Zune Software Coming to Mac to Support Windows Phone 7?

[SidBala]

I hate to break it to the haters/morons, but the Zune software is completely fantastic and is miles ahead of iTunes in terms of presentation and ease of use. Combined with the Zune pass and you have a serious platform.

Agreed. I love the Zune Pass and the Zune interface. I wish that Apple would offer a music subscription too.

The subscription model is simply awesome. It actually encourages me to get more music instead of having to worry about how much I am spending like on iTunes.

The interface is revolutionary. I haven't seen a similar interface that is as quick and responsive yet pretty.

Obviously the haters/morons you are talking about have never used it or are so closed minded about it that they aren't even willing to try it out before dismissing it.

I am not a MS fanboy either. I like good things. I couldn't care less about who made it. I have a couple of PCs, a MBP, an iPhone, an iPad, an iPT and a ZuneHD. And I can tell you that Zune beats the crap out of iTunes/iPod for music.

 

[Drag'nGT]

What's a Zune?

 

[delta function]

What's a Zune?

An underrated product with a tiny market, much like the Mac.

 

[StealthGhost]

Let's cover a few things; First, who cares if iTunes isn't as "pretty" as the Zune software especially if it gets the job done as you so pointed out? That's the same argument PC lovers say about Macs, "why buy a Mac just because it's prettier when my ugly cheap PC gets the job done?"

I use windows because I can't build a custom computer with OS-X. I would love to be able to boot camp (some of the games I play don't work with OS-X yet) and would probably use the OS-X side more often.

Secondly, I can tell first hand that you don't use iTunes to it's full potential because Coverflow is an excellent way to display cover art at any party, it's quite visually appealing. Funny how you said it was just a "list of songs" that you get on iTunes.

Coverflow is comparable to the virtual song jukebox or whatever that Zune has, but the screensaver mode it goes into is far better. It is obviously preference, but I prefer Zune in that regard.

Thirdly, did you really expect iTunes for the PC to run super smooth as it does on the Mac?

No, of course not, I was simply saying Zune runs better on the PC than iTunes. That is one of the reasons I use it to listen to music, especially while playing games. It isn't a huge reason, but it is one of them.

and buddy you're not paying for iTunes period so stop the complaining.

I'm not complaining...I just prefer iTunes as a music player

You can use iTunes with or without an iDevice so please spare me the possible upcoming rebuttal that you were forced to use iTunes because you bought an iPod.

Where is this coming from? I use it for my iDevices, but I'm not like pissed I have to use it. It is a great program, I just prefer the Zune software to it when playing music on my computer.

My question is why did you buy an iPod Shuffle when you could've gotten the mini Zune player since you say they are so great?

mini Zune player? I didn't know there was one? I don't think the Zune player "is so great", it was just the best for me when I bought it. So I think it is better than the, what is it, 5th gen iPod classic? That really isn't a shining review. I would buy a iPod touch over a Zune HD because of the features it has and the apps, but the Zune HD might be a better media player like my Zune was to the iPod of the time, but we're a long way past mp3 players just being mp3 players.

I love my shuffle

Lastly, if I had a nickel for every time a new registrant showed up and wreaks havoc on the Mac forum or starts spewing how great the competition is over anything Apple makes, I'd have SJ's wealth. Those same people (just like you) go on and defend themselves saying they've been reading Macrumors for a long time have been interested in Apple products and just decided to finally register and they are not here to troll. Yeah right, BS.

I don't see how I'm "trolling". I'm just saying I like the Zune software and my Zune is great, so having it on OS-X wouldn't be a bad thing. I haven't once said all Zunes are better than all iPods, that would be a lie. I come here because I'm really into technology and the Apple world is a huge part of it. My next phone will be a iPhone (if they get it off ATT only), my next mp3 player will probably be an iPod of some sort, I might buy the iPad but at the moment cant decide between it and the Kindle (vast majority of time spent on either will be for reading), I have yet to use the iPad for more than a few minutes so i'll have to do that first.

One more thing, if the Zune and it's software is so great then why is not successful at all in the Windows world of users? Why are Windows users ignoring the Zune and it's marketplace in favor of the iPod? If the iPod was not as great as the Zune and iTunes was far worse than the Zune Marketplace then it stands to reason that the Windows world would've bought into the Zune and ditched Apple right? Well, it ain't happening so don't come here and flame a Mac forum for bashing the Zune and it's marketplace, go ask the Windows community why they prefer to buy into Apple instead?

Again, the current Zune vs the current iPod, iPods are better. As far as the software goes, most people will use what the device needs if they're going to listen to music on their computers, so that means the majority uses iPods = the majority uses iTunes. Also Zune isn't on OS-X so that is a large reason if anyone was even thinking of using a different player, which they probably aren't. Bashing the marketshare is fine, yeah it is a joke now and at best it was what like 10% compared to iPod's 70% or something like that. Bashing the Zune when you haven't used it is where I have a problem, and probably contributes to the lack of Zune sales. If the competition was stronger, the products Apple puts out would be stronger, you lose nothing by giving honest feedback, but ignorance will get you nowhere.

 

[ten-oak-druid]

Its called a Windows phone.


I think this illustrates quite well how MS rests on its previous accomplishments.

If Microsoft were to do something beyond slapping the current version of windows onto something, you would see a product from them without the OS name on it.

If Apple did that, we'd have the OSX phone.

I'm not saying that to just take a cheap shot at MS. That company needs to change the way it does things. I think a lot of people realize this. It is reflected in their stock price.

It is hard to imagine a company like MS could become in danger of failing. But it happens. Large companies go down. Windows is a product that will be around but that doesn't mean the company won't fail and be bought. I was going to make a joke a few weeks ago about Microsoft and Palm merging. I was going to suggest that its more like MS picking up the pieces of Palm. We all know they have fallen on hard times. But then I looked at the stock prices and they were about the same.

If you are a Windows user and prefer Microsoft products I would take what I'm saying as more than a taunt but a real concern. Hopefully MS gets it together and becomes innovative.

 

[KnightWRX]

Its called a Windows phone.


I think this illustrates quite well how MS rests on its previous accomplishments.


If Apple did that, we'd have the OSX phone.

iMac
iPod
iBook
...
iPhone.

No, I think Apple did do that too. Seriously, using your existing branding for name recognition is not a fault of MS here and if it is, Apple is also guilty.

About the worse argument against this thing I've read and I seriously loathe Microsoft.

 

[-aggie-]

Zune LMAO! what a piece of crap that has been.

The Zune was fine. The software, not so much.

 

[ten-oak-druid]

iMac
iPod
iBook
...
iPhone.

No, I think Apple did do that too. Seriously, using your existing branding for name recognition is not a fault of MS here and if it is, Apple is also guilty.

About the worse argument against this thing I've read and I seriously loathe Microsoft.

Really? These devices are named after the OSX operating system?

I think this is the worst example of reading comprehension I've seen in a while.

And btw, the part of my post that you conveniently cut out, makes the point that my "headline" is not about the name but about the lack of innovation by MS.

 

[delta function]

Really? These devices are named after the OSX operating system?

I think this is the worst example of reading comprehension I've seen in a while.

And btw, the part of my post that you conveniently cut out, makes the point that my "headline" is not about the name but about the lack of innovation by MS.

Wow. Fanboy goggles conveniently blinds you the common strategy employed by both companies.

 

[Mike225]

Really? These devices are named after the OSX operating system?

I think this is the worst example of reading comprehension I've seen in a while.

And btw, the part of my post that you conveniently cut out, makes the point that my "headline" is not about the name but about the lack of innovation by MS.

Wasn't one of Steve Job's selling points something like "And it runs... real OSX!"
No he didn't make his phone called OS X Phone, but he did call it iPhone which is essentially the same thing. (Riding on previous releases)

 

[Project]

I use both the Zune software and iTunes daily.

Zune is easier to use
Zune is infinitely prettier
Zune Pass, Channels, Smart DJ etc are all fantastic

iTunes has *way* more functionality.
-AirPlay, better playlists, Remote, Home Sharing, scripting etc. Its utility is very underrated.
iTunes is much better for managing files, though the Windows Library system has its merits.
iTunes is much more flexible in terms of how you want your music presented and navigating a large library. Zune is pretty cumbersome in this respect.

 

[KnightWRX]

Really? These devices are named after the OSX operating system?

I think this is the worst example of reading comprehension I've seen in a while.

Branding is branding. Windows is a recognized name for operating systems Microsoft has, it's a good idea to leverage it for a new operating system.

Branding is branding. iPrefix is a recognized name for devices Apple has, it's a good idea to leverage it for a new device.

I was just pointing how bad your comment was in relation to this. Who cares if the brand is an operating system name, a dishwasher name or some rat poison.

And btw, the part of my post that you conveniently cut out, makes the point that my "headline" is not about the name but about the lack of innovation by MS.

Then accuse Apple of the same lack of innovation. The fact is, innovating on branding is about the worse mistake you can make. Heck Apple had to buy up the name iPhone and iOS from Cisco in order to keep their branding consistent. Would have been much cheaper and more "innovative" to come up with something. Tells you a lot right there why your argument fails on so many levels.

 

[netdog]

Zune is coming. OMG I am so excited.

I can finally buy a Mac now!

 

[ten-oak-druid]

Wow. Fanboy goggles conveniently blinds you the common strategy employed by both companies.

Yes! Another fanboy comment.

I must have struck a nerve. I believe what you are doing is called "projecting". Look it up.

Branding is branding. Windows is a recognized name for operating systems Microsoft has, it's a good idea to leverage it for a new operating system.

Branding is branding. iPrefix is a recognized name for devices Apple has, it's a good idea to leverage it for a new device.

I was just pointing how bad your comment was in relation to this. Who cares if the brand is an operating system name, a dishwasher name or some rat poison.



Then accuse Apple of the same lack of innovation. The fact is, innovating on branding is about the worse mistake you can make. Heck Apple had to buy up the name iPhone and iOS from Cisco in order to keep their branding consistent. Would have been much cheaper and more "innovative" to come up with something. Tells you a lot right there why your argument fails on so many levels.

Ok so you locked onto my "headline" and didn't read the content of my post. We've all done it.

Apple continues to be innovative. Microsoft could too but they need to change their business structure or something. How? I don't have the answer. All I know is that MS seems to be turning into a Windows caretaker only institution.

We can debate Apple's devices and how other companies and individuals contribute to the technology that goes into them. That is not the point. Apple is on a roll right now because it is creating markets. Did Apple crete everything that goes into an iphone? No. But they pushed the idea and added to it when there was nothing on the market of that quality. Now we have the ipad. The innovation includes not just the technology but an understanding of what will sell. There are always risks.

Compare that to MS right now and they appear to be following trends and slapping their OS on it.

When the ipad came out, it was the launch of something that had risk. Apple took a chance that they could design a product that would really be a new market. Yes this wasn't the first tablet but seriously it was not a mainstream product at the time. Netbooks were. It could have been a flop. M's answer to the ipad is to find another company to make one with their OS on it. That is the selling point. "An ipad for people who want Windows on it".

Go back to the Sony Walkman days. That wasn't the first tape player. But it was a great new product. Would another manufacturer be considered "innovative" if they followed up with another version but their own drive mechanism?

As I said in my first post, this isn't an anti-MS cheap shot. This is just my opinion on the decline of MS as a company. But as you can see on this thread, the 2-neuron crowd is out and about lobbing the "fanboy" title.

Wasn't one of Steve Job's selling points something like "And it runs... real OSX!"
No he didn't make his phone called OS X Phone, but he did call it iPhone which is essentially the same thing. (Riding on previous releases)

And what phone before the iphone was there of this caliber? The Razor? You are focusing on the wrong part of the argument.

Sure Jobs said that. But it was really a new market of smart phones.

A Windows phone is just the latest entry into an established market with their OS slapped onto it. "If you make it, we'll make it too with our OS".

Look, I am comparing Apple to MS to illustrate the problems with MS. But this is really about MS and not an Apple.

Right now if you buy MS stock you are buying into a company that plans to be around as the caretaker of an OS and that is about it. So the stock will probably sit there at a stable value. It might go up from time to time. Why? Because another company might create a new market that gets a lot of mileage out of Windows. But MS won't be the primary beneficiary of that success because they will not have been the lead developer of that market.

 

[KJ500]

Compatible with my iMac? FINALLLY! Now I can go pick up a Zuney. I'll be the first kid on my block to have one.

 

[KnightWRX]

Ok so you locked onto my "headline" and didn't read the content of my post. We've all done it.

Since the essence of your post was calling them out on their name choice, that wasn't a bad move on my part. It was on yours and now you're backpedaling after not just me, but others have also called you out on it.

Apple continues to be innovative. Microsoft could too but they need to change their business structure or something. How? I don't have the answer. All I know is that MS seems to be turning into a Windows caretaker only institution.

Oh please, Apple continues to ride on the shoulders of giants. It's in fact Microsoft that gets the innovation card this time. They could have gone for yet another "Icon opens app" type of UI and I bet no one would have faulted them for it. They are taking a gamble on this "glance and go, data centric" UI.

Apple is not the sole industry innovator. Microsoft poors tons of money into R&D, more than even Apple and they actually publicly show their concepts/prototypes, some of which never make it to market. R&D is hit or miss.

We can debate Apple's devices and how other companies and individuals contribute to the technology that goes into them. That is not the point. Apple is on a roll right now because it is creating markets. Did Apple crete everything that goes into an iphone? No. But they pushed the idea and added to it when there was nothing on the market of that quality. Now we have the ipad. The innovation includes not just the technology but an understanding of what will sell. There are always risks.

So now Apple created the "smartphone" market. Seriously. They are barely holding on to their 4th place in market share in that limited segment, their general cellphone market share is in the pits.

Look, they made a good product with the iPhone and iOS. Did they revolutionize anything ? No. The iPhone is an evolution of the market at the time. Icon based interfaces existed, worked. Full screen touch phones existed, worked. 3rd party apps (which the iPhone lacked at first) existed, worked. App Stores existed, worked.

Compare that to MS right now and they appear to be following trends and slapping their OS on it.

I can't believe you're making me defend Microsoft of all the no good industry companies out there.

Following trends and slapping their OS on it ? MS has been in the mobile space and PDA market for close to 15 years. They preceded Apple. They preceded a lot of folk. Windows CE ring any bells ? Version 1.0 dates back to 1996 for cripes sake, a time when Apple was a smoldering crater under Scully, long before the iPhone was a twinkle in Steve's eye.

Windows Mobile, which is a descendant of Windows CE in someways is based off of PocketPC 2000. The first edition to be named Windows Mobile (something you fault Microsoft for not being innovative) was released in 2003. Guess what one of the 4 editions was named ? That's right : Windows Mobile For Smartphone.

Two. Thousand. Freaking. Three.

Seriously, I'm going to stop reading and responding now. You're making stuff up and have no knowledge of the industry's history at all. Microsoft have a lot of things they can be faulted with, there's a lot of reason to bash and ignore them and to hope that their products fail in a bad way, but innovation, branding and "following trends" is not one of them. Microsoft have created markets has much as Apple as, they have poored tons of money into R&D and on top of it, they aren't scared to show off the goods publicly contrary to Apple who hides everything until it becomes a shipping product. Who knows how many failed and completely ludicrous prototypes/concepts Apple have done over the years ?

Gah I hate having to side with Microsoft to dispel myths put forth by the "Apple is the sole industry innovator" crowd.

 

[PeterQVenkman]

Gah I hate having to side with Microsoft to dispel myths put forth by the "Apple is the sole industry innovator" crowd.

You are forgetting the first commandment.

"Thou shall have no other gods before me."



wink

 

[delta function]

I must have struck a nerve. I believe what you are doing is called "projecting". Look it up.

Nope. You're just being a fanboy.

And what phone before the iphone was there of this caliber? The Razor? You are focusing on the wrong part of the argument.

Blackberries.

Seriously, the Apple branding strategy is super boring. You can tell when people are able to predict the names like iPhone and iPad before they're announced.

 

[ibjoshua]

This is great news. People often make the mistake of assuming Microsoft doesn't take Mac users seriously but stories like this contradict such a position. With the exception of Explorer (which web developers at least could use on OS X) and a few other gaps, Microsoft has had reasonable Mac offerings in recent years and it's odd that they haven't had any real sync options until now.

RIM and Google and (lest we forget) Palm certainly don't offer much competition so this should be interesting. W Phone 7 is getting some good reviews.

PS.
I hope no one thinks I'm astroturfing. I've been a keen Mac user for 24 years (and Mac owner for 12) and seriously doubt that I'd buy a MS phone or media player. I just get sick of the all the eye-rolling, poorly thought through, knee-jerk comments that I have to skim past before getting to quality analysis and discussion. Arn and his team do a great job and we owe them a duty to think before we type.

 

[KnightWRX]

RIM and Google ... certainly don't offer much competition

Where did you get that ? RIM and Google are both ahead of Apple in smartphone market share world wide. I'd say that's some pretty darn good competition right there.

 

[Icefan]

Own Apple and Microsoft Products

As an owner and user of Apple and Microsoft products (I have 3 Macs, 1 ipad, 2 iPhones, 2 iPods, 2 Zunes, 4 Microsoft-based PCs), as well as a Creative Zen, I believe that I have enough experience to hopefully provide some insight. Each mp3 player has something unique to the player, which means that I wouldn't recommend the same player to everyone, but would see what he/she wants in one. This may not be a major reason to most people, but one of the main reasons why I bought the Zune 30 is because it is scratch-resistant. Of course it will scratch if you try hard enough or have a bad experience but overall, it does not scratch compared to the other players I've had which scratches simply with normal use. I would say these are the main strengths that could sway each person (please note that I am comparing players w/ the same cost; I wouldn't compare a Zune 30 w/ an iPod touch unless that's what you really want).

Zune:
* original adopters are taken care of w/ new updates no cost
* wireless sync
* different from what everyone else has
* subscription service
* larger screen (original Zune versus the iPod that was out at the same time)

iPod:
* larger selection of online downloads
* larger selection of accessories
* same as what everyone else has
* more games
* "cool" form factor

 

[KeriJane]

I suppose this is good news.... MS finally realized that they cut out a large number of potential buyers by limiting the Zune to "Windows Only".

But really! the Zune is a piece of junk for the "I got a Bargain" crowd.
Why would anyone who went and bought a nice Mac want to waste time with a cheap, plastic and awkward iPod wannabe when a real iPod isn't that much more?

Every iPod user should try out a Zune sometime.
Mostly for a good laugh, but who knows? You might like Zune's cheap display, bulky plastic and "It's different enough that Apple can't sue us" control pad thing better!

Oh well,
Keri

 

[delta function]

As an owner and user of Apple and Microsoft products (I have 3 Macs, 1 ipad, 2 iPhones, 2 iPods, 2 Zunes, 4 Microsoft-based PCs), as well as a Creative Zen, I believe that I have enough experience to hopefully provide some insight. Each mp3 player has something unique to the player, which means that I wouldn't recommend the same player to everyone, but would see what he/she wants in one. This may not be a major reason to most people, but one of the main reasons why I bought the Zune 30 is because it is scratch-resistant. Of course it will scratch if you try hard enough or have a bad experience but overall, it does not scratch compared to the other players I've had which scratches simply with normal use. I would say these are the main strengths that could sway each person (please note that I am comparing players w/ the same cost; I wouldn't compare a Zune 30 w/ an iPod touch unless that's what you really want).

Zune:
* original adopters are taken care of w/ new updates no cost
* wireless sync
* different from what everyone else has
* subscription service
* larger screen (original Zune versus the iPod that was out at the same time)

iPod:
* larger selection of online downloads
* larger selection of accessories
* same as what everyone else has
* more games
* "cool" form factor

Well that sucks. Next thing you know, the product can be bought at Wal-mart.

 

[shingi70]

This is cool as i use the zune marketplace for TV and movies. Still i'll stick with ipods even though i'm getting a wp7.


But can't both companies learn things from one another. I mean i love microsofts use of the cloud so i can just stream the stuff i own. While apple has a bigger music selection and is better to navigate.


Also i know alot of stupid people (TECH WISE) who use macs so i wouldn't call them cream of the crop.

 

[iMacThere4Iam]

It's always nice to have options. In head to head comparisons, I've always preferred Apple over MS, but MS may come up with something, someday, that I'll like well enough to purchase.

Besides, Zune should succeed or fail on its own merits, so we won't hear any whining about it being locked out. People will buy it, or not. So far, they're not.