Microsoft's mp3 player: Zune

Some thoughts on the speculation of a Microsoft mp3 player.  I would assume that some features are overstated and others are not disclosed, but going on what they say, it could be a fun Christmas!

But wait, there's more... Zune deets - Engadget

Microsoft is aiming for a November release in the US, to be followed by a global launch next year. We would promise you more info as the release looms nearer, but we're not sure what else we could say.

Obviously, the first big splash is WiFi; there is a ton of speculation about with the offering would be:

• Ability to download directly from the player.  If MS is releasing this piece of hardware, they are following Apple's success of tying it directly to a music service that they control.  Afterall, the consumer really doesn't differentiate the experience between software/service/hardware.  It needs to be one; it needs to be seamless.  If MS can offer a strong subscription services, this will be a great differentiator.
• Ability to broadcast over WiFi.  While I don't immediately see this as a feature I would use, I could see it catching on.  The ability to share a song that has been downloaded through URGE on subscription and allow I, as a WiFi listener to capture information to download/subscribe/buy the song as well would be pretty cool.  I am sure there are major issues with licensing, but if they can overcome, it would definitely stand out.
• Podcatcher built in would be a great boon, especially for those of us in the medicasting industry.  I would love 2 things for this: built in RSS and an API to build upon.  If Niall Kennedy's work with the Windows Live Feeds Platform comes to fruition, it would be great to have a single platform for managing feeds.  Now,  the product would be interesting, because I would want to control where downloads occur.  I may want the download to occur on the player, desktop or both.  The API to build upon would provide a great platform for the likes of PodShow, Odeo, Loomia, etc.  One issue that every portal is dealing with is the domination of iTunes as a client and this may provide a workaround.

I also have some concerns about the formats...

• Obviously, it will have to support mp3 for audio.  But what else?  WMA is assumed as well!  OGG?  AAC?  Will I be able to move my existing library over and have it sync immediately?  Please...
• Video is a bigger concern.  If it only plays WMV, we are going to have an unneeded war for video codecs.  I would hate for all of my favorite vloggers be strapped with creating feeds in both QT and WMV.  Would be great to support both.
• Wanna kick ass?  Wanna make all of the video partners really happy?  Be able to play FLV.  Imagine being able to setup feeds directly from YouTube, Google Video or more directly to your player.  And over WiFi.  Now that would be quite the differentiator!  There may be some complaints about the quality, but the market will decide.

As for marketing it, I hope that they play up the "Differences:"

• Look Different.  Highlight the fact that we aren't shadows with white cords and the same looking players.  I want to look different than the person next to me.
• Sound Different.  Highlight my ability to play music from a subscription service.  Show that I am not tied to just iTunes.  I can play YouTube videos right on my player.
• Connect Different.  You don't need a computer to get new content or connect with others.  It's connected.

From a Mac perspective, we are thinking differently.  From a music player, we all think the same.  Shake 'em up.