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Zune, Disney and how Apple should make its own kid-oriented iPod (hint: Disney iPod anyone?)

Mediaplayercollage
As an electrical engineer, I am interested in technology. Ok,
I am obsessed with technology. Well ok, even ‘obsessed’ might not be stressing
its overall importance in my life. Let’s just say I like technology. This means
I keep track of certain news coming out of places like Redmond, WA or the Silicon Valley.

One of the more interesting tidbits revolves around
Microsoft’s newest attempt to redefine their status as the world’s largest
software company into the world’s largest technology company. This time around,
it’s the Zune media player – Microsoft’s so-called answer to Apple’s iPod. Essentially,
it is an attempt by Microsoft to capture the market that Apple dominates with
their iPod and its derivatives.

Now, this is where it gets interesting. The Zune isn’t that
great and its current market share shows it. In just its second week of release,
it is the fifth most popular digital media device in the US with a lousy
2.1% of the market (based on units sold). Apple’s iPod, not so surprisingly,
took the overall lead. What is interesting however, is just who Microsoft tied
for fifth with.

Read More »Zune, Disney and how Apple should make its own kid-oriented iPod (hint: Disney iPod anyone?)

Euro Disney takeover bid?

[Update: ed. – Bloomberg reports that the takeover attempt was announced this morning] Reuters is reporting that Euro Disney SCA (owner and operator of Disneyland Resort Paris) may be subject to a hostile takeover bid by the little-known swiss firm Center-Tainment AG. MarketWatch had this to say: A statement from Center-Tainment’s offices said the company… Read More »Euro Disney takeover bid?

MGM For Garden Grove’s Theme Park?

As John posted earlier, the City of Garden Grove, California, which is just south of Anaheim, is trying to get a Hollywood studio to participate in a proposed theme park project. Deepa Bharath of the Orange County Register drops in the MGM name in an update article today.

MGM representatives seemed impressed with the city’s proposal and feasibility study, Yoshizaki said. The study identified two sites that could be developed into theme parks – the 100-acre Willowick Golf Course and 30 acres adjacent to the course, and 139 acres adjacent to the Garden Grove (22) Freeway at Harbor.

The study, released in October, says the park could attract 4.6 million people and generate about $350 million a year.

A spokesman for MGM in Los Angeles said Wednesday that his company has no immediate plan for theme parks in Southern California or elsewhere in the country.

Keep reading for my analysis.

Read More »MGM For Garden Grove’s Theme Park?

Disney makes big moves on Broadway

The OC Register looks at Disney’s growing presence in the realm of Broadway musicals. With the long running The Lion King and the newest player Mary Poppins… Factor in "Beauty and the Beast," faithfully drawing in the crowds in New York since 1994; "Tarzan," an expensive extravaganza that opened to underwhelming reviews in New York… Read More »Disney makes big moves on Broadway

Borrowing From EPCOT and Celebration in Colorado

Chryss Cada writes in The Denver Post about a project being planned for Fort Collins, Colorado that clearly inspired by Disney. With seed money of about $30 million, developer Lloyd Goff and his investment partners hope to transform 50 city blocks on the north side of town into a $1 billion research campus similar to… Read More »Borrowing From EPCOT and Celebration in Colorado

1000 Summits for Yeti Man, Take that Sir Hillary.

Back in August I wrote about James McCown, aka Yeti Man, who had ridden Expedition Everest over 500 times. He’s now passed the 1000 ride mark. James McCown (right) of St. Petersburg, FL, screams Oct. 30, 2006 as he rides Expedition Everest for the 1000th time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park in Lake Buena… Read More »1000 Summits for Yeti Man, Take that Sir Hillary.

High School Musical: The Concert Tour Dates Set

“High School Musical: The Concert Tour” has announced a run of 40 cities across America. Some of the original film’s cast will be on the tour: Monique Coleman, Lucas Grabeel, Corbin Bleu, Ashley Tisdale, and Vanessa Hudgens.

Tickets for “High School Musical” concerts go on sale Nov. 4

Full city list is below the cut.

Update: More Concert Information

Read More »High School Musical: The Concert Tour Dates Set

Bob Iger Interview on CNN

CNN has a transcript online of an interview with Bob Iger (President & CEO of The Walt Disney Company, in case you are new around here), who was interviewed by Andrew Stevens: Stevens: Michael Eisner was at Disney for 21 years, you were his number two for five years, how important was it for you… Read More »Bob Iger Interview on CNN