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Apple software and hardware just works. Actual people like that. Crawl back into your parent's basement and keep running Windoze on your self-constructed PC.
Oh it is noticed. But no one is particularly interested in that business model. IF Apple sees that others are gaining traction in that area then, I am sure, that they could turn a similar feature on. However for me stuff like Spotify which covers the same sort of area one-ups the Zune Pass, and er it is free.
Plus, I have the radio everywhere to listen to random music. Or internet radios or services ala Pandora. Some months I may spend $20 on music, others I spend -0-. Why would I want to force myself to spend $15 a month, every month? Sometimes I like the Amazon MP3 sale, so I divert my "iTunes" dollars to Amazon (sometimes it's 100 songs for $10) for a great deal. I wouldn't do that if I was locked into a $15 a month subscription service.
Before MP3's you have unlimited music (radio) and purchased music (Records/Cassettes/CD's) to keep. iTunes gives me a better, cheaper way to purchase my music. Zune Pass is not a better than iTunes to purchase and it isn't better than the free unlimited music sources (radio, Pandora, etc.).
Heck, I am confused as to when I am supposed to use the HD radio in the Zune versus the Zune Pass service? Do I like radio or not?
PLUS - I have to buy into the Zune hardware and services, which means giving up so much of what I have on my iPhone from the app store. Then there is the PlayForSure situation. No Thanks.
If and when pay-to-play services become better than purchase-to-play, Apple will just convert iTunes to that new business model and continue to dominate. Apple has the best hardware (iPod), software (iTunes), app store (uh....App Store) and sync system (iCal, Address Book, iPhoto, iTunes, MobileMe, etc) than any other MP3 seller - why would I give ALL THAT UP to get another mediocre pay-to-play subscription service?
The answer is the same as the answer for the millions of iPod users out there - I wouldn't.
You have a different attitude towards music than I do. I download several albums at a time, and I can't get enough music. I like the synergy between the Zune Pass/Smart DJ/my collection. I don't like going to a different area/app for Pandora, for example.
It's an opinion piece. Thanks for sharing yours!
If you want subscription music, you have a choice of a number of apps including Rhapsody and Spotify as well as apps like Pandora and LastFM and dozens of internet radio apps as well. And no, the web-based versions of these services do not work in the Zune's web browser. Spotify for example allows you to store up to 3,333 tracks on your iPod Touch for ofline listening when you aren't near wifi.
Also, because Apple does allow third-party app developers unlike MS with the Zune, there are always more interesting new Music-related apps popping up like those apps dedicated to particular bands that give far greater insight and immersive experiences than the iTunes or Zune platforms can provide.
The problem is that the Zune Pass platform has not helped sell the previous generations of Zune, so why do some people believe it will be what causes the latest Zune to magically achieve mass market success?
Because the Zune is bang smack in the middle of the price-range as well as being a similar size as the iPod Touch (the latter is actually slightly thinner than the Zune and only a bit taller and wider to fit the larger, higher-resolution screen), it cannot fail but be compared. So if it's not cheaper or have more storage space or significantly different dimensions than the iPod Touch, what does it have to offset the lack of the killer feature of the App Store?
When given the choice between a typewriter or a personal computer with word processing software for the same price that can also run thousands and thousands of other apps, what do you reckon most people will choose to buy?
And by the way, the new iPod Nano allows you to tag tracks broadcast on radio and view and/or purchase them later and it can pause or re-wind live radio up to 15 minutes something the much-vaunted HD radio on the Zune is unable to do.
Also, your derision of Apple's new digital album format is pretty sad. You get full album artwork as of back in the days of the LP, animated lyrics, inline video clips and other DVD-like special features that all add significantly to the experience and yet you have the gall to dismiss it as "liner notes".
-Mart
Your technology comparison would be better served if it was between a typewriter and a personal computer - but the computer doesn't have a spacebar. You'll have to download a program to install the space bar. I liken it to the success of Jay Leno. In my opinion, the guy isn't funny. But he puts people on his show that can be, and then he gets the credit for a funny show. At its core, the iPhone or iPod Touch aren't that impressive - it's the general public and their apps that do it, and Apple gets the credit.
That's very cool for the iPod Nano. I didn't know that. And the LP thing just seems remarkably useless. Why do I care about album artwork or animated lyrics? I'm there for the music. When I'm listening to music, I'm usually doing other stuff (walking, running, driving, etc.). I don't care about all that extra crap.
Thanks for the thorough response! I appreciate it!
Zune will not dent the iPod world and the Zune MarketPlace is too little too late, as the action is now in apps and software, music is moving to a secondary position and within a year to third or fourth place a a money generator for iTunes.
Analyze iTunes and look at the multiple components of the service any tell me you see Microsoft replicating the breath of offering. How many years will it take to get to 75,000 apps, if ever.... and by then the action will have shifted to the cloud and beyond.
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You think apps are not so important while music is so so important. Your opinion. For me, music is nice, but I don't go through so much music myself. To each their own, and what turns me on about technology is what the technology can do for me. I use what works, and Apple product most of the time works better for me than what Microsoft product does. I use what works best and I have a pile of Dell's, have built my own PC boxes and have helped others with theirs. I use a Mac as my personal system for email and web browsing for the safety of not being infected by all the Windows malware out there.
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I don't have a cell phone at present, have only an iPod shuffle (1st gen) that I use periodically. Being in Canada, a Zune HD is reportedly not going to be available, and if true, is just not an option. The radio HD part is US only so the rest of the world loses out on access, which limits the appeal and market share of the product, while Apple makes a product that can be used almost anywhere in the world. The iPhone is a world phone, the Touch can be used anywhere, the Nano with the FM radio can be used anywhere, the list goes on for almost all Apple product.
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So, while the Zune has gotten better from its first incarnation, I don't hold out much hope for you for its future. MS discontinues products that don't work out in its global domination drive, sometimes replacing them with a new model that instantly obsoletes the previous models, ala the first Zunes, the original XBox, etc. Apple on the other hand has brought the first iPhones and iPod Touches up to date as much as the hardware will allow with OS updates. Other iPods have been firmware updated to allow for bug fixes and feature enhancements. MS with their Windows CE/Mobile is just not that upgradable and other than a desktop PC, most Microsoft product is ultimately not upgradable and is instantly obsolete when a new version of the product appears.
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For me for the most part, I like Apple and how they handle their product upgrades and upgradability. Your mileage may vary of course. Good luck with your Zune.
Thanks again!
Have you caught anything?
But, but there is TODAY such a pass on the Iphone: Spotify.
So where is REALLY the problem for Apple ?
But on my Iphone i Can also have Access to more than 6 millions of music, i can download plenty of really good games, i Can read Ebook, i Can use Genius (far better than Smart DJ), I can use a lot of GPS, I can go on the internet with a far better navigator.
It isn't only a music player, it's a computer in the pocket...
And this computer in the pocket is at the same price than your Zune.
So, the conclusion is easy...
Apple realized a couple years ago that the music market would not continue to propel explosive growth in the mobile space, hence the iPhone/touch and the app store. Apple is essentially eating its own iPod spawn with the iPhone, expanding its mobile footprint with the iPod touch and making gobs of money in the process.
MS doesn't just need a great new Zune, (and I actually think the Zune is pretty decent) it needs a whole ecosystem of developers, apps, peripherals, retail outlets around the world, great SDK, huge offering of TV shows, movies, etc. around the Zune. Right now I think MS is too distracted trying to get WinMo 7 off the ground. The fact that they can't seem to unite the Zune platform with WinMo should give any Zuniphile great pause. I don't think even MS is big enough to foster two successful mobile platforms.
Keep using Microsoft programs and products. They are perfect. For you at least.
And you can score with a girl too! Because PCs with Windows installed are so crappy that no normal person can figure out how to fix them when something goes wrong (type one of hundreds of problems you encountered with your pc), there must be tons of chicks just waiting for someone to fix that pc for them.
If you don't like Apple, Mac or whatever, just don't use it.
Stop writing bullshit and annoying people.
"You like Kia, I like Ferrari. And I can afford it. Live with that."
LaidesMan
Therefore, I think his overall point about about not going for the sea change at any point (an original 2001 5GB iPod can buy tracks on the iTunes store) is the sounder approach and it has served Apple well, along with steely determination on pricing that has been very unpopular with the labels and very appreciated (go figure) by the average consumer.
My two cents.
But I don't think it's that hard to understand why the iPod/iPhone are so much more popular than Zune. With Zune, as with so many other things, Microsoft was late to the market, isn't any cheaper, and doesn't offer any differences that most people truly care about. People, by and large, don't seem to care to subscribe to music services. We're too conditioned to "own" our music. The HD connection to your TV sounds kind of cool... but you have to by a $90 dock. Eh.
Apple didn't invent the mp3 player, either. But before the iPod came along, players were clunky and the interfaces were terrible. Apple refined the product. And you can dismiss the app store if you want, but as far as music goes, Shazam is worth it all on its own. Add to that the "internet everywhere" and phone capabilities, and the iPhone is a far more desirable product.
As a music lover, having 70% of cars equipped with iPod dock connectors as an option or even standard means you can control the iPod from your steering wheel controls and get proper line-level audio input for the highest quality audio fidelity.
Likewise, with just about all decent audio systems from clock radios, to mini hifi systems to high-end sound systems featuring iPod docks, you severely limit yourself going the Zune route.
@Matt B,
Apple doesn't have DRM on any of their iTunes music whereas subscription services like Zune Pass are highly DRM-ed.
-Mart
Ummm you do know the iTunes store went completely DRM free like last year or something? Every song sold there now is completely unprotected 256kbps AAC.
Not the case for video content but that's because studios are still demanding DRM just like every DVD is still protected by CSS even though it's useless.
As for MattB -- you seem ignorant of the current state of non-DRM music. Apple has always been a fan of non-DRM music but could not get the music industry to buy in. As Apple began to dominate the industry the pwoers that be tried to prop up other providers by giving them the ability to sell non-DRM music which failed. The industry gave in when Apple agreed to give them some price flexibility and dropped the DRM from iTunes. Besides we all know that the DRM was easy to get around, so your point is pretty hollow. DRM or not, the market has shown that it did not care, as Apple is the 800lb. Gorilla in the room. They have surpassed all other retailers of music.
The Zune HD is just another bump in the road, as MS is too far behind in the App market, and since this is a child of Windows Mobile, it will be stuck in a permanent state of suckage. My Touch does more and does less if I want it too. I have the control. I can even jailbreak it if I choose. The other thing is that when MS changes it's mind once again I won't be stuck in Never Plays for Sure territory.
Just kidding. We all buy what we feel is the best choice as an individual and I'm ensconced into the Apple ecosystem and have been so for nearly 30 years. I'm an Apple investor and I'm an Apple/Mac/iPod user. As long as Apple is doing well, the products and being highly acclaimed and they're coming out with hot products one after another, there's no way I'm jumping ship. It's basically brand loyalty.
I've only seen reviews of the Zune and it seems to be a more than adequate media player, but without those games and apps that Apple has, I'd think the Zune HD is pretty much outmatched. I don't believe people are going to pass up the Apple mobile ecosystem for just hardware alone. Zune HD sales are bound to sputter in a few months and that will be the end of that. The Palm Pre all over again. Not enough apps to drive sales. Think of that little white duck that's always running around bumping into things and yelling "App-lack, App-laaaaaack!" That duck is the Zune HD mascot.
"My problem with Apple and some of the big names is DRM and a monopolistic mentality. I will never download a protected song. iTunes is horrendous in the freedom department."
Matt, iTunes songs have been DRM free since January. All 10 million of them.
bang the drum and wave that penance.
Frankly, even the Zune HD is overloaded with features. Audiophiles want true uncompressed music delivered as purely and as distortion free as possible. I don't think they need a game or a web browser to go a long with their favorite musician.
But, since most of America's youth suffer from ADD and have a lousy ear for sound, then overloaded players like the Zune, Archos, and iPod will easily get their business.
Nice read though.
My family has 5 Macs and none of us has had a hard drive crash in over 10 years. None of us has had a system freeze in over 6 years and of course none of us has had a virus or needed the inconvenience or expense of anti-virus software ever. I guess this is an excellent example of "You get what you pay for".
1. "Apple seems to forget the initial purpose of the technology."
Yes, MMS was an obvious omission, but let's be honest here. It's a throwback technology for the sole benefit of those not using smart phones and who do not have access to e-mail. Otherwise, Apple, like others have pretty much nailed the "phone" feature. That's not the distinguishing feature for any market leader in the smart phone business. Apple rightfully made a name for itself in media capabilities, including the iPod and a killer web browser (as compared to others at the time).
2. "The price points are obnoxious."
Perhaps, but they are also not quite the rip-off Microsoft would have everyone believe. When comparing "Apples to Apples" they are actually fairly competitive at most price points. Further, you can't maintain an image of being a premium brand when you're selling $300 PCs.
3. "In some ways, their business model is outdated."
I think you need to do the math here before suggesting subscription models are better. They are not. The masses do not want to pay a "flat rate" to experience music. There are plenty of ways to discover new music without paying a subscription - and some are even legal ;-) In all seriousness though, this business model has not proven successful for Apple's competitors to date. Likewise, your declaration is a bit premature if not just plain incorrect.
4. "This is such a beautiful, worthwhile device that is lost on so many techie nerds that are writing reviews condemning Microsoft for what they consider to be a “too little, too late” product."
I hate to state the obvious, but why do you think so many reviewers are saying this? Maybe because it's true? Most agree that the Zune HD is finally a nice portable music player coming from Microsoft. Hurray, the third time is the charm. The problem is, as nice as it is, it's not better then the competition, nor does it undercut Apple's pricing. That's not a recipe for success. HD Radio isn't a selling point. If you haven't noticed, the radio industry in general is having major problems. So, at this point, we're looking at a product that is approaching the "coolness" of the iPod Touch, but without the major feature - the app store. Those who are just interested in music, don't need a touch interface device. That's what the original Zune was for. That's what the iPod Nano is for or the iPod Classic, etc.
By contrast, Apple makes full use of the touch interface with the ton of applications available that make it so much more than just a music player.
Further, nobody is excited about the Zune HD because it's essentially a me too product (albeit a nice one) that's not better than the competition and that's entering a now declining market. To that, Mary Jo Foley has commented that Microsoft will be getting out of the music player business after another round or so of Zunes.
http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=4011
Instead, even Microsoft will be trying to add the "Zune experience" into phones. But the problem for Microsoft is who's phones? Microsoft has dropped from 14% to 9% in market share. Palm is dumping Windows mobile devices. Motorola is dumping them for Android and even HTC, Microsoft's main vendor is scaling back in favor of Android.
In summary, there isn't much to get excited about in terms of future prospects for the Zune experience.