Influential A-list (former) Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) blogger Robert Scoble last week wrote a comparison between the iPod and his former employer's much talked-about music player Zune, with is slated to launch November 14. In his blog, the Scobleizer uses his teenage son as a sounding board to see if this device will be culturally embraced as the iPod has been over the last five years. He and and his son both felt that although Zune may have some distinguishable characteristics, there is not a single killer feature that will blow the reigning king out of the water.
He reasons that nothing he showed his son Patrick about the Zune really interested him. If anything, it seems as if it deterred him, e.g., imagine being in grade school, with peer pressure and all, and showing up with Zune? As Robert put it, "Apple has set such a high bar (in marketing) that I doubt Microsoft can even get close."
As a college student, I see that the iPod has been so thoroughly integrated into our daily routines, e.,g., sports practice, parties and around the campus, it's a long shot that Zune will dethrone the iPod. Even Mr. Scoble, an ex-Microsofter admits that! Will it grab some market share? That's the hope in Redmond.
Closing Bell: Economic Catapult for Thanksgiving & Black Friday (WMT, TGT, GRMN, GOOG, MSFT)
Deere up on Q4 earnings performance
Reid Hoffman: LinkedIn will go public (at some point)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-30-2006 @ 7:08AM
Zune-Online.com said...
Zune brings the social factor with (still limited) Wifi feature. I believe this is going to make the difference if it gets used correctly by Microsoft, for example adding podcast features, a more open sharing attitude, Wifi PC sync and internet access.
This interview of Matt Jubelirer is a must see. 40 minutes answering questions...
You can find highlights with snapshots we got from it on our site here:
http://www.zune-online.com/news/latest/zune-product-manager-interview-higlights.html
-- Zune-Online.com
10-30-2006 @ 9:29AM
Rohit said...
I rather give Zune a chance than pre judge them. Remember its going to be a long time strategy. MS has already said they are thinking about 5 years to make Zune a success and 5 years is a long time. I dont think anyone with an iPod is going to move to Zune on day one, but someone buying a new PMP might. MS will try to expand the market rather than take on iPod head on.
10-30-2006 @ 12:30PM
Roxx said...
Zune doesnt have to win. All it has to do is take market share. And that it will do. Did you see the size of that screen? You can actually SEE stuff.
Personally, think they should have given it away with the full price purchase of an XBox 360 and a couple of games. But, regardless...
11-14-2006 @ 12:50AM
MaulerX said...
Built in Wifi and unlimited downloads for $14.99 a month is what's doing it for me. See comparison chart: (http://www.zunescene.com/comparison/). The Zune does not have to win anything. Something to consider is the 6 million (by years end) Xbox360 owners who will have full, seamless, wireless connectivity to with the Zune and the ability to use their Xbox Live market place points to download music. The Zune is poised to make a dent.
11-01-2006 @ 9:48AM
Crawdad said...
The WiFi may not be powerful at launch, but it will only expand from there. Zune's subscription model makes a lot of sense to me - at least from how it's described at Zunerama's faq.
There's a lot to like about Zune, and with it the same price as the 30GB iPod, I see little reason to choose the 30GB iPod over the 30GB Zune. Why pay extra for the iPod name, and for an FM accessory when it's already built in to Zune?
11-16-2006 @ 3:46AM
Steffie Broer said...
I know I would give Zune a chance. I trust in what Microsoft gives their customers. But there is this issue of familiarity. I don't think it will outsell iPOD. I personally would buy it if offers the same features (and then some) as the iPOD. And if it's sold at a significantly cheaper price. But I think iPOD will still be number one for a long time.