Comments on: Microsoft: More Zunes coming in 2009

Despite the latest sales figures, a representative for Microsoft's music device business insists that the company is going to keep building Zunes.

[funyun2]

It is killing me that I can't use a zune on a mac. I don't want an iPod touch because EVERYONE at my school has one and there's not enough storage, but that's my best option when my 5G ipod eventually breaks, (because the classic sucks).

[random truth]

You can also get one of the thousands of other mp3 players. And with xnjb you can use mtp ones too.

[CliffnMichelle]

Matt,

I own a Zune, and my wife and Son have an IPOD. I will tell you without a shadow of doubt, the Zune is the far better player, and the Zune pass service is an amazing value compared to .99 per itune.

Apple wins due to clever marketing and false market perception. Its not better, No tuner, less open format support, Interface and software are wonky when you put it next to the Zune, and with Zune they actualy update your firmware software without making you buy this years player, isnt that nice, so the only explanation for IPOD's sucess is clever marketing which millions of IPOD consumers have fallen prey to.

[QuadFather]

The non-proprietary nature of Zune hardware would probably be enough to tip me over to the side of microsoft and out of the proprietary death grip of Apple. Seriously ... what genius at Apple thought it was a good idea to make video out proprietary? What crap.

That in addition to:
- Simple Wireless integration w/ computers and media centers. I use a home theater computer running Vista MC to watch things on my television. Just imagine being able to control the music playing through my media center via the Zune nano(?) in my shirt pocket ... That's something I've been wanting for a while (fm tuner solutions just don't cut it). The music stored on the "remote"? Coool.
- The intuitive navigation system. The touch pad seems cool, and I hear the software is impressive for navigating the music.

[Brent212]

Currently, I consider zunes and ipods to be pretty much the same. They both suck for a number of reasons, but they both are the only options for someone who wants a pocketable mp3 player with 120+ GB. That being said, ipod is the clear winner for me simply because everyone and their mom has stupid ipod-only accessories and stereos, so I'm pretty much guaranteed that someone will have a FM transmitter, car adapter, etc. when I go somewhere. I don't have to buy ****. Hell, even some cabin that some friends and I recently rented in tahoe had a stereo with a freakin' ipod dock on the top. It didn't have a line in, but it had a freakin' ipod dock. So lame, but I guess that's the world we live in now.

If zunes supported MSC, I'd throw my ipod out the window and buy one. I'm sure this will never happen, though, since apparently everyone thinks itunes and "syncing" is a selling point for ipods, so microsoft will try to improve its software rather than freeing the player from it like I'd prefer.

If zunes played MPEG2 and had more storage, I'd probably buy one, assuming it supported video out without some lame adapter or proprietary cable.

[rapier1]

The Zune devices don't support MPEG2 but it does automatically convert MPEG2 to MPEG4 when you sync if you are using Vista. Also, it uses a standard video/audio mini-jack to RCA cable. If you use the AV dock you can use component video though.

[yantop]

The biggest mistake that Microsoft has made is that it has kept the zune sales in the US, they are not available in Europe (not sure about Asia). For them to gain a larger market share I think they have to market it all over the world including Europe. Then they will have a real chance to start competing. If microsoft has so many left over because they are not selling well, send them overseas and start selling them over there as well.

[ace10134]

So you mean that they should offer the Zune Pass?

Zune Pass - $15 a month, Unlimited Downloads + 10 songs to KEEP each month.

CNET's quality of reports are dropping :(

[Kendokill]

I think instead of calling the software and devices all zune, it should have only been the name of the first device. How about giving the software it's own name, and new subsequent models different names as well, or at least a nickname. I really think the name 'zune' is lame.

[NPGMBR]

Well its all a matter of opinion. I think the Zune name is just fine.

[isykal]

I recently bought a Zune and loves it!

[Drezen]

What would make me buy a Zune in 2009? Well my existing one would have to break first, which it shows no sign of doing after 18 months of use. I bought the Zune because the hardware was superior to the iPod classic in many ways (though not battery life, sadly) and initially the software was very trying, but Microsoft have done a superb job of developing the Zune package and I now much prefer it to iTunes, which I have installed for the iPod Shuffle I use at the gym. It's clean, streamlined, intuitive, easy and not derivative of another media application. Ars Technica's recent review says it best: Microsoft made this?

Anyway, I love the Zune 80 and the only thing that would make me switch from it is if they made a Zune phone. I need a PDA, a phone, a GPS device and a high capacity media player. I've managed to reduce the first three down to one device and the Zune fulfils the other need very nicely. I'd love to have one device for all four functions and I like my Zune a hell of a lot more than my WIndows Mobile smartphone.

[atomicbomb156]

Proud owner of an Zune 80GB. I have never been more satisfied with an mp3 player, except the Sony NWZ's but they don't have enough space. The screen is huge, the sound quality is much better than the iPod, and has an amazing interface. And I am never willing to spend more than $300 on an mp3 player. Why the hell should I spend $400 on an iPod touch that has less than half the space of my Zune, which I got for $200 by the way. And who cares whether it works with macs or not? Microsoft practically has a strangle hold on the computer operating system market so its really not that much of an issue. And if you have a Mac then affording an expensive ass iPod shouldn't be that much of a problem. But for the rest of us who actually are careful about their money then the Zune is better than the iPod. Oh and sure iPod has plenty of experience but they haven't changed the click wheel for 5 years. And once again the intuitiveness of the iPod touch does not justify its ridiculously high price.

[funyun2]

The iPods (except for the touch) are the same prices as the zunes, (give or take $20). Plus, the Touch costs more because it can do more than the zune, and it has less space because it's flash-based, so it's more stable than the hard-drive players. I love the statement, "if you have a Mac then affording an expensive ass iPod shouldn't be that much of a problem" because you imply that ipods are more expensive, (not true). You are comparing the zune 120 to an ipod touch. Shouldn't you be comparing the zune with the ipod classic? They have the same price, same storage, same footprint, and the zune wins. But don't compare it to the touch which does a lot more.

[inflammable]

This is what would convince me:

- A 4" screen with nice pixels per inch.
- A good battery life, 7-8 hours for video, and 20 for music.
- Replaceable battery so you can actually use it for more than a year.
- A built in TV out feature to view movies on TV screen with at least DVD quality.
- Standard connectivity, that is mini USB cable, also built in a DC plug for fast charge, IR reciever for optional (or included) remote control (without the need for additional accesories).
- An aluminum body with a pocketable size.
- A USB host connectivity to plug Flash drives, and other mp3 players
- Full ability to manage your files inside of it... rename, delete, move, copy, etc.
- Drag and drop or sync. option.

OH THATS RIGHT I ALREADY HAVE THIS... its called a dinosaur Archos AV500 (look it up here http://reviews.cnet.com/portable-video-players-pvps/archos-av500-mobile-dvr/4505-6499_7-31517717.html?tag=mncol;lst) and it originally came with a 1.8" 30GB hard drive... and I replaced with an 80GB one... so I have 60 movies, 6000 songs and 6000 pictures inside....

I dont really care for wi-fi on my media player right now... (my blackberry fills those needs) and I dont really like touch screens... though if they are as good as the ones in ipods then I dont mind...

Im also not upgrading to a newer Archos cause they have chosen the ipod path... propietary connections, nothing built in, not as good interface.....

SO I dont think I will be getting surprise by anything microsoft unveils this year...

[malbeau]

Here's a new one for you:

Friends I know who own neither an iPod nor a Zune say that when their current player dies, it will most likely be replaced with an iPhone or iPod Touch. When I press them about the neat features that they wanted and purchased in their other player, (FM radio and low price seems to be the big two issues), they respond by saying, the new iPods have all the features they want. They are a bit disappointed that they'd have to buy a radio remote for the iPod, it's not built-in. Then without asking i get an earful about how much they hate MS for their PlaysForSure and other DRM issues.

So, not to speak for these independent shoppers, but the new Zune will have to be significantly better than the competition to even be considered.

Note to Apollo7814 - stick to topic and get a life, you troll

[Lenter101]

Zune's are not Stuff White People Like. Although this white person likes them but then I don't eat sushi, drink coffee and I actually use Windows Vista on 3 computers without any problems. Oh yea, I also have 3 Zunes, one, of which, I'm listening to right now.

[AaronCT123]

I'm an Red Zune 80 owner. I dig the device and like the software.

I like the new Marketplace I got when the 120s came out: I enjoy being able to hop on one of the WiFi networks that are all over this dorm the dorm and adding the song we're playing on Rock Band to my cart before I forget the name of it. I like a few of the free games we got when the new devices came out as well. The large screen size is great for videos. I like being able to listen to the radio, as I don't have one here in the dorms and it's nice to be able to catch Bob and Sherry every so often. Or to just hear something I haven't heard in awhile or don't have in my collection.

Being able to reverse sync has been amazing, as I've been having computer problems lately, and it's nice to know that when I finally have a reliable computer again, getting my collection back will be as simple as dragging from the Zune to the computer in the Zune software. Sharing music with my friend, who also, has a Zune is fun. I currently have a few of the songs he sent me in my inbox, and I've added one to cart.

I think it's worth noting that the Zune doesn't really get advertised and most people, that is, the type of those people who don't check CNet and comment on tech articles, don't really know of the differences between the Zune and iPod. That the Zune is available in only two countries while the iPod is an international product. Considering how small their market is to begin with and the fact that, for whatever reason, the Zune is so stifled (Windows only, US/Canada-only, barely advertised, few colors, same model as last year) it does make sense that their was a drop in sales, what with the current economic climate and essentially the same model as last year. And it makes perfect sense that Microsoft would expect the sales to fall.

[mandelbomb]

So all you Zune patriots must love VISTA too!

[DigitalAngelic]

Why not? There's nothing wrong with it. Aside from, you know, not being as good as Windows 7. :P

I upgraded to Vista near its launch. I saw the compatibility problems with my own hardware first-hand. Then I saw them fixed.

[redjet3]

Actually, I don't like vista and I'm a zune user. I just put a huge hole in your logic, haha! But I like XP, not vista.

[Esquirrel]

I've got a Zune 80. It's great. The audio quality is much better than iPod because Microsoft committed to a simpler signal path. It's a versatile device with a great screen. I'd buy another one if mine broke. Also, it's been much more reliable than the various Creative and iRiver products I've owned since 2001.

iPods are great for people who consume mindlessly and based solely on trends, people who feel most comfortable moving in the same direction as everyone else and who need to point to material possessions for "cred" and esteem. Apple appeals to those types in spades.

I'm glad Microsoft is sticking with it. I do like the Zune software a lot, too. The social aspect is entertaining as well.

[K_REY_C]

ADD .FLAC SUPPORT

[DigitalAngelic]

Agreed. Though I love my Zunes, I must say this is one important thing they are missing.

[Greg465]

The current Zune is great, I hate a 16g and love it, I dont want a PC for an MP3 player!! If I wanted that I would carry my laptop, this guys opinion sucks and is uncreative, apple fangurl

[KzooPackFan]

I have an 80 GB Zune. It works great. The Wi-Fi syncing is awesome and very useful. I got it be cause it allowed me to keep my music files in mp3 format, radio and the video out. It just had all the features i wanted (I also considered Creative Zen and the ipod touch)

Zune is a great product. It is a shame that most people don't get to experience it since most salespeople at some of the leading electronic stores just lead customers to the iPOD and don't even present the Zune as an option (seen it happen).

I was going to get another Zune, a 120, but now that new Zunes will be coming out, I'll just wait and see what they have to offer.

[Cat-han]

I have owned both until my zune got stolen. I actually prefer the zune software and OS to the ipods. I like the way you navigate on a zune better too, it feels more fluid (in my opinion). While apples look sexier, are smaller, and have more accessories, zune seems more functional in my opinion. (i'm disregarding the ipod touch btw. That is, of course better than the zune, but you can't really compare the two since the purposes of the zune compared to the touch are kinda different).

i would want Microsoft to make a device to compete with the itouch. I feel like if they did that, and added something a little extra to differentiate from itouch so that people don't just call it a copy, they would have a really big chance of competing and getting into the main stream, as much as hardcore zune users hate that idea. Microsoft took a big chance with the zune in the beggining i think, and because of the initial failure, has been playing it safe kind of to avoid that same reaction. Maybe they should take another big leap and try to make something to top the itouch instead of just compete with it, because trying to compete with something as popular and mainstream as the itouch is pointless. You need something that will top it and MAKE people pay attention to your product because the itouch simply doesn't have it.