Zune vs Apple (iPod)

[JATE]

I am seriously sooo happy about this. I was getting so sick of all the Apple hype. I will never conform to it. I bet anything that this new product,Zune, is going to be pretty cool.

Zune will encompass PMPs and software applications

<SPAN id=ctl00_MainContent_lblBody>In what has been one of the worst kept secrets in the industry, Microsoft has finally confirmed the existence of Zune. However, with the confirmation also comes news that there will be multiple players and software products marketed under the name. "Today we confirmed a new music and entertainment project called Zune. Under the Zune brand, we will deliver a family of hardware and software products, the first of which will be available this year," said Microsoft general manager of marketing Chris Stephenson.
Stephenson also confirmed a few more rumors swirling around the device including the hard drive-based storage and integrated WiFi. The WiFi will not only be used for the previously discussed community-based music sharing/streaming, but also to access the Internet. The Internet access will give Zune players the ability to access Microsoft's online music store from anywhere (as long as you have an access point within reach). This would give Microsoft a big leg up on Apple and its iPod which currently requires a PC or Mac to download and sync digital content. From Billboard:

<I><FONT size=1>Stephenson says that wireless Internet access is necessary for the portable devices to fit into Microsoft's grander plan. That scenario is to provide ubiquitous access to digital media from a wide range of Windows-powered devices in what ultimately aspires to be one part MySpace, one part iTunes and one part Xbox Live.

 

[indie]

Thanks for posting!
I'm curious how the design will be..

 

[cosmogrl5]

I saw this on CNN the other day. I am obsessed with my iPod, so it will take a lot to sway me, but I am also curious about the Zune.

 

[Hipkitten]

I have absolutely no desire for, or interest in, Zune. I'm a proud Apple zealot and nothing Microsoft could do would ever compare to the style and usability of the iPod. Apple epitomizes style and friendly user interface in all their products. Microsoft will never get it.

 

[inertic]

As much as I love my ipod, this is only good news for consumers. Having some real competition often forces companies to innovate more or lower prices so they can be #1. I want to see how Apple will respond to zune. But thats if zune can make a dent in apples marketshare.

BTW, I would rather conform to an ipod than any product microsoft makes.

 

[LoveMyBoots]

I have absolutely no desire for, or interest in, Zune. I'm a proud Apple zealot and nothing Microsoft could do would ever compare to the style and usability of the iPod. Apple epitomizes style and friendly user interface in all their products. Microsoft will never get it.

Good for you!

Apple has always been at the forefront of innnovative techology, and that's been especially evident with the iPods. Apple's shares have doubled and they just introduced the MacBook, while Microsoft has already stalled the release of their new software, Vista.

With that said, Apple doesn't have much to worry about. They already have 70% of this business, and to take a chunk of that Microsoft's Zune mp3 player and software has to work as seamlessly as the ergonomics of the iPods with the iTunes music player and music store. You can't beat the monopoly Apple already has. Microsoft has previously introduced digital music applications that have failed to work well. Plus, how can they beat the sleak designs of all the iPods or their marketing strategies.

 

[eternitygoddess]

Apple may have the cutting-edge design, but Microsoft has always won more mass appeal with people.

It'll be interesting to see how this battle turns out.

 

[Hipkitten]

Apple may have the cutting-edge design, but Microsoft has always won more mass appeal with people.

It'll be interesting to see how this battle turns out.

Microsoft appeals to the unfortunate "good enough" mentality we have in this society. So my PC crashes all the time...so my PC is less than aesthetically pleasing...so my PC is impossible to use...it's good enough. If consumers were truly interested in quality and usability, Microsoft and the PC would be dead - or at the very least, forced to improve. But they're not. I buy Apple products because I expect my computer (etc) to actually work. Novel concept, I know

 

[smartarse]

i heard about Microsoft unvailing a new weapon that will challenge Apple's iPod! Although, I do love and cherish my iPod.This is going to be interesting.

is there a prototype of this anywhere?

 

[Kawari]

I just imagined people wearing t-shirts that said "Team Apple" or "Team PC"......

I like my PC and while I've got an iPod, I've never been fond of their computers. They always seem too complicated and I hate their mouses. To each their own though. I've been using PC for years and it's always worked great for me. With the PC, people have to realize there are many different quality computers. You want a good PC, you're going to have to pay good money for it. There are good and bad PC computers.
I'm more interested in seeing how this will change Apple's marketing and their own products. Yes, the iPod is the it product to have, but they've had their share of problems. Microsoft has a long way to go though; the iPod is it's own empire almost. Everyone seems to have one and having their own iTunes store with certain exclusives helps a lot.
As for MP3 players go, it depends on what you want. There are plenty of good players that just play music. But people don't want that anymore. I remember when it was enough to just be able to have 200 songs in one area. Now, people want movies, pictures etc...I'm interested in seeing if the Microsoft will be enough competition so that Apple will have to lower their prices.

 

[luvsut]

I'm curious to know about this Zune. Is it durable? I found the Apple ipod not worth its market value. Honestly, ipods selling for more than $100 is ridiculous.

 

[LoveMyBoots]

The only reason why people think PCs are easier to use is because more people have it. They haven't thought outside the box.

I'm curious to know about this Zune. Is it durable? I found the Apple ipod not worth its market value. Honestly, ipods selling for more than $100 is ridiculous.

Uh, do you realize the capability of the iPods? Yes, there are reported flaws (though I've never experienced any). From 512MB for less than $100 to 60GB for $600! Yes, of course $600 is a lot of money but 60GBs are good for 15,000 songs! Not to mention it also plays videos and etc. and etc.

Long story short, the capacity of video iPods are 60GB into only the weight of 5.5 ounces and the size of 2.4 by 4.1 x .55 inches." Computers 5 years ago, those big boxy dells that I used to own, contained 80 GBs.

 

[LoveMyBoots]

I just imagined people wearing t-shirts that said "Team Apple" or "Team PC".....

You have no idea.

A 2003 photo of a tattoo of a dedicated apple fan.
(wikipedia)

The Cult of Mac Blog
The Cult of Mac by Leander Kahney
MacRumors.com

And there are numerous Apple and MAC blogs.

 

[smartarse]

after seeing Zune I will have to say "APPLE ALL THE WAY!"B)