Microsoft Confirms Multi-Touch Zune HD to Compete Against iPod Touch

[Sehnsucht]

Wait wait wait... what?

Linux DOESN'T run on any PC? Hackintoshes are FAKE? All these things don't actually exist?
[/sarcasm]

Dell a while back (perhaps they still do, I'm not sure) offered Ubuntu Linux as an option instead of Windows on a few desktops, and I'm pretty sure it didn't really get anywhere.

They still do, but Linux doesn't really count if you want to run software like the Adobe suite, iTunes, MS Office, etc. I have Fedora, Ubuntu and Red Hat installed on my computer and quite frankly I don't get it. There's nothing on Linux that I can't also do on OS X. 😉

Hackintoshes are a whole other can of worms.

 

[krzyglue]

Seriously though..... The names for the device and software in question are not iPhone HD and iTunes HD.

http://www.apple.com/ca/itunes/whatson/movies.html

Don't see HD anywhere on that page?

What about here?:
http://www.apple.com/appletv/

 

[krzyglue]

They still do, but Linux doesn't really count if you want to run software like the Adobe suite, iTunes, MS Office, etc. I have Fedora, Ubuntu and Red Hat installed on my computer and quite frankly I don't get it. There's nothing on Linux that I can't also do on OS X. 😉

Hackintoshes are a whole other can of worms.

Yeah I agree, I think linux is dumb as well. Still an option though, I guess...

 

[DMann]

http://www.apple.com/ca/itunes/whatson/movies.html

Don't see HD anywhere on that page?

I do not see the software or hardware titled "iTunes HD," or "Apple TV HD," do you?

 

[krzyglue]

I do not see the software titled "iTunes HD," do you?

I think I understand now... For you, it must be titled with HD for it to count... Sounds like cherry-picking criteria to me, and I think a reasonably minded consumer would agree. See, here is my train of thought:

1) You don't consider 720p to be real HD (I Agree)
2) You don't think the Zune HD should be called that (I Agree)
3) You think it's OK for Apple to advertise their products has being HD, as long as the name doesn't contain those words? (can't say I agree).
"HD" appears eleven times on the Apple TV page, so I think that should count for something.

Back on topic, I still would prefer the Touch as it stands now... Obviously I have yet to actually try the new Zune, but the aesthetics don't appeal to me. My nano needs replacing though, but I don't know what with...

 

[DMann]

I think I understand now... For you, it must be titled with HD for it to count... Sounds like cherry-picking criteria to me, and I think a reasonably minded consumer would agree. See, here is my train of thought:

1) You don't consider 720p to be real HD (I Agree)
2) You don't think the Zune HD should be called that (I Agree)
3) You think it's OK for Apple to advertise their products has being HD, as long as the name doesn't contain those words? (can't say I agree).

No, I was merely questioning the branding choice here: Zune HD. If the associated literature happens to mention that it can transfer HD files to a larger HD screen, no problem. But seriously, will the Zune HD be capable of playing HD with its own screen resolution? Pretty deceptive branding, if you ask me.

 

[krzyglue]

No, I was merely questioning the branding choice here: Zune HD. If the associated literature happens to mention that it can transfer HD files to a larger HD screen, no problem. But seriously, will the Zune HD be capable of playing HD with its own screen resolution? Pretty deceptive branding, if you ask me.

See, that's not the part I have an issue with ^^^ look up ^^^ I said I AGREE with you in respect to the branding... I was simply disagreeing with your "almost supports HD" assertion previously.

 

[DMann]

I forgot to mention one more thing...if the whole OS X EULA/iPod+iTunes thing were really a "monopoly" as some are saying, then there would be no way to "opt out." Want an MP3 player but don't like iTunes? Then buy a Sony Walkman, Creative Zen, or horrors...even a Zune. 😱 No big deal. Apple isn't trying to force their sh*t on anybody. If you don't like the way Apple wants OS X to run only on their own hardware, then don't buy a Mac. Apple won't miss you or care. 😉 But what about PCs? You can have a PC with any OS as long as it's Windows. Windows is literally freaking everywhere...can't escape it. 😱

Apple's iPod actually merited the huge popularity it enjoys. Can't say the same for Windows.

We already know what some people do with "iTouch." As for "iPlay", well...let's just not go there... 😀

It's entertaining to hear people speak of Windows market share dominance as if Windows wasn't forced down 86% of computer users' throats. The iPod, iPhone, iTouch, on the other hand, attained dominance by virtue of being chosen among the others available - no Monopolistic Practices, Anti-Trust Practices, Exclusivity and Vendor Lock-in involved. I'm looking forward to the launch of the Windows Retail Stores - anticipating long lines to purchase an overpriced copy of Windows 7.

 

[Evangelion]

True, but I think he meant how the scheme was positioned check this out...

So where should they put it? If they put it on the bottom, they are copuing teh iPhine, if they put it on the top, they are copying the touch. And remember: they need to have that plastic there for the antenna.

I really don't understand the claims that "OMG, MS is copying Apple!". Zune HD and iPod touch are obviously different from each other. The only similarities between the two are due to the fact that they are both pocketable touchscreen-devices with a large screen. The form-factor dictates the appearance of the device quite a bit. If you think that Zune is a copy of the touch, then by same logic you could claim that MacBook and Thinkpad are copies of each other as well, since they have the touchpad, screen and keyboard in similar arrangement.

 

[Journojulz]

CAN'T do this with the IPHONE.... it's annoying... I know you can buy a $50 dollar accessory to let you tune into FM stations.. But an onboard radio chip would still be greatly appreciated...

You can buy FM radios with headphones from the Poundshop - funnily enough, many of them look like ipod shuffles. 😀

 

[Journojulz]

Downloaded Zune this morning to see if it was a rival for iTunes.

First impressions - It has style on the surface, but that gets in the way of things.

No - first impression was that it told me my hardware on my 6 y/o mesh XP was incompatible and linked me to a supprt window that told me about the screen not displaying properly - not offering any obviously relevant advice about anything to do with hardware.

Due to font size, iTunes can fit in about twice the number of tracks vertically on the visible part of the screen and there isn't the level of detail visble about size, length year etc.

There is big fat ad across the bottom for zune membership that further decreases browsing space

You can't seem to make a video play full screen. Could not see a button on the player, double clicking did not work like it does with media player and right clicking did nothing.

It has done away with visible borders, so the bit on the toolbar that lets you move the window around is part of the plain white background - makes it harder to move the window about and song details seem to hang in the middle of nowhere with a big empty left hand margin doing nothing.

will report more later - will it let you scrub through movies in realtime without crashing like media player?

 

[hiimamac]

As someone that owns an iPhone and wishes it did more ( see previos threads, lack of flash from 90% of media rich sites), can someone pro left please tell me how the e in marketplace gets cut off? I have worked in marketing and promotions. You have label copy, copyright, design, artwork, color seperation, tiff files, proofing, business affairs, merchandising and advertising. How does a snafu like this make it all the way to final??? The only remotely same reason could be that someone in PR had some assistant photoshop it fir the vapor/ PR that we're talking about now. It's insane and am unclear hownit made it past all those departments.

You really have to wonder sometime. I know everyone has a dream and eveyome wants to be proud of their work but chopped off e ??
Anyone know?

Geesh louise.

Godspeed all.

It's been said before but it can't be said enough:

Who would buy from people who on their official product ad copy they have an "e" chopped off from their much touted "marketplac (sic)" feature.

How can you not call these people complete and utter MORONS?

If you bozos you messed up and can't display the e in the display at least artificially shrink the fonts in the ad for the word marketplace so it will fit on the screen intead of looking like the fools you are.

How Hard Is That?

But these guys are completely and irreversibly INEPT!!!!

 

[Rhalliwell1]

...

Back on topic, I still would prefer the iTouch as it stands now... Obviously I have yet to actually try the new Zune, but the aesthetics don't appeal to me. My nano needs replacing though, but I don't know what with...

It's iPod Touch. Apple didn't name it iTouch for many reasons, one of them being it sounds ugly, another being it's an iPod.

 

[Journojulz]

can someone pro left please tell me how the e in marketplace gets cut off?

Same way someone said "Vista is good enough to launch".

They lack a 'tyrant culture' where people live in fear of making stupid mistakes.

Quality control respects tough love. 😀

Breaking the Rules: Apple Succeeds By Defying 5 Core Valley Principles
Rule 5. CODDLE YOUR EMPLOYEES
Valley Rule
Since the best ideas bubble up from within the ranks, encourage autonomy by allowing workers free time to focus on their personal projects. Also, shower them with perks like free food and massages to make them feel special.

Apple Rule
Motivate through fear. Don't be afraid to scream. Threaten to fire them. Withhold praise until it's truly deserved. Go ahead and bring them to tears. As long as you can inspire them with your sense of mission, they'll consider this the best job they've ever had.

http://www.wired.com/techbiz/it/magazine/16-04/bz_apple_rules

 

[Evangelion]

It's iPod Touch. Apple didn't name it iTouch for many reasons, one of them being it sounds ugly, another being it's an iPod.

It's easier and quicker to type iTouch than iPod touch. Do you complain when someone refers to their laptops as "MBP" as opposed to MacBook pro? Why not?

 

[Journojulz]

'iTouch'

Its right and wrong at the same time, rather like arguments that descend into pedantry.

Maybe an apostrophe would help, or a bit less coffee? 😉

 

[peterdevries]

You really have to wonder sometime. I know everyone has a dream and eveyome wants to be proud of their work but chopped off e ??
Anyone know?

Geesh louise.

Godspeed all.

It doesn't matter.. It will be corrected in the final release and immediately the users will find a similar error elsewhere. QC is crap at Microsoft. The software that we regularly work with is a testament to this.

 

[hiimamac]

Right on.
Main reason touch and iPhone dies not have flash and apple tv lacks DVR. Apple wants us to pay for what is already free and even then, you can't view 90% of media rich website. Souther CA land of feature films, all website use flash now, plus hulu and more.

Well said.

Godspeed all.

It only reinforces my belief that 30-50% of all Mac users are "fanatical" about Apple. I must be crazy to support the better product, regardless of name. I used to hate Microsoft and it's what got me to try the Mac a couple of years back (I used to be an Amiga user if that explains it for you since I blame Microsoft for helping to put them out of business, but it was also partly Commodore's inept management as well), but the thing is, the more I got to know Apple the more I realized they're JUST AS BAD AS MICROSOFT if not worse in their behaviors. They litigate with anyone that even looks at one of their patents funny. They set up "support" that is comprised of people that have to incorporate themselves so they can bypass worker laws in this country. They move operations to China, which I hate of ANY U.S. company (at least Dell still assembles their desktops in the USA) because it's a giant Communist country that doesn't care about human rights and would probably wipe us out if they could without consequence to themselves. Apple couldn't care less what you the user WANTS, they only care about what they can dream up and try and force on you (for better or worse; when it's good it's really good and when it's bad it's really bad and if it's sorta good, they'll probably mess it up since they don't listen to users much). Yes, Microsoft is guilty of anti-competitive behaviors too. But that doesn't make Apple good because Microsoft is bad.

How is competition good here? I guess that depends on whether you think the product being offered by Microsoft has any value (HD video output sounds good to me; I'd love to be able to show my photos stored on my iPod Touch to friends when visiting their houses in full HD instead of mere DVD quality. Why limit the device? To push to sell you a laptop too? Why not offer HD radio or any radio directly on an iPod? It's simple. They want to sell you songs from the iTunes store. In other words, Apple compromises the USER EXPERIENCE to make more money. Yes, a lot of companies do that. That doesn't make Apple alright. It just means a lot of companies have no ethics, soul or patriotism. Screw the consumer. Take all their money and to heck with the country as long as I'm OK. Maybe that really is the American way. It'll probably soon be the Chinese way the world is going. They're going to be the new SuperPower of the decades to come, not the U.S. They practically own us now already.

 

[Journojulz]

It doesn't matter.

Ah the secret Redmond mission statement.

Tattooed on every M$ employee's forhead in invisible ink that only shows up in UV.

Which the reason why you never see them in nightclubs.
(...well, one of many reasons)

 

[Journojulz]

I'd love to be able to show my photos stored on my iPod Touch to friends when visiting their houses in full HD instead of mere DVD quality. Why limit the device?

Maybe because the number of occasions where users would actually notice the difference are so few?

Its like packing for a camping trip - you don't have to take everything you might possibly need - and so you don't end up bringing 90% of your backpack home unused.

For evidence of this - may i cite 'word vs pages'?
Look at the number of icons you have on display as default - and ask the last time you used them.

Bloated programmes are inefficient and a pain to work with.

As are gadgets loaded with capabailities that are only used once a year.

Take the iPhone camera.

2mb is a bit small - but its enough for 90% of what you need it for, and for the other 10%, you would be better off with real camera optics.

2mb is enough to capture a readable magazine page, print to A4 and yet small enough to keep transfer rates low for email and iweb galleries.

Why limit the device?
Why bloat it?

 

[peterdevries]

Main reason touch and iPhone dies not have flash and apple tv lacks DVR. Godspeed all.

I hope it's only me, but in almost all of your posts I have difficulty understanding your sentences. I value your input, so please don't take this the wrong way and interpret it as an insult, but maybe sometimes some punctuation etc. would help getting your point across.

 

[kdarling]

Missing "e" is nothing compared to a missing menu

It's amusing... and sad really... to see so much gloating and whining over a missing "e" in an obviously quickie graphic. The old SNL skit about Trekkies in a basement come to mind.

Did the same people wring their hands as much when Jobs showed the fake copy of that National Geographic webpage while on stage for the 3G launch?

You know, the one where a large Flash menu item was deliberately removed and replaced with a static image, so Safari wouldn't look crippled on the Real Internet?

And when a similarly faked image was put up on the Apple site for a while?

So if a missing "e" is supposed to demonstrate a lack of quality control, does outright fakery point out a culture of lies, and style over substance?

Good grief. It's just a picture. Get over it.

 

[-hh]

competition is always a good thing. radio + oled = ahead of ipod touch. I don't see why you would rate this negative just because you love apple to death

Granted, this is regional (urban), but...

...which radio frequencies work down in the Subway on the way to/from work?


Also, for those consumers who are really interested in a radio...why then pay the extra size/weight/money?


-hh

 

[Journojulz]

We don't have to 'get over it' - we are not going to buy it. 😀

This "quickie graphic" is the first sight of the new machine it hopes will stand up in a very tough marketplace.

If they can't be bothered to match the software with the hardware - are we not to be forgiven for assuming the same lack of thought goes right down to the bone? 😀

Its not as if the defendant doesn't have 'previous'.....

And as for style over substance - that is certainly my first impression of the Zune software I downloaded this morning. 😉

 

[ojwk]

Headline proves journalists are as gullible as ever..

"Microsoft Zune HD will Destroy Apple iPhone and iPod Touch"

pfft! Déjà vu anyone?

I seem to remember every new Creative Zen launch of the early 2000s sporting similar claims and more recently the Microsoft Zune itself and countless crappy korean touchscreen phones.

"iPod Killer"
"iPhone destroyer"

Am I the only one who's tired of this hackneyed journalistic drivel?