With the release of Microsoft’s Zune a little over a week away, excitement levels are high. And why shouldn’t they be? This is the device which will overthrow Apple’s iPod, or at least give it a run for its money.
While I’ve been a loyal iPod user for years, even I can’t help but notice the Zune. The screen looks gorgeous, the buttons are simple, and the features are numerous. It’s like it wasn’t made by Microsoft. Sure, the color choices of the Zune are a little different, but when you see them up close (and I have), they’re actually very attractive. It makes the device stand out, which is what I think Microsoft is hoping for.
While I do like the appearance and functionality of the Zune, I know for sure I won’t be getting one. The iPod is still the MP3 device for me. However, I’m hoping the Zune is a success. It will bring more competition to the market, in turn causing Apple to work harder on the iPod. If Apple feels the threat of the Zune, we might finally see the widescreen video iPod or WiFi in an iPod. Competition is only going to enhance the MP3 player market.
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I saw this on Digg and thought it was pretty funny that Zune, if pronounced Zi-yoon in Hebrew becomes fuck. Though I haven’t had a chance to see the interface demo on Engadget yet, I really don’t think Zune will be a success at all. I think Microsoft is joining in way too late in the MP3 arena. While I agree competition is a good thing, I really think Apple has little to worry about and I am sure Steve will not lose any sleep over it.
I think Microsoft is getting the word out there about the Zune. I had a few times at Penn State where I would be talking about the Zune with friends and some random person would jump in and talk about it. People know about it, which is half the battle.
I think once people start getting their hands on a Zune and show it to their friends, that’s when the Zune will take off. Besides, there are a lot of people out there who hate the iPod, and I can easily see them purchasing a Zune.
The engadgets video is a must see. It goes virtually everywhere in the Zune interface. They explain how to do many things. I believe it can be used as a tutorial for the first Zune owners. Check it.
– Zune-Online.com Share your Zune experience!
It looks great, and I think it will be the first mp3 player to give Apple a run for their money. I don’t know if I will be able to get one though, I already have my iRiver which I like a lot, but if I could get one I would!
No, I’m not looking forward to it. The iPod kills the Zune in all aspects any day.
Apple will quash this, or at least that’s what they should do. Apple has been methoidcally releasing iPods with new features. From a consumer standpoint, it’s annoying, frustrating and aggravating. However, from a business standpoint, it’s brilliant. Now, add a REAL competitor to the market and you’ll most likely get a 6G iPod with either the full screen or built in FM and Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The latter seems the more logical step if you look at the business model they have been going on. However, to make a statement and add a big boost to their new iTMS Movie Store, they could unveil the full screen, wide screen iPod with no touch wheel.
It’s Apple’s game to lose, not Microsoft’s game to win.
I agree that the Zune is actually a good competitor against the iPod. Unfortunately for Microsoft, the most that Zune will be able to do is make a dent against iPod. The iPod’s name is synonymous with mp3 player, while the Zune has not even been released yet.
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