Zune unboxed on camera
By Ryan Block 
posted October 3rd 2006 2:22PM
posted October 3rd 2006 2:22PM
We kind of wish Microsoft would stop putting their best foot forward with the marketing peeps on Zune, and instead let the product stand on its own. Having Chris Stephenson get on camera for CBS and say stuff like "brown is the new black is the new white," and "welcome to the social -- that's one of our key lines" smacks a mite bit disingenuous and wanton, but at very least they learned their lesson about package design from that internal video of theirs -- we're going to miss the "excessively human" marketing materials with "shelf presence" that "communicates the richness of the product." Ah well, one less surprise to look forward to when we finally get our hands on a unit.
[Thanks, lt.milo]
Im trying to pretend that you people arent bashing microsoft for their box. Im really trying.
There's no pleasing the Apple fanboys.
You a new color, they say it sucks and declare that Apple will come out with something better.
Microsoft "copies" a box idea and you take a shit on their head.
Figure out what you want already.
So Zune wasn't really created to compete with the IPOD, it was made soley to P*ss off the fanboys and keep them awake at night posting to boards to secure their place in Apple heaven? I used to think that the competition would be good leading to lower prices, but now i'm just waiting for the stories of apple gangs waiting outside retail outlets to mug zune buyers in the name of purety. I try not to post negetivly but this is rediculous.
I agree with the comments that Apple would not be around without Microsoft-
But that said, Microsoft would not be what it is without Apple. Period.
oooooooohhhhweeeee,
You made some very valid points, but I don't think there was any need to resort to such language, although I can't see how else you can convey your message to someone who is too blind to see that the Zune is indeed better than the Ipod in everyway possible, except for cosmetics which us techies don't really care about right?
-I mean the Zune does beat Ipod in the number of features it has to offer, but the scroll wheel is nice. but there are those who like the basic click wheel. To simply not like the Zune because of its "look" is ridiculious, I mean you dont buy things just so that other people approve how its looks, unless you really do care that much.
Wow, you iPod fanboys are absolutely scared to death! This is hilarious!!
Um Did you um see the um video um about the um Zune. I found that people are really um looking for a um brown iPod. Um.
I like the smooth interface and package looks simple which is good is todays world. I'll stick with my iRiver Clix for now, until next year when they release smaller flash versions, zune phones, zune cameras, zune laptops, zune shoes, zune motorcycles, zune tv's, zune speakers, zune central air conditioners, zune microwaves...
I have a feeling the Zune will do as well MS Origami, which was over hyped & fell flat on its face........
Chris Wray; Apple would not even exist with Gates and poor ol bitter sould Jobs knows it.
Eric; apologies if any language offended you - I was kinna thinking out loud if you get my drift.
My point was to drown out the Applettes hating simply cos they love Apple Corp... for no reason that my mind can fathom or grasp. It's a copycat company name with copycat products, but yet scream innovation every chance they get. It's just ridiculous. My house mate works at Apple Store in London and he's like a member of a frickin cult or something... pathetic. I enjoy, every day, just putting him into the ground about how lame he is; call me a bully but maybe that's the MS in me...
Point is; Corps are Corps, any misconception that these Corps are cool is a sign of real f*ck*n stupidity; especially a fake cool brand like Apple.
Jesus, why do u people care so much, they are only mp3 players. You guys seem to be so loyal on it just because you have bought one of their products and liked it alot. Fanboys? Wtf, for electronics. It doesn't really matter if all you want is music and video. If the device that you bought does that, then why do u hate on other people just because they are backing up their own thing. I bought an ipod nano, but thats because it is really small and i could now bring my "music" anywhere I want. And this person that is talking about fucking Steve Jobs being a 9 year old bitch, wtf, he is a smart business man that is only after making money, just like Bill Gates and everyone else out there that owns a corporation. Fucking even Jerry Springer isn't such as dumbass as he seems. He is making alot of money, and that is the whole point of his job. I don't even believe that Bill or Steve feel like they like their products so much, that gave them inspiration and shit to make it. They do it because they want money and thats what they both are doing. And as for the Zune's packaging saying Welcome to the Social, that is sad honestly. Because if you truly are social, you share your headphones or your mp3 player with your friend, not "transfer" the song then you both listen to music and be on your way. This is exactly like kids trying to be social with their gameboy colors way back when we all used link cables. And why do you people care so much about packaging, if its a good package then be happy. It's still better than the cardboard boxes that are used on thinkpads and toshibas, and they weren't so bad either. If the iPod and the Zune cost the same price, then get one of them and that's it. Also, if the new iPod Video has a brighter screen and the same resolution as the Zune, then there's no difference between them, only that the Zune has a larger screen. Who watches movies on the go anyway, and Microsoft trying to be social, with all their consumers with their heads down watching a movie, that is less social if you ask me. When the new iPod comes out, it would probably be better than the Zune since it came out later on, then the Microsoft would have to create a new version of the Zune, then the war rages on. Go to bestbuy on November 17, check out the iPod and the Zune, if you like one of them, buy it, hell, also check out all the other fine mp3 players such as Creative and IRiver and such.
Thank you Apple fanboys for making my preorder purchase of the Zune even better. I can't wait to be carrying this thing down NYC while everybody and their dog has their amazing iPod. Wheter you want it to happen or not, people are going to notice this device. If the buyer is looking for a sleek device, they'll stick with their iPod. If they're looking for something that offers more than the iPod is nearly everything, they'll go for the Zune. It's their choice. Also about the package, it looks nice. Just admit it, seriously, it looks nice.
I find this quite entertaining to be honest. We have the loyal Fanboys on both sides, the Rebels that hates the iPod because of its popularity, (yet they will buy into this social Zune), The Bullies that feel it's their duty to get at the Fanboys, and The Ghandi peace types.
At least wait for version 2 rebels, don't get duped by marketing.....Creative has much better players.
Microsoft should have waited until the form factor was thin enough to compete with the latest generation of ipod videos as well as the fabled widescreen video ipod.
Zune is just a temporary solution to stem the Ipod monolith! Later, it will just give into the pressures.
visit me at:
mujweb.cz/kultura/kobiata
kobiata.blogspot.com
myspace.com/kobiata
I'm neutral on the Zune vs. iPod debate, but I do know I'm going to get sick of another month of this hype.
In fact, I'd tune out of Engadget altogether if I wasn't for the consoles coming around the same time.
Hey Engadget, less Zune/iPod, more Wii please!
"I thought that real nerds were antisocial".
Nerds are very social amongst themselves, at least sometimes.
I would just like to address the obvious paid Microsoft shills in the room for a second:
You people should be ashamed of yourselves, you're no better than mindless machines, being paid to spread untruths and deliberately fool people with opinions that are not your own. You disgust me.
And a note to Microsoft:
You are not fooling very many people with this scheme. The people you have paid in this forum are bushleague astroturfers, I can see them from a mile away. "I for one am excited about the buzz on campus regarding this innovative product and or service." Please! Microsoft, this shit is making you look bad.
Hahahahaha, you guys lowest ranked me because I told you to get off Apple's dick. Wow, talk about fanboys. Love you guys ;-*.
I conclude- the day Apple announces the next "Xbox-killer" is the day I jump off my high horse.
HEY Guys,
this is only a iPod Clone !!
Look at it!
Itsboring to talk about :-(
Can you not use this thing with one hand? Why is it everytime a video is posted the need two hands to use this or the entire thing shakes and nearly falls out of their hand? Is the unscroll wheel to low? Screen to big? and that interface is soooooo slooow!!! Come on RCA make something with fur on it.
Jack:
This is your quote:
You people should be ashamed of yourselves, you're no better than mindless machines, being paid to spread untruths and deliberately fool people with opinions that are not your own. You disgust me.
The irony is that THIS EXACT SENTENCE could be used to describe the Apple Cultboys (except maybe for the pay part) too.
Oh...and since you are attacking someones' vocation...what is YOUR job that is so valuable to the future of humanity? (Putting extra pickles on those burgers doesn't count).
Disclaimer: I am neither purchasing a Zune or an iPod...both are too restrictive for me. However, it is good for the consumer to have another choice in the vertically integrated portable entertainment market as that will push innovation and lower costs for all of us, including Apple Fanboys AND Microsoft Fanboys.
M$ is offering you counterfeit goods and a counterfeit experience - simple as. I really don't understand why more people, americans especially, don't see how incredible Apple as a company is. They created the Mac - M$ counterfeited it and got 90% of the planet to settle for 'second best' and so Apple created 'Ipod' and M$ is just repeating history by counterfeiting it again and more than likely over the next 5-10 years 90% of the planet will once again settle for 'second best'.
Really all this prooves is that 90% of the world is happy with mediocre and m$ is simply cashing in on it's talent for mass marketing medicrity.
So Apple made the Mac, and Windows copied? Didnt Apple copy Xerox - didnt Bill Gates pay to save Apple from complete extinction? Didn't Jobs say Apple would never use Intel? Isn't a MAC a fully fledged PC now? Didn't iPod copy other hardware MP3 players? Aren't Apple copying MS with their phone? Aren't Apple coppying MS with the new iTunes? Don't all Corps copy from one another? Isn't MS, in fact, one of / if not the most impressive Corp in history? Doesn't Bill Gates do more for charity than any of his peers? I don't get this 'MS is an evil CORP' idea.. I just don't get it - MS is ruthless through and through with regard business; I grant you but jeeeez! people. Give it a rest. Apple are not the innovators you sheep seem to believe.. not by a long shot - in fact they haven't atually innovated anything in the truest sense of the word.
I think Zune player looks dont match iPod, but you guys bashing the features are lame - you have an iPod that in reality has not really improved since gen 1. Kinna sad and not really an indication of innovation if you ask me. I actually like MS; as a Corp, and Gates as a man - but I acknowledge Apple's design savvy approach. End of the day - they're computers - and they're music players.
Get - over - it: especially you Apple fanboys - you're completely deluded
lol watch the video again: the worlds first TWO HANDED mp3 player! The fake wheel is too low down to balance the thing in 1 hand! Now that's innovation.
And watch when he presses a button: he has time to smoke a cigarette before the click registers on the screen!
And that's why I love Microsoft folks. If they can get it wrong they will! It's part of their DNA!
waddo
I'm actually glad that Microsoft made the Zune. You know why, they have just introduced a new feature into mp3 players. Then Apple and all the other companies would see how this works out, and they would all incorporate it into their own devices. This is why competition is good for the consumers. Not only that we get lower prices but also we get new features which are just copies of someone elses idea. And btw, Steve Jobs isn't retarded lol. He knows that every other mp3 player has a voice recorder and radio, but hes just doens't want it in his devices. The ipod was out for five years, don't you expect if he wanted to put an fm radio into the ipod he would have? Rumour sites such as endadget were mentioning that the true ipod would have wifi for a year now. So if Apple finally adds it into their device, its not copying Microsoft just because they did it first.
If you think about it, Apple would release a new ipod by around two or three months, this has happened before with Apple products. When apple was planning to make a video ipod, they released a "iPod Photo" just before they released the video version. Three months later, the ipod photo was considered obsolete. History is repeating itself with the introduction of the new brighter screens and longer battery life ipod videos. I wouldn't be suprised if Apple releases the true ipod right on January 1. So all the parents that have annoying little kids who want the ipod, they would buy the one out right now. They would enjoy it for a week, and the BAM! new ipod. Many people I know were screwed over by Apple products. Just look at the imac lol.
Mr. Pattman
you live in a strange world where you think a product upgrade = a company screwing it's customers. How would things work in your ideal world?
Perhaps, when Apple announce an upgrade they should also say, "But in 6 months we will have a new model with x y and z features." Mmm, great plan. So every one waits and other companies know what to expect! And then when that model is released again their will be a disclosure about the next upgrade. And again every one decides to wait!
Mr. Pattman I can see why you don't run Apple! In fact the world according to Pattman would have no economy at all. Still, at least Apple wouldn't be screwing us! Right?
LOL
Keep up the good work
waddo
http://www.waddo.net/
Wow Wadoo.
Time crawl out of the hole. I know plenty of people who have stopped buying iPods because their upgraded so damn frequently. Six months after you buy one, there is a new marginally better model out. It's a sack of bullshit, and people feel the need to buy a new one. If Apple doesn't start to treat their customers with respect, I suspect that they will start losing them. It's a sleazy scam that most people haven't caught on to yet. It's only a matter of time until people smarten up. By then everyone will realize that when everybody and their mother has an iPod it's no longer cool. Coupled with the fact that iTunes 7 is a piece of crap software, people will move to other PMPs.
iPods are underfeatured and overpriced. The only thing mildly interesting is the scroll wheel. That's the simple truth, and if you can't accept that...tough shit. You can sit around playing with your iPod while waiting for it to turn retro cool in 2020.
Is that a Zune in your pocket or are you just glad to meet me?
Mr. Cody S.
Yes it's too bad people aren't as smart as you. maybe some day they will smarten up, as you say. And when they get smart like you will they use vulgar language to perfect strangers?
Get back to me in six months when Microsoft release an upgrade to the Zune showing no "respect" for their customers also!
Oh, by the way, I don't have an iPod but my wife has one. It's a first generation actually. You see it plays music like when she bought it. I'd say people who always crave the latest of anything have some mild psychological problems. Oh, no, I forgot, they just need to smarten up! And it's all Apples fault!
cheers
waddo
http://www.waddo.net/
My lovely battered* photo iPod is a welcome part of my life. I'll buy the 'latest and greatest' model when it dies, much as i would buy a new puppy to ease the pain and reduce the duration of tears when an old canine family member dies (That's not to say I would shed tears over a lost iPod). If this sounds weird/flippant/anthropomorphicsism (sic) gone wrong, then don't persue marketing as a career.
The point that this entire torrid discussion misses is that Microsoft don't appear to be copying the aspects of the iPod that make it ubiquitous. Brown is a good move. it's emotive, defining and appeals to the new-technologyretro-association sensibility inherent in human interaction with devices.
The box is the result of the (apparently) internal Microsoft memo to 'fix' it's packaging design.
'gestalt' matters (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gestalt_psychology), however, and it is for this reason that the zune is doomed.
no deal.
To finish my stream of thought, the zune feels like a photocopy. I'm not saying that it copies the iPod. To copy the iPod would require an inspired redefinition of the PMP market. This is merely a facsimile of some of the design choices that Apple arrived at, by default(!) according to Apples design principles/theory.
*the scratched veneer and a couple of dents add personable character.
Language is language. Words are used to get the point across, it was nice of you however to divert the attention away from apple momentarily.
Microsoft may very well release a new product in six months. Microsoft has a valid reason to do so! They are currently affiliated with Toshiba and will probably go 100% first party sometime in late 07.
When Apple "upgrades" the iPod it's actually a downgrade.
Why the hell did apple take a step backward with the Nano and make it the regular scratch prone surface? Apple must have done some Q/A testing before they sent the product out for resale...or did they?
I had mine the first week it came out. I carried it around in my pocket for about two weeks. I did no major jumping or falling of any kind. I take a look at my Nano and it's scratched up worse than a teenage girl in a cat fight. However I take a look at my friends Mini that she's had for awhile and it's nearly spotless. That is absolutely absurd, and Apple only righted the issue mere weeks ago. Nearly every single kid at my school who has an iPod has a case for it. Apple is FORCING you to buy a case if you want to keep your iPod is respectable condition.
I can understand why you don't understand the pressure to get a new iPod. You have a wife and are probably no longer in high school.
Get back to me when YOU are in an environment with Apple's target audience for 6 and half hours a day.
Ignorance is bliss, no?
You don't need two hands.
http://on10.net/Blogs/duncan/zune-walkthrough/
I love the last part of that video: he suggests you keep your old mp3 player so you can listen to your "playsforsure" songs and buy a zoom for its "compelling" experience. That sounds like a very good idea having two players! You could keep the zune for weekends maybe!
Oh, and how many times did they say the word 'cool?" Now I'm far from an expert on cool, but it seems to me if you keep needing to say it, well your not it.
waddo
You're right. Too bad iPods can't do that either.
That's a lot of work for a box, that's really only seen once.
http://www.onestopzuneshop.com
I'm slightly disturbed that pretty much any comment by someone who says something positive about the Zune or says they want one is at the "Lowest Ranked" level...
With that said, I doubt I'll get one. If I did, it'd be mainly for watching videos on the larger screen, but its battery life for that probably isn't too hot, plus I have a PSP for that already.
I personally think the Zune won't make much of an impact, and the iPod'll still be the market leader. I've got an iPod, and I like it; it's easy to use and it's just fine for me. And no, I'm not an Apple fanboy (big Windows XP user here). I don't really care at all for the fanboy silliness in both camps.
Fuck all you Microsoft ass blazers. That shit zune is only like 30g and its much bigger than an 80g ipod. All they did to make the screen biger was make the player bigger. I bett zune's battery life is like 3 hours for music, even less with wifi. At least the newer ipods play music for like 20 hours.
Also itunes doesnt suck. Windows media player sucks. It stole my $12 and never gave me an album. Also,in widows media player, I can never find any of my songs. Search takes like an hour and doesnt work. Windows media player put all of my songs in hundreds of differnt folders that are impossible to find. Some songs are even in hidden files. What the fuck! If Microsoft wanted to make a MP3 player, they should have done it 5 years ago.
If you buy a zune, you might as well buy one for all your friends. If no one else has a zune, you cant share songs. Besides who wants to share songs. It takes for fucking ever and you can only listen to them 3 times.
Also, zune has no scroll wheel. Using a directional pad sucks. At leastt some other MP3 players besides the ipod have a inovative scroll design.
Steve Ballmer recently said that he can touch you in multiple places as well as one big place before he squirts you some shit.
Plus no gapless playback for zune. That sucks. Fuck Microsft for making product that are copies of apple. Why anyone buys them, I don't know. Maybe it is because the world is cheep and wwouldent dare spend more then 500$ on a new computer. fuck them. Apple had cheaper computers, but their good computers kick ass.
Mindows vista is really OSX
Windows vista is a minor upgrade that has taken 5 years to roll out. All they did was ad clear window frames and a new interface to hid the pieces of shit underneath. At least leopard has new features, lots of them.
http://www.apple.com/macosx/leopard/index.html
FUCK ZUNE AND MICROSOFT!
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Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer are not people I trust with products. (its fine bill gates gives away his money)
Here is why
Steve Ballmer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nc4MzqBFxZE
Bill Gates:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II1Z7B5KQkM
It's kinda funny. Everytime there is a news about zune or ipods or macs you can read tons of messages that end up in nothing.
It's boring. Wheter reading the apple "fanboys" or the ms "employees". sucks, guys. Get a life. Both of you.
Well I don't know if anyone has said this yet, but here's my feedback about the brown and green color. I believe the Zune designers were all sitting around a table picking their noses, and, well, I'll let you fill in the rest.
"Zune is a very exiting product. There's already a buzz going on about this MP3 player on campus and how could there not be. Clearly Microsoft has paid great attention to detail here in providing a superb experience both inside and out. I have a feeling Zune will be the "in" thing this holiday season."
-posted by Microsoft ... how transparent can you get