baseballva Posted November 13, 2006 Share Posted November 13, 2006 Microsoft Zune: iPod Rival or Just Another MP3 Player? NOV 13, 2006 09:49:09 AM | Add Comment (0) | Permalink Microsoft, the world’s leading producer of software, on Tuesday is expected to release its much-anticipated Zune digital media player in the United States, but despite the Internet hype surrounding the device, it still remains to be seen whether or not the software giant’s offering will prove to be a legitimate iPod challenger or just another failed attempt to steal away some of Apple Computer’s market share. Microsoft Zune It’s more than clear that Microsoft has a tough time ahead of it if it hopes to take a bite out of Apple, which currently owns the digital music player and download space in the US. So far, the Redmond, Wash.-based firm isn’t attempting to challenge Apple by offering a comparable product at a lower price; rather, it’s banking on Zune’s “connected entertainment” features that aren’t available via iPods to build its users base, according to The New York Times website. On the outside, Zune doesn’t stand out amongst the iPod and the many other comparable MP3 players on the market today. It has a display that’s a bit larger than most digital music players, and it’s available in an uncommon brown casing—as well as white and black—but there’s not much more that visually sets it apart from the other offerings already available from such firm’s as Apple, Creative and SanDisk. Its circular navigation button even resembles the iPod’s famous click-wheel, though its actual functionality differs from the iPod staple. The 30GB Zune is priced similarly to Apple’s 30GB video iPod—both sell for $250—and Microsoft plans to sell songs via its Zune marketplace for $1.00 a piece—the same price Apple charges for songs via its iTunes Store. So what is the software giant offering in hopes of compelling loyal iPod users to lay down their earbuds? First off, Zune comes with a built-in FM radio tuner, which enables users to receive some radio stations on the device without purchasing any add-on mechanisms. iPod users can purchase such add-ons to enable their iPods to receive FM radio but none of Apple’s iPods come with such functionality built-in. Second is Zune’s wireless content sharing ability, which is currently unavailable via any iPod on the market. The Zune will be able to locate any other Zune devices within its range to wirelessly share music and photos—and possibly video in the future, according to the Times. Zune users will need to name their devices, so other users can identify Zunes within their range, Scott Erickson, Microsoft’s senior director of product management, told the Times. They’ll be able to send single songs, complete albums—including album art and related information—as well as playlists to other Zune devices, and all users will have the option of accepting or blocking any wireless transfers. Sounds interesting, right? The only drawback: songs transferred from Zune to Zune will expire after three plays over three days’ time, and they’ll disappear, according to the Times. Photos sent from Zune to Zune, however, will have no expiration date, the Times reports. This drawback alone has caused a number of pundits and tech websites to trash the device—Forbes.com on Thursday published a piece entitled Zune Stinks—though few news outlets seem to have actually got their hands on a Zune. Typically, MP3 player users have been drawn to players with the largest storage capacity, and those with the easiest to use manager software. Though the added functionality makes Zune a bit heftier than a comparable iPod—and makes it consume more power—Microsoft’s banking on the device’s Wi-Fi capabilities to set it apart from the iPod and other MP3 players on the market “We’re adding that aspect of people sharing music,” Chris Stephenson, general manager for global marketing of Microsoft’s entertainment business, told the Times. “We’re adding to the digital music model what was fundamental to music. People love to share music.” One additional interesting fact from the NYTimes.com article: the Zune will not function with Mac computers upon its release. When Apple first introduced the iPod, its associated software only worked with Macs, but it shortly after tailored the program to PCs. In related news, Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs in October downplayed Microsoft’s entry into the digital media player and download space, saying he’s not worried about the challenge it will present. http://www.cio.com/blog_view.html?CID=26610 What do you think? Will it flop? The Wi-fi feature looks pretty cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Posted November 13, 2006 Share Posted November 13, 2006 From what I've heard, Microsoft, in it's entire corporate history, has produced two things that made money: Windows and Office. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gstahl Posted November 13, 2006 Share Posted November 13, 2006 From what I've heard, Microsoft, in it's entire corporate history, has produced two things that made money: Windows and Office. but man did they (and do they) make money on those products... Hmmm, dropping support for your current hardware vendors, bringing a device that does not use plays for sure, and adding a wifi system that can't do much except eat battery and share songs with the three zune players in existence... Not a great plan. Producing a rubbery turd color music player, priceless. Microsoft will flop with the first edition and then keep pouring money into the thing until it is a reasonable device with a substantial ecosystem. Even though I hate almost all MS products versions two and three of the zune might be interesting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spaceman Spiff Posted November 13, 2006 Share Posted November 13, 2006 I've only seen one commercial for it and it wasn't even that good. It didn't get up close and personal to the product like the iPod commercials do and it didn't do a good job of clearly illustrating why it's different/better than the iPod. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PokerPacker Posted November 13, 2006 Share Posted November 13, 2006 i've never even heard of it before. i guess they're lacking in the marketing department. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrapeApe Posted November 13, 2006 Share Posted November 13, 2006 There isn't a single feature on this that makes me want one. I'll stick with my 20GB iriver. What interest me more is the rockbox firmware "upgrades" for a lot of mp3 players. Has anyone ever tried rockbox on their ipod or other mp3 player? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coooleeey Posted November 13, 2006 Share Posted November 13, 2006 Who wants to share songs for three days? I understand the logic but for me personally it would be all or nothing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkinnedAussie Posted November 14, 2006 Share Posted November 14, 2006 From what I understand, the image on the screen displayed in the initial post is for display purposes only as the Zune will be released with a blue screen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The 12th Commandment Posted November 14, 2006 Share Posted November 14, 2006 From what I understand, the image on the screen displayed in the initial post is for display purposes only as the Zune will be released with a blue screen... ...of death? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkinnedAussie Posted November 14, 2006 Share Posted November 14, 2006 Yep, the most hated colour in the world - M$ Blue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slateman Posted November 14, 2006 Share Posted November 14, 2006 Right, cus I want more Microsoft products in my life Honestly, the sole reason I don't have an Xbox is because Microsoft's name is on it. If I could, I'd run something besides Windows. Unfortunately, I'm addicted to computer games Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbooma Posted November 14, 2006 Share Posted November 14, 2006 wifi and music might push it to the top once they work out the bugs, etc.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoony Posted November 14, 2006 Share Posted November 14, 2006 Right, cus I want more Microsoft products in my life Honestly, the sole reason I don't have an Xbox is because Microsoft's name is on it. If I could, I'd run something besides Windows.Unfortunately, I'm addicted to computer games Because we all know we're far better off giving our money to the Japanese... seeing how they're so ethical and all. .... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heyholetsgogrant Posted November 14, 2006 Share Posted November 14, 2006 From what I've heard, Microsoft, in it's entire corporate history, has produced two things that made money: Windows and Office. Did X-Box make money? I know they lost money on the launch... -Grant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QBkilla56 Posted November 14, 2006 Share Posted November 14, 2006 People have said the buttons suck and it feels like cheap plastic. I was planning to buy it but i just wait for a the new touch screen Ipod. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slateman Posted November 14, 2006 Share Posted November 14, 2006 Because we all know we're far better off giving our money to the Japanese... seeing how they're so ethical and all. .... I have no idea what you're talking about. Microsoft is far from ethical. If given the choice between two supposedly unethical companies, I choose the one who's product actually works. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimFolk Posted November 19, 2006 Share Posted November 19, 2006 My Zune is pretty awesome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enter Apotheosis Posted November 19, 2006 Share Posted November 19, 2006 This is yet another product that had so much potential (namely with its wireless abilities) that got stripped away in production. I think I'll stick to my gigabeat... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 I've read on slashdot that aparantly Zune is incompatable with Vista. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slateman Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 I've read on slashdot that aparantly Zune is incompatable with Vista. :doh: :doh: :doh: Only Microsoft . . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PokerPacker Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 I've read on slashdot that aparantly Zune is incompatable with Vista. what do you need? OSx? :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slateman Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 what do you need? OSx? :laugh: Windows 3.11 :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
no1fanofno21 Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 so many people have an ipod or want one. The younger crowd all use itunes as its music/media player. Of course it will sell, but i would think to have a choice most would pick the ipod. Considering the prices are the same. The idea of sharing music with the zune is a cool idea, but gone after 3 days is pointless. itunes lets you see other peoples music within range on your computers. And there are ways to get the music and keep it. I do know alot of people that just hate apple for basically no reason, so those types will probably be the people buying the zune. also i just recieved a ipod video and wouldnt think of changing to the zune. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOVA2Tampa Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 The new aluminum-skinned iPods are the shiznitz... http://www.apple.com/ipodnano/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enter Apotheosis Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 The new aluminum-skinned iPods are the shiznitz... http://www.apple.com/ipodnano/ I bring iPod back from America and I get my neighbor iPod mini... because it is for girls! Great success! :paranoid: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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