Zune Review

***Cybergypsy*** · 10-10-2006, 08:59 PM

After having run smack into a Zune beta tester, one AppleInsider correspondent recently had the opportunity to toy with a pre-production unit of the much-hyped iPod rival.

Click Here!
Though the correspondent's session ended abruptly (with the Zune's battery running out of juice), he found the device to be a viable attempt at the iPod with some glaring pitfalls.

Some key take-aways from the hands-on session with Zune follow:

# Operating System: The primary Zune menu includes "Music," "Video," "Photos," a few other typical options, and "Community." Under "Community," there is a submenu with several of options, including one for nearby Zunes (and it appears as if users can also exchange messages with nearby Zune users).

The Zune's software interface is laid out in such a way that it prompts the user to make a selection from a vertically listed main menu. It then displays a horizontal menu across the top of the screen, which comes off as "a bit clunky."

# Mechanics: Zune's circle navigational mechanism is only responsive to clicks and is not scrollable (because Microsoft does not hold the patent on such functionality). "While my fingers intuitively wanted to scroll, I kept having to click up/down/right/left and found this frustrating," the correspondent said.

# Battery: According to the tester provided with the Zune, its battery is far less robust than the iPod's. However, Microsoft has reportedly vouched to make improvements to this area in future versions of the device. Ironically, the battery died during the correspondent's hands-on session.

# Casing: The Zune -- at least in pre-production form -- is enclosed by a "sort of hard rubber (not quite plastic) material" that appears to be somewhat durable. "However, the whole unit was rather thick in my opinion; certainly thicker than our latest iPods," the correspondent said.

# Marketing: Finally, it appears that Microsoft is attempting to swipe a page from Apple's marketing prowess -- on the rear of each Zune, in small inscription on the bottom next to the serial number, is a message: "Hello from Seattle."

Zune, which comes with 30GB of storage, will retail for $249.99 (about 99 cents more than the iPod) when it goes on sale Nov. 14. Similarly, songs will be available for download from Microsoft's Zune Marketplace service for about 99 cents a song, on par with prices at Apple's iTunes.

Although the iPod rival is somewhat bulky and lacking in appeal, analysts believe it is likely to see "some modest success" due to Microsoft's vast resources and its willingness to take a loss with each unit it sells. It's estimated the Redmond, Wash.-based software giant will incur an approximate $50 operating loss on each Zune.

Sources in the far east have indicated that Microsoft hopes to sell as many as 3 million of the devices between Nov. 14 and the time Christmas rolls around in late December.

**atruhondagrl** · 10-10-2006, 09:07 PM

Hmmm... I still don't regret my move to Apple. I love my iPod and I'll buy another soon. Thanks for posting the update, Cybergypsy.

JerrfyLube · 10-10-2006, 09:15 PM

Sounds like another microsoft FLOP to me!! :rolleyes:

BigBucksT · 10-11-2006, 03:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JerrfyLube

Sounds like another microsoft FLOP to me!! :rolleyes:

What recent flops has Microsoft had? When I think of flops, MSFT does not come to mind.

JeShUa · 10-11-2006, 03:43 AM

xbox was a flop at first... the only company that can turn over such a loss...

I love competition.. it makes products so much better...

martinez_josh · 10-11-2006, 05:23 AM

I don't regret getting my ipod either, or switching to mac. I can't wait till I have enough money to get a new macbook

JerrfyLube · 10-11-2006, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigBucksT

What recent flops has Microsoft had? When I think of flops, MSFT does not come to mind.

:gaygiggle Your serious....right??

Every OS they have ever developed comes to mind....

***Jaranath*** · 10-11-2006, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JerrfyLube

:gaygiggle Your serious....right??

Every OS they have ever developed comes to mind....

Well, it kinda depends on your definition of "flop," no?

The Zune's looking to be a decent player, with a few extra features the iPod lacks and little in the way of glaring flaws. But the way those extra features are being implemented, especially the wireless, leave me less than excited...it's not as cool as it could be.

I think they'll need more to dislodge Apple from its throne, or even make a significant dent in their position. Apple has incredible recognition in the market, and are still the "fashionable" choice. I think the market may change before any competitor takes it from Apple. But yes, I agree, "yay competition!"

Just a little nervous to see the "competition" being MS.

liuh · 10-11-2006, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JerrfyLube

:gaygiggle Your serious....right??

Every OS they have ever developed comes to mind....

unless you're using a mac or some *nix based OS, you have no argument.

market share... think about it.

***GameTraveler*** · 10-12-2006, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by liuh

unless you're using a mac or some *nix based OS, you have no argument.

market share... think about it.

here

liuh · 10-12-2006, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GameTraveler

here

Quote:

Originally Posted by that site

U.S. Mac Market Share
1Q 2005: 3.8%
4Q 2005 (AI): 3.5%
1Q 2006 (ZDNet): 3.5%
1Q 2006 (AI): 3.6%

Worldwide Mac Market Share
1Q 2005: 2.2%
1Q 2006 (ZDNet): 2.3%
1Q 2006 (AI): 2.0%

a whole (almost) 4%? looks like more than 90% for Windows. Bashing MS is just a trend, get over it. They are a good company, and Bill Gates has done more for technology than most people will know.

EDIT: internet was screwy

JerrfyLube · 10-12-2006, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by liuh

EDIT: internet was screwy

Using Internet Explorer by any chance?!?!

BigBucksT · 10-13-2006, 01:37 AM

Bullshit. You cannot call MSFT's operating systems a flop at all. They have generated more money for this company than they ever imagined. The XBOX is NOT a flop at all and has never been. Every video game maker loses money at first. The money comes later on in the product cycle when margins are greater and streamlined production keeps cost low. MSFT has really never had a flop. Everything they make sells in great numbers. Some of you guys have no clue what you are talking about.

It will take the Zune years to catch up to the IPOD. If MSFT sells 1 million units next year I guarantee they will be happy.

BTW Sony is losing over $350 on every PS3 manufactured.

JerrfyLube · 10-13-2006, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigBucksT

BTW Sony is losing over $350 on every PS3 manufactured.

Considering the sticker price, that is HIGHLY unlikely.... :rolleyes:

BigBucksT · 10-13-2006, 01:48 AM

http://news.com.com/PlayStation+3+co...3-6042226.html

My figure factors in roughly halfway between the $500 one and the $600 one.

BigBucksT · 10-13-2006, 01:50 AM

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6144600.html

Here's another.

liuh · 10-13-2006, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JerrfyLube

Considering the sticker price, that is HIGHLY unlikely.... :rolleyes:

nope, it's true, they ARE losing money on every console. Most companies have been losing money their consoles for a while now, they make it back in games.

***Jaranath*** · 10-13-2006, 10:53 AM

Like I said...I think it depends on your definition of "flop."

JerrfyLube · 10-15-2006, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by liuh

unless you're using a mac or some *nix based OS, you have no argument.

market share... think about it.

Mac....although i suffer through windows XP every day at work...

Corpsman · 10-16-2006, 12:21 AM

Money is not made from the sale of the XBOX or PS3, it is made from liscensing for the games and accessories.

10-10-2006, 08:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
*Cybergypsy* Resident Caraholic Join Date: Apr 2006 Age: 48 Posts: 8,101 iTrader: 3 / 100%	Zune Review After having run smack into a Zune beta tester, one AppleInsider correspondent recently had the opportunity to toy with a pre-production unit of the much-hyped iPod rival. Click Here! Though the correspondent's session ended abruptly (with the Zune's battery running out of juice), he found the device to be a viable attempt at the iPod with some glaring pitfalls. Some key take-aways from the hands-on session with Zune follow: # Operating System: The primary Zune menu includes "Music," "Video," "Photos," a few other typical options, and "Community." Under "Community," there is a submenu with several of options, including one for nearby Zunes (and it appears as if users can also exchange messages with nearby Zune users). The Zune's software interface is laid out in such a way that it prompts the user to make a selection from a vertically listed main menu. It then displays a horizontal menu across the top of the screen, which comes off as "a bit clunky." # Mechanics: Zune's circle navigational mechanism is only responsive to clicks and is not scrollable (because Microsoft does not hold the patent on such functionality). "While my fingers intuitively wanted to scroll, I kept having to click up/down/right/left and found this frustrating," the correspondent said. # Battery: According to the tester provided with the Zune, its battery is far less robust than the iPod's. However, Microsoft has reportedly vouched to make improvements to this area in future versions of the device. Ironically, the battery died during the correspondent's hands-on session. # Casing: The Zune -- at least in pre-production form -- is enclosed by a "sort of hard rubber (not quite plastic) material" that appears to be somewhat durable. "However, the whole unit was rather thick in my opinion; certainly thicker than our latest iPods," the correspondent said. # Marketing: Finally, it appears that Microsoft is attempting to swipe a page from Apple's marketing prowess -- on the rear of each Zune, in small inscription on the bottom next to the serial number, is a message: "Hello from Seattle." Zune, which comes with 30GB of storage, will retail for $249.99 (about 99 cents more than the iPod) when it goes on sale Nov. 14. Similarly, songs will be available for download from Microsoft's Zune Marketplace service for about 99 cents a song, on par with prices at Apple's iTunes. Although the iPod rival is somewhat bulky and lacking in appeal, analysts believe it is likely to see "some modest success" due to Microsoft's vast resources and its willingness to take a loss with each unit it sells. It's estimated the Redmond, Wash.-based software giant will incur an approximate $50 operating loss on each Zune. Sources in the far east have indicated that Microsoft hopes to sell as many as 3 million of the devices between Nov. 14 and the time Christmas rolls around in late December. __________________ I would rather be judged by 12, than carried by six!

10-10-2006, 09:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
atruhondagrl Brodie Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Near the escalator Posts: 24,181 iTrader: 23 / 100%	Hmmm... I still don't regret my move to Apple. I love my iPod and I'll buy another soon. Thanks for posting the update, Cybergypsy. __________________ AWD is RWD with training wheels.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Marc's Sedan Review	marc-o-lishuz	Civic Coupe And Sedan	15	06-26-2008 01:23 PM
Civic Type-S review	torres	Civic Coupe And Sedan	21	11-04-2007 01:47 AM
Ludacris - Release Therapy review	NightKidsGTR	Movies & Music Reviews	8	09-21-2006 08:33 PM
Lionel Richie - Coming Home review	NightKidsGTR	Movies & Music Reviews	0	09-14-2006 03:13 AM
Beyonce- B'Day review	NightKidsGTR	Movies & Music Reviews	0	08-28-2006 07:27 PM

10-10-2006, 09:15 PM	#3 (permalink)
JerrfyLube Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Cheyenne, WY Age: 26 Posts: 282 Jeff iTrader: 0 / 0%	Sounds like another microsoft FLOP to me!! :rolleyes:

10-11-2006, 03:43 AM	#5 (permalink)
JeShUa Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 13,275 i can has lower? iTrader: 12 / 100%	xbox was a flop at first... the only company that can turn over such a loss... I love competition.. it makes products so much better...

10-11-2006, 05:23 AM	#6 (permalink)
martinez_josh Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Albuquerque NM Age: 21 Posts: 327 Josh iTrader: 0 / 0%	I don't regret getting my ipod either, or switching to mac. I can't wait till I have enough money to get a new macbook

10-13-2006, 01:37 AM	#13 (permalink)
BigBucksT Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Orange County Posts: 338 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Bullshit. You cannot call MSFT's operating systems a flop at all. They have generated more money for this company than they ever imagined. The XBOX is NOT a flop at all and has never been. Every video game maker loses money at first. The money comes later on in the product cycle when margins are greater and streamlined production keeps cost low. MSFT has really never had a flop. Everything they make sells in great numbers. Some of you guys have no clue what you are talking about. It will take the Zune years to catch up to the IPOD. If MSFT sells 1 million units next year I guarantee they will be happy. BTW Sony is losing over $350 on every PS3 manufactured.

10-13-2006, 01:48 AM	#15 (permalink)
BigBucksT Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Orange County Posts: 338 iTrader: 0 / 0%	http://news.com.com/PlayStation+3+co...3-6042226.html My figure factors in roughly halfway between the $500 one and the $600 one.

10-13-2006, 01:50 AM	#16 (permalink)
BigBucksT Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Orange County Posts: 338 iTrader: 0 / 0%	http://www.gamespot.com/news/6144600.html Here's another.

10-13-2006, 10:53 AM	#18 (permalink)
*Jaranath* 8 arms and a beak Join Date: Nov 2005 Age: 32 Posts: 861 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Like I said...I think it depends on your definition of "flop."

10-16-2006, 12:21 AM	#20 (permalink)
Corpsman Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 590 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Money is not made from the sale of the XBOX or PS3, it is made from liscensing for the games and accessories.