Comments on: Where do new iPods leave Zune?

CNET News' Ina Fried offers a quick take on what Apple's announcements mean for Microsoft's just-introduced line of Zune players.

[gustown]

The biggest problem I have with iPods, is the firmware every time they do a major update you have to go out an purchase a new one if you want to take advantage of the new features.

People often complain about Microsoft and their business practices but Apple does a lot of things that will not be tolerated from Microsoft (some times I see it as politics), and the worst part is that they get away with it, but at the end of the day we as customers win, when business compete we all win, competition is good.

I am enjoying the Zune because they keep upgrading the software and at the same time the old Zune can take advantage of it.

[scottwilkins]

The web problem is not THAT big if a deal. I like the way this guy puts it:

http://www.anythingbutipod.com/archives/2007/11/8-features-i-do-not-want-to-see-on-the-zune.php

Web Browser
The web sucks on a 4? QVGA screen and the world has yet to be blanketed by open wi-fi.

[markdoiron]

smilin:) -- They should have had you write the article!

[sanenazok]

I listen to music on my Nokia phone with a 4GB mini SD card. I don't not see why I should drag around an iPod or Zune for the same privilege. The only thing I would like to see is streaming video on one of the devices so that I can hook it up to my TV. iPod touch doesn't even support Flash, so there it goes. I would get Zune in a heartbeat if I could watch Netflix Watch Now releases on the TV using its WiFi. That'll never come to the iPod since these streaming services require WMP.

Web browsing on these devices is completely irrelevant. You want to squint on a four inch screen for more than a few minutes at a time?

[notanexpert]

I do it all the time, and I don't even have to squint. I would not call web browsing on these devices irrelevant. I do use a Touch though.

[memogonzalezj]

jughead56

ok fangirl, fanboy... just figurate speaking...

[Seaspray0]

Ina, I'll give you alot of credit for this article. It's probably the most unbiased for all of cnet reports on mp3 players. Good job. But I do have to agree with some of the others... while comparing the zune and ipod, you overlooked the sansa mp3 players. Given the zune and ipod high exposure, I can understand why, but please look at a few to see if they meet your criteria for inclusion in any future mp3 comparisons.

[dennisl59]

So Dell is going to launch into this market? With iPOD and Zune at War?

Dell designs own music player... again; ARS Technica Website.
By Joel Hruska | Published: July 30, 2008 - 12:42PM CT

""Any MP3 player Dell brings to market, no matter how good, will face a difficult uphill fight against the entrenched iPod and must simultaneously compete against low-cost manufacturer Sandisk, who holds the second-largest share of the MP3 player market after Apple. Zune is a distant third.""

This should be a very interesting Marketing experiment for Dell.

[mpitogo]

You have to admit that Apple creates and Microsoft copies. I own 1st iPod number 5000 (its stamped in the case) before Microsoft even smelled a whif of portable music. 60 Million units or so later the zune is still at 3rd. They always like to play the me too, me too game. OS, browser, game console, search, the only thing original I can think of is surface. Selling like hot cakes!

[Galaxy5]

"Zune can only download music over Wi-Fi connections that are open and don't feature any kind of browser hijack"

Wow. I didn't realize that. The WiFi downloading feature becomes pretty useless when that little factoid is considered - I haven't encountered an open WiFi network that didn't use a hijack for TOS in months. If I'd been using a Zune instead of a music player with a desktop browser (yes, I love my iPhone) then I'd have been outta luck.

[DCataneo]

Interesting,

if you purchase a movie on the XBox, you can neither view it on the Zune, nor the computer.
if you purchase a movie on the Zune, you can neither view it on the XBox, nor the computer.
if you purchase a movie on the Computer, you can neither view it on the XBox, nor the Zune.
You can transfer any CD to a computer or any iPod and stream it to another computer or stereo of your choice. iPod Touch has an FM, AM, and world band tuner via 3rd party apps and real, non-crippled Wi-Fi. The Touch's screen capabilities blow away those of the Zune, which has none, and the Zune severely lacks in software options.

[jakep_82]

@DCataneo

The Touch and Zune are NOT in the same class. If you want a web browser and some neat 3rd party apps, but limited storage and a high price tag get the Touch. If you're more interested in music, a Zune with a Zune Pass is a MUCH better option.

[AntonioZero]

I agree... comparing an I phone to a zune isn't really fair. Microsoft currently doesn't have a product that is ment to compete with a I phone. I also think microsoft has done a great job in rapid software development.
People who make games in C# can now upload them to zune's for trial. this has not only produced games that Microsoft may be able to buy for regular users but also many other simple aplications that are sure to emerge. Also the zune's hardware, such as wi/fi and radio tuner give users the potential for more upgrades without buying a new player. On the other hand though the I phone and touch have come at a great time for Ipod. when there old staples (nano and Classic) have been beaten in terms of quality by the zune.

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