Review roundup: Pogue and Mossberg on the Zune experience
By Evan Blass 
posted November 9th 2006 2:39PM
posted November 9th 2006 2:39PM
Specifically, each of these esteemed reviewers found the Zune lacking in terms of portability ("The Zune looks big and blocky, sort of like a prototype for a gadget, rather than a finished product," said Mossberg), battery life (less than the iPod's, or even Microsoft's own claims), and content selection (there are currently no movies, TV shows, or podcasts available on the Zune Marketplace, although a last-minute deal with Universal does bulk up the offerings somewhat). Furthermore, Zune's one potential "iPod-killing" feature -- music sharing over WiFi -- is judged to be a complete dud; instead of truly helping the consumer discover new music, Pogue opines that "you can't shake the feeling that it's all just a big plug for Microsoft's music store." Mossberg goes on to knock the Marketplace's point system -- you can only buy points in $5 blocks -- and both gentlemen lament the dearth of accessories and the perceived "screw you" to all parties who have already invested in the PlaysForSure microcosm.
So, is there nothing positive to say about the ol' Zune? Of course not: the device gets high marks for its smooth syncing, polished GUI, intuitive navigation, ability to dock with an Xbox 360, and solid build quality. The problem is, these niceties don't outweigh the missing or frustrating features -- so although it may be a decent player on its own merits, it falls far short in the inevitable comparisons to Apple's darling. Still, we're reminded once again that this is only the first generation of Microsoft's entry into portable audio hardware, and like so many other products from Redmond, it promises to only get better with time.
Read- Pogue
Read- Mossberg
"they're complaining about the dearth of accessories for a device which hasn't even shipped yet? Come ON."
This is a huge plus for iPod if you're someone who's in the market for a new MP3 player - why should I care that Zune is new? What, should I trust Microsoft that they won't dump this device just as they dumped PlaysForSure and that maybe in a year I will be able to buy that RF-controlled dock that fits just perfectly with my stereo? Be real, only MS-apologists would see this as a non-issue.
"I'm gonna be blunt - who cares about PlayForSure - why should I, as a consumer, care if Microsoft's shafting other media players - if I don't own one."
See above, I'd feel squeemish that MS might decide to drop it again in a year or two and I'd be stuck with a dead-end technology. Sure, PlaysForSure stores still work with my existing player, just like my Beta VCR can still play my Beta tapes.
"The DRM issues for beaming is also over hyped."
Except MS is selling that one feature as THE reason to own Zune, from their slogan to their TV ads.
"It might surprise Mossberg and Pogue (and many of the iPod/Apple groupies here) - but for some of us, that feature ALONE makes the Zune desirable."
Until Apple comes out with a bigger screen in a better form-factor - what's Zune got left then?
I've got plenty more at http://slavior.blogspot.com/2006/11/few-unnoticed-zune-foibles.html
My feeling is that the Zune will steal market share away from the other DAP manufacturers out there rather than having a huge impact on Apple. I would say that most existing ipod users won't switch because they lose all their music and would have to buy it again.
Im my opinion it may lead to a two horse race in the market, MS and Apple and the rest will be bit players or driven out of the market. I guess we just have to wait and see. So it may lead to reduced competition in the market possibly.
I own a 5G ipod purely for music and don't need any of the other features like playing movies and such. In that regard it is perfect for me. The only other cool feature of the ipod which I really love is the fact that I can download digital pics from my camera and then reuse the memory card for more photos. Brilliant when travelling overseas. Does anyone know if the Zune has this functionality?
Mossberg is okay but I didn't realize that anybody took the cartoonishly brainless Pogue seriously! That's funny.
Zune isn't even remotely aimed at either one of these creaky old guys and MS isn't expecting to win over any fanbois as they have said repeatedly. A far more relevant review would come from giving it to a bunch of 15 year olds for a week.
ultimately, it's up to the public to decide...
and if MS is serious about taking on something as established as Apples iPod, then common sense would kick in soon after they notice their lovely zunes gathering dust on the shelves and tell them, "SUCK LESS."
over time, we'll just have to see whether MS really has the balls and brains to take down iPor. for now, i'll go Creative...
Hey hello9000, funny you should say, "give it to a bunch of 15 year olds..." Well I went to a panel in San Jose a couple weeks ago where they did just that (but for only 2 hours and it included both High School and College Students). They asked them what they thought about this and that. All were in agreement with this statement: "Why? The iPod does exactly what we want, it's cool, and I have bought a lot of music on iTunes." They went on to talk about technology in general, mobile phones, computers, internet, advertising, etc. Do you know what over half of them said was interesting? Helio.
Hmmm......
From your tone it sounds like you are assuming I'm a big fan of the Zune or something which is totally incorrect. The device is all crippled potential. I'm not buying one and I don't know what kids are going to think of it, my only point was that the buzzards reviewing it here aren't remotely in MS target market.
You said that "all agreed with this statement"... which to me, sounds like you provided that statement for them to agree with? Is this correct? I've done focus groups to and have learned that doing that assures that it means nothing in the real world. On the other hand, 2 hours seems like the amount of time you would still love the device not having come up on its restrictions the way you would over 2 weeks.
It is interesting that they have all bought a "lot of music on iTunes" which the average iTunes owner has decidedly...not done. I work in a design studio where there are a lot of under 25 kids who never buy music anymore. Ever. It is almost totally foreign concept.
I challenge them on it all the time but instead they just DL each other's collections without a thought. It makes me believe that some sort Commons system is the only viable way forward. I never buy DRM music but I'm glad the kids in San Jose are are at least buying something. I can see Helio being much more their speed. That's why eventually we will have an iPhone.
Pogue says Zune doesn't have the "coolness" of the iPod.
In other words, "All of my friends will think I'm a hipster if I show up with my iPod. They won't talk to me if I don't"
That's integrity in journalism, folks. Stuck in the seventh grade.
It wasn't a focus group, it was a panel discussion in front of an audience of about 300 people. The group of kids were from all around the Western US and the company that put it on flew them in for the panel discussion. I was in the audience, so no I didn't not lead them into saying anything and the panel itself wasn't strictly about the Zune but technology targeted at the student market. They were simply asked what they thought of the Zune and not one of them said they would have purchased one given the opportunity. The quote I gave was just a summation of the overall feeling of the group of students.
As for your feelings about zune, I didn't think you were a zune fan at all. What you were saying about giving it to kids in the target market struck a chord with me, as I had just witnessed an event with this device and the target market that you brought up.
Yeah right, “and like so many other products from Redmond, it promises to only get better with time” give me a break!!! I’ve been using DOS 3 for decades and every time M$ releases the next version of Windows, it gets worse!!!! I won't buy it but I can’t wait for the next Zune soon, LOL!!
Is this site a M$ troll or what?
Oh the amount of people 'giving support' to Microsoft just because their history shows a tendency to crush competitors is so defeatist. Look at the actual product. Does it do what you want? Then buy it.
Does it meet your needs? Then buy it.
Will it ever meet my needs?
1) native USB mass storage drag-n-drop to take it to any computer and share tracks with (both upload and download), without the hassle of restrictive and inconvenient added software? No. It never will, because Microsoft insist on restricting the Zune device with restrictive Zune software and only on their platform: XP and Vista.
2) will it ever play FLAC and Ogg Vorbis files? No. Because they are open source, superior, and compete with Microsoft's craptastic Digital Rights Restricted, high-royalty formats.
3) does it play Divx/Xvid video? No. Microsoft insist on their own format becoming the standard.
Neither the iPod or the Zune are open or cutting-edge. Comparing these two products to me is like comparing bottom-of-the-barrel products in any industry when the industry leaders are those with NO TIES and NO BACKROOM DEALS TO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY. They are the ones driving the digital audio player market, and they are being ignored by popular media. Cowon and many others are a typical example.
But again, it all comes down to your wants/needs.n If Zune does what you do and you don't care for this stuff, by all means, buy it! If iPod does, and you like being tied to iTunes software, by all means, buy it!
For my needs, Microsoft, no matter HOW big it gets, will not satisfy my needs, because Microsoft has consistently pushed its own formats, tied-in products that have no business being tied-in, and consistently pushed its own agenda...despite the fact that 'improvements' to stability and whatnot were made through the (long) years...they will never change their business attitude unless forced to by overwhelming market forces.
They want control over the future of digital media. They have billions in the bank. They will make improvements, but they will ALWAYS be Microsoft-centric - and no digital audio player manufacturer with close ties to the music industry will EVER have its sights on making the best, open, device. That includes Apple, Sony, Microsoft...