Not looking so good for Zune...

From Digital Music News:

Surveys Show Respectable First Week Zune Sales

The Zune performed respectably during its first week, according to a pair of retail research findings. NPD Group estimated that the Zune grabbed 9 percent of total portable MP3 player sales during the period, while Current Analysis reported a 7 percent share. The player was released on November 14th in the United States only, and quickly edged out the previous number two player manufacturer, SanDisk. Meanwhile, the iPod retained its dominance and delivered a 63 percent share during the week, according to the NPD report. The tallies, which involved major retailers, contradict earlier reports suggesting soft demand for the Zune.

Apple may experience a small dent in sales, though it remains to be seen if the Zune can pose a continued threat. Alternatively, Microsoft could find itself in the unenviable position of leading a crop of iPod killers, all of whom have been relegated to a collective 25-30 percent share in the United States. Meanwhile, a survey conducted over Thanksgiving weekend by Reuters pointed to a strong preference for iPods. Reuters talked to consumers at major malls, and found that 7 percent of prospective buyers would select a Zune. But the iPod was chosen 80 percent of the time, reinforcing the difficult challenge ahead for Microsoft. Elsewhere, the Zune currently ranks poorly on Amazon, while a collection of iPod models have grabbed top slots.

It also looks like Apple are going for wireless antennas in their Ipod's...thereby strongly suggesting Ipod phones... now, that will be interesting!


Apple Patent Strongly Suggests iPod Phone

An iPod phone now appears inevitable, and bets are being placed on details like pricing, release date, and form factor. Just recently, Apple filed a patent outlining a mobile device that "may correspond to the iPod," a development that largely confirms earlier speculation. The filing, recently made public, was originally filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office in August. The application describes a "tube-like" player constructed with "zirconia" and "alumina," and a device that would be "cost effective, smaller, lighter, stronger and aesthetically more pleasing" than competitive mobile music phones.

So when will the device hit the streets? Predictions vary, though some are pointing to an unveiling at the Macworld Conference & Expo in January. Others suggest a later date, though most expect a release within the first two quarters of next year. It appears that Cingular Wireless will carry the device within the United States, though the mobile company refused to comment on the possibility. Meanwhile, the player is likely to combine the iconic iPod scroll wheel with a traditional telephone keypad, and the form factor could resemble the iPod mini.

A copy of the patent application can be found here.