What is Digg?172 Comments
- baldgye, on 09/09/2008, -8/+99Buried for hating on a perfectly respectable MP3 player.
- smartguy4932, on 09/09/2008, -9/+94The Zune gets more use in my house.....more stable....and I kinda like the interface.....digg me down for being a Zune lover...but that's my opinion.
- inactive, on 09/08/2008, -14/+77I've got both a 30GB iPod video and a 30GB Halo 3 Zune, and my Zune gets more use.
- lion1750, on 09/08/2008, -10/+69Wow a Zune article on an apple site. Very unbiased.
- inactive, on 09/08/2008, -0/+52I use iTunes to rip and manage music - the Zune software isn't as good. But when it comes to hardware I enjoy the interface on Zune better. The material (meaning the plastic used to make the external casing) has a more pleasing feel in the hand, and the Zune does a better job with photos and videos. The ability to set any photo in your collection as your background is also nice.
- dekuscrub, on 09/09/2008, -2/+49They're making it sound like MS is copying Apple. WTF? They can't make a newer version of an existing product without "following Apple's lead"???
- phantom_mullet, on 09/09/2008, -8/+45I'm a fan of the Zune. I think the interface beats Apple's in terms of damn-good-lookedness.
Just sayin'. - jtbradley, on 09/09/2008, -6/+39They copied Apple by coming out with a third generation MP3 player? Seriously, this article isn't biased or anything.
- uberkuh, on 09/09/2008, -2/+31I have to say, with these free firmware updates, I feel better and better about supporting Zune as an early adopter. (And, no, I was not paid to write this.)
- inactive, on 09/09/2008, -0/+28I never really considered doing that, but obviously you have?
- etx313, on 09/09/2008, -4/+32Biased Article. Buried.
- Nicholas77, on 09/09/2008, -11/+38I'm getting a zune, thats for sure! :)
- trunks333, on 09/09/2008, -3/+28The new ipods sound like *****. They downgraded to a crappy Cirrus Logic sound chip instead of the Wolfson like the older ipods, probally to cut production costs. Zune sound quality just blows the ipods away
- ScoobyG, on 09/08/2008, -1/+26Interesting (not being sarcastic) - can you elaborate on why?
- 6minuteabs, on 09/09/2008, -1/+26I read yesterday that the new firmware features will be back ported to both the Gen 1 & 2 players just like they did last time. One group inside of MS is getting it right IMO.
- rodted2, on 09/09/2008, -2/+24I have both a 30 gb Ipod, and a 30 gb zune. I prefer the zune because I am legally blind and the zune GUI is easier to see. Larger menus, and what have you. I wold prefer it if the zune had all the features the ipod has.... like a clock, or a volume lock. but if you know how to hack your zune you can at least get the clock.
- carl25, on 09/09/2008, -6/+27can't you make a original comment?
zune already has a lot of features ipods don't - inactive, on 09/09/2008, -3/+24I have a Zune 30gb . Its really great.. Microsoft just sucks at marketing such a great product.. I think they should hire some good viral marketers to project Zune to the unaware 'cool' mass.
- billysweetness, on 09/09/2008, -0/+19I switched from an iPod to a Zune for these reasons:
1. No iTunes - I don't have a Mac and this program does not run well on Windows.
2. I can download my music from my zune onto any computer.
3. Radio
They are both great players, but faced with similar prices this is why Zune gets the edge in my mind. - eth3l, on 09/09/2008, -0/+18Complete new feature list , Realize that the benefit is that you do not have to buy new hardware to realize the benefits:
Wireless Connections
More than 61 percent of people say they discover new music by listening to the radio.1 With that in mind, Zune is taking advantage of the wireless connection and the built-in FM tuner to deliver a new feature called Buy from FM, which lets customers tag and purchase songs they hear on FM radio stations2 directly from the Zune device. When the customer is in a Wi-Fi hot spot, the song can be immediately downloaded to the Zune device. If Wi-Fi is not available, the device will have a queue of songs ready to download when connected to a home computer or in a hot spot. Buy from FM uses Radio Data System and RT+ data feeds within the FM broadcast frequencies that identify song and artist data and enable the Zune service to identify and deliver the track to the customer.
“Microsoft’s decision to integrate an FM tuner into the Zune was revolutionary and they continue their extraordinary leadership with Buy From FM,” said John Hogan, president and CEO of Clear Channel Radio. “We’ve always known that radio is the primary source for discovering new music, and Microsoft’s decision to marry music discovery and delivery does two things: enables consumers to instantly satisfy their passion and enables FM song tagging to be enjoyed by all radio listeners, everywhere.”
In addition, users can now access the Zune Marketplace music store directly from their device when they are in a recognized Wi-Fi hot spot, or through a home wireless network. To make it easy to discover music on the go, customers can browse lists of featured new releases and top songs and albums sorted by genre, or use the on-screen keypad to type in the song of their choice. Once they have picked a track or album, they can either download it or stream it directly to the Zune device.
Zune customers have a choice in how they acquire music: They can pay per track or choose a Zune Pass subscription. Zune Pass subscribers can download or stream music to the device or their computer interchangeably, all for a flat rate of $14.99 per month. So whether a device has 4 GB or 120 GB of storage, Zune Pass customers can access and stream millions of songs directly to their Zune.
More Ways to Discover Music: Channels and Picks
The new Zune software update taps expert sources, recommendations from the Zune service and online music community, and the user’s own play data to create a dynamic, digital music experience where discovering music is easy and seamless.
· Channels. Channels are an exciting new tool for music discovery. Customers can explore channels programmed by experts from the music industry such as the Billboard Top 100, The FADER magazine and KEXP radio, in addition to workout-themed channels tailored for high, medium and low impact, and top chart channels from all genres and subgenres. The powerful Zune software will even create custom channels for each user, based on favorite artists and genres. Channels are included with a monthly Zune Pass subscription and can be synced to the device for playback on the go. For non-Zune Pass subscribers, the Channels are available for a la carte purchase.
· Personal Picks. Now the Zune software learns what kind of music users like and makes personal recommendations. When users log onto Zune Marketplace, they’ll find a new area called Picks where the Zune recommendation algorithm will suggest artists, albums and tracks based on the music they have been listening to, as well as channels they might like and listeners like them in the Zune Social.
· The Zune Social online music community. Customers can connect with millions of like-minded fans and share music via the Zune Card, a real-time playlist of each user’s favorite and recently played tracks that can be accessed on the Web or within the Zune software, or synced to the Zune device. Zune Pass subscribers can play full tracks from Zune Cards synced to their device while on the go, and now the playlists will even automatically update with the most recently played tracks when Zune connects to a wireless hot spot. It’s like subscribing to a free feed of music from the sources people trust most — their friends.
Powerful Software
The Zune PC software is a free download at http://www.zune.net that provides rich discovery and media management capabilities to help consumers make the most of their existing music collections, in addition to providing access to the Zune Social and Zune Marketplace so they can add to it.
· Mixview. Customers can select an artist, album or Zune Card to activate a dynamic, visual mosaic of related music and listeners. With each click users can take the view in a new direction, creating a fun, graphical way to discover new music. Mixview works with users’ current collection of music, in addition to tracks and albums from across the Zune Marketplace.
· Now Playing. The improved Now Playing view is more interactive and cinematic. Users can sit back and enjoy the combination of great artist imagery, colorful effects, bio information and data from the Zune online music community, all combined in a full-screen view. They can also click to dive deeper into the music behind the picture, providing another great way to interact with their collection.
A new firmware update will also improve the experience on the Zune device. In addition to the new wireless functionality, Zune will bring new features customers have been asking for:
· Games on the go. Two free games, “Hexic” and “Texas Hold ’Em,” will keep users entertained on the go.
· Audiobooks. All Zune devices will feature support for audiobooks this fall from industry leaders in the digital distribution of audiobook content.
– OverDrive. They can download content from sites powered byoverdrive.com, including 7,500 libraries’ Web sites worldwide. (http://search.overdrive.com) - wunderdog, on 09/09/2008, -4/+22Do they break within six months like iPods?
- NoahK, on 09/09/2008, -1/+19Exactly. Like an FM Receiver, or being able to transfer songs wirelessly to friends.
- InJectaH, on 09/09/2008, -5/+22I like both the Ipod and the Zune, but whichever new player comes out with the most useful features will be the one I buy.
- inactive, on 09/09/2008, -0/+17translation: "I don't know what I'm talking about"
- martyFREEDOM, on 09/09/2008, -4/+20Microsoft announced their new players yesterday, therefor Apple is following their lead. Buried for inaccuracy.
- dyvvyd, on 09/09/2008, -3/+19I am the most anti-Microsoft pro LINUX person I know. And it is funny, I still prefer the Zune to the IPOD. Had an IPOD touch and I sold it and bought a Zune 80. Microsoft will never beat Apple on the marketing side of things though. Apple definitely has an edge there.
- blackinthmiddle, on 09/09/2008, -0/+15Amazing that people are actually digging you down for what appears to be a very reasonable comment.
- jer21, on 09/09/2008, -0/+14Don't you know, everything Microsoft does is a direct result of something Apple has already done.
/sacarsm - donte, on 09/09/2008, -0/+14Both devices can store and play non-DRM music. It's their respective music stores that sell you the locked-down MP3s which are the problems; not the players themselves.
- sayssimon, on 09/09/2008, -1/+14zunes just feel more sturdy. they're like plastic bricks.
- biofusion, on 09/09/2008, -1/+14"while adopting others that have been available on iPods since this time last year." Was this comment really necessary? Also, Microsoft already announced everything about the new software and hardware updates. Clearly not trying to steal Apple's thunder.
- blackinthmiddle, on 09/09/2008, -0/+13Trat, you're a little obsessed with people's asses, aren't you?
- masterkenobi, on 09/09/2008, -0/+13@Trat
You have some anger issues, as well as an uncanny fascination of putting things up one's ass. Maybe you should try therapy. - jer21, on 09/09/2008, -1/+14It was actually announced yesterday. The Appleinsider seems to be a little late with their info.
- sindex, on 09/09/2008, -1/+13The first iPod I had was perfect in every way. No color, no photos, just music, music, music and a 12 hour battery. I loved it. Then it got stolen. =(
I had no choice but to purchase the "new" iPod that was out at the time (this was.. 2 years ago maybe?). It's color, does photos and videos, etc... Except that after about 4 months the HD occasionally locks up, it gitches and freezes during video play, the screen scratches unbelievably easily, they changed the cables so I can no longer plug it into a standard wall-jack, none of my peripherals fit it because they changed where everything goes, and the battery only lasts about 8 hours. That said, it does still run after 2 years, so... that's something.
I haven't decided which mp3 player to buy next, but I can tell you - it won't be an iPod. Maybe I'll check out the Zune. - diggymow, on 09/09/2008, -1/+13What do you mean "reject industry standards?." mp3 audio and mp4 video are both very popular standards and supported on both units so what are they not supporting?
- darthsnoopy, on 09/09/2008, -0/+12I have three differnet MP3 players, as well as a hard drive unit in my vehicle. I still use my zune over any of them for one reason: Zune Pass. I'm a guy that swore off ever using a 'subscription music' service till I tried it. The convienience of finding out a new CD is out, and being able to just legally download it and listen to it makes it worth the 15 bucks
- 8bit_Hero, on 09/09/2008, -2/+14iTunes is old and is in need of an upgrade system wise and the interface. It's bundled with the bloatware that is quicktime and doesn't allow you to install itunes without it. Zune is much better with percision menu selections because we all know the clickwheel is a pain in the ass to use when your trying to change what your listening to while your running or driving. tactile buttons FTW.
- oxilite, on 09/09/2008, -1/+12I don't understand why the Zune isn't doing better than it is. Bigger screen (yes i know its the same resolution, but a 50 inch TV is the same 1080 as a 37 inch TV. Guess which i am gonna pick for the same price), wireless capabilities and it comes with a built in radio, which i use all the time! Apple loves to charge an extra 30 bucks for that. Whoever is marketing the Zune should be fired, and i will be happy to take over =c)
- blackinthmiddle, on 09/09/2008, -3/+14I'll preface this by saying that I use products from everybody. Apple, Microsoft, Linux. I'm not a fanboy of any one company. As much as I agree with you that competition (think Android pushing the iPhone) is great for us, I don't like how Microsoft does things. They're usually looking to squash competition (which I guess all companies would do if given the chance) over developing truly innovative products. Look at how phones have improved since the iPhone came out. Microsoft, however, is like Galactus. They roam around, looking for new industries and sectors to devour. Again, I guess every company does this (or tries to), but rarely does anything they do lead to innovation.
Again, you're right. If Microsoft comes out with a better product, I'll go in that direction. However, if they simply come out with a "me too" product (like the Zune), I'm usually pretty loyal to the company who first dared to innovate. - R33E8, on 09/09/2008, -0/+11What are you talking about? The Zune marketplace gives you an option. You can buy it using Microsoft points or you can get the subscription.. The subscription is great for me because I just love downloading random albums... I would have spent well over $1000 if I bought all of the songs I currently have..
- inactive, on 09/09/2008, -1/+11Really? I didn't see the FM radio included with iPods.
- xombiefarts, on 09/09/2008, -0/+10And we don't have to pay for the firmware updates? Would you look at that...
- Perrako, on 09/09/2008, -0/+10I'm a huge Zune fan -- I have two Zunes (an 8 and an 80). The touchpad is a superior interface to the clickwheel (you get the ability to scroll quickly through items while at the same time it's simple to select one song at a time, a pain on the ipod). The accessories are a lot nicer, such as the dock which lets the 80 output in DVD resolution. The screens are anti-scratch and gorgeous. And while you'll find most of these features on the ipod touch, the zune is significantly cheaper.
Also, apple seems to be taking a few cues from the Zune -- the new nano has a strikingly similar now playing interface to the zunes, and they now come with the in-ear headphones, which the Zune 80 has for a while. - mohsenxp, on 09/09/2008, -0/+10My iPod beat me up randomly. Very unstable.
- inactive, on 09/09/2008, -0/+10drag and drop support are there. Don't hold your breath on the ogg playback
- 6minuteabs, on 09/09/2008, -0/+10You don't know anything do you? Zune gives you the OPTION to rent and the OPTION to buy. They don't force you to rent anything. Last time I checked in here choice was a good thing.
- Zippo, on 09/09/2008, -0/+9Exactly what standards do they reject?
- deaftly, on 09/09/2008, -0/+9My 80 gig Zune replaced everything, even my car stereo. Such a badass media player, that screen just rocks.
- inactive, on 09/08/2008, -8/+17Come on, someone really challenge Apple on this. Don't get me wrong, I love the iPod's but creativity and progression in tech is always good to see. I just hope they pull their finger out on this.
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