Microsoft tries new Zune ad push

Aiming to have a new message for the holidays, Microsoft on Thursday launched a new advertising campaign for the Zune.

With the tagline "You make it you," the TV, print, and online ads all play off the theme of what would happen if one cracked open a Zune and all of one's digital media spilled out.

(Credit: Microsoft)

The TV spots, which will start running on cable networks, are directed by Patrick Daughters, while the print spots and banner ads feature "up and coming illustrators" from across the globe, Microsoft said. The new ads are designed to coincide with the expansion of the Zune family, which will include 4GB and 8GB flash versions as well as an 80GB hard drive-based model to go along with its original 30GB size.

The key question for Microsoft is how many of "you" will actually buy its products, rather than one of the new iPods.

[keaggy220]

MS got it half right

"You make it you, but not until we make it ugly."

[~Canuck~]

Zing!

So true.

[yipcanjo]

Ok.

What *specifically* do you find ugly about it?

[Spartan_458]

I'm getting one

...or at least I'm planning to get one. I'm going to get the 80 GB one, and I think they're great. By the way, I wouldn't even consider one of Apple's new iCraps.

[there can be only one]

yeah, you're a sharp consumer

Most people work pretty hard to hide their ignorance. You actually <br />log on and post it.

[t8]

Not the sharpest tool in the shed are we?

Oh I see, you are getting one because it is complimentary after one years service with Microsoft.<br /><br />I would take one if they offered me $100.00<br /><br />Let me know if your boss is interested?

[MaLvaDo39]

iPod!

This zune copy of the real deal is so sad.<br />I would be so embarrassed to have a zune.<br /><br />iPods are the only way to go.<br />1st in innovation<br />revolutionary designs and software.

[catch23]

Because they stole from Creative

that makes the innovative? <br />You want the best, go with iRiver. First to do what Apple copies, most flexible setup out there.<br /><br />And obviously you have never used a Zune. The device itself is pretty good.<br />The software, like iTunes, leaves a lot to be desired.

[Vegaman_Dan]

Why is this thing still around?

It seems to be very much an also-ran. Perhaps with an entirely new case it might do okay, because that's really about the only thing wrong with it. Features are okay, but... it's a brick and an ugly one at that.

[darrennah1991]

iPods are so much better.

The new Zunes are terribly ugly!<br /><br />Functionality wise, none can beat the iPod, design wise as well.<br /><br />Microsoft should just give up this pitiful product and concentrate <br />its resources on other things, such as, making Windows more <br />reliable!<br /><br />Microsoft is simply terrible in product design.

[close5828]

Apple FUD

If how they're treating their 17" Powerbook customers w/ bad screens is any indicator, you can most certainly count me out on any of their products in the forseeable future.<br /><br />I'm sick of the Apple FUD every time I read anything about Microsoft--it's like the NeoCons of the computer industry for god's sake.<br /><br />It must just eat you up inside to see people (like me) type this on a Tablet PC running Vista...

[setgo]

See Who Cares Below

...

[t8]

Hey where is the brown one?

Where is the one that was poo brown?<br /><br />I was stinking of getting one.

[setgo]

Who cares?

No not really. I doubt anyone really cares what your using. And good luck with that Vista thing. I heard it got really good reviews.. oh no my bad that was Leopard.

[rcrusoe]

A new push won't help

because it is still a Zune.<br /><br />And right or wrong it is perceived as an iPod wannabe, and those <br />that buy it are seen as "stuck with a Zune".

[jessiethe3rd]

Leopard?

I heard Apple is having it's own QC issues with it's 5% marketshare... wow - 2 million copies. That a whole lotta nothing in the grand scheme of thems. Sure - Vista is having troubles but the devices available is just insane! UMPC, Tablet, PocketPC mobile, inexpensive notebooks, the list goes on and on. All the Apple-fan-boys seem to get caught up in all the pretty colors while Microsoft and it's partners (Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, Dell, HP) continue to trample your white boxes.

[Bored of it]

OMG - ENOUGH already!

Am I the only one who is SICK of all the fanboy nattering that erupts everytime Microsoft or Apple is mentioned in an article? People...here's a thought: GET THE !@#! OVER IT!<br /><br />They're just corporations, and they just make products. One has the majority of the market for desktop computing, one has a majority for portable music devices. One is no less evil than the other. (If you really think Jobs or Ballmer cares what say, you're seriously deluded. They're capitalists: they just care what you do with your money.) If you don't like something, don't buy it! <br /><br />To get so freaked out about promoting one company over another suggests you want a sad, sad world without any choice at all.<br /><br />I mean really...with all that's going on in the world, can't you find something more worthwhile to direct your passion at? Seriously....

[t8]

If they don't care

then they will eventually be snubbed by consumers.<br /><br />Google gets it. They would never intentionally annoy customers. They care because they care for the longevity of their business.