Zune $229, is this the death of ipod?

[farqueue]

Zune $229, is this the death of ipod?
Hmmmmm is it?

Give me reasons why i should get the scratchy ipod 30gb over zune? :D

Not trying to start an argument here. Just constructive criticism. I am no M$ fan.

[WildCowboy]

Well, the Zune isn't compatible with iTunes or even their own PlaysForSure program.

Shall we continue?

[.Andy]

It's actually released.

[Keebler]

Zune $229, is this the death of ipod?
Hmmmmm is it?

Give me reasons why i should get the scratchy ipod 30gb over zune? :D

b/c you can get a thin protector so your ipod won't get scratched and b/c i say ipods are better and i'm canadian and peeps say that kiwis and us canucks are like long lost brothers so you should believe what i say ;)

[monke]

Hmmm...

Zune or iPod?
Brick or Feather?
Crap or Diamonds?
Backseat or Shotgun?
Garbage or Gourmet?


I could go on, but I think you get the point.

[archurban]

zune? actually I enjoy zuma (ipod game). it's much better than zune. I can't use zune because all of mind, feeling are already gone to ipod & mac (simplicity & sophistication)

[stevehp]

there is nothing better than the iTunes and iPod combo - there's no better reason than that. Good luck to Microsoft...they're going to need it.

[iGrant]

Do you really want a product that comes in Silver, Black, and BROWN!

That is probably the most bizarre things I have ever seen Microsoft do in a while . . .

- iGrant

[aricher]

Do you really want a product that comes in Silver, Black, and BROWN!

That is probably the most bizarre things I have ever seen Microsoft do in a while . . .

- iGrant

Isn't brown the new black - waitaminit?

[slu]

Zune is not Mac OS X compatible....so unless you have a PC or want to use bootcamp, your decision is already made.

[dsnort]

1. No click wheel, only a poor copy
2. Windows DRM
3. Ultimate Rev A product at this time
4. Purchase of Zune would serve to proliferate and support the eeeeevvviiiilll M$ homogeny ;) :D

[BornAgainMac]

MarketshareSoft doesn't have a very good mp3 player judging from what is known about it. Brown?

[ReanimationLP]

No, not really.

I GUARANTEE you this product will fail just like every other wannabe iPod competitor.

[2nyRiggz]

I will not give you a reason to get the ipod over the zune...whatever you want then get it.



Bless

[emotion]

I think the iPod might be losing it's coolness factor with the kids these days but I doubt MS can make this seem cooler than the iPod.

So Zune doesn't stand a chance.

[Play Ultimate]

I think the iPod might be losing it's coolness factor with the kids these days but I doubt MS can make this seem cooler than the iPod.

So Zune doesn't stand a chance.

Losing "coolness"? Maybe uniqueness? But not coolness. Besides, what else is there?

Now, the Brown Zune may take off as the epitome of anti-cool.

[balamw]

It's actually released.
So where are the final hands-on reviews? I have ye to see any.

B

[robbieduncan]

So where are the final hands-on reviews? I have ye to see any.

B

I think he meant the iPod is actually released!

Other reasons to buy the iPod over a Zune:

1) iPod has better battery life
2) You can buy an 80Gb iPod (if you need more than 30Gb of storage: I do)
3) There is a huge iPod ecosystem. I can plug my iPod into my car for example, I can't do that with a Zune

[balamw]

I think he meant the iPod is actually released!
Ah, but Ellen was handing em out like candy, so there must be some in the wild. No?

B

[bearbo]

or you can get the apple zune (http://att.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58121&d=1158858751)!

[quigleybc]

or you can get the apple zune (http://att.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58121&d=1158858751)!


LOL

Whatever, I'm a fanboy, but if this thing works well, and it is certainly priced well then I won't hate on it.

But, it doesn't work with my Mac, so that's really all I need to know.

[2jaded2care]

Because the Zune is what Monkeyboys dance to.

[jwp1964]

Zune $229, is this the death of ipod?
Hmmmmm is it?

Give me reasons why i should get the scratchy ipod 30gb over zune? :D

Not trying to start an argument here. Just constructive criticism. I am no M$ fan.

How much crack does it take to get that high? I'm just guessing that about 5 minutes after that brown piece of junk hits the retailers we'll be seeing "one more thing" from Mr. Jobs...true (larger screen) video iPod anyone?:D :D

[unfaded]

It violates the Creative Commons license if you ever transfer a CC song to another Zune.

[emotion]

Losing "coolness"? Maybe uniqueness? But not coolness. Besides, what else is there?

Seriously, you must be in the US. In the UK the backlash is building, you're out of touch...

:)

edit: I must make it clear that I'm not saying ipods are on the way out, just that everyone has em now. That, and I am joking....slightly :)

[Jovian9]

We need to have some sort of system here at MacRumors that filters every thread about iPod Killers or the death of the iPod into some random wasteland area that can be ignored by those of us who are tired of seeing a new thread about it every other day :)

The Zune will not be the death of the iPod. Maybe it will do better than all the competitors before (most likely it will b/c Microsoft are always willing to take a loss to get something into the market) but it will definitely not kill off the greatest MP3 player in the market.

[alywa]

The success of the Zune will depend on content and accessories. Content... Well, MS will probably do this pretty well. The record companies want a competitor to iTunes, and the movie studios will follow.

Accessories. Apple has a 5 year head-start. 70% of autos offer ipod integration standard, plus many 3rd party supports (Alpine, Clarion, Pioneer, etc). Thousands of docks, cases, and other widgets are available for the iPod. MS will undoubtedly get other manufacturers to support the Zune, but they have a lot of catch-up work to do.

WiFi, IMHO, will not be a factor. Only geeks and teens will use this feature, and when they find out how restrictive it is, they won't think it's worth the time. I'm surprised they went for WiFi instead of Bluetooth, which would have better uses (wireless car integration, cell-phone connectivity, etc).

Oh, by the way, Brown. It will be a huge seller. Brown is the "in" color right now in fashion and home design, and I think this is something MS is doing right.

[princealfie]

The Zune must be banned. It is something that inspires others to do wrongdoings. :eek:

[macfan881]

Name any Microsoft Products that have been named a Sucsses or a Must Have need i say more :D

[andiwm2003]

Name any Microsoft Products that have been named a Sucsses or a Must Have need i say more :D

Xbox

[zap2]

Its only 30 bucks difference, and for what the iPod can do over the Zune, its well worth it(we've had threads on why the Zune is not great)

Also I'd bet this means MS is losing money, because Apple is selling for 250, and they have been in the market for a while, and have some great deals, but MS is so new, I can't see how they would bet Apple deals, unless MS is will to take a hit(which I believe they are)

[WildCowboy]

Its only 30 bucks difference, and for what the iPod can do over the Zune, its well worth it(we've had threads on why the Zune is not great)

Also I'd bet this means MS is losing money, because Apple is selling for 250, and they have been in the market for a while, and have some great deals, but MS is so new, I can't see how they would bet Apple deals, unless MS is will to take a hit(which I believe they are)

Actually, it's $20 difference. And yes, Microsoft was planning on pricing the Zune at $289, but got caught with their pants down when Apple updated the iPod and dropped the price. That's why they didn't release pricing information a few weeks ago when they released the rest of the details. They went into a panic and dropped the price, probably a few software features along with it. It definitely wouldn't surprise me if they end up losing money on each Zune.

[JSchwage]

Name any Microsoft Products that have been named a Sucsses or a Must Have need i say more :DLet's see... uhh.. Windows?

[MattyMac]

Do you really want a product that comes in Silver, Black, and BROWN!

That is probably the most bizarre things I have ever seen Microsoft do in a while . . .

- iGrant
A brown iPod would be sick...I would buy a nano in brown in two seconds flat!

[macfan881]

Let's see... uhh.. Windows?
well if u call having thousans of thousands of security updates and viruses and all that stuff that plauges windows than yeah :rolleyes: n the fact that microsoft has a monoply over everything too :rolleyes:

[gnasher729]

Not trying to start an argument here. I am no M$ fan.

Well, you could have fooled me.

Truth is, Walmart managed to leak the planned price for Zune, and it was $284 (at Walmart, so probably something like $299 everywhere else). Guess what surprise when Apple blew them away with the new iPod for $249. Don't know where your $229 for Zune comes from, but it smells of desperation.

Face it, Microsoft has been shafting all its customers (like Creative, Napster, Sandisk) that bought into "Play For Sure", and all their customers. If you want a music player, would you trust Microsoft? If you bought into Microsoft DRM, you lost once already. So how stupid would a customer have to be to fall for the same trap again?

I would say that Microsoft has had it. XBox is a money loser. Zune is dead in the water before it has even started. Longhorn is destined for failure. The best the company can do is close down and give the money back to the shareholders.

[alywa]

I would say that Microsoft has had it. XBox is a money loser. Zune is dead in the water before it has even started. Longhorn is destined for failure. The best the company can do is close down and give the money back to the shareholders.

Nice. I'm sure Mr. Dell would take back that comment if he could.:)

[thequicksilver]

Give me reasons why i should get the scratchy ipod 30gb over zune? :D

If you prefer it. If you don't, don't get one.

Both would perform their tasks more than adequately, I imagine, unless you want to use it with a Mac.

[archurban]

here is thing MS only did for Zune.

the device actually made from toshiba (gigabeat).

they just modified UI, made marketplace (music store). that's all.

what a pathetic! give it up MS, give it up!

[bousozoku]

Losing "coolness"? Maybe uniqueness? But not coolness. Besides, what else is there?

Now, the Brown Zune may take off as the epitome of anti-cool.

It sounds perfect for UPS.

[steamboat26]

Xbox

The xbox was a must have system i agree, but in terms of it being a success, i can't see how a console that only lost money could be considered a success. It successfully put the MS name in the video game market, but thats about it...

[skubish]

Zune $229, is this the death of ipod?
Hmmmmm is it?

Give me reasons why i should get the scratchy ipod 30gb over zune? :D

Not trying to start an argument here. Just constructive criticism. I am no M$ fan.

1. I don't want to do CTRL-ALT-DEL on my mp3 player.
2. I don't want to see a BSOD on my mp3 player.
3. I want a music store that actually has songs, shows, and podcasts
4. Zune is PC only. Nothing is worth going back to Windoze

The Zune is just the Creative of 2006.

[Clydefrog]

when is the Zune $229? I thought it was 282 or somthing

[balamw]

when is the Zune $229? I thought it was 282 or somthing
Since the iPod came down to $249. :p

Digg broke the news yesterday, but we'll see what the actual price is when they actually hit the streets.

B

[WildCowboy]

Gizmodo (http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/portable-media/zunes-final-price-22999-msrp-202066.php) had it yesterday.

[amin]

Obviously the Zune will need at least three things to compete. First, it will have to be easy to use and stable. Second, it will have to sync easily and reliably. Third, the Zune music store will have to be good.

Given how poorly Microsoft has done with Windows Mobile and it's predecessors over the years, I doubt the Zune will manage the above.

[ezekielrage_99]

Zune has less features, less support, less accessories and way less time in the marketplace I am sure this is going to be another Microsoft winner :rolleyes:

Zune = Too Little Too Late (by about 4.5 years)

The majority of people I work with say "well it's kind of ok but no iPod" while the rest have iPods and couldn't really careless about the Zune in the first place.

I also think Microsoft has been caught with their pants down because of the release of the new iPods and Nanos, they weren't expecting that.

Newsflash Microsoft this isn't an iPod killer it isn't even a Sandisk or Samsung killer. The technology and style is behind every company who has released an iPod type of MP3 player in the last few years. The only thing that comes close to be an iPod killer is the Sandisk player or to a lesser extent the Samsung one.

[pagansoul]

We must remember, iTunes was created with the soul purpose to sell ipods. Content is worked out with deals with others and Apple is not too good with that, they like complete control and with that control you have less problems but less content. MS biggest problem is that they have too many doing everything and nothing works well together but everyone has a chance to put in their 2 cents. I enjoy carrying my music with me, in the car and to work. I don't do much purchasing on iTunes, just sample stuff that if I like I go out and get the CD, used :o thank you. I like the iTunes software. Since my collection is off CDs and DVDs at this time DRM isn't an issue for me. Even if MS gets together a great collection of music since I don't download it doesn't matter. I already have the Beatles, thank you. The best thing ZUNE has going for it is a bigger screen, like my PSP (which is a bitch because it has no HD space). What I need is a portable viewing machine with decent HD space. I find portable DVD players a bit too large but have been looking into them.

[mdntcallr]

what the heck does microsoft need to be releasing devices now?

stick to copying apple MAC OS!! they do a poor job of that. hell... they won't even get VISTA out on time.

[tom5304]

I'd switch to a Zune, or any other MP3 player, if it will offer true random shuffle.

I've played with every possible setting on my 30g iPod Video, and still every time when I play my 3,000 song playlist in random shuffle, the same songs keep showing up in the first few hundred songs, and the same songs keep not showing up.

And no, it's not my imagination. And yes, I understand what random means. The iTunes software has shown itself to be completely incapable of picking songs from throughout my playlist. It concentrates on the same core of songs, and I'm beyond sick of it.

If the Zune has this solved, I'm on it.

[Xeem]

Wal-Mart.com had the Zune on their site three days ago for $284. According to some people I know from Wal-Mart, they got in a ****load of trouble for it. I don't know all of the details, but if you google it there should be plenty there.

[iPhil]

the only company can kill the ipod idea success is Apple...


Not M$ft/creative/Mp3 other knock offf companies..


and i think that apple won't kill the ipod 'til the apple design team has figured out a better mp3 player :cool:

[Tom B.]

Something wierd that I have just noticed on amazon.co.uk (http://www.amazon.co.uk), is when you search for 'zune', it comes up with:

Microsoft Zune - Portable Media Player by Apple Computer

:confused: :confused: :confused:

Anyway, about the Zune killing the iPod because it is cheaper, since the iPod was released, Creative, Sony, iRiver and almost every iPod competitor had their products at cheaper prices and with more features, and they haven't even dented the iPod's market share by even a few %.

[WildCowboy]

Something wierd that I have just noticed on amazon.co.uk (http://www.amazon.co.uk), is when you search for 'zune', it comes up with:

Microsoft Zune - Portable Media Player by Apple Computer

:confused: :confused: :confused:

There's a separate thread on that here (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=236121).

[technocoy]

Apple is on it's way out anyway, their time is limited.

I mean, they only sold 80 billion iPods this quarter )since they suck so bad now) versus the 81 billion iPods sold in the last quarter.

and since wal-mart and the like have chosen to throw their monopoly weight around to try and block the iTunes movie store from succeeding, I mean, it's only a matter of time.

I mean what good is owning an apple product when there are rumors that steve jobs is going to hire 8 million hookers with the 9 billion in the bank and have a go at the world bukkake record?

I also heard a rumor that Jonathan Ives is leaving to work with Ford Motor company developing the next Focus... so there goes the great design that sells so many iPods.

Wait, what? Computers? who? huh? Apple does something other than music? AND THEY'RE GOOD AT IT? and they used to get press about that too? REALLY? holy HELL!!!!!!

yeah, you should definitely get Zune. Microsoft will surely allow it to play in Vista, and Apple is on it's way out anyway. I heard they were turning the Cube store in Manhattan into an Icemaker for all the street vendors.

[princealfie]

Let's never exhume the Zune!

[macnews]

No way is the Zune going to be the death of the iPod. There is so much more to the iPod which it seems like people (analysts/other mp3 players). I am also not talking about just having a "online music store" - you need them to work together. The music store interface has to be smooth and easy to use, the mp3 player interface has to be easy as well and when you plug it in to your computer it shouldn't take any thought.

I had to spend some time today trying to help a friend with a creative player to get his to work with his computer. Reminded me of how much I hate windows - almost ruined my day and make me not want to touch a computer for the rest of the day.

Plus, with the latest release, Apple has at least shown they might be making some moves to really do more with the iPod than give us more storage. The games are nice and hopefully soon we will have a true video iPod.

Oh, one other thing I read that I have not found anywhere else is Apple upgraded the headphones. The headphones haven't changed shape but according to this article (near the bottom: http://www.arbiteronline.com/media/storage/paper890/news/2006/09/21/Biztech/Jobs-Unveils.New.Line.Of.Toys.At.apple.Showtime-2289053.shtml?norewrite200609221558&sourcedomain=www.arbiteronline.com
the guts were changed to provide a better quality. Has anyone else found this to be true? I missed the keynote and haven't heard anything else about this.

[PerfectlyFlawed]

apple or microsoft? enough said.

but look at how much stuff is made for the ipod. all MP3 player accessories are based around ipod. look at the package for any accessory, it'll have an ipod on it even though its for "all" mp3 players.
iPod is not losing this one

[Project]

The Zune doesnt really cause much concern. Apples industrial design is unrivalled inthis space.

However, the Zune software (where you manage your music collection) has some SICK features that are extremely compelling. I hope Apple take the ideas.

[skubish]

I'd switch to a Zune, or any other MP3 player, if it will offer true random shuffle.

I've played with every possible setting on my 30g iPod Video, and still every time when I play my 3,000 song playlist in random shuffle, the same songs keep showing up in the first few hundred songs, and the same songs keep not showing up.

And no, it's not my imagination. And yes, I understand what random means. The iTunes software has shown itself to be completely incapable of picking songs from throughout my playlist. It concentrates on the same core of songs, and I'm beyond sick of it.

If the Zune has this solved, I'm on it.
um it is your imagination.
Randomization is pretty easy thing to code so I doubt there is a bug in the software. Also if you have repeat turned off there is no way for it to play the same song again until it played all 3000.:rolleyes:

[lesbarn]

I work at a school and I have been seeing more iPods (mostly nano's) every week. Since I teach music, I also post pictures of any new iPod release to make sure the kids know there are new iPods available. I decided that it was time to say good bye to my 4th Gen Clickwheel iPod. I order a Black 30GB Video iPod $244 MacMall. I looked at the receipt from my old iPod and saw I paid $299 for the 20GB clickwheel. I like it when storage increases and prices decreases. I am looking forward to using my new iPod Monday or Tuesday.

Les

[Meatball]

No way the Zune is as ugly as mofo! All Apple need to do is release an "iPod" with a widescreen on one side that is multimedia. So it can play them basic games, photos, videos, music and I think they should include a digi tv tuner as well. Has everyone heard of DAB TV? The Uk will have live Digi tv via DAB (which covers 95% of uk I believe) and if the iPod "multimedia" included that it would nail the Zune! Games (basic but fun), Video, photos, music and live tv in my pocket :cool:

[sam10685]

I can plug my iPod into my car for example

i've been wanting to do that but i can't. where can i get a cable that does that?

[Project]

Its US only for 2006. Rest of the world 2007.

[princealfie]

The Zune doesnt really cause much concern. Apples industrial design is unrivalled inthis space.

However, the Zune software (where you manage your music collection) has some SICK features that are extremely compelling. I hope Apple take the ideas.

That would be SICK to think that the Zune is redeemable. Don't exhume the Zune, ya fool!

[Sesshi]

The Zune doesnt really cause much concern. Apples industrial design is unrivalled inthis space.

However, the Zune software (where you manage your music collection) has some SICK features that are extremely compelling. I hope Apple take the ideas.


What sick features?

[Project]

Features along the lines of Last FM

[Sesshi]

Where is the Zune software?

[Project]

Where is the Zune software?

On my PC :D

[Sesshi]

All right, what's it called?

[210]

Why is everyone so worried?? iPods are world-recognised, still hot property (even selling them 2nd-hand) and more people would have heard of iPod & iTunes than any other digital music player and music software.

Not only that, but considering over a billion songs have been sold on iTunes and who knows how many music videos, TV shows & now movies, they would be "locked in" to iTunes - would they really want to throw all that away for a music player which doesn't offer them that much difference, even if it is cheaper? Not only that, but I'm sure there will be a bit of confusion over the Zune Marketplace and the Plays For Sure online music stores out there as well. Surely, these people who don't want an iPod would be better off buying something from Creative or Samsung than Microsoft as they would have more choice on where to buy their music from. This scenario has been around a long time and people are still choosing iPod over anything else.

Also, as others have mentioned, the accessories you can have for the iPod are vast and varied more than any other player out there - a factor which customers would consider.

The iTunes Store is expanding rather quickly and has more to offer than any other site and people know that. If Apple can offer TV shows and movies to other countries, then I really don't think there would be any competition internationally, either.

Is the Zune Marketplace only going to be in the US? Would they be able to go internationally like iTunes has (has Apple made it easier for other companies to sell music in other countries?)?

BTW, I do like the idea of movies on iTunes, but considering DVDs are cheaper, better quality and has extras and won't stay on my hard drive, I'll stay with them. However, if a rental version comes out, I'd cancel my ScreenSelect subscription straight away when the "iTV" comes out. Does anyone else agree?