You keep in mind the Zune… Proper?
As a 2000s child myself, I’ve imprecise recollections of Microsoft’s digital music participant earlier than its inevitable extinction in 2012. Now, due to cameos in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and different Marvel films, Microsoft is bringing the Zune participant again to life with the assistance of 3D printing.
Oh, and this shall be taking place onboard the Worldwide House Station.
The corporate is collaborating with Redwire, an aerospace producer, to 3D print a replica of Microsoft’s retro media participant on the ISS, as introduced by Redwire. The Zune has seen a slight resurgence in recognition due to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2the place the gadget is riffed on as being a nostalgic touchstone for music lovers again within the day.
Sadly, Microsoft’s Zune was by no means capable of stay as much as the hype. Launched in 2006, simply 5 years after Apple’s iconic first iPod, the Zune had a short spell of success earlier than dying out and ultimately being discontinued in 2012, six years after its debut.
MP3 participant of alternative for Chris Pratt’s character, Star-Lord, the Zune turns into his newly acquired listening gadget after switching to it from his trademark Walkman. Star-Lord will also be seen jamming to tunes on the Zune in Avengers: Infinity Warfare and Avengers: Endgame, displaying arguably extra longevity in theatres than in actual life.
With the third installment of Guardians of the Galaxy set to hit the large display screen on Could fifth, Microsoft took full benefit of the chance, launching an internet site centred across the gadget. It additionally features a brief advert wherein the film’s superheroes pay a go to to the ISS, with an area station astronaut handing Star-Lord a brand new Zune to exchange his damaged unit.
Coming Zune. Expertise @MarvelStudios‘ @Guardians solely in theaters 5/5. #GotGVol3 pic.twitter.com/BRoLtS926D
— Microsoft (@Microsoft) May 1, 2023
As a part of its marketing campaign, Microsoft will use Redwire’s Additive Manufacturing Facility on board the ISS Nationwide Lab to 3D print its lengthy departed gadget.
Sadly, typically issues are simply too good to be true. A Redwire spokesperson confirmed that the mockup wouldn’t be capable of play any music.
The spokesperson answered an inquiry from Gizmodo by stating, “This print is a instrument, and this challenge helps us leverage the joy of the discharge of the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Quantity 3 film as a chance to have interaction a brand new viewers who loves science fiction and have them get to know extra about the true science that occurs on the ISS, together with 3D printing.”
Regardless of the resurrection of considered one of 2006’s hottest listening gadgets, it appears to be like like just one mannequin shall be made all the way in which up in house, making the prospect of 2023 Greatest Purchase cabinets being lined with numerous Zunes nothing greater than a dream.
Picture credit score: Microsoft
Supply: Redwire Through: Gizmodo
