The new Zunes in action
I just finished getting my hands on the new Zune players and trying out their new software features, which let you do things like buy a song off the radio and download tunes directly from the device via the Internet.
The latest software update reinforces the notion that Microsoft is aiming the Zune at hard-core music enthusiasts. Outside of music, very little has changed, with the exception of the addition of two new games and Audible audiobook format support. The devices themselves are similar in physical size and shape, adding improved capacity options (16GB on the flash model and 120GB on the hard drive version) as the only changes.
As for music, Microsoft has added several things aimed at making it easier to discover and acquire new tunes. In addition to being able to buy songs directly over a Wi-Fi connection, subscribers to Microsoft's $15-a-month Zune Pass service can also stream music over the Web.
Also new this time around is the notion of channels, which are kind of like playlists that get regularly updated. Some playlists are programmed by Microsoft, and some by outside music authorities like radio stations and Billboard magazine. Still others are generated by the Zune software itself, based on the music each Zune owner is listening to.
And, as noted by my colleague Donald Bell, all of these features will also work on older Zunes via a free software update. On the downside, the Zune still doesn't have a browser like the iPod Touch. That not only means no Web browsing, but also the challenge that the device can only work on Wi-Fi networks that don't have a browser-based interrupt page, something that's common not just on paid networks, but also a growing number of free commercial Wi-Fi networks.
I've included a video I did with top Zune executive Joe Belfiore that shows the devices in action. I also talked with Belfiore off camera about the Zune's broader future. I hope to have that interview up later this week.
Microsoft's just-issued press release has a couple of other tidbits, including the fact that Clear Channel, CBS Radio, and a number of other big radio station owners are supporting a new data format that will make it easier for the Zune's new "Buy from FM" feature to track which song is playing. More than 450 stations will be live at launch with the enhanced data format, Microsoft said. The software can sometimes deduce what song is being played from other types of metatags, but it can also get hung up on the formatting.
Although Microsoft was planning its Zune announcement for next week, I think the leaks that prompted its early disclosure were fortuitous, allowing Microsoft at least one day in the sun before Apple's event on Tuesday.
During her years at CNET News, Ina Fried has changed beats several times, changed genders once, and covered both of the Pirates of Silicon Valley. These days, most of her attention is focused on Microsoft. E-mail Ina. 
:-D
The only thing that's lacking is the coolness of the device itself. Why anyone would buy music over a subscription service is beyond me, unless you rip everything illegally, which iTunes users apparently do since the average iTunes user only buys 20 songs.
IMO, the only thing lacking in the Zune is a reason to buy it.
Maybe, but ease of use is what makes the iPod such a good seller.
"The only thing that's lacking is the coolness of the device itself. Why anyone would buy music over a subscription service is beyond me, unless you rip everything illegally, which iTunes users apparently do since the average iTunes user only buys 20 songs."
50 millions users and 4 billion songs downloaded averages 80 in my count. Maybe there isn't more because people already had their own cd's to rip, or the fact that albums don't really exist anymore. But you're right the Zune isn't cool.
Thanks!
Will all due respect, sir, that's a load of bunk. The point by t8 was well made - people only tend to use Microsoft if they have to. When there is a choice of service provider, Microsoft is not often the choice made by people, which rather explains their position outside of the desktop PC market (with the exception of the Xbox). In what way is anyone forced to use Apple? I will admit that if you use an iPod then you are "forced" to use iTunes but this really is no different to any other device. As for the other examples that you cited, you are free to not use them and use alternatives.
Personally, I think Microsoft's problem with the Zune is that it is associated with Windows. Very few people, in my experience, actually like Windows and general swearing at the computer is not exactly uncommon (note: this may not actually be Windows's fault but the perception is key). If you don't like Windows then the chances that you are going to be excited by another Microsoft product, particularly when there are alternatives that are well advertised, is going to be low. Rebranding the Zune under a different company name might actually help in this situation.
It will only last as Microsoft pours money in from other lines of businesses.
A "me too" product that is continually behind Apple's iPod/Touch will not never work.
I have a Touch. I still use my 4gb iPod for music / audio use instead.
Not believing in the zune will be your undoing.
The ipod is so lame, people only buy cause they try to fit in and be cool...have you seen the type of cool people that have ipods?
Can't we all be friends? :)
OTOH, it's good to see that they're finally starting to do something about it (the only other alternative is to let it die, which IMHO would be a lot more merciful on MSFT's bottom line, but hey - it's their budget).
On a Zune, iPod, or other music player you simply press the hardware button to pause.
The Touch does a great job as an internet device and PDA, but the music player functions are more of an after thought and definitely not even comparable to any other Apple product.
And device that requires six separate key presses on a virtual keyboard (sometimes more depending on what app was last used) all while taking your eyes off the road compared to any device that allows you to do that with one hardware button unseen is *not* an audible friendly one.
It's a great device, but any iPod or Zune beats it for basic functionality as a music player.
I can appreciate what you are saying but we have to face the fact that the iPod Touch is not an MP3 player in the same mould as a traditional iPod or Zune. As you note, it is much more like a PDA and for that reason it is perhaps best to compare it to other such devices. If you only need music playback then clearly the iPod Touch is overkill because you are paying for a lot of functions that you won't use and there are, for example, iPods that will do what you need for a much lower price.
While other iPods, the Zune, and other MP3 players no doubt beat the iPod Touch as a music player, it is also fair to say that the iPod Touch beats these devices in many other areas. Whether these areas are important to you will determine whether the iPod Touch is right for you.
Penguinisto was trying to indicate that the Touch was superior to the Zune. That was like comparing a station wagon to a minivan. They both can carry people and go the legal speed limit, but beyond that, they are totally different vehicles and different purposes.
I have iPods, the Touch, Creative Labs Zen Xtra, and other assorted music players. I don't have a Zune, but Ididn't need one either.
I am still surprised that Apple's iPods and iPhone cannot buy music from the iTunes store directly, but I expect that to change Sept 9th. When I can buy TV shows from iTunes on my Touch directly, that's when it will really become a multimedia device to me.
I've demoed enough of them to know how they work (missus' birthday is coming up). Also, learn to use yours... Hint: playlists are your friend. Also, if you're dumb enough to constantly lock the thing down, then grouse about having to constantly unlock it just to change volume or etc? That's your problem, eh? (I don't even lock my iPod FFS...)
(...and to lock it down while you're driving? What kind of moron does that!? )
The way I see it is, they've got roughly the same percentage of the mp3 player market share as macs do in computing, but came into the industry way way late unlike macs who were there a Before window's PCs. Next year they'll have a touch screen device and WinMo 7 integration - then we'll talk about Real competition.
Get an iPod with the FM antenna built into the head set. Much strong option.
- by Universal_Indie_Records September 9, 2008 6:53 AM PDT
- "Too bad Apple didn`t think of these features...this is great ! Ready to load it up with DRM-FREE Amazon mp3`s. People actually buy stuff off iTunes you already pay for on cable ??? Smart PC users record it , then transfer it...no iTunes needed. And this keeps more money out of Mr Whipple`s pockets."
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- by Universal_Indie_Records September 9, 2008 6:56 AM PDT
- it never ceases to amaze me what tech savvy people tend to argue about Zune vs. iPod, Mac vs. PC, Os X vs. Windows, ASP vs. PHP, Linux vs. Everyone....
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- by cpopken September 15, 2008 5:34 PM PDT
- Windows vs. PC, Xbox vs. PS3, iPod vs. Zune. Everyone likes to bash one or the other, when in fact they are just products. Why people get so worked up over one or the other I'll never know. I love my Zune, but it isn't better than an iPod, just different, and an iPod is not better than a Zune either. It is a personal preference.
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Showing 1 of 2 pages (44 Comments)What a dumb comment. You can use Amazon and DRM free files on the iPod as well. Apple is not the only store selling DRM music... Zune Marketplace is too.
People are such little ass kids. If you like Zune fine... if you like the iPod fine. Just because you prefer something doesn't mean the other sucks. Some people like Ford some like Chevy... so what?
why do people insist on pushing what THEY PREFER down someone's throat while telling that person that their choices... suck? Grow the hell up!!!!