Microsoft announce Zune - their answer to iPod
So, if you can't beat 'em, copy 'em? That seems to be the premise of Microsoft's full-on foray into the world of digital music.
They criticised Apple's massively successful 'closed' iPod/iTunes/iTunes Music Store ecosystem, then tried and failed to effectively compete with their PlaysForSure concept.
So, now Microsoft have seemingly decided the 'closed' platform that has worked for Apple is the way forward for them as well. Hence, 'Zune' - the new media player/software/online store combination they announced last week.
It works pretty much exactly like the iPod - you buy the Zune player, load the Zune software onto your PC and buy music from the Zune Marketplace (online store). It doesn't work with PlaysForSure or anything else, it only works with itself, just like the iPod.
That is a strange choice for Microsoft. They and their partners have been preaching to us that PlaysForSure is so much better than Apple's iPod world because you can buy any PlaysForSure device from the likes of Samsung, Toshiba, Creative, Philips, Archos etc. and buy music from any PlaysForSure online music store such as MTV's URGE, Napster etc. and they will work together. The perfect antithesis of the iPod world.
Zune flies in the face of PlaysForSure, ignoring the concept of interoperability and puts Microsoft in direct competition with their former partners. Most analysts are predicting that it will be these partners that Microsoft steals market share and sales from - not Apple.
So, what of the new Zune device itself? Well, honestly it seems OK, certainly not groundbreaking and I don't think an iPod killer. Not yet anyway. But it does have a few features the iPod is lacking, for example a 3" widescreen display and wireless song sharing abilities. You can share full-length tracks with other Zune users for up to 3 days or 3 plays, whichever comes first, after which they can flag the song for purchase in the Zune Marketplace. You can also share playlists and photos.
But it's also a fair bit heavier and thicker than the recently updated 30GB iPod and supposedly has slightly less battery life.
The Zune specs look like this:
- 30GB hard drive
- QVGA resolution (320 x 240) 3" widescreen display
- WiFi
- Supports h.264, MP3, AAC and WMA
- Built in FM tuner
- Available in white, black and brown
I really think if Microsoft want to break the iPod monopoly, they need to make a leap right over Apple and do something new and innovative. Zune is effectively a (poor?) clone of an iPod and that's not going to win them anything. And they certainly can't let Apple beat them on battery life and physical size.
Of course, there has been no mention yet of pricing and with Apple just lowering the price of the 30GB iPod to $249 / £189 Microsoft will find it hard to compete with Apple's massive buying power and economies of scale.
The reaction of prominent bloggers and industry analysts has been muted as well, most seem to be quite skeptical that Microsoft can make a big impact on Apple.
Microsoft are clearly very serious about Zune, are investing a lot in it and have J Allard, the brains behind the Xbox 360, running the program. My feeling is that this is just the beginning of their move into this space. I expect, like Apple, over time they will introduce more devices that compete more fully in all areas and slowly build their platform up.
Overall I think it's a good thing to have a decent level of competition in this industry. It will also bring the best out of Apple and force them to keep innovating, which can only be a good thing for the consumer.
4 comments:
I think it is different. The 'Closed Ecosystem' takes on a whole new meaning when your OS is on almost every computer in the world, as opposed to the 2-3% of OSX users worldwide.
Plus apparently the Zune store will feature the option of a 'Zune Pass', an unlimited download service for a monthly fee.
It will be interesting to see how this fares against the buy-to-own tracks on the same store.
The problem is, they need a desirable bit of kit first, it's not the best looking thing is it?
jps, firstly thanks for your comments, keep them coming!
The closed system I was referring to was more that you can only use Zune devices with the Zune store, just like you can only use an iPod with the iTunes store.
And of course, iTunes works on both Mac and PC so is available to everyone, whereas Zune will only be available to PC users (which doesn't bother me as a Mac user it has to be said!).
Yes, Zune will have the pass for unlimited downloads I've read, so that will be interesting to see how it fairs against the buy to own.
Though so far, those stores that have offered the subscriptions haven't done so well compared to iTunes but that may be for other reasons i.e. the iPod.
Still, all very interesting!
scb
You are right of course.
I suppose i just found it interesting that the Zune platform can have an even more closed ecosystem than iPod/iTunes, yet with only minimal impact (in terms of users lost).
Apple need Windows users to succeed, whereas in terms of pure numbers, the opposite does not apply.
Of course, numbers is one thing. Will people really choose something this big over an iPod, even for the few extra features which aren't *that* compelling? Like you say, unlikely in the short term.
BTW, I am also a Mac person (whether that stretches to Fanboy-ism I will leave to Skip to decide, it is through him I found this site). Nice work by the way guys...
:) thanks
keep reading and let us know if you've got anything you'd like to see posted!
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