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94 Comments
- perre, on 10/12/2007, -11/+65Great quote from Jobs summing up Zune's wireless: "I've seen the demonstrations on the Internet about how you can find another person using a Zune and give them a song they can play three times. It takes forever. By the time you've gone through all that, the girl's got up and left! You're much better off to take one of your earbuds out and put it in her ear. Then you're connected with about two feet of headphone cable."
The interview also contains good behind the scenes revelations about the music store experiment in the first few months and how the company negotiated with the music industry. - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -19/+53I can't wait to walk around outside and go to the gym and see absolutely NO ONE with a Zune after Christmas. This will be the biggest tech disaster of 2007, besides Vista.
- egarc, on 10/12/2007, -9/+38addrake, have you ever been within two feet of a girl? Neither you or she are thinking about monaural music.
It's just an excuse to get close. - FearNLoathing, on 10/12/2007, -2/+26People who own the iPod do not fail to see the merits of other players, they see that the iPod does what they need it to do and does it well. I held out for a while when the iPod first came out, using my Archos Jukebox MP3 player (this was a ways back). When it bit the dust, I bought an iPod for a few reasons:
-Firewire - Apple was the first company to use a Firewire connection in their MP3 player. I remember spending hours waiting for music to copy to my Archos over USB.
-Size - Apple had the advantage of getting the extremely small (physical size) hard drives, much smaller than what other companies were using.
-Software - iTunes is a great piece of software. I already managed my music in it, so getting all of the music I wanted onto my iPod was extremely simple. Compare this to dragging over your files and having to maintain a separate directory structure on the device.
-Interface - the iPod is extremely easy to use.
-Design - face it, they look and work great.
In this article, Steve jobs talks about owning things that just fade into your life, like a pair of Levis. The Archos stuck out like a sore thumb - slow transfers, no software to manage it with, terrible UI, etc. I already managed my music in iTunes, so the iPod was a logical extension. I didn't really need to do much extra. I just plugged it in, selected my playlists, and synced.
Until other companies can create MP3 players that just work, they will not be able to come close to Apple. Apple's ability to design based on the philosophy of just working is amazing, it's a strange that the iPod is the only thing they make that's selling this well. - tapo, on 10/12/2007, -10/+33"You can also do that with a Zune. If the person really likes the song, then you can give it to them wirelessly."
No, you can't. Not unless they have a Zune, too - and the market is so saturated with iPods now that it'll be next to impossible to get those things to sell.
One earbud + pen and paper to write down the artist/track. Works every single time, and a hell of a lot less geeky to do in public. - zip22, on 10/12/2007, -1/+23"Why are you people comparing a 5th generation IPOD to a 1st Generation Zune."
what a ridiculous question. the 5th generation ipod is the player that is out right now. the 1st generation zune is the player that is made to compete with it. they will be on the store shelves next to each other. they are priced almost identically. they are competing directly with one another.
"All the things you are claiming are from BETA models and will be sorted out."
ah, i see. so you have used a final model that gets better battery life, can transfer free songs from mcdonalds, and will directly encode your dvds? that sounds nice. unfortunately, it doesn't match up with any of the other comments about the zune.
zune: a product of trying to copy apple's locked in software model and cram one extra feature into toshiba's gigabeat s. - felchdonkey, on 10/12/2007, -4/+26It's been made clear in several places already, there is NO WAY to share a song wirelessly for unlimited use.
The Zune does not allow you to play any song received wirelessly more than 3 times. It's not adding any DRM or changing the file, it's a built-in feature of the Zune.
If it sees that a song was received wirelessly, it lets you hear it 3 times, then it's over.
Of course, it would be cool if you could share non-DRM music wirelessly for unlimited use, but that won't happen with the Zune. Sorry. I would have like that too. - ZachPruckowski, on 10/12/2007, -0/+21There's no reason to use anything other than iTunes for the iPod. And Zune with WMP isn't gonna be better (harder if you have a Mac).
Wireless in a DAP is bloody pointless. Even if 20% of the population had a Zune, most people aren't gonna be in a situation to use the wireless sharing.
Zune is no closer to a "true video iPod" than the 5.5G iPod. It's the same screen resolution, just a slightly bigger screen. They also aren't selling or sharing videos. - wphj, on 10/12/2007, -3/+23It is well documented that the iPod's battery life is far greater than that of the Zune.
- heyitsme23, on 10/12/2007, -4/+24so a zune player with worse battery time will somehow be better?
(btw, my 1 year old ipod video still has excellent battery time, 3 hours video, unknown hours audio because it never goes dead!!!) - felchdonkey, on 10/12/2007, -2/+22patience -
You're right, Bill Gates is no fool. That's not the problem with the Zune. The problem is that Microsoft, like pretty much every other corporation, relies on focus groups and commitees to plan their products.
They tried to give the Zune team a visionary to lead it, but he was trapped in the process, and what we're getting is something that you can see the potential in, but only that. It's frustrating. I'm sure there were plenty of designs for something that could have been insanely great, to steal a phrase, but those didn't make it to the final product.
I'm sure you could design something that would blow the iPod out of the water, but that's just the first step. The hard part is getting it past the lawyers, the marketing department, and the accountants. I think the Zune team made a valiant effort, but the Zune itself is nothing that I'd open up my wallet for. - heyitsme23, on 10/12/2007, -0/+18"where is the wireless ipod.
where is the true video ipod"
just be patient, it will come (that is your name!) just look at the macbook, us mac users were wanting a widescreen ibook for years, and they finally did it. - felchdonkey, on 10/12/2007, -0/+17If all the PlaysForSure people buy a Zune, they're going to be pretty disappointed when they find out that it can't play their music:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/285407_software18.html - zip22, on 10/12/2007, -0/+17patience, the zune does not support wireless downloads from anything but another zune. your claim that it will be improved is just as valid as someone saying the ipod will eventually have wireless.
the zune also does not easily support videos. as far as we have heard, it supports videos just like the ipod. you need to use a couple of specific formats. conversion sounds like it will just as much a hassle with the zune. the software will likely take care of some easy conversions, just like itunes does, but converting from a dvd will be just as tedious.
the zune also has worse battery life. its interesting you chose to bring that up. - heyitsme23, on 10/12/2007, -5/+21"That's like saying you don't want to kiss your lover's lips because everyone has lips"
- totorototoro, on 10/12/2007, -1/+16Nice totally unbiased generalizations there, patience. :p
- maswell, on 10/12/2007, -0/+15not to mention you walk away with a song you can only play three times.
- MetalGod, on 10/12/2007, -0/+15- Patience,
Why the hell do you own 3 iPods if you are not impressed?
Plus, what makes you think the Zune is better. It hasn't been released yet. It can be a piece of ***** for all you know.
Also, do you honestly think Apple will just stop developing the iPod after the Zune? To Microsoft, the Zune is just an experiment to break into a high profit market; for Apple, it is their core product right now. - pierrefilms, on 10/12/2007, -0/+15"The point is that people on the Apple side of the aisle are indeed afraid of the Zune. Why on Earth are they spending so much time trying to trash it. If it was such a POS as you pretend it to be, you wouldn't have to say anything."
Well then, by that logic YOU, along with many others on Digg.com are afraid of Apple, the iPod, the Mac and Mac OS X. Actually, Terrified! by the amount of anti-Apple comments I see from you. Because..."If it was such a POS as you pretend it to be, you wouldn't have to say anything."
*gasp!* I think you've found yourself flag564. - drewku, on 10/12/2007, -3/+16I play soccer with a nice gentleman who works on the Zune, I am an Apple guy myself. I asked him what he see's the Zune selling like this holiday season and he said "not much." He said Apple has such a beautiful design and grip on the market.
It seems pointless to argue about this now. Will Zune do anything amazing this year? No. everyone knows it, but time will tell. - felchdonkey, on 10/12/2007, -2/+14GraceMalloy -
That's where MS found the loophole. If they were adding DRM to the actual file, then they'd be violating the Creative Commons license.
What they're doing is leaving the original file alone, it's just the Zune itself that can't play any file that's been sent to it wirelessly. Technically, they aren't violating CC, so the restriction is sure to stay on the Zune. - Samtherocker, on 10/12/2007, -0/+12[Something went wrong... this was meant to go to the bottom of the comment pile as is not a reply]
Ignoring the iPod vs. Zune debate because I'm biased (towards the iPod) that was a great article.
And to all the people arguing facelessly on the internet about what DMP is best — grow up and just buy what you like best. No need to argue about it. - fenixx, on 10/12/2007, -3/+14"In a word, no."
- GraceMolloy, on 10/12/2007, -3/+13Then it's able to break the Creative Commons license by doing that. And thus they open themselves to lawsuits.
personally I can't wait to see this feature fail or be changed. - felchdonkey, on 10/12/2007, -1/+11Long feature list != quality product.
First to market != best device
iPod != portable movie player
You want a feature laden portable movie player, go buy a Creative Zen Vision W. I hear they're very nice. Trust me, nobody cares if you don't want an iPod. - colincornaby, on 10/12/2007, -1/+10Consumers would tend to disagree with you. Apparently the iPod has enough features for most people.
- titlesaysitall, on 10/12/2007, -7/+17@ flag564, for an "arrogant dick" he sure is a hell of a lot richer than you.
- totorototoro, on 10/12/2007, -2/+11patience,
maybe no wonder answered your "assertions" because you started off making stupid generalizations about people, and they didn't bother reading further? - pierrefilms, on 10/12/2007, -1/+9Ha, my comment wasn't a dodge of yours. It just clearly shows you as being a hypocrite.
I have posted my comments on Zune and they haven't been positive. But it definitely isn't out of fear. It is done to keep people from over-sensationalizing and calling Zune an "iPod Killer". The few comments I made about Zune stated facts and realities. I never bashed.
I corrected people who thought the Zune had a 1" larger screen (only 0.5") and those who thought it was higher res (same 320x240, just distorted) as well as those who tried to make the wireless feature sound like it made all the difference which I stated it DOES NOT as you first have to have a user base. Second people you know that have Zunes and third people that are actually interested in your choice of music. Considering that all three of these need to be met to make the wireless feature even matter (especially the third part), it's very unlikely that it will catch on and/or become popular.
So no, I'm definitely not afraid nor worried about Zune. It might not flop, but it wont be anything more than a re-branded Toshiba Gigabeat (literally), with Microsoft's own priority DRM and music service. Microsoft has taken too long and tried too many services (MSN, Plays4Sure, URGE, etc) to figure out that Apple's strategy is the winning way, which makes the 1st Gen Zune, too little too late.
Anyway, that's my view. I hope to see less comments from you in the Apple section from now on as you wouldn't want use to believe you are scared of Apple and it's products would you?
It's funny because your statement that I quoted makes a lot of sense on the PC side. Even though Digg has a massive Mac user base, you are more likely to find PC users (not all. many here are good about that) bashing Apple topics, than you are to find Mac users bashing inside of Windows/Microsoft topics. Most Mac users just don't care. Zune is the only exception to that which is, as I said before, due to users screaming that it is an "iPod Killer" which is way overused in just about EVERY topic about a non-iPod MP3 player. - noreturn, on 10/12/2007, -0/+8"Gates is no fool."
Are we talking the same Gates that predicted the downfall of the internet? Sure the guy is a ruthless businessman, and he'll make 20 grand from a toothpick and a rubber band, but he really doesn't understand what it is the consumer wants.
The world doesn't need an iPod clone. - JackAxe, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7Why can't the Zune play any lossless, or uncompressed formats?
- cday, on 10/12/2007, -2/+9I believe that the Zune will be a collectable one day. That's why I'm buying two. I'll keep them in their original package and put them someplace safe. I figure some future day, maybe when my grandkids are grown, those pristine Zunes might sell for a nice amount on ebay (or whatever auction site is popular in 30 years) as a collectable curiousity. Sort of like Edsels, only smaller : )
- felchdonkey, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7justnick -
I have an honest question. You say you and your friends are buying Zunes for the wireless.
What do you plan to do with that wireless? I'm being sincere here, I'm not advocating one player or another. I just want to know what someone would do in a real-world situation with the Zune's wi-fi. - ramsinks.com, on 10/12/2007, -1/+8Zune? Hmm, sounds like a disease.
"I got the Zune!"
"WTF?!, Stay away from me!" - thunderer, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7He may not a savior for you, but I'm willing to bet the music industry disagrees.
Steve Jobs has a knack for knowing what is going to be successful, and what is just going to be a waste of time. - actorboy, on 10/12/2007, -2/+8Desparate? Reading is comprehension.
- katabatic, on 10/12/2007, -5/+10"Some people say that iPod might lose its cache..." It would be nice if Newsweek could hire writers who have some knowledge of the English language. It's "cachet" not "cache," Mr. Levy....
- WaveRunningNakd, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5iPod compatibility will be included in over 70% of new cars manufactured next year.
If that's not game over, I don't know what is. - vr1000, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5I 'm interested to see what happens with the Zune. I love the iPod but am willing to have an open mind about the Zune even though I am a Machead and MS may tell me I can never have one that works with a Mac.
One other thing besides design, iTunes and market share that iPods have going for them is Apple Stores. A few people I know have been amazed when Apple has replaced defective iPods at the store under warranty. Let's see Zune users try that at CC or Best Buy. - aristotle0dude, on 10/12/2007, -4/+9@adizzy615: I think you should buy "Weird Al" Yankovic's 'White and Nerdy'. You don't get it. The wireless sharing feature is not going to be a deal maker for most people because it requires two Zunes, only works for three plays and requires two people to press buttons on their players. It's also less social.
- aristotle0dude, on 10/12/2007, -3/+8Probably because they cannot be easily DRM'ed or sold online. I seem to recall Steve Balmer saying that he does not allow his kids to rip CD's to MP3 and rather would have them buy the songs again in DRM'ed WMA format.
I'm not sure if that was true but that seems like taking the "eat your own dogfood" a bit too far. - mark1372, on 10/12/2007, -4/+8iPod, not iPOD. Mac, not MAC.
- cctoronto05, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5@ actorboy...
Not so much with the brightness dude, read on:
cachet
noun
1 the state of being respected or admired; prestige : no other shipping company had quite the cachet of Cunard.
2 a distinguishing mark or seal. • Philately a printed design added to an envelope to commemorate a special event.
3 a flat capsule enclosing a dose of unpleasant-tasting medicine.
ORIGIN early 17th cent.: from French, from cacher in the sense ‘to press,’ based on Latin coactare ‘constrain.’
cache
noun
a collection of items of the same type stored in a hidden or inaccessible place : an arms cache | a cache of gold coins.
• a hidden or inaccessible storage place for valuables, provisions, or ammunition.
• (also cache memory) Computing: an auxiliary memory from which high-speed retrieval is possible.
verb [ trans. ]
store away in hiding or for future use.
• Computing store (data) in a cache memory.
• Computing provide (hardware) with a cache memory.
ORIGIN late 18th cent.: from French, from cacher ‘to hide.’ - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -6/+10If you like the iPod, buy an iPod. If you like the Zune, buy a zune. Let the consumers speak for themselves. If they make an uniformed decision, then that's their fault.
- Quix, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4"Well then, by that logic YOU, along with many others on Digg.com are afraid of Apple, the iPod, the Mac and Mac OS X." - pierrefilms
Nice work, pierrefilms. Not only is it easy to pwn flag564 (due to his limited mental capacity), but it can be highly entertaining too.
It's interesting to see a notorious hater (flag) rage against "haters" (i.e. anyone who thinks the Zune will flop). I too smell the pungent aroma of fear, and it's coming from flag's direction.
P.S. if you truly want to be entertained, you should read some of his comments on political diggs. Dude has a serious grudge against anyone who thinks differently than he does (and I'm even conservative, which he professes to be, yet his irrational rants still amuse me). - aristotle0dude, on 10/12/2007, -3/+6@adizzy615: I don't care if you are purple with pink dots. I'm not talking about the colour of your skin. You are thinking like a "white nerd".
"Second of all, there was time all the following things were nerdy: computers, video games; online gaming; bluetooth headsets; mp3 players. "
I hate to break it to you but save for iPods and mac laptops, those are all still nerdy.
"Don't under estimating the power of marketing, to change the perception of what is considered nerdy to become cool."
Popularity and "cool" are not necessarily linked. The iPod is an example of something that is still both but do you think of windows as cool? Are Dells cool? - DelMonte, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3In the same line of thought, why can't the Zune record audio?
- cybose, on 10/12/2007, -4/+6Spot on! :)
- Macfreq, on 10/12/2007, -2/+4Actorboy, you'll notice that the article is not written in French. Cache and cachet have clearly different meanings, and the writer/editor of the article messed up.
- actorboy, on 10/12/2007, -3/+5It would be nice if digg had contributors with knowledge of the real English language, specifically those words having a history beyond their modern tech extension. Like some rooted in 18th century French. See: Caché
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