Early Zune sales underwhelm

Perhaps Microsoft should have considered selling the Zune everywhere from day one. As this reporter can attest from a recent trip to the United States, Microsoft's iPod killer isn't exactly flying off the shelves state-side.

Microsoft said on Wednesday it expects to sell a million Zunes by June, a claim that some analysts are already doubting is possible. According to market research firm NPD Group, Zune started respectably, claiming 9 per cent of new sales in the US digital player market in its debut week in mid-November. That share fell to 2 per cent the following week. Both Microsoft and analysts are keeping mum on actual sales figures.

Could a slow Christmas state-side then push forward the launch date of the Zune in Europe? After all, there won't be a problem of supply.