Zune goes on sale in US

After all the talk and build up, Microsoft finally launched the Zune on Tuesday as their challenge to the ubiquitous iPod.

The reviews and comments so far haven't been particularly favourable. It seems odd that Microsoft have released what seems to be such a half-baked product if they truly want to dethrone the iPod.

Most of the reviews so far have picked out the major short-comings of the device as being it's significantly larger size, worse battery life and less attractive design compared with the iPod; the lack of compatibility with the PlaysForSure standard Microsoft has been touting until now; it's lack of integration with the Xbox 360; the lack of video available in the Zune Marketplace; the mixed experiences with the Zune software and perhaps most surprising of all, the fact that the software appears to be incompatible with Windows Vista - Microsoft's own new operating system!

It does have some advantages over the iPod though, like it's built in FM radio, larger screen (although with the same resolution as the iPod) and the ability to share songs wirelessly, albeit with some significant restrictions.

But will it be enough? To truly compete with the iPod it needs to be pretty much perfect; Apple has spent the last 5 years perfecting the iPod and iTunes eco-system and has 3 models to choose from. Zune has just one 30 GB model. For now at least, there's no direct competitor to Apple's nano or shuffle.

If Microsoft can't even get the basics right - small size, excellent industrial design, great software integration and experience - what hope have they got?

The wireless capabilities are pretty much pointless unless there are a lot of other Zunes around and somehow, I think that is going to be highly unlikely - particularly as Microsoft have no current plans to release it outside of the US.

So if you see a Zune, take a picture, I think it's going to be a pretty rare sight.

Tags: microsoft, zune, ipod, apple, review, music, tech, technology, gadget, schmadget, scb

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

The two advantages they have over the iPod, the larger screen and WiFi, I expect Apple are already planning on introducing with the 'true' video iPod that has been so anticipated and much rumoured.

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.

Tags: microsoft, zune, apple, ipod, tech, technology, gadget, schmadget, scb