Microsoft Announces 2nd Generation Zune Music Player

[Evangelion]

its confirmed by everyone

5G and 5.5G? if you call that a update,. may I ask what new features did 5G owner get? You can compare small, minor stuff to the big change like wireless syncing , etc, right?

How do you define what is a "big change" and what is not? Fact remains that the 5G iPod got many of the new features 5.5G iPod got.

 

[clevin]

How do you define what is a "big change" and what is not? Fact remains that the 5G iPod got many of the new features 5.5G iPod got.

just list those features, each reader can define their own opinion. I don't really need to define for them

 

[fiftydollarshoe]

Aye, true that.
I think that Apple should REALLY exploit wireless. I honestly don't understand why their attempts are so half-assed right now, when they could do so much more with minimium of effort. Example:

- Wireless syncing. I too hate wires.
- Wireless streaming. Stream your content from shared itunes-libraries.
- iPod Hifi: Build a Airport Express in to that thing so you could stream music directly to the Hifi from your computer
- Make iPhone and iPod touch work with AirTunes so you could stream FROM those devices as well. And that includes streaming to other iPods.
- Is there any reason why AppleTV couldn't act as a wireless network-extender?

??? cos an iPod is a mobile devices not a wireless device for your home.... that would be your iMac/PC/laptop...... which already does all the things you mention bar the syncing..... which come to think of it if you're streaming music fom your PC why would you need to sync it ?

remember shoes first, pants second.....

 

[Loge]

5G and 5.5G? if you call that a update,. may I ask what new features did 5G owner get? You can compare small, minor stuff to the big change like wireless syncing , etc, right?

5G owners got gapless playback in the 5.5G update. That was a very signficant feature for many - "the most requested feature" as described by SJ.

 

[TiAdiMundo]

This might come as a shock to you, but iRiver got it's name in 1999, long before iPod... Why do you automatically assume that if something is called iSomething, it's automatically a copy of iPod?

Yes, and there was this PDA by Compaq called "iPaq" years before the iPod.

 

[BenRoethig]

It is becoming obvious that if the iTMS continues to be primarily a DRM shop, the iTMS is doomed.

First Amazon goes MP3 and now Microsoft.

I'm not really sure Apple cares a whole lot. I don't think they need the iTMS at all. Still, it would be a shame if they aren't able to negotiate the same agreement with the record companies that Amazon and M$ were able to put into place.

I hope history doesn't repeat itself here because I'm seeing flashes of the mac situation in the late 80s/early 90s. When is Apple going to learn that a closed system eventually becomes a liability?

 

[0098386]

The ability to sync with Windows Media Center is huge. That means you can have your PC record a TV show for you and all you have to do is sync. No having to pay $2 an episode on iTunes, whenever it decides to show up.

FM is something I'm still amazed the iPod doesn't have.

What? Firstly-

You must not have an EyeTV. I record all my TV shows, trim out the adverts and send them to my iPod with about 6 clicks, 7 if I have to press Sync in iTunes. I can set my shows to record remotely too, so long as I have access to the internet. And also get an iPod Touch or iPhone to view the recordings remotely, with a bit of trickery I've turned my computer into a veritable slingbox style device.

Zune can do that?

My iPod has a radio function. The same device also acts as a remote control.

I think the iPod Classic will be phased out as flash drives get larger and cheaper.

Definitely. I think the Classic moniker is symbolic to the rapidly changing market. Next year we could be at +80gb with flash. Who knows.
But then where would "classic" style HDD's be at? 240gb? That might hold my collection at the rate its expanding.

 

[Stella]

??? cos an iPod is a mobile devices not a wireless device for your home.... that would be your iMac/PC/laptop...... which already does all the things you mention bar the syncing..... which come to think of it if you're streaming music fom your PC why would you need to sync it ?

remember shoes first, pants second.....

His ideas were good.

* Your PC isn't anywhere close to the speakers. Your iPod is.
* You've got content on your PC that isn't on your iPod

Such ideas could definitely be expanded on.

--
Apple should definitely be looking into making the iPod more of a social device - not only 'squirt' (I really dislike that word in this context!) music, but other content such as photos etc.

 

[AdeFowler]

Somebody explain this to me:

I thought companies weren't allowed to add features to an already sold product, which is why Apple had to charge a nominal fee for the 8011n to be turned on in MBPs. I believe the iPhone is now sold as some kind of subscription to allow feature updates. Just wondering.

As for the Zune, I think it looks okay. It's Creative, Sony, SanDisk etc., that should be worried.

 

[Evangelion]

??? cos an iPod is a mobile devices not a wireless device for your home

That is the most pointless argument I have ever heard. So iPod has been pigeonholed to fit some kind or arbitary definition, and it's then forced to stay within the confines of that definition?

And last time I checked, iPod touch already has wireless. Are you now saying that since "iPod is not a wireless device for your home", I should not use it at home?

that would be your iMac/PC/laptop

Why should I have to carry a laptop with me, if an iPod does many of the same functions?

which already does all the things you mention bar the syncing

Does a laptop fit in to my pocket?

which come to think of it if you're streaming music fom your PC why would you need to sync it ?

Because I could stream from someone else's library? iTunes already supports this feature, is there any reason why iPod couldn't support it? Because it must fit inside some arbitary definition?

iPod COULD do all these things. Why doesn't it? Because it has been pigeonholed to fit some artificial definition?

 

[blake-yo]

my opinion

If you want to switch then go ahead.But it would be stupid...Microsoft is nothing but a copier.The new zune looks like a verizon phone! Big deal if they have wirless syncing and sample sharing...we have the best portable web browser ever(which im posting from now)and we have a portable music... I mean come on.

 

[clevin]

5G owners got gapless playback in the 5.5G update. That was a very signficant feature for many - "the most requested feature" as described by SJ.

Im sure SJ will say that, don't you think so?

anyway, is that the complete list?

 

[fiftydollarshoe]

His ideas were good.

* Your PC isn't anywhere close to the speakers. Your iPod is.
* You've got content on your PC that isn't on your iPod

Such ideas could definitely be expanded on.

--
Apple should definitely be looking into making the iPod more of a social device - not only 'squirt' (I really dislike that word in this context!) music, but other content such as photos etc.

Oh dear............iPod is not social ? You should see the touch...... I never had a device that all my friends use to look through iTunes and my music collection and browse the web......... squirting is not social its just rude..... facebook is social not forcing Britney Spears tracks onto a friends Zune.... and with wireless up to 50 ft why wouldn’t your PC not be close enough ? not heard of a wireless router ? Why would you use a device with a limited battery life to be your musical hub ? ipod is for mobile not for home use…. That’s the iMac or Apple TV…………..

 

[fiftydollarshoe]

That is the most pointless argument I have ever heard. So iPod has been pigeonholed to fit some kind or arbitary definition, and it's then forced to stay within the confines of that definition?
And last time I checked, iPod touch already has wireless. Are you now saying that since "iPod is not a wireless device for your home", I should not use it at home?
Why should I have to carry a laptop with me, if an iPod does many of the same functions?
Does a laptop fit in to my pocket?
Because I could stream from someone else's library? iTunes already supports this feature, is there any reason why iPod couldn't support it? Because it must fit inside some arbitary definition?
iPod COULD do all these things. Why doesn't it? Because it has been pigeonholed to fit some artificial definition?

Correct they are all the things I use my touch for but its not meant to be a music hub for home... it has a limited battery life and all the music that’s on your pod is on your PC...... why are you trying to shove a square peg into a round hole ? You say you cant put a laptop in your pocket and that’s my point.... touch/iPod is a mobile device........ thanks for agreeing with me. period. end of story. Game set match 50dollarshoes.

 

[chicagostars]

. . .

[yawn.]

 

[TiAdiMundo]

I don't get why most of the people here aren't really critical but only try to bash MS.

There are some good things to say about the Zune. That wireless sharing feature for example is very usefull to discover new music even with its limitations. Even after the 3 plays of a shared song (compare this with the 30 sec preview on iTunes!), it's a nice thing to have all the artist and title information stored on your Zune so that you easily can buy that song later. And sharing of photos? Damn, thats cool!

Yeah, it's not a perfect product but it's only a start and yes, MS copied the DRM-hell from Apple which is also a bad thing. But they really try to focus on independent artists (pre-loaded content), community and sharing. Much more than Apple does.

 

[DavidLeblond]

Yes, and there was this PDA by Compaq called "iPaq" years before the iPod.

Ah yes, but the iMac was introduced in 1998, before both of them. (iPod in 2001, iPAQ in 2000)

 

[gifford]

A friend just asked why anyone would join Apples social networking site than Facebooks already existing site....

Because with apples many million devices, it could be made a '1click' possibility to join in (rather than going through the painful process of uploading to facebook, physicaly typing in your favouite movies , music......" this could all be done with one click on itunes, then use contacts from iphone to invite friends from. bang facebook dead in a day.

Incidently facebook is worth between $10-50 Billion, not to be sniffed at.
Apple could also run widgets as apps on the site, the pieces are there do it APPLE!!!! Before you miss the opportunity.

 

[fiftydollarshoe]

A friend just asked why anyone would join Apples social networking site than Facebooks already existing site....

Because with apples many million devices, it could be made a '1click' possibility to join in (rather than going through the painful process of uploading to facebook, physicaly typing in your favouite movies , music......" this could all be done with one click on itunes, then use contacts from iphone to invite friends from. bang facebook dead in a day.

Incidently facebook is worth between $10-50 Billion, not to be sniffed at.
Apple could also run widgets as apps on the site, the pieces are there do it APPLE!!!! Before you miss the opportunity.

facebook already run an touch/iphone version of their site....... iphone.facebook.com...... even amazon has an iphone version of its site...... its already begun.....

 

[Evangelion]

First of all: could you cut down on the "......."? It makes your text really hard to read.

Oh dear............iPod is not social?

Not really. It's one device, one listener.

You should see the touch

What about the touch?

I never had a device that all my friends use to look through iTunes and my music collection and browse the web

And you still don't have one. You COULD have one, but for some reason you do not.

facebook is social not forcing Britney Spears tracks onto a friends Zune

You are starting to lose me here....

and with wireless up to 50 ft why wouldn’t your PC not be close enough?

Because I might be over at my friends house? Because my PC is shut down? Because I don't feel like gettin up from the sofa and walk over the workdesk where the computer is located?

Why would you use a device with a limited battery life to be your musical hub?

Because it might be the best device for that particular purpose at that particular moment? Because I might be over at a friends house and then say "hey, I have a cool movie on my iPod, why don't we watch it with your AppleTV?

ipod is for mobile not for home use

Sez who? Is there a warning somewhere that says "you are not supposed to use your iPod at home!"? And if iPod is not meant for home-use, how do you explain those multitude of iPod-speakers that are available? Please explain iPod Hifi? Please explain TV-out in the iPod?

That’s the iMac or Apple TV…………..

But the point is that you could use the iPod to supply content to those devices. You can already take your laptop to a friends house, and stream content from that laptop to his AppleTV. Why not do the same with the iPod? I can already access my co-workers shared iTunes-library through my laptop. Why couldn't I do that with my iPod as well?

 

[VaDor]

I am sorry but zune is just ugly ugly ugly.. and discriminating Mac OS X is another attend to people only use windows... my god..

And zune remember me the second gen ipod video ripped in a very ugly way...

 

[Evangelion]

Correct they are all the things I use my touch for but its not meant to be a music hub for home

Explain iPod Hifi then.

it has a limited battery life and all the music that’s on your pod is on your PC

And I might not be near my PC.

why are you trying to shove a square peg into a round hole?

I'm not.

You say you cant put a laptop in your pocket and that’s my point.... touch/iPod is a mobile device

Would wireless-streaming make it any less mobile? ...............

thanks for agreeing with me. period. end of story. Game set match 50dollarshoes.

I'm sorry, but you are 105% wrong............... ......... .......

 

[Evangelion]

Im sure SJ will say that, don't you think so?

anyway, is that the complete list?

IIRC, the software-features that 5.5G got were gapless-playback, search and games. And 5G got all those features.

 

[Loge]

Im sure SJ will say that, don't you think so?

anyway, is that the complete list?

Well, there was also the initial letter scrolling indicator (not search though), but that was not really a big deal.

Is gapless playback supported on the Zune, btw?

 

[maccam]

Eh, That pink Zune is gonna rock Still love my Nano!