Microsoft Zune

2006 – 2011

Microsoft and Apple have been battling it out in the tech space for decades. But Apple changed the tune with its introduction of the iPod and soon it dominated the music player industry. In 2006, Microsoft countered with the Zune, which offered everything the iPod did, but with a larger screen and an FM radio tuner. Sadly, for Microsoft, these additions were not enough to entice people away from the iPod. They even fell short in music download choices and support. The failure here is not an inferior product. Microsoft just didn’t take the opportunity to make it better. While Apple made it ‘cool’ to have an iPod, Microsoft’s Zune was well… meh.

Additional info:
Wikipedia
Engadget – Gone too Zune: We reflect on Microsoft’s failed music project
Medium.com – Why the Zune Failed