MS New Zune... Don't Even Bother...

[IntheNet]

Microsoft's Zune discussed by CNN's Money section here (http://money.cnn.com/popups/2006/fortune/zune/index.html?cnn=yes)...

Zune:
--Bigger than iPod...
--About same battery life...
--About the same cost of unit...
--Songs same price as in iTunes (.99 vs. .99)...
--Has integrated FM tuner...
--Has WiFi sharing which iPod lacks...

Microsoft is 5 years LATE here... the market is saturated with iPods so even if Zune is superior I don't see lots of folks shifting over...

...BUT GUESS WHAT?

Apparently the Zune software isn't compatible (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=2237) with Vista (Vista will start selling to businesses in two weeks). Also checkout that picture for the installer backdrop for Zune... seem's something women find unpleasant....

[Grouchy]

The Vista and "women in distress" can easily be corrected but it is still funny. It's probably the DRM other things in Vista that are different than XP that make Zune software not Vista friendly and XP is still on a lot of desktops...

[That Phat Hat]

I've had a 3-year-old iPod and I'll be in the market for a new player soon, and I'd consider Zune but it's a non starter for one very simple reason: it's not compatible with Mac OS X. Microsoft is pragmatic enough to keep developing Office for Mac, but they won't do the same for their competition to Apple's biggest weapon?

It seems like Microsoft did a lot of homework with this, especially with grassroots marketing and reaching out to both music and tech bloggers, and this is the closest thing to an "iPod Killer" that's come out, so that's admirable.

But the market's pretty saturated and beyond the wifi sharing (which is restricted to 3 days or 3 plays, whichever comes first), it doesn't have anything that iPod doesn't. And it's unlikely Zune will take any of the cultural cache that the iPod owns.

[TheBlackKnight]

Listened to some reviews, all of them saying the Zune sucks.

Basically, Microsoft bent over for the music industry and installed waaaaay too much DRM on it.

[Grouchy]

BTW, you can install the software on Vista RC2; stop autorun, run in compatibility mode - Windows XP. There are some bloggers that have posted instructions.

Besides, the Vista OS isn't even out yet...

[Dante]

Vista will be out for companies next week though, so it will be available.

[CutePuppy]

I'd stick with my IPod. What's the point of dumping all my hard working money for Micro$oft? I am also thinking of replacing my old Windows PC with a 17-inch MacBook Pro. The only problem, however, is the price and I don't think I can live with the 15-inch one....

[kerpow]

It has a bigger screen than the iPod so I'd be tempted to buy it if I wanted to watch movies on it. But, as it doesn't work on Mac's its a non-starter.

I am also thinking of replacing my old Windows PC with a 17-inch MacBook Pro. The only problem, however, is the price and I don't think I can live with the 15-inch one....

Just buy an external monitor then.

Personally, I'm sick of laptops altogether. It was cool for a while but I use a computer at home 95% of the time so I'll soon be replacing my Powerbook with a 20" iMac.

[Chicago1871]

In my opinion, the DRM alone is enough reason to avoid both the Zune and the iPod. I'm not necessarily against the philosophy behind DRM, just the current execution of the technology.

[TheBlackKnight]

In my opinion, the DRM alone is enough reason to avoid both the Zune and the iPod. I'm not necessarily against the philosophy behind DRM, just the current execution of the technology.

I have an video iPod - and have no problems with DRM. I simply work around it. I rip music from CDs borrowed from the library, or buy music from musicmp3.ru at 12 cents/song with no DRM feces attached to it, or I download it using Limewire.

The Zune was basically created using direction from the major record labels, hence the massive DRM suckage imbedded in the Zune. The worst part is that if you bought music on iTunes, it won't play on the Zune - you have to buy the music all over again. That kind of utter greed by the major music labels angers me - lessens the chance I could ever side with the recording industry.

[kerpow]

In my opinion, the DRM alone is enough reason to avoid both the Zune and the iPod. I'm not necessarily against the philosophy behind DRM, just the current execution of the technology.

Don't use it then. I haven't bought a single song from iTunes in the 3 years that I've had my iPod, I always buy CD's.

[JeremyEritrea]

In my opinion, the DRM alone is enough reason to avoid both the Zune and the iPod. I'm not necessarily against the philosophy behind DRM, just the current execution of the technology.
I have an iPod, and I've imported all of my CDs into my iTunes library. I also buy music from the iTunes music store. If I want to share those songs with friends, I can always rip a CD, which removes the DRM. I also buy unprotected music from eMusic as MP3 files, which I import into iTunes with no problems.

Bottom line is that DRM for an iPod is not really that bad. It sounds like a nightmare for the Zune.

[TheBlackKnight]

If I want to share those songs with friends, I can always rip a CD, which removes the DRM.

When you do that, do you notice any loss in quality?

[Chicago1871]

I have an video iPod - and have no problems with DRM. I simply work around it. I rip music from CDs borrowed from the library, or buy music from musicmp3.ru at 12 cents/song with no DRM feces attached to it, or I download it using Limewire.
You choose to avoid buying music from iTunes, which is why you have no problems with DRM. That is fine.
The Zune was basically created using direction from the major record labels, hence the massive DRM suckage imbedded in the Zune. The worst part is that if you bought music on iTunes, it won't play on the Zune - you have to buy the music all over again. That kind of utter greed by the major music labels angers me - lessens the chance I could ever side with the recording industry.
You're looking at this the wrong way. Technically, music purchased from iTunes won't play on my Samsung MP3 player (or many others) either. Microsoft isn't to blame for not making their player iTunes compatible at all. Why should they? From a business standpoint this might have been smart as they would have likely increased their customer base, but they'll soon have their own version of a music library with tracks for purchase, so why give Apple the business?
Don't use it then. I haven't bought a single song from iTunes in the 3 years that I've had my iPod, I always buy CD's.
I choose not to use the iPod and I sure won't by the Zune because both essentially require that to fully utilize their product in the best possible fashion you should purchase music through their download services. Enter DRM.
I have an iPod, and I've imported all of my CDs into my iTunes library. I also buy music from the iTunes music store. If I want to share those songs with friends, I can always rip a CD, which removes the DRM. I also buy unprotected music from eMusic as MP3 files, which I import into iTunes with no problems.

Bottom line is that DRM for an iPod is not really that bad. It sounds like a nightmare for the Zune.
Here's what is interesting. Initially it was unknown that simply ripping a CD would remove the iTunes DRM. There are obviously other programs as well that are hugely successful. The letter of the law, with regards to iTunes legal agreement makes both of these actions illegal and financially hurt Apple, which means their DRM will be upgraded eventually to end or limit these workarounds. The Zune DRM has not been around for long and will be cracked sooner or later. Microsoft's stopgaps for loss are much tighter than Apples, but make no mistake Apples will improve as well.

This is not a pass for Microsoft by any means, their DRM is actually active (will embed itself in music already owned and not purchased through their service) which is far worse in my opinion, but just because Apple's DRM isn't as bad doesn't mean their A-OK.

[Ringo]

but, but, but ... Microsoft is GOD'S COMPANY! noaihmtch told me so! no, this player rules! you guys are just sick!


the problem with switching from an ipod to a zune (or any other player) is that all your itunes purcahsed music won't play on it. it sucks, but many of us couldn't switch if we wanted to.

I've also read some so-so to bad reviews, but they also said it was typical microsoft: they're releasing it really before it's ready and will be polishing it on the fly. basically the guy was saying if you have to have one, wait until they figure it out better. but it's not worth it right now.

[655321]

When you do that, do you notice any loss in quality?

You pretty much can't get any worse than a compressed 128kbps file.

[655321]

Basically, Microsoft bent over for the music industry and installed waaaaay too much DRM on it.

Really, how different is that from iTunes?

[JeremyEritrea]

When you do that, do you notice any loss in quality?
No.

[That Phat Hat]

Really, how different is that from iTunes?
I think the advantage iTunes had was that they were the first of its kind, so the labels really didn't see the potential of online music sales, so Apple got itself a relatively decent deal. The labels are trying to get Apple to introduce variable pricing, but Jobs is resisting so far.

Otherwise though, you're right.

[Kryptonite]

Zune:
--Bigger than iPod...
--About same battery life...
--About the same cost of unit...
--Songs same price as in iTunes (.99 vs. .99)...
--Has integrated FM tuner...
--Has WiFi sharing which iPod lacks...

Now, if I have a MP3 player with 5,000 songs (or more) on it, when would I ever have time for FM radio?

What they could have done was had a way to record FM radio onto the Zune. Really no different than putting a tape in and pushing a record button. It's lower sound quality than satellite, so there might not be a lot of RIAA stuff to stand in the way.

The WiFi could be nice. It's probably not possible to sit in a Starbucks next to someone else's Zune and take their non-DRM music though.