Microsoft hiding from the Zune?

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer spots - or, rather, doesn't spot - the Zune in Microsoft's new advertising for that uber-social iPhone "competitor." According to Zune marketing director Adam Sohn, this is on purpose: "We're trying to funnel people from the software side....You don't have to buy the device immediately."

Huh? So, Microsoft is trying to play up all the things you can do with the Zune...without buying a Zune. That might be a better strategy, since it turns out that not many people want to do buy a Zune, regardless of the price. CNET's Matt Rosoff tries to put a brave face on Microsoft's recent focus on the Zune software, rather than the Zune device, but it fails to convince.

What can you do with the Zune desktop software without undergoing the shame of carrying a Zune around? Things like music discovery, which, unfortunately, Apple also provides through its Genius service in iTunes. In other words, Microsoft is playing catch-up, and it's unlikely to catch up.

Let's face it: the XBox excepted, Microsoft is a much better software company than it is a hardware company. But mobile is a game where it's still critical to own the entire experience, hardware and software, which is why Microsoft does so poorly against the iPod and iPhone, and Apple continues to dominate.

Best to get back to those dull, gray corporate desktops, Mr. Ballmer. With 90 percent-plus market share, you can afford to be "social" in the enterprise in a way that the Zune never has been.

[john55440]

My understanding is that Zune's music discovery system is said to be significantly better than iTune's Genius.

[mjw149]

xbox excepted? Hardly. The 360 hardware was an unmitigated disaster. Sony would be gone if not for the red ring of death. Now, their keyboards and mice, those are good.

[odubtaig]

Can't argue with its popularity though, especially as I saw one games store was selling a proper one (with hard drive) with 2 games for £170 today. How much is a Wii again?

[ctoliver3]

So Mr. Asay, why do you assume that we Zune owners are ashamed of proudly carrying our Zunes around? Have you actually used one on more than an evaluation period. You might be suprised by by everything you can do with it. It is a great multi media player. Myself and several of my co-workers all proudly do that. In fact I ride the bus alot and have personally had several hundred people over the last six months been quite curious about both the player and why I chose it over the IPod. Plus I have noticed more people actually going out as well.

[pettiam]

The only thing Apple has going for them is their niche market of "eclectic and so different..." people. The iPod is in fact an inferior device to the Zune... Try one out for a while and see for yourself!

[cowatson]

I think the iPod Touch is by far the superior device, but when you compare the Zune HDD and the iPod Classic HDD, devices that compete directly against each other, I find the Zune HDD a much nicer device and I like the software better. The software works well with the Xbox, the FM tag works well when radio stations tag properly, I like that I can update the Zune without plugging in and I have begun to really like the Zune subscription service vs. the pay per song, it is actually saving me money. I think I like iTunes interface a little better as I am used to the more simplistic setup, but as I explore both I find that the Zune software since the last update has many more options. I thought the Zune software before the last update was garbage. I own a Zune 80GB, an iPod 80GB, a iPod Shuffle and I buy my music on Amazon. I'm a PC too, it is what work provides.

[ViEtNiNjA007]

The mainstream public's reaction to the Zune is similar to the way cavemen reacted to fire!

[Hey_Radar]

I agree that there are things the Zune can do that the iPod (sans touch) doesn't do: built-in wireless, FM radio, etc. However, I choose an iPod because of accessories. I can go to any store and choose from dozens of radios w/docking stations, car adapters, power chargers, etc.. for an iPod. Though you can buy a few things for a Zune, they are a small fraction compared to the iPod.

What the Zune needs to do, is to change its accessory plug to be the same as the iPod so I can use a Zune with iPod accessories. Then I'd have a better reason to buy a Zune. Until then the ability to buy accessories overrides any feature the Zune has over the iPod. Same reason people uses Windows over Linux (available Windows software at your local store).

[rapier1]

This is a very good point and one that I wish could be addressed. Technically I'm sure its possible. However, I'm positive that a mountain of IP stands in the way.

[Sumatra-Bosch]

Good God! Ballmer is still trying to sell these things and hiring people to write on comments sections that they actually use one?

No one has ever seen one in use in the wild. It's a complete disaster. MSFT can dump a trillion dollars into it and pay people $500 just to take one home but no one but a MSFT employee will actually use one more than once.

[ducttape36]

Apple also provides through its Genius service in iTunes. In other words, Microsoft is playing catch-up, and it's unlikely to catch up.

genius and mixview lauched at the same time... how is that catch up? also, cnet itself said the mixview was ahead of genius. whats going on here?

[drowe49]

I wonder if the author has ever owned a Zune device or even trialed one for a significant period of time? It doesn't appear so from his article.

I originally purchased a Zune because the price per Gigabyte was lower than the iPod touch (I wanted something with a big screen), but I was pleasently suprised by what a great device it is. It has an intuitive interface that even my wife understood instantly.

Microsoft has a strategy to gain headway in a market that is dominated by Apple. Bring them in with the software and then convince them to buy the device. Whats wrong with that? The software is compelling. It is light years ahead of iTunes when it comes to music discovery. Which is what it is all about, isn't it?

Not to mention the FREE firmware upgrades ALL zune owners get when Microsoft adds new features. Once people get over their anti-Microsoft bias they will reaize this is a great music platform.

[CrashPad63]

Just got the 3.1 update, three more free games. Funtionality updates as well. By the way Gen1 here and "EVERY" update has made this technology better. It is arguably the best platform out there. Oh was it mentioned there is a price decrease on the flash based hardware?

[rapier1]

It always strike me how belligerent Matt is. So MS wants to get people to try using the Zune software even if they don't own a Zune. Maybe, just maybe, its because MS is position Zune as a multiplatform environment (Windows Mobile, XBox, etc). Maybe, just maybe, its because they're trying to boost traffic at their Marketplace. Maybe, just maybe, its because MS sees an opportunity in breaking the PMP market away from the strict vertical integration model that Apple has championed. None of these seem like a retreat or even a necessarily bad idea. Look, if you like iTunes thats great. I'm happy for you. I'm really glad you found something you really enjoy. Personally, iTunes always makes me feel like I'm using a spreadsheet - even when I use it on my Mac I don't like it. I like the Zune software interface because I don't feel like I'm doing *work*.

[Milez5858]

Most people call my Zune and iPod until I point out the difference. My point is, if the majority of people understood the differences, they would likely choose Zune, but they buy iPod because they've heard the name. Most Zune owners are well aware of the features of both and made a concious choise not to follow the herd of sheep down the iPod path. The writer of this article is obviously a fanboy.....

[ace10134]

Wow what a horrible article, CNET! What you dont realize is that when people download the software, they will be offered a 15-day free trial of the Zune Pass. Then they will realize that they love the Zune Pass, and will be using the software every day. And since the Zune Pass music only works with a Zune device, they will go out and buy a Zune, and then realize how great it is! Sorry CNET, but i may have to remove u from my favorites.

Ok, and now, the Zune is way better than Apple's not-so-genuis. Microsoft made something actually look better than Apple! Mixview looks awesome and is way better for discovering music. Also, the Zune devices look way sweeter than an ipod. And with the addition of wireless gaming with friends, they have a homerun with their Zunes.

So, if you think you should talk smack about Microsoft, then i think i might just have to talk some smack to your company, CNET, which by the way does nothing good, unlike Microsoft.