I would have to agree, im a happy zune user, and my macbook being my primary computer due to schooling and things of a similar sort, being windows only is limiting, but I would really rather have no support than a shoddy program, so i guess in good time.
I agree. It would be a smart business move. They might be able to entice some OS X users to ditch their iPods and buy Zunes instead. Start eating away the iPods market share.
Why did he get low ranked for that? It's a very legitimate question to ask. Microsoft does want to pass along the Zune to more people,does it not? This would help.
I love how I get ranked low. Just proves that there are too many high school kiddies up past their bedtime, scouring engadget.
I had a 1st gen zune with my pc...but then had to sell it when I switched to my macbook pro. Now with the new zunes out, i've been dying to get one...but obviously Microsoft doesnt want any apple users to switch over. (and no, im not partitioning my hard drive to install bootcamp just for music).
I have to agree with Sean. OSX support would be great. iPod is cross platform between Windows and OSX so why shouldn't Zune also go cross platform? I'm an iPod user but I like the looks of Zune and I'd consider switching if I wasn't limited to only using it with my PC.
1) OSX users are much less than 20% of users in USA. 2) A very small percentage of those zealots will switch. 3) Most Ipod users use windows. 4) Time MS wastes on developing a Zune client for MacOS would be better spent on developing features for Windows users.
There is a reason OSX is poorly supported when it comes to games and peripherals, despite their self-inflated sense of importance.
12% of users are Mac users 95% of Mac users hate anything Microsoft
Anyway, If what i remember is correct, it's probabbly apple's doing as to why there is no Zune for OSX. Only DRM built into OSX is FairPlay, I bet they can't get Zune's DRM onto the OS.
I almost picked one of these up not realising it didn't have OSX support. I thought it would just work ;)
I ended up with an iPod due to the capacity of the 160gig Classic.
Also I don't hate my iPod, but I feel Apple "King of Design" has a long way to go to make an interface on the ipod that looks so freaking cool to use as the Zunes. I know the touch has a lovely interface but it's real expensive $ per gig compared to other devices.
The iPod is successful because it's not geared to a specific group of people. Zune's interface is cool, but I think that Microsoft is limiting itself by making the UI so relentlessly flashy. Would a 35 year old really feel comfortable using one (without looking like he/she was having a mid-life crisis)?
There's also a related concept in typography introduced by Beatrice Warde known as the "crystal goblet" theory, which basically says that books and typography should be "invisible" (the crystal goblet) to allow the content of the book (the wine) to speak for itself without interference. Considering that any mp3 player is nothing more than a container for thousands of different types of music, a simpler interface that gets to the point is desirable.
I never thought about it that way, you're right. Everything about the Zune, from marketing and design, to interface and software are all directly aimed at 15-25 yos. While the iPod commercials tend to be geared to that crowd, the product has kept an elegant, minimalist approach to design that is appealing across generations.
They used to have a specific point in the requirements that if you had a Mac, you could use Boot Camp to get compatibility. I checked and they've since removed it from the Zune page.
That said, you do have compatibility through booting up Windows. I'd assume that's why they don't spend their time developing software for Windows Mobile phones, Zunes and etc. since they can just avoid the mess by telling you to use the option that integrates better. It actually might make them look bad (or worse...depending on your opinion). Itunes was a mess for me in Windows...
For Microsoft, if you switch to a Mac and still buy Windows...everybody wins. If they cater to the small (but growing) percentage that switch to Macs then they're just enabling the converts.
Players should support MULTIPLE platforms, not just one. That goes for any player, not just the Zune. Just because there are more Windows users doesn't mean the rest(which is still a significant number) should get shut out. How come Cowon and iRiver don't shut people out? Even Insignia works on Mac. Everyone should be able to enjoy good music players and it's really a shame that many of the good ones only support Windows.
There's an Mac OS X application called CrossOver that is capable of running certain Windows applications natively in OS X _without_ the need of Windows OS installed.
My biggest complaint is that i do LOVE my Zune, but as i am going to soon switch completely over to Ubuntu, theres just no support! Sure, you could use VMware, and upload music at the amazing speed of USB 1.1 with no wifi support. Other than tha,t i love the zune, and the social.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Sean @ May 6th 2008 12:17AM
How about some OSX support?
DaMan09 @ May 6th 2008 1:01AM
I would have to agree, im a happy zune user, and my macbook being my primary computer due to schooling and things of a similar sort, being windows only is limiting, but I would really rather have no support than a shoddy program, so i guess in good time.
ColonelSmith @ May 6th 2008 1:13AM
I agree. It would be a smart business move. They might be able to entice some OS X users to ditch their iPods and buy Zunes instead. Start eating away the iPods market share.
Ace b @ May 6th 2008 1:14AM
Why did he get low ranked for that?
It's a very legitimate question to ask.
Microsoft does want to pass along the Zune to more people,does it not?
This would help.
Sean @ May 6th 2008 1:18AM
I love how I get ranked low. Just proves that there are too many high school kiddies up past their bedtime, scouring engadget.
I had a 1st gen zune with my pc...but then had to sell it when I switched to my macbook pro. Now with the new zunes out, i've been dying to get one...but obviously Microsoft doesnt want any apple users to switch over. (and no, im not partitioning my hard drive to install bootcamp just for music).
Not ALL apple users are fanboys.
happy_penguin @ May 6th 2008 1:36AM
I have to agree with Sean. OSX support would be great. iPod is cross platform between Windows and OSX so why shouldn't Zune also go cross platform? I'm an iPod user but I like the looks of Zune and I'd consider switching if I wasn't limited to only using it with my PC.
hermin_vermin @ May 6th 2008 2:26AM
Exactly what I was gonna post!
Intel-based Macs should at least be supported! I can't speak for other Mac-users, but I'd pick one up in a heartbeat.
That Zune Pass sharing option is sweet!
Surur @ May 6th 2008 2:50AM
A few few simple points -
1) OSX users are much less than 20% of users in USA.
2) A very small percentage of those zealots will switch.
3) Most Ipod users use windows.
4) Time MS wastes on developing a Zune client for MacOS would be better spent on developing features for Windows users.
There is a reason OSX is poorly supported when it comes to games and peripherals, despite their self-inflated sense of importance.
Duscrom @ May 6th 2008 3:05AM
As said above,
12% of users are Mac users
95% of Mac users hate anything Microsoft
Anyway, If what i remember is correct, it's probabbly apple's doing as to why there is no Zune for OSX. Only DRM built into OSX is FairPlay, I bet they can't get Zune's DRM onto the OS.
BuddyBoy @ May 6th 2008 6:41AM
I almost picked one of these up not realising it didn't have OSX support.
I thought it would just work ;)
I ended up with an iPod due to the capacity of the 160gig Classic.
Also I don't hate my iPod, but I feel Apple "King of Design" has a long way to go to make an interface on the ipod that looks so freaking cool to use as the Zunes. I know the touch has a lovely interface but it's real expensive $ per gig compared to other devices.
John @ May 6th 2008 7:15AM
The iPod is successful because it's not geared to a specific group of people. Zune's interface is cool, but I think that Microsoft is limiting itself by making the UI so relentlessly flashy. Would a 35 year old really feel comfortable using one (without looking like he/she was having a mid-life crisis)?
There's also a related concept in typography introduced by Beatrice Warde known as the "crystal goblet" theory, which basically says that books and typography should be "invisible" (the crystal goblet) to allow the content of the book (the wine) to speak for itself without interference. Considering that any mp3 player is nothing more than a container for thousands of different types of music, a simpler interface that gets to the point is desirable.
catachip @ May 6th 2008 8:45AM
@John
I never thought about it that way, you're right. Everything about the Zune, from marketing and design, to interface and software are all directly aimed at 15-25 yos. While the iPod commercials tend to be geared to that crowd, the product has kept an elegant, minimalist approach to design that is appealing across generations.
Jonathan Kubiak @ May 6th 2008 12:16PM
If apple won't allow OSX on non-Apple machines or support third party MP3 players in iTunes then why should Microsoft support OSX.
PynkFloydd @ May 6th 2008 4:50PM
They used to have a specific point in the requirements that if you had a Mac, you could use Boot Camp to get compatibility. I checked and they've since removed it from the Zune page.
That said, you do have compatibility through booting up Windows. I'd assume that's why they don't spend their time developing software for Windows Mobile phones, Zunes and etc. since they can just avoid the mess by telling you to use the option that integrates better. It actually might make them look bad (or worse...depending on your opinion). Itunes was a mess for me in Windows...
For Microsoft, if you switch to a Mac and still buy Windows...everybody wins. If they cater to the small (but growing) percentage that switch to Macs then they're just enabling the converts.
Gavin Greenwalt @ May 6th 2008 10:28PM
XP x64 would be nice as well. Of course I long ago realzied that microsoft forgot it even existed...
Still... consider it can be hacked to run on XP x64... an unsupported edition would be greatly appreciated.
Mobile Phone Diva @ May 6th 2008 10:41PM
Shame on you, Surur!!
Players should support MULTIPLE platforms, not just one. That goes for any player, not just the Zune. Just because there are more Windows users doesn't mean the rest(which is still a significant number) should get shut out. How come Cowon and iRiver don't shut people out? Even Insignia works on Mac. Everyone should be able to enjoy good music players and it's really a shame that many of the good ones only support Windows.
Mobile Phone Diva @ May 6th 2008 10:45PM
John, I like Zune's interface and I'm over 30.
salut @ May 7th 2008 10:24PM
ATTN: Apple Zune users.
There's an Mac OS X application called CrossOver that is capable of running certain Windows applications natively in OS X _without_ the need of Windows OS installed.
Currently the Zune software does not work flawlessly via this method, but you can make a pledge to the developers who can tweak it accordingly. See: http://www.codeweavers.com/compatibility/browse/name/?app_id=2576;run=1
ChrisMizzleInfo @ May 10th 2008 2:45PM
My biggest complaint is that i do LOVE my Zune, but as i am going to soon switch completely over to Ubuntu, theres just no support! Sure, you could use VMware, and upload music at the amazing speed of USB 1.1 with no wifi support.
Other than tha,t i love the zune, and the social.