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Caveat Emptor: Microsoft’s new Zune enters the MP3 arena
By Jason Olig
posted 10:45:40 PM CST, Dec 21, 2006
When Apple’s iPod smashed onto the digital media stage, a musical revolution took place. Music, photos, and videos became more portable than ever before and virtually every major electronics distributor got in on the action. Until just recently, Microsoft sat out of the highly profitable MP3 market, watching one of their major competitors conquer the field. All that has since changed, and Microsoft is fighting back. With the release of their new Zune digital media player, Microsoft is trying to snag their own piece of the MP3 pie.
When the Zune was released in mid-November, the average person only knew a few obvious facts about this new addition to the market. It offers photo, and video playback as well as music files, and as far as the average consumer was concerned, was in no way comparable to the iPod.
Microsoft’s Zune is not compatible with certain music downloading software files such as those from Napster and Urge services, much to the chagrin of the average downloader. Any buyer that uses these programs is forced to go through the timely task of burning all their songs to CD, ripping them to the Zune program, and finally synching them to the Zune device. It also has horrible video support, as even its own software, the Zune Marketplace, doesn’t have any videos available for purchase…yet.
Having entered the market a bit late in the game, the Zune will not be welcomed with anywhere near the enthusiasm that greeted the iPod. Digital music seekers have already found their status symbol in Apple’s sleek creation. But for those who aren’t seeking a material object to satisfy their cravings to be one of the crowd, the Zune is perfect.
Although the Zune does not have the click-wheel navigation system iPod users enjoy, its simple up, down, left, and right D-pad controls are just as easily utilized. The Zune’s only other two buttons are an obviously marked back button and the play/pause key. These few, simple keys may not afford the same amazement and social prestige as the iPod click-wheel, but rest assured, they are quite effective.
The Zune also has a surface that does not pick up every greasy fingerprint that graces its glamorous outer shell. Instead, Microsoft made the obvious move to a material which resists scratches, smears, and even splotches. This minimizes the need for an extremely overpriced case, but a cheap case may be desired to protect the screen from scratches.
Another bonus Zune users will enjoy is the three-inch screen. This larger display automatically switches to a more viewer friendly “landscape” effect which better utilizes the viewing area. The control pad then re-orientates itself as the user flips the Zune on its side, thus eliminating confusion when pressing the control pad in an attempt to change the volume or skip ahead in the video or photo slideshow.
Other attractive features on the Zune include the ability to set custom wallpaper as the Zune’s default background. This can be an image downloaded off the computer, or one of the picture files Microsoft has loaded on the player before it is even purchased. As well as pre-loaded images, the Zune also includes several videos and music files already stored on its hard drive. Though these files are from mostly obscure artists and bands, they do present the opportunity to discover enjoyable music that was previously unknown.
Possibly the most intriguing feature on the Zune is the Wi-Fi, or wireless chip. After a short update using computer link cables, the Zune will have the ability to wirelessly locate other Zunes within the area and send or receive files from them.
This feature will probably not get a significant amount of use however, as it is limited to a 30 foot area of detection. The files shared are also available for playback for a mere three days or three uses, whichever comes first.
All things considered, the Zune is a magnificent start to Microsoft’s efforts in the portable media player market. With a long battery life of 14 hours on only a three hour charge, the Zune could outlast the iPod in the ever-changing field of portable music dominance. As great as the iPod is at fitting in and providing the status symbol many desire from their media device, the Zune is a phenomenal choice for those wishing to find a truly unique experience without submitting to the dictates of popular culture.
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Reader Comments:
| The article is appears to be part of the advertising plan of Microsoft. All of the talking points. An appearance of impartiality. An appeal to "independence."
What a laugh. Microsoft users showing their independence by using Microsoft! If you want to show independence, use Linux or a Linux compatible MP3 player.
Since the Zune isn't generating its own appeal, except to the iPod haters, Microsoft has to pretend to generate interest such as we see in this article. |
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| So you pointed out all these FAULTS, and yet RECOMMEND the thing??? It sounds like it is a useless POS compared to the iPod. What gives? |
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| The Zune compares nicely... to a first generation iPod.
Problem is, the first generation iPod was five years ago, we're currently on the 5th generation of iPods, and the utter quality, sleekness and ease of use of the iPod blows this Zune POS out of the water.
If you hate iPods, hate Macs, hate Apple, by all means, buy a Zune so that you can feel good that you've struck a blow against Apple in the name of... Bill Gates, the richest man in the world.
If you think Universal Music Group, the biggest music company in the world, doesn't have enough money, then go ahead and buy a Zune. You'll have peace of mind knowing that Microsoft is giving a dollar of your purchase price to Universal in tacit agreement that all owners of MP3 players are thieves.
But if you want an MP3 player that simply works, and works simply, get an iPod. Don't waste your time on Zune. Because you will waste a LOT of time on Zune -- installing the software, registering, buying ZunePoints (what a joke!) and trying to get the friggin' thing to work.
Skip this ripoff garbage and get an iPod.
Out. |
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| LOL at macPinche.
First, I have used both iPod and Zune, Zune is easier to use, period. If you read differently, its by someone who did not use the Zune.
Second, Apple's contract with UMG expires this spring. So macPinche, will you feel the same when Apple has to sign the same deal Microsoft did?
Third, who gives more money to charity, Bill Gates or Steve Jobs? This whole bash Bill because he's rich is so tired, give it a rest.
Fourth, why can't some people like iPods and some like Zunes, and other's like other brands? Can't we all be right about our own choices? My decision does not make your choice wrong. Does a music player have to be a battleground? What's next, strap a bomb on your chest and blow up Zune HQ. You are much too angry about
something that ultimately does not matter in life. For God's sake, listen to some music and chill out. |
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| The Zune does seem to have some good ideas. The zune marketplace itself was a pretty genius idea. Let us compare: 99 cents a song on Itunes. OR 14 99 a month for unlimited downloading on Zune marketplace. And with the zune, you can use that music anywhere on your computer, you arent just limited to the itunes. The wireless card, is a pretty nifty feature that is unique to the zune. The three inch screen also makes for easier viewing of video and what not. Also, the screen can be set up to be viewed horizontally or vertically, whichever is easiest for the viewer. But as with all new electronics, there is that little time that it takes to learn how to use them, its all a part of trying something new. to me, an ipod represents comformaty, even when there are much better players out there. Although the ipod is thin and sleek. It may be too thin, and i have witnessed first hand how this can be a set back. The screens are so thin that they can actually crack over a few months. theydont prove themselves very durable.. I choose zune for now since it hasnt failed me yet. And i dont plan on choosing something just for a name, i choose it for what it has to offer. I listen to music, and i need something to deliver that. The zune does it quite nicely. |
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| Astroturf. |
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| I'll admit, I'm a penny pincher. I watched my friend’s iPod crack in half when he accidentally sat on it. Ouch! I CANNOT afford the same loss. I’ve used my friends’ iPod and Nano; then recently tried the Zune. I have to say the Zune’s menu structure is very intuitive and gives you quicker access to different parts of the menu. The visual effects in the Zune are my selling point.
I don't want to pay for a song I know I'll get bored of listening to after a week or so. Zune's "all you can eat" is better suited for an over-loaned student like myself. I’ve looked [from a far] and waited for a long time to finally get a media player that I knew would last me several years. I love the durability and customization options MSFT has provided in the Zune. The player does feel like a block, yet looks elegant to the eye. I love the double-shot color. I know it’s just a media player but I actually have fun using it. |
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