Why Microsoft's Zune Scares Apple to the Core 574
BoredStiff writes "Computerworld has an article examining Microsoft's plans to launch a competitor to the Apple iPod, the wireless media player called Zune. The article lists five reasons why Apple may fear the Zune, and why it won't be as easily smacked down as the dozens of mp3 players before it have been. The Zune isn't just a music player, the article argues. Think of it as a portable, wireless, hardware version of MySpace. With the Zune, Microsoft is trying to launch a consumer media 'perfect storm.'" From the article: "Microsoft will make the movement of media between Windows, Soapbox and the Zune natural and seamless. The Zune interface is just like a miniature version of the Windows Media Center user interface and is very similar to some elements of Vista. Apple fans are overconfident in the iPod because Apple once commanded 92% of music player market share, a number that has since fallen to around 70%. About 30 million people own iPods. But Microsoft owns more than 90% of the worldwide operating systems market (compared with Apple's roughly 5%), representing some 300 million people. The company expects to have 200 million Vista users within two years."
Limited playback (Score:5, Funny)
While playing songs you got from other Zune users may be time limited, my guess is that if this is a typical Microsoft product, the goatse image you picked up from simply walking down the street will be nearly impossible to get rid of (both from your brain and your new Zune).
Zune Scares Apple to the Core??? (Score:5, Funny)
a good comparison... not really (Score:5, Funny)
You mean it looks like crap and is completely inane? I'll pass, thanks.
Out Of Business (Score:5, Funny)
Sidescreen != Widescreen (Score:2, Funny)
You can just turn screens sideways for wide-screen movie experience? Why didn't anyone tell me?! Boy did I ever get snookered when I bought my widescreen HDTV. I could have just turned my old TV sideways!
-- Cameron
Huh... (Score:5, Funny)
Think of it as a portable, wireless, hardware version of MySpace.
Well, that doesn't fill me with the "I must go out and get one right now" feeling so much as a "Run screaming with vengance into the night to fomemt up counter-revolutionary terror" feeling.
It could just be me, though.
Re:wireless fraud (Score:5, Funny)
That's no Zune... it's a Play Station.
There is no spoon. There is only Zune.
and finally,
Windows Vista will be out real Zune now.
Thank you, thank you I'll be here all week.
Re:Limited playback (Score:5, Funny)
That's good to hear, cause as far as I am concerned MS is not getting any of my fish!!
Re:Antitrust ? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Limited playback (Score:5, Funny)
I can't wait for the superbowl commercial (Score:2, Funny)
I: "And i'm an Ipod"
Z: "Nice to meet you"
I: "Hey i've been meaning to ask you.."
Z: "Shoot."
I: "Whats with the brown color?"
-awkward silence, toilet flushing in the background-
I: "Ohh..... duuuuuuuuuude..."
Re:Nothing new here, mostly the old FUD and some i (Score:3, Funny)
Re:*snicker* (Score:5, Funny)
Re:ZUNE: nothing to see, move along. (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Limited playback (Score:4, Funny)
I completely agree with this. That would be like saying that no one should be using Adobe's Photoshop because Windows ships with MS Paint.
Re:How does the OS matter? (Score:3, Funny)
I think you are underestimating what Microsoft can do with that 90% (desktop) OS market share.
If Apple was able to capture 70% of the digital audio player market by leveraging their 5% OS market share, by my calculations Microsoft should be able to capture 1260% of all DAP sales within five years.
Re:Fear? Ha! (Score:2, Funny)
And its made by microsoft (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Limited playback (Score:2, Funny)