Zune 30
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| Manufacturer | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Type | Portable media player |
| Release date |
 November 14, 2006 |
| Operating system | Windows Embedded CE 6.0 |
| Storage | 30 GB Hard disk |
| Input | Circular directional pad |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB |
| Power | 3.7V Lithium-Ion Internal Battery |
| Online services | Zune Marketplace |
| Dimensions | 2.4 × 4.4 × 0.58 inches |
| Weight | 5.6 ounces |
| Successor | Zune 80 |
| Related articles | Zune 4, 8, 16 |
The Zune 30 was the Second portable media player developed by Microsoft. It was released on November 14, 2006. It was simply named the Zune. After subsequent versions with different hard drive capacities, the original Zune was renamed Zune 30.
The consumer edition was initially offered in black, brown, and pearl white, which came with a "doubleshot," or translucent glow, in a different color, of blue, green, and clear, respectively. Cases are made from a silicone rubber. Controls include a circular controller with four buttons for direction, as well as a middle button to select a song album or menu, a back button to the left, a play/pause button to the right, and a hold switch atop the player next to the headphone port. The words "Hello from Seattle" are inscribed on the back of the case and it features several songs, videos, and images preloaded on the device. The Zune originally sold at a retail price of $249.99 with the cost being reduced to $199.99 on September 5, 2007.
The limited editions came in different colors and artwork and were offered in three consecutive months. Red Zunes were put up for auction in various stores in the Los Angeles area on October 2006. Pink and orange Zunes, in quantities of 100 each, were randomly inserted into Zune boxes along with a numbered certificate of authenticity. Devices in these same colors were given to the Zune team as gifts. They had "Welcome to the Social November 14, 2006" written on the back and came in white packaging featuring Zune artwork then were released on the very same month. "Ambassador" artwork Zunes were given to Microsoft's "Zune Master" college-student marketers on December 15, 2006.
Cesar Menendez from the Microsoft Zune team confirmed Pink Zune availability around mid-May for a limited edition production run of 100,000 units. In the same month, beginning April 13, 2007, the Pink Zune was first available on several online stores.
A Halo 3 inspired Zune developed in partnership with the game's creators Bungie was announced at a Halo 3 event in May 2007. The Halo 3 Zune comes in either dark brown or black, and features a Halo symbol on the back. Both versions are loaded with Halo content, including a custom episode of the popular series Red vs. Blue and were designed to feel like something that came from the game.
The black Halo 3 Zune is sold exclusively through GameStop since June 27, 2007, while the dark brown Halo 3 Zunes will be carried in the AAFES "PX" for the military. In early August, 2007, 300 of the dark brown Halo 3 Zunes were distributed free of charge by the USO to soldiers deployed to foreign soil. As of June 10, a special edition red Zune is for sale online at Amazon.com and also at Target stores all over the United States.
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