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Zune Team Member: We'll ship Podcasting, and call it "Podcasting", too!

blogger.com — Also, the Zune was only a 10 month project? Holy cow!

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  • waynejkruse10, on 10/12/2007, -3/+69Leo Laporte will be happy.
    • neoform, on 10/12/2007, -22/+36posted more than 24 hours ago.. and makes it to the frontpage with 26 diggs?

      Golly, this new system must be fantastic..
    • stonr, on 10/12/2007, -7/+9for people who may not know

      http://www.twit.tv/2006/09/22/a_cast_by_any_other_name
    • dmoney06, on 10/12/2007, -27/+6"Dude,

      Just a hint: when you're polishing up your resume, just say that you worked on product development at Microsoft. Don't mention the word "zune" unless the interviewer asks you specifically. Of course, if they say "anything I might have heard of?" you can just say "nah.. It was a minor product that never got off the ground."

      Whatever you do, bail now. You're poison at Microsoft, because nobody wants to add someone from a failed project to their team. It's just superstition, and it's not fair, but that's the way it is."

      anonymous
    • scott1, on 10/12/2007, -4/+54At least their not calling it wincasting
    • thelastknowngod, on 10/12/2007, -6/+24microsoft realizes that podcast is just a word. i dont know why leo just cant let it go. the people who dont understand you dont need an ipod to listen are not going to understand no matter what you call it.
    • aristotle0dude, on 10/12/2007, -17/+4Leo should have called his idea twitcasting since he is one.
    • omaryak, on 10/12/2007, -14/+6I think Zunecasting would have sounded cool too. Oh well.
    • rodrigo74, on 10/12/2007, -3/+20Actually Leo DID let it go, and quite early. People is making it look like he has some kind of deep attachment to this whole "netcast" debate, like RMS with GNU/Linux, but Leo made it very clear that he actually doesn't care so much either, it was just something he wanted to discuss with the community, and IMO it was a valid discussion, in face of the legal actions Apple was taking to protect their trademarks.

      Let's not make it sound some kind of religious war that never happened.
    • garethevans, on 10/12/2007, -2/+10I'd bet money that they considered calling it "Live casting".
    • steelmaverick, on 10/12/2007, -2/+4So this is a Digg comment on a Digg post about a comment made by a zune team member about the zune on a blog about the zune, and the comment is about podcasting.

      Interesting.
    • uptown, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3"Actually Leo DID let it go, and quite early."

      And by letting it go, you mean tagging the beginning of each of his podcasts with the "netcasts you love, from people you trust" soundbyte? Right.
  • mc7winkie, on 10/12/2007, -46/+6http://scobleizer.com/2006/10/26/my-thoughts-about-zune-vs-ipod/

    Heres the real link for those who are tired of the blog-spam ***** that the one thins is so cool... /sarcasm
    • biofusion, on 10/12/2007, -2/+58Uh this "blog-spam *****" is actually the blog of a member on the Zune team...
  • sfacets, on 10/12/2007, -32/+15makes sense when you have copied everything else.
    • Dustyb, on 10/12/2007, -5/+31Since Microsoft isn't a Chinese company we like to call it "inspired".
    • dmoney06, on 10/12/2007, -10/+20"We'll ship podcasting"

      WTF does that even mean?
    • jessecollins, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5"We'll ship podcasting"
      WTF does that even mean?

      Seriously, what the hell does that mean? I will tell you, that Microsoft has some bright people working for them.
  • G33k0ft3chz, on 10/12/2007, -38/+13/Start Apple fanboyishness here:

    No wonder it took 10 months, they copied off the iPod, the Creative models and any other MP3 player! Oh and it took nine more months than it will even survive.

    /Apple Fanboyishness
    • Phyltre, on 10/12/2007, -4/+28Really, though, how different can you make a convenient mp3-player with today's technology? The components dictate a certain shape, portability determines possible size, and pre-existing filetypes determine most functionality. Walk the aisle of your local mp3-player section to see this in action.

      Also: it took Apple a lot of changes to get where they are today. Would you rather other mp3-player makers just ignore their lessons learned? That's not how industries operate.
    • pkulak, on 10/12/2007, -17/+13Ten months is a long time to re-brand an existing player.
    • Bansuri, on 10/12/2007, -2/+9But really, we all need to pitch in and stop with the whole /start /stop crap.
      It was funny the first time, years ago, but it has to stop now. Really. Just stop.
      We're all leet here, we've all coded something or another. Now just stop. We don't have to show our badges at the door anymore. It's cool.
    • spudnic, on 10/12/2007, -2/+13Let's be honest, there's really not that much you can actually do to make an MP3 player differant.

      However they have added that wifi transfer thingamy, which is (as far as I'm aware) unique

      Apple popularised MP3 players, it amazes me how many people somehow make the jump from that to thinking Apple were the first people to make them

      I own an Ipod nano, not because I thought it had better features or a better price than the competition, but because it's small and sexy, simple as that
    • tehmatticus, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3Spudnic:

      I agree with you, its not like the ipod was that innovative either, since it wasnt the first mp3 player. Apple doesnt necessarily invent things, it just makes them pleasing to use from what I can tell. And as for the wifi, Its not _quite_ unique as the music gremlin is going to do it and do it better, it seems. However, I do think this is a decent product, though it probably wont be an ipod killer, at least not first generation. As an owner of a 4g ipod looking to upgrade soon, im definitely taking a look at the zune as a contender, though the touchscreen ipod coming out may sway me back over into apples camp.
    • HalBSure, on 10/12/2007, -3/+4I worry that the reason Microsoft hasn't been able to integrate podcasting in to it is because they haven't had time to "embrace and extend" the technical aspects of it.

    • r3zonance, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2@tehmatticus

      "I agree with you, its not like the ipod was that innovative either, since it wasnt the first mp3 player."

      Being innovative doesn't mean being first, it means bringing a new concept/change for the better.
  • grzelakc, on 10/12/2007, -1/+12Good for Microsoft because I will not switch to a different player unless they have good support for podcasts (at least on par with the iPod/iTunes combo).
  • consonance, on 10/12/2007, -8/+25This made me smile. Google starts a project and then puts it in beta for two years. Microsoft starts a project and ships it 9 months later.
    • zweben, on 10/12/2007, -5/+47Somehow I don't think beta mp3 players would fly too well with the general consumers.
    • G33k0ft3chz, on 10/12/2007, -18/+9And it takes Microsoft 5 years to fix one problem with that product. While Google keeps on updating it until they feel like it is finished. Yes, I hate that Gmail is still in beta, but wait, IE6 and IE7 has major bugs that aren't fixed and they are form launch, WMP 11, Windows Live search and more has the same problems. / Rant.
    • webphreak, on 10/12/2007, -14/+9I think you're mistaken.
      Microsoft starts a project and releases it 6 years later? Got vista anyone?

      Don't quote me on figures there I could be wrong.
    • G33k0ft3chz, on 10/12/2007, -14/+13To Webfreak: You are right, 6 years since the announcement for Longhorn/Vista, and it still is not out? It took about 1/10 of that for Apple to switch from PowerPC to Intel.
    • webphreak, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1Oh and for the record I'm not bagging MS, as much as I don't like them for being the corporate giant etc etc. they've done a lot of good and the fact that without them there would be a lot of problems in the computing world but do think that they either need to speed up production or not get to trigger (marketing) happy.
      If that doesn't make sense, meh I'm tired.

    • ShadowPt2, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3Not to mention this isn't even the actual Zune: it's an OEM Toshiba MP3 player they're branding as such, since the actual Zune series isn't ready to ship and won't be until next year.
  • Aleman360, on 10/12/2007, -7/+13I was at Microsoft's offices on Friday (Millenium D, if you're familiar with the campus ;) ) and got to mess around with one... if it weren't for the battery life, I'd definitely buy one over an iPod. It's lightweight and feels very durable... the plastic case is matte and seemed pretty scratch resistant compared to the glossy finish + chrome on the regular iPods. The screen is pretty nice but only 320x240. UI has lots of nice eye candy.
  • hans0r, on 10/12/2007, -15/+12according to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ipod apple "built the product in less than a year".
    so, the zune being a 10 month project isn't THAT impressive.
    • turpenine, on 10/12/2007, -7/+19the fact that it is 10 months is a BAD thing.
    • BarriedaleNick, on 10/12/2007, -5/+1Yes but they didnt really work until version 4...
    • unleashedlive, on 10/12/2007, -2/+010 months to get a product out the door is good to average. I'm sure Microsoft had a large design team on it which helped with the speed. The time it takes just to make the product mold can take upward of 6-8months.
  • virtualball, on 10/12/2007, -15/+7*This just in: Apple sues Microsoft for using the prefix "pod-"!

    :)
  • F399SF, on 10/12/2007, -26/+21Of course it only took them 10 months, it's a bloody Toshiba Gigabeat with some wi-fi and a stretched out 320x240 screen. This thing's going to flop bigtime. Another lame, half-assed ripoff attempt from Microsoft.
    • zip22, on 10/12/2007, -5/+12i don't necessarily agree with the end of your rant, but i do agree with the first part. 10 months is a long time for simply building off the gigabeat s. from what i've seen, its slightly different UI, a bigger screen, and wifi. not too impressive.
    • fallenone05, on 10/12/2007, -5/+8I have a Toshiba Gigabeat S and the zune is practically the same thing, except for the nice wallpapers, the wifi, and being able to transfer songs from device to device. However, I have to say that having a bigger screen is a huge plus and I am looking forward for the Zune. If only they would've release one with a larger hardrive...
    • timmay, on 10/12/2007, -4/+12I find it funny some people dont think this will make it. my local EB Games has 13 people that have already paid off there pre order. thats just one out of 6 EB Games in my town. The Zune may not go full blast with sells but it will do better then most other competitors to the Ipod.
    • Demagogue, on 10/12/2007, -10/+8I'm getting one.... the zune looks awesome.
    • superkendall, on 10/12/2007, -2/+13A bigger screen would only be a huge plus if it had more pixels. I think bigger screens that simply enlarge pixels end up looking kind of cheap next to devices with denser screens, even if they are smaller.
    • Escamillo, on 10/12/2007, -2/+2Are you forgetting about the corresponding PC software (the Zune Marketplace software)?
      Setting up the Zune store itself?
      Or the testing? (Remember, Apple ships iTunes with no testing (witness iTunes 7.0's horrendous quality), which saves time.)
      Like you could do something more impressive in as short a time.
  • the_snitch, on 10/12/2007, -0/+12I think its a good thing that they refer to them as podcasts too - I mean its a cemented term now, and it makes no sense to start throwing around another word just for the hell of it.

    Its better when theres only one word because then you know what the hell you are talking about when you mention it to someone.

    To quote Alex/Kevin:
    "You host a netcast? What, is that like fishing or something.."
    • turpenine, on 10/12/2007, -5/+11Well nowadays most people think an ipod is different than an Mp3 player.
      So I think they should call it the Zune iPod. So people know it plays music and junk.
    • rolf, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7Well I'm glad MS didn't come up with their own term, it's bad enough that someone can "squirt" me with a Zune...
    • Escamillo, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2The problem with the term "podcast" (besides Apple's threats to sue those that use it) is that it's confusing. Just yesterday my mom called me asking, "what's this podcast thing (that she found on some website)? Do I need an iPod?" Even I thought it was an iPod-specific thing when I first heard the term, and really, who wouldn't think that? For weeks, I avoided "podcasts" because I didn't feel like getting my iPod out of my dresser (I don't use it regularly). After I learned that the don't require iPods, I started listening to podcasts, but even then, only on my Mac or PC. And only 20% of podcasts are transferred to portable players of any kind. "podcast" is just a stupid name because it's misleading.

      But I guess we're stuck with it.
    • r3zonance, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1"And only 20% of podcasts are transferred to portable players of any kind."

      Where the hell did you get that 20% from? There is absolutely no way of accurately knowing this.
    • Escamillo, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1http://news.digitaltrends.com/talkback109.html shows that only 20% of podcasts are ever transferred to portable players. Most just listen to them on the computer that downloaded them.
    • r3zonance, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1@Escamillo

      Again, where the hell did THEY get that info from?
  • fallenone05, on 10/12/2007, -8/+6OMG, that's all I wanted to hear! Damn I'm getting a Zune!
    If apple comes up with a subscription service I would go for an ipod, because ipods handle podcasts better than anything out there right now. Hopefully the Zune will do a good job.
    • clempka, on 10/12/2007, -4/+12I'm not sure why people go for subscription music services. Sure you get all the music you want, but you can't keep it after you quit paying the subscription. I suppose it's good for MS that they're offering both subscription and purchase based options (unless I'm wrong about that for some reason). I still say CD's are the way to go though, at least the not DRM-crippled CD's anyway.

      edit: Or were you talking about podcast subscriptions? Because iTunes already has that.
    • pkulak, on 10/12/2007, -7/+11I'm totally getting one too! Although I may hold out until someone makes a player that also supports podcasting, for the same price, but that has a music store with a better selection plus tv shows and movies, and is smaller, and with a simpler UI and more aftermarket stuff for me to buy. Oh, and I'll need better battery life and some kind of assurance that the music I buy will be supported later since Microsoft has proven that they are more then willing to abandon Plays For Sure. It's a long shot, but it's possible that someone will make a better player then the Zune someday.
    • macniatic, on 10/12/2007, -13/+5@pkulak

      Its called iPod. Now available at stores world wide. :-)
    • pkulak, on 10/12/2007, -5/+8@macniatic

      It's called a joke. Now available in the comment above yours. ;)
    • Escamillo, on 10/12/2007, -2/+2The nice thing about subscriptions (besides the obvious) is that you're free to change services at any time, regardless of whatever DRM is used by the service. So, you get a new device that requires a different DRM than the subscription service that you previously used? No biggie, just switch services. Unlike the *buy* model, where you habe to worry about "How am I going to play the songs that I *bought* on my new device when my device uses a different DRM?"
    • KMartSheriff, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3Subscription service?? So you like renting your music instead of owning it?
  • Gamblor24, on 10/12/2007, -15/+15What do you mean Holy Cow? The Zune looks at best like a 10-month project. Its thicker than an ipod and looks like crap. Yet it came out Years later...with a company that is richer than apple, and technology that is insane. Zune is a complete failure. I might be interested in the 2nd or 3rd generations of zune...and if they change the name too.
    • Demagogue, on 10/12/2007, -12/+17How can you declare it a complete failure when it hasnt even come out yet?

      The only reason you hate it is because its not made by Apple and looks like everything Apple.
    • JeffD, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4I'll give you one point, the name does suck. Almost enough to make me not want one.
  • HappyScrappy, on 10/12/2007, -7/+16Zune is just new software and colors for a hardware platform that already existed (a Toshiba product).

    10 months is less impressive when you look at it that way.
  • MackPrime, on 10/12/2007, -7/+7even if it is awful, doesn't mean it will fail.

    See Also : Ipod Mini
  • egotripping, on 10/12/2007, -12/+9Who wants to say that they just bought a Zune anyways? Zune is the most unsexy name I've ever heard.
    • fallenone05, on 10/12/2007, -17/+2ok, go up to a girl's vagina and say "ipod" 10 times. no reaction right? Now say the word "zune" 10 times emphasizing on the "zzzz." That made her giggle right? It might not be sexy, but it turn her on.
    • whiteguysamurai, on 10/12/2007, -4/+4The zune is a much better name.
    • flag564, on 10/12/2007, -3/+3Ipod is sexy?

      And why the heck are you even thinking about sex and brand names?
  • Bansuri, on 10/12/2007, -5/+10It looks neat, but I have a horrible feeling that once you let MS have anything to do with your "media licenses" it's all over.
    I love my xbox, xbox 360, 2 XP boxes, but there's no way in hell I'll give up my ipod. Apple did it right, and for my ripped CDs the Apple DRM has no effect. God, I hate to say it, but I just don't trust Microsoft anymore.
  • GoodBrain, on 10/12/2007, -3/+8Microsoft has been playing with the whole personal media player thing for how long? A lot longer than 9 months. It's been, what, a year since they put WinCE on personal media players, and even longer since they started playing in the space with WMA DRM and "plays for sure"

    It's taken them 9 months since settling on this latest strategy, which, even being generous, is a v2 on a 2-3 year old initiative. I'm sure that seems like quite an achievement in the bureaucracy of Microsoft, I doubt Microsoft has moved that quickly on anything in nearly a decade, but it's not that impressive outside that bubble.
  • bufbarnaby, on 10/12/2007, -13/+3I have 100`s of videos I got off SueTube before they went down hill , mostly music videos I converted to play on a Zune. I`m going Zune because the screen is much better , and I like to watch videos I made without DRM. And I hate Apple and hope they wither away following the MSFT-Linux tie-up.
    • superkendall, on 10/12/2007, -4/+13The screen has exactly the same number of pixels as an iPod screen, it just makes them larger. That's really not that much better.

      If it had a 640x480 screen, now, that would be a different story. Given they can't really beat the iPod on price they should have made at least one aspect of it obviously superior even if it cost a bit more.
    • r3zonance, on 10/12/2007, -2/+1"and I like to watch videos I made without DRM"

      Good for you, I can do that on my much better looking and more user-friendly iPod.

      You've been drinking some freaky kool-aid. DRM-only video on the iPod indeed.
  • bufbarnaby, on 10/12/2007, -10/+3Zunecast sounds much more tech-oriented than Podcast...reminds me of a pea-pod !
    • aristotle0dude, on 10/12/2007, -5/+7"Zunecast sounds much more tech-oriented than Podcast...reminds me of a pea-pod !"

      Yeah, I think if tech whenever I think of the word f*ck. Zune sounds like the hebrew word for f*ck btw.
    • clie, on 10/12/2007, -5/+2Get your diggination Zunecasts on iZunes!
  • aristotle0dude, on 10/12/2007, -13/+15How did it take them 10 months to take a Toshiba Gigabeat and totally cripple it?
    • estvir, on 10/12/2007, -9/+10.. because more features == crippled ? You're smart. :o
  • Dexity, on 10/12/2007, -15/+7I love the fact that people are saying the Zune is a polished up gigabeat and how horrible MS is for taking so long to push out a product that has already been established. Which might all be true. But what the Apple fanboys don't seem to mention is that the new intelmacs are just polished up PC's that dont play my video games.

    So when MS does it its a failure, but when Apple does it its sexy.
    • macniatic, on 10/12/2007, -5/+10The PPC -> Intel transition was software and hardware. Both software versions have the same features. If Microsoft have done this transition, it would have taken longer, and the Intel version would be incomplete.

      They could not even finish what they promised for Vista, and Podcasting for Zune.

      Microsoft is a failure because they are a lot bigger than Apple, and have a lot more resources, still they make crappy products.
    • inkswamp, on 10/12/2007, -0/+9Yadda yadda... there are hypocrites on both sides of the fanboy divide, in case you didn't notice.

      Let's see, as a Mac user I've been subjected to the whole "Windows is best because a majority of people choose it" argument for years... which seems to have disappeared lately when it comes to iPods vs. the competition. Now why would that be?

      Pointing this stuff out is like shooting fish in a barrel. Not really worth the effort making a fuss over it, is it?
  • benliong, on 10/12/2007, -3/+610 months or not, built on top of Toshiba gigabeat or not, I think it's good to have some healthy competition for Apple's ipod+itunes. I'm an apple fanboy, I own a ipod 2G, ipod nano, but I'm beginning to sense that Apple is slowing down in innovation because of the lack of competition.
    • lopla, on 10/12/2007, -1/+8funny, just yesterday analysts were saying the new iPod shuffle was to be the top selling mp3 player yet. pretty good for poor innovation lol.
    • Escamillo, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1iPod shuffle sells so well because it's the cheapest way to get into the "cool" iPod club. It's merits as a player don't matter (let's face it, the shuffle is garbage).
  • lopla, on 10/12/2007, -11/+5The device users are referred to as Zunetards, so I suspect it will be called tardcasting.
  • s-m-a-c-k, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3i don't get the whole "it doesn't do podcast" thing... as long as there is an RSS feed serving up MP3 links, its trivial to automate download and syncing to the Zune, which I assume will be MTP device...
    • MacParrot, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3s-m-a-c-k,
      It's trivial for you and probably most of the people at digg, but not so easy for joe sixpack and sally stationwagon. While you may not care one whit whether those two know crap about tech, they're the ones who buy these things (consumer products) by the boatload.

      Sometimes it isn't about cost (no real difference in the case of iPod vs Zune) or features (WiFi and a 1/2 inch bigger screen isn't exactly features to crow about given their built-in limitations on the Zune), it's about ease of use.

      Obviously I haven't used a Zune yet, but from what I've seen the interface looks pretty good and easy to use. Certainly as easy as an iPod. However I still won't buy one since so far it doesn't support my platform (Mac), doesn't have important features that I use everyday (podcasting support and management), and the 3-inch screen (IMO) is just as useless as the iPod with video's 2.5-inch screen for watching videos.

      I currently use a 1st gen nano and I'm satisfied for the most part. Doesn't mean I won't use another product if it serves my need better. Give it to me and I'll dump the iPod in a country minute. Here's what I want:

      Mac native software/ Secure online store with videos (gotta have my BSG!), music, and podcasting support/ 4-inch screen or larger (640 x 480 rez would be nice, but it should be better than 320 x 240)/ Something similar to iTunes to manage all the content.

      Yes to all those that might ask, I can certainly create folders and manage playlists manually, and convert video and audio to what ever format is required for player X. But for an entertainment device, why should I have to?
  • kingjoey52a, on 10/12/2007, -2/+2why is Microsoft getting into the hardware business lately, first Xbox, now this? I thought they were a software company.
    • Fipe, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3They mainly do software, but they have a hardware division: mainly peripherals like mice and keyboards. The Zune and the Xbox are attempts to expand the markets they're competing in, I suppose.
    • falcon1, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6Haven't they been in the hardware business for a while? I have always found Microsoft hardware to actually be quite good. I look forward to seeing how the Zune will play out...
    • r3zonance, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1"why is Microsoft getting into the hardware business lately, first Xbox, now this? I thought they were a software company."

      Cos they want to try and get into a business and not suck at it from the word go.
  • FHKE, on 10/12/2007, -2/+5The word "Podcasting" is not invented by Apple.

    Read:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podcasting
  • colincornaby, on 10/12/2007, -0/+8"And, the Zune has a better software updater. I’m already hearing that within a few days of release in mid-November that there will already be some new features released.

    That’s something Apple should worry about. If Microsoft can upgrade all of its Zune players easily with new features and games and such, then they can build experiences that the iPod can’t easily get (and if third-party developers can play there, watch out. Remember 1989? I thought the Macintosh was superior to Windows. Which one ended up with more market share? The ones that the developers could extend the easiest."

    I'm not sure I get what he's talking about here. A software updater is a software updater. I fail to see how Microsoft could do a better one. Apple in the past shipped out software updates to support new formats and support podcasts. I don't see how one could beat the other in this arena.

    And he worries about Microsoft opening up the platform for 3rd party developers to bring games to the Zune? Sorry, Apple's already done that with the iPod. Microsoft would simply be playing catch up if they did that.
    • r3zonance, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2"And, the Zune has a better software updater. I’m already hearing that within a few days of release in mid-November that there will already be some new features released."

      So that's what they are calling the 'security fixes' and wi-fi exploit 'patches'. :P
  • kalidav, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7It would be stupid of them to use anything OTHER than podcasting.
  • altodarknight, on 10/12/2007, -8/+7J Allard is a genius, it doesn't surprise me that it only took 10 months. He has produced a product that could easily steal 30% of the north american market within 12 months.

    Great style, awesome new features, great interface/software and marketability. Put aside you fanboy hats for a second, check out zune.net with the ads and features. It won't surprise me if the mp3 market looses the 'iPod' label like 'coke' is losing over the cola market.
    • almalax19, on 10/12/2007, -1/+330%?? Yea ***** right. If they get 5% they'd be lucky. Just cuz it has wifi doesnt mean that people are gonna dump their ipods for it. Its bigger, heavier, has worse battery life, not as easy to use, and its ugly. Yea some nerds are gonna buy it cuz of the wifi but the general public wants something that looks cool and is easy to use. Thats the ipod, period. All its gonna do is make Apple innovate more because they have some actual "competition".
  • spartan777, on 10/12/2007, -5/+8i'm glad microsoft is standing up to apple. they've been getting out of hand lately.
    • MacParrot, on 10/12/2007, -6/+3Wow, Apple has been getting "out of hand lately"? What in the name of (Insert name of deity or favorite curse word) does THAT mean? Apple (or Microsoft or company X) is a company. They ship products. People hopefully buy products. Company makes money, makes the next product and the cycle continues.

      How is Microsoft standing "up" to Apple? Microsoft wants to sell Zunes because then they'll make MORE money. If it wasn't Apple, it would be Quaker Oats or something else.

      There's no "out of hand" to get. Maybe you should get out more.
    • RickySan65, on 10/12/2007, -3/+8"Wow, Apple has been getting "out of hand lately"? What in the name"

      They have, sueing people left, right and center for using the word pod anywhere. Mod me down all you want, but the fact is that Apple is behaving like a spoiled child that's not getting enough attention.
    • flag564, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3Apple doesn't see that their actions will receive any negative coverage. They have a press that fawns over every action they make. They have a fawning user base that will sweep anything negative they do under the rug. So the idea of suing people over using the word pod isn't something they saw would affect them.
    • r3zonance, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2"They have, sueing people left, right and center for using the word pod anywhere"

      Sadly it's what you MUST do, if you want to retain any trademarks you own. And besides they are only going after people with "products" or "services" similar to/for iPod/iTMS. They are NOT suing 'podcasters' for using the name.
    • MacParrot, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3flag/ricky,
      You mean like MS going after Mike Rowe (his actual name), a software developer and his MikeRoweSoft.com domain? You mean like that? Companies protect their trademarks. That's the way it works. Now, do I think Apple has gone a bit off the deep end in their efforts? Yeah, I believe they have. Does it affect me personally? Nope.

      You two have posted time and time again showing your irrational hatred of an inanimate object. Most Mac users don't care that you prefer Windows. It amazes me that so many Windows fanboys (to use your own terms) have such animosity against products and services that they don't use.
  • sseligson, on 10/12/2007, -9/+5Here is the deal... A new product looks great. Has some neat features. All of you rush out and say you will buy one. The thing is right around the corner is the next gen ipod. Which I am sure will be far superior to the Zune. I think the zune has some good features. But sit back, fasten your seatbelts because you know Apple is going to have "One thing more..."
  • lainelike, on 10/12/2007, -4/+3Ok the Zune has no podcast support but to be fair a podcast is just a sound file so unless M$ turn around and say "MP3 not supported" i don't see the big deal.
    As for the issue on "Podcast's" name im glad M$ are calling it podcast and are not trying to change it because the majority of the users know it as podcasting, if you say hey check out this new netcast / wincast / zunecast or what ever you want to re-brand it as most of the people i know and talk to will just stare blankly and ask what im talking about.

    • greekgoat91, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3yea, if podcasting is such a big feature for you guys, just install Juice and set the download directory to your music folder so that it syncs with the Zune.
  • javabean252, on 10/12/2007, -2/+410 month project my ass... they had it already done with the gigabeat. they took another player and put a package on it. and the store uses the same core web store they already have. so all MS did is repackage someone Else's work. That's what they do!
    • theone3, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Wifi, rewriting the whole OS, redesign, marketing, incorporation into MS brand, etc etc
  • sriggins, on 10/12/2007, -5/+4Of course it was only 10 months - They had to wait for Apple to get enough ideas to rip off then implement poorly.
  • cleverboy, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4Competition will be GREAT for the marketplace. Apple can't keep spanking everyone else forever. Someone had to come along and present an at least "credible" competitor that isn't simply an "also ran" to the as yet uncontested iPod experience.
  • lopla, on 10/12/2007, -2/+1You people are out of your freaking minds! Some rebranded toshiba mp3 player is not going to even scratch the market share the iPod has. Something tells me the same suckers buying Zune are the same suckers voting GOP this Nov. It fits the profile of stupidity and delusion quite well.
  • thespace, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1Apple supports the term podcasting, Microsoft supports the term podcasting, and Leo Laporte is delusional. Goodbye Twit, it was nice while it lasted.
    • DelMonte, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2It's not called TWIT anymore, it's called TDBDS, The Don't Bash Dell Show.

      Sorry Leo I cannot help it, I'm looking forward to the day Dell doesn't interfere anymore with your editorial content.
  • canyonblue, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2To comment on the "only in development for 10 months" quote... MS... it is obvious. The Zune is nothing more than an iPod copy that doesn't look as good and is larger than the largest iPod sold today... and tons larger than the best selling iPod nano. It doesn't support Podcasting out of the box and lacks any innovative features except for the Wi-Fi song transfer which is dependent on A) you tolerating very restrictive DRM and B) actually finding another Zune user.

    MS... 10 months to market isn't the way to compete with an icon like the iPod... dead on arrival.
  • bufbarnaby, on 10/12/2007, -3/+1Microsoft Corp. last week released an upgrade of the embedded version of Windows, making 100% of the source code in the software’s kernel available to developers and packaging the latest release of its Visual Studio development tools with the technology.
    • lopla, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3Microsoft Corp. last week released an upgrade of the embedded version of Windows, making 100% of the source code in the software’s kernel available to hackers. Over 160 vulnerabilities have been found already and it's advised the OS remains disconnected from all networks including the internet.

      -fixed.
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