The Zune is Microsoft’s great hope to defeat the dominance of the Apple iPod, and it’s coming to US stores on Tuesday the 14th. The question on some people’s lips is whether Apple will spoil the party and launch a widescreen wireless iPod on Monday…

There’s no question that Microsoft is playing serious catch up with Apple in the digital music player wars. Let’s face it: Microsoft is always playing catch up, but quite often, they pull out in front.

Computer users with a long memory will know that CP/M once ruled the operating system roost. It was my own first OS, and because I knew CP/M, I already knew how to use Microsoft’s DOS.

Apple was the first to popularize a graphical user interface and operating system with the original Mac (let’s not talk about the Apple Lisa), and it took Microsoft at least three goes before getting their own graphics OS traction, with Windows 3.1, not really Windows 3.0, being the true catalyst for their ongoing OS success.

And while Microsoft has broken the ‘three to success’ rule with the Xbox 360, which is really the Xbox 2, no-one truly believes that Microsoft can get the Zune right on their very first go.

But clearly, they’re learning. Zune has a beautiful interface that outdoes the iPod’s more basic style. It packs in wireless technology which no iPod currently has, and while it is generating interest, no-one really says they’re going to ditch their iPod just so they can wirelessly share songs with friends, thanks to the limitations Microsoft have imposed.

Its larger screen is definitely a bonus, but when Apple launches their oft-rumored widescreen model, the Zune’s screen will look paltry in comparison.

And who would have thought that anyone could ever make ‘brown’ cool? The buzz on brown has been growing ever since Microsoft first showed the world pics of the Zune, but its still a color that does not belong on a snazzy suit. Sorry, brown suit owners, it’s only my opinion.

While the US is one of the biggest markets in the world, it’s not the only market that’s important. Even so, Microsoft has limited Zune to the US for now, completely annihilating the possibility of major worldwide traction for Zune purchases. Sure, someone could order one from a US website, but few will bother unless they’ve got cash to burn.

Me? I’m an iPod user. I think they’re the best things since sliced bread and the CD player. I’ve used many other competing mp3 players, and unless you’re an experienced computer user, and then even if you are, the system to transfer music across is just painful and ugly.

Not so with iTunes. Anyone can easily learn the system, and change music on their iPods with ease. Windows Media Player makes it all much harder. Why?!

Microsoft’s moves into downloadable content for the Xbox 360 are mirroring iTunes in its content breadth, although they’ve still got a long way to go. Why not let the Zune store be accessible from an Xbox 360 so you can buy music direct to your Xbox 360 hard drive and play it from there?

It’s still a Microsoft product after all, and with Zune being compatible with an Xbox 360, as is the iPod, for playing music, it’s something they could easily do if they wanted. Maybe it’s something they’ve got up their sleeves.

The Zune has a long way to go to prove itself. Microsoft has already tried very, very hard to crack the digital music market. Anyone remember the Creative Portable Media Center? Or what about all those iRivers and Samsungs and Toshiba Gigabeats he’s held up at CES keynote speeches and other events over the years?

They’re all still available. But the Zune’s biggest competitor is not the iPod. Both the iPod and the Zune have a bigger competitor to worry about: the mobile phone. Nokia wipes Apple and Microsoft into the dust with the number of mobile phones it sells, most of which are music players these days.

Nokia only has to get the interface right and their own iTunes type software and they’ll have an instant hit on their hands. But with the Nokia N91 they rely on Windows Media Player. Please, give me a break! In any case, getting the interface on the phone right is a big ask, and if Nokia could easily do it, they’ve have done it by now.

Still, work is progressing for Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Creative, iRiver and all the others, with Sony Ericsson in particular enjoying fantastic global sales of their excellent Walkman branded mobile phones.

But it might be too late for them all. Apple might release their widescreen iPod on Monday to spoil Microsoft’s party.

I’ve no idea if they will or not, but whenever they do, the global news will be Apple Apple Apple. And then everyone would Zune out completely… at least, for a while. Good luck for Tuesday, Microsoft!

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