Microsoft Announces 2nd Generation Zune Music Player

[Virgil-TB2]

Let's look at the first gen. Zune. Microsoft "just slapped" their name on a Toshiba Gigabeat and "called it done".

Since Microsoft and Toshiba are also joined at the HD-DVD ankle, I wouldn't doubt that Toshiba technology isn't somewhere inside the Zune 2.

Toshiba is one of the companies most likely to buy up the Zune part of Microsoft in the coming break-up for this same reason.

Personally, the fact that they re-branded a Gigabeat is no big evil to me. The fact that they didn't own up to it is fairly lame though.

 

[phytonix]

So how is it a leap forward to be able to sync wirelessly but still have to plug in to charge it?

Maybe I just bought another album and I just want to sync it without charing it? I can download an album and or song everyday, but only need to charge it once a week or two.

 

[clevin]

I just asked for a source clarifying the OS it runs on. Do you have one or not?

I made a judgement based on my analytical skills as well as based on most people's knowledge of what an Operating system is, you want to prove otherwise, sure you can show me evidence.

What does that have to do with apple putting their R&D into the touch instead of replacing the classic with a more advanced model?

????? people are discussing why iPod classic is not good against ZUNE2. so you just simply saying, "yes, its not that good, altho for a reason", right?
if so, I rest my case

So how is it a leap forward to be able to sync wirelessly but still have to plug in to charge it?

well, so in your POV, charging and syncing have to be together? So why does apple sell power outlet charger for iPT? since it can't sync it?

Technology is making life easy, not necessarily a necessity. People don't NEED to do online shopping, online banking, online music purchase, multi touch screen, its just much easier.

since when apple's "just work" becomes "only work when you absolutely need it"?

 

[METOO999]

My Zune squirted onto someone else's Zune, and now I feel ashamed and dirty. Have I sinned?

 

[fiftydollarshoe]

Smirk all you like. I find it preposterous that I still need to physically connect my new iPod to my computer to sync music, instead of doing it wirelessly. This is a major convenience advantage of the Zune that Apple needs to get a grip on.

Yes being plugged into the AC adaptor at the same time is a major convenience.... so if the Zune is in a different room than your PC you plug your Zune into the wall and then run upstairs to check to the pc if its synced properly then wait for it to finish then run downstairs to unplug it ! and if there is an error you can get extra fit by running up and down stairs all day checking each component... and as another poster says... "what happens if you're at a friends house and you want sync your iPod to your laptop" Do you have to bring your AC charge or sound-dock at the same time to do it wirelessly ? WTF ? So if I go on holidays for 2 days I have to bring my charger, sound-dock and lapop to sync ? Major innovation…… lol !!!

 

[milo]

Maybe I just bought another album and I just want to sync it without charing it? I can download an album and or song everyday, but only need to charge it once a week or two.

Good point, I hadn't thought of that.

I made a judgement based on my analytical skills as well as based on most people's knowledge of what an Operating system is, you want to prove otherwise, sure you can show me evidence.?????

So you don't know and are just making a guess. Thanks for clearing that up. If anyone finds real info on this, I'd like to see it.

people are discussing why iPod classic is not good against ZUNE2. so you just simply saying, "yes, its not that good, altho for a reason", right?
if so, I rest my case

I was responding to someone who seemed to have the impression that the iPod team was sitting around drinking dacquiris instead of innovating. Apple's improvement on the "classic" is the touch. They've just decided to keep selling the "classic" with minor improvements instead of discontinuing it since some people are still interested in that form factor. Since HD based models sell a fraction of what flash models sell, if I were in apple's shoes I probably would put minimal effort into updating a niche product and focus on flash instead.

 

[clevin]

Since HD based models sell a fraction of what flash models sell, if I were in apple's shoes I probably would put minimal effort into updating a niche product and focus on flash instead.

HUH, flash model, you mean nano?

I don't know how large iPod classic's market share is, inside the family, you can give me some data if you have any.

rest ZUNE 2 80G vs. iPod classic 80G for now.

So, if you feel nano has great improvement (which is video function, IMHO), would you like to compare flash ZUNE 2 and nano?

if by "flash", you mean iPT, then I have the previous statement, its not relevant to ZUNE 2, and I don't see them compete with each other.

 

[HLdan]

now let me conclude the stuff M$'s ZUNE2 allegedly (by people on this forum) "copied" from apple.

1. price tag. how can you price it at the same one as iPod!! I guess superTarget can't label their tomatoes same price as walmart as well.

2. Design, how come everybody bashing ZUNE2 being ugly, at the same time, its design is copied from iPod, is iPod ugly too?

3. A PMP, only apple allowed to make PMP! There should be no competition in any field where apple is in!

It's not that the new Zune is ugly because frankly it's not, it's just that it's yesterday's technology for style and that's what makes it ugly. Apple already did that style with the 1st gen Nano 2 years ago. Now here comes the second generation Zune with a style another major company has 2 years back.
The problem people are having about Microsoft is they are soooo yesterday.
When is Microsoft going to make a revolutionary device? And let's not talk about yesterday's OS Vista. Microsoft keeps going where Apple has already been.

 

[milo]

HUH, flash model, you mean nano?

I mean the iPod models that use flash. That would be the nano, the touch, and the iPhone.

I don't know how large iPod classic's market share is, inside the family, you can give me some data if you have any.

I don't know specifics, but it's well known that the nanos (and the minis before them) sell well more than the "classic" line.

Apple put their resources into improving the nano and creating the iPhone and touch. To be honest, I don't particularly care about either apple's or zune's intentions about competing with each other.

 

[rstansby]

internet is used more often than sync

Its the same argument 6 years back when wireless technology getting pushed, people ask, if I own a desktop, why the hell do I need wireless?, or, If I work with my laptop in office all day, since Im not moving it all the time, why do I need wireless?

I would agrue that wireless sync on an iPod is less important than wireless internet on a laptop. I sync every few days, I use the internet all day long. The iPhone does have wireless internet

 

[s10]

Maybe I just bought another album and I just want to sync it without charing it? I can download an album and or song everyday, but only need to charge it once a week or two.

No, according to an Arstechnica interview with a MS guy, you can only sync wireless when the Zune is charging.
And syncing Tv shows from Vista (and only Vista) will take a "significant" amount of time... basically, it will take forever.

 

[GoodWatch]

But if it were one of these.....

...... would there be 400+ replies as well?

 

[bloodycape]

Let's look at the first gen. Zune. Microsoft "just slapped" their name on a Toshiba Gigabeat and "called it done".

Since Microsoft and Toshiba are also joined at the HD-DVD ankle, I wouldn't doubt that Toshiba technology isn't somewhere inside the Zune 2.

That is a fallacy. Granted Toshiba makes the device the Gigabeat S has a 2.4in screen, no wifi, even crappier battery life, came in 60gigs and had even better sound than the Zune. The parts are not interchangeable(other than the HD that is).

And the post above the Creative Zen Vision M is old news. It was replaced by the flash Creative Zen. Comes in 4gigs, 8gigs, and 16gig, all with SDHC card slot. Same goes for the K3/K5 which were replace by the S5/T10. They now have BT for wireless headphones and video is now supported.

 

[clevin]

...... would there be 400+ replies as well?

indeed, very good question, people like to bashing M$ here because he beat SJ hard 15 years ago...SJ is vengeful and he breeds the vengeful culture among some apple fans, IMHO.

I would argue that wireless sync on an iPod is less important than wireless internet on a laptop. I sync every few days, I use the internet all day long. The iPhone does have wireless internet

well, I agree with ya, wireless internet is more important, hands down, but less important does mean its not more convenient.

altho I don't know how does iPhone got involved in this discussion...

 

[milo]

altho I don't know how does iPhone got involved in this discussion...

Because if you're going to bother to put wifi hardware in, you might as well put it to good use like wireless internet?

 

[clevin]

Because if you're going to bother to put wifi hardware in, you might as well put it to good use like wireless internet?

well, I have no problem agreeing with that! actually, I would love to have that. altho I wonder if it worth an extra $150

however, isn't our discussion is about comparing

ZUNE 2 80G vs iPod classic 80G
and
Flash ZUNE vs. Nano?

rather than.... whole production line of M$ vs. Apple?

 

[milo]

well, I have no problem agreeing with that! actually, I would love to have that. altho I wonder if it worth an extra $150

however, isn't our discussion is about comparing

ZUNE 2 80G vs iPod classic 80G
and
Flash ZUNE vs. Nano?

rather than.... whole production line of M$ vs. Apple?

No, it's not.

Consumers walking into a store aren't limited to comparing specific models, their options include the whole production lines. I don't get why you're so insistent on everyone else limiting their discussion to the narrow parameters you seem to be so obsessed with.

 

[OllyW]

I don't care how good the new Zunes are, they won't dock with this

Only £2000, from Roth Audio

 

[clevin]

No, it's not.

Consumers walking into a store aren't limited to comparing specific models, their options include the whole production lines. I don't get why you're so insistent on everyone else limiting their discussion to the narrow parameters you seem to be so obsessed with.

maybe because most people went to store with a limited amount of money they can spend?
or
maybe because this is a topic about ZUNE2?

its like, I say, my tomato is better than yours, you argue "but I have a better orange".

 

[milo]

maybe because most people went to store with a limited amount of money they can spend?
or
maybe because this is a topic about ZUNE2?

its like, I say, my tomato is better than yours, you argue "but I have a better orange".

Again, you're stuck with the fetish that people will only compare the zune to the classic. As much as you insist that the touch is different, it IS one of the products that consumers will consider when they're thinking about buying a player. Your "tomato" does serve most of the same purposes as your "orange".

 

[clevin]

Again, you're stuck with the fetish that people will only compare the zune to the classic. As much as you insist that the touch is different, it IS one of the products that consumers will consider when they're thinking about buying a player. Your "tomato" does serve most of the same purposes as your "orange".

oh my, what should I say to you?

your are stuck with the fetish of arguing for the sake of arguing. thats fine.

I will just stop here and let other people/customers decide for themselves.

 

[milo]

I will just stop here and let other people/customers decide for themselves.

We can only hope.

 

[Jason Wong]

I don't know if this has been mentioned already (this is a long freakin' thread!!) But it doesn't look like the big wigs at Microsoft stand behind the Zune. Here's an article where Rob Bach President of the Zune division of MS basically saying the old Zune sucked: http://quote.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aUCWswcw8Hrw

here's Big Billy himself commenting about the Zune. Who let him talk to the press? http://weblogs.jupiterresearch.com/analysts/gartenberg/archives/2007/10/zunes_messaging.html

Quote: "For something we pulled together in six months, we are very pleased with the satisfaction we got," Bill Gates, Microsoft's chairman, said in an interview Tuesday. "The satisfaction for the device was superhigh. The satisfaction on the software actually is where we'd expect to see a huge uptick this year. It was just so-so on the software side."

Microsoft said it had re-engineered the Zune hardware and software and the associated digital music store to make them all easier to use. "I'm sure a year from now we'll do even better," Mr. Gates said. "But I'm blown away by what they've been able to do in a year."

OK first again, why do they let him comment on a product that is supposed to be "hip and cool"? That's like having Napoleon Dynamite as a spokesperson for Harley Davidson.

Second why would anyone say their software is "so-so"? I mean come on are you seriously the richest man on earth or the thickest? "Marketing 101" as well as "Marketing for Dummies" dictates that you do not concede that your product is merely "satisfactory" in any category, even if it is! he could have said "The great thing about the interface is that we can add new things to it and update it simply by running a free software update" in a way you're saying the software isn't great, but you're also saying you can make it better and you have something planned for the future (exactly what Jobs did when introducing the iPhone alluding to the iTunes store update for iPhone).

Also "The "satisfaction" for the device was "superhigh" WHO SAYS THAT???

 

[fiftydollarshoe]

must be like the dog with sad eyes at the lost dogs home... sure its got three legs, half an ear, a kink in its tail and answers to the name "lucky" but the kids just want to take it home..... sympathy purchase......

http://macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/15098/

I don't know if this has been mentioned already (this is a long freakin' thread!!) But it doesn't look like the big wigs at Microsoft stand behind the Zune. Here's an article where Rob Bach President of the Zune division of MS basically saying the old Zune sucked: http://quote.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aUCWswcw8Hrw

here's Big Billy himself commenting about the Zune. Who let him talk to the press? http://weblogs.jupiterresearch.com/analysts/gartenberg/archives/2007/10/zunes_messaging.html

Quote: "For something we pulled together in six months, we are very pleased with the satisfaction we got," Bill Gates, Microsoft's chairman, said in an interview Tuesday. "The satisfaction for the device was superhigh. The satisfaction on the software actually is where we'd expect to see a huge uptick this year. It was just so-so on the software side."

Microsoft said it had re-engineered the Zune hardware and software and the associated digital music store to make them all easier to use. "I'm sure a year from now we'll do even better," Mr. Gates said. "But I'm blown away by what they've been able to do in a year."

OK first again, why do they let him comment on a product that is supposed to be "hip and cool"? That's like having Napoleon Dynamite as a spokesperson for Harley Davidson.

Second why would anyone say their software is "so-so"? I mean come on are you seriously the rickest man on earth or the thickest? "Marketing 101" as well as "Marketing for Dummies" dictates that you do not concede that your product is merely "satisfactory" in any category, even if it is! he could have said "The great thing about the interface is that we can add new things to it and update it simply by running a free software update" in a way you're saying the software isn't great, but you're also saying you can make it better and you have something planned for the future (exactly what Jobs did when introducing the iPhone alluding to the iTunes store update for iPhone).

Also "The "satisfaction" for the device was "superhigh" WHO SAYS THAT???

 

[DMann]

Wow

here's Big Billy himself commenting about the Zune. Who let him talk to the press? http://weblogs.jupiterresearch.com/analysts/gartenberg/archives/2007/10/zunes_messaging.html

Quote: "For something we pulled together in six months, we are very pleased with the satisfaction we got," Bill Gates, Microsoft's chairman, said in an interview Tuesday. "The satisfaction for the device was superhigh. The satisfaction on the software actually is where we'd expect to see a huge uptick this year. It was just so-so on the software side."

Microsoft said it had re-engineered the Zune hardware and software and the associated digital music store to make them all easier to use. "I'm sure a year from now we'll do even better," Mr. Gates said. "But I'm blown away by what they've been able to do in a year."

OK first again, why do they let him comment on a product that is supposed to be "hip and cool"? That's like having Napoleon Dynamite as a spokesperson for Harley Davidson.

Second why would anyone say their software is "so-so"? I mean come on are you seriously the richest man on earth or the thickest? "Marketing 101" as well as "Marketing for Dummies" dictates that you do not concede that your product is merely "satisfactory" in any category, even if it is! he could have said "The great thing about the interface is that we can add new things to it and update it simply by running a free software update" in a way you're saying the software isn't great, but you're also saying you can make it better and you have something planned for the future (exactly what Jobs did when introducing the iPhone alluding to the iTunes store update for iPhone).

Also "The "satisfaction" for the device was "superhigh" WHO SAYS THAT???

WOW