent social networking platform.
Richard Winn, director of entertainment development for the Zune added, "What we would be looking to do with any form of original content is the added component that Zune could provide that iTunes or any competing service couldn't."
Finding a way to separate itself from the rival Apple iPod is becoming paramount for Microsoft, especially as sales have slowed down to a crawl for the Zune media device. Since its launch in 2006, just over 2 million Zunes have been sold, whereas it is assumed that Apple sells 3.5 million iPods each month.