Original URL: http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/07/11/ms_ipod_clone/
Is this the face of Microsoft's alleged own-brand iPod clone? That's certainly what a number of gadget websites are claiming. It's said to be codenamed 'Argo' and to have the go-to-market name 'Zune', but there's little else that can said about it.
There's not much to go on. Past rumours had said the machine has wireless built in and that it may offer some sort of Xbox-like mobile gaming facility - though some reports (http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/top/microsoft-argos-final-name-the-zune-186359.php?www.reghardware.co.uk) suggest that's not part of the programme. It may come in other handhelds (http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/10/microsofts-argo-xbox-wireless-portable-media-player/?www.reghardware.co.uk).
There are hints it does video playback as well as music, but the portrait-orientated display may suggest otherwise. You could turn it through 90°, of course, but that's hardly an elegant solution, particularly when compared to today's video iPod, let alone the widescreen model Apple is said to have in the pipeline.
It's impossible to say how big the device is from the pic, but from the look of the controls we'd say it's bigger than an iPod. ®
Toshiba's Zune-branded player made public (25 August 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/08/25/toshiba_ms_zune_details/
Websites 'leaked' Microsoft Zune details, blurry pics (18 August 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/08/18/ms_zune_details_pics_leaked/
Zune 'final design' slips out, sort of (1 August 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/08/01/zune_specs_design_mock-up/
MS to spend big bucks and lose money pushing Zune (28 July 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/07/28/ms_zune_plans/
Microsoft confirms Zune software, hardware family (24 July 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/07/24/ms_confirms_zune/
Future iPods to morph into games consoles? (19 July 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/07/19/ipods_to_get_3d/
MS Xbox PMP won't make iPod RIP (6 July 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/07/06/ms_ipod_killer_rumours/
Microsoft-led coalition bands against Apple iPod (1 June 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/06/01/ms_allies_against_apple/
Handheld Xbox: third time lucky for MS iPod killer scheme? (21 March 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/03/21/ms_ipod_killer_speculation/