Zune breaks 2 million sold, stealing market from Creative not Apple
By Paul Miller 
posted May 10th 2008 2:38PM
posted May 10th 2008 2:38PM
posted May 10th 2008 2:38PM
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I have an iPod and I like it a lot. After messing with my brother and sister's Zunes, however, I almost wish I had a Zune instead. They're really cool and, get this, you can actually transfer music from the device to a computer. Imagine that.
You can do the same type of transfer with an iPod and a Mac. The application you need is called Senuti. I haven't yet needed a iPod to Mac desktop transfer, but I suppose it can be useful in a pinch if your iTunes library becomes corrupted.
i think the point clark is trying to make is that you can actually transfer music without having to get around a block by Apple
Actually, those numbers are pretty bad. What the fanboys don't care to admit, nor realize, is that demand has actually slowed considerably for the device. The original Zune was released in Nov 2006, and it took Microsoft 6 months or so to sell 1 million (by May of 2007). It now took 12 months, or twice as long, to sell yet another million.
hmm, should be 'or realize', not 'nor realize'. Had you prefaced it with 'neither' it would have worked, but you didn't. Additionally, most of realized that 12 months was twice as long as 6 months. I say 'most', because I'm assuming there's SOMEONE out there that you felt needed to have that put so straightforwardly for.
I have both a Zune and an (older) Ipod... I do normally prefer Apples products to MS however the Ipods lack of a subscription based music program is what drove me to the Zune. I realize the numbers never really work out in your favor, but my taste in music is broad and I never really want to listen to one particular album very long anyway. It is worth the $14 bucks every month to just be able to completely turn over my music collection with new stuff. I am not sure about people hating on the software, I have actually found it to be pretty good... I enjoy the way I can have it monitor particular folders for media and it updates the catalog without any manual intervention, now if they would just release a mac client I could stop Dual booting (maybe that is why they havent). I have not found any use for the devices wifi ability, so I just turned that off. Overall I think its an above average effort on the part of MS. If only Vista worked as well....
At this point buying a Zune is just insane, or so said Stephen Colbert last week, which basically makes it a commonly know fact.
Just a question, what is so bad about iTunes? I mean, for most, all iTunes is used for is to put media onto their iPods/iPhone. Add file to library, select all media in library and click/drag to iPod/iPhone. Unless people are having a hard time with that, I really don't see how iTunes could be such a horrible program.
Well, back when I used to use iTunes about 4 years ago, I found it big and bloated. Transferring music was a pain, because as far as I could tell, there was no easy drag-and-drop functionality between the library and the iPod. If I remember correctly, it had no album or artist view. Essentially, it sucked.
Soon afterwards I started using MP3 players that supported Windows Explorer-based file transfer (MSC and MTP). I also started using foobar2000 for software playback: it's hard to use at first, but once you get used to it, it's lightweight and powerful.
I imagine iTunes has improved since then. I don't really care: foobar2000 is everything I need. If iTunes works for you, great.
Maybe because iTunes for an Windows-user doesn't make any sense? While both OS X and Windows have a lot of overlapping features the two systems does not share the same common idea of how to interact with a program.
And that's the problem - with iTunes for Windows Apple decided to make a mac-program for a Windows-audience. Which is pretty fucking stupid. Trust me, iTunes for Windows may very well be one of the most hated programs ever created. That's at least the impression I have gotten listening to the few of my friends which actually use it. And even they hate it.
On OS X on the other hand iTunes makes sense even if it's far fram perfect. But it at least will not give the user a heart-attact or IBS.
"I mean, for most, all iTunes is used for is to put media onto their iPods/iPhone."
I actually use iTunes more than I use my media player on my iPhone. I love using the radio function and I use it to send music to my stereo via Airport Express. I'm not sure you can say how "most" people use iTunes, but I do know many who use it the same way I do.
Just a question, what is so bad about Zune? I mean, for most, all Zune is used for is to put media onto their Zune. Add file to library, select all media in library and click/drag to Zune. Unless people are having a hard time with that, I really don't see how Zune could be such a horrible program.
I thought Zune sales where throw the roof as some fanboys had claim, 2 million in 2+ years, not good at all, if you take into account that Apple sales 10+ million ipods in 3 months, also Zunes are way cheaper than ipods now, the 8GB model is more than $50 cheaper than the Nano at Amozon & still is way behind on the top sellers list.
A little perspective:
In 1 1/2 years, the Zune has gained 4% of total market share (only sold in the US) - and according to the Mac faithful, Zune is a complete failure.
According to an Apple fan website, as of April of this year Apple computers have a 6.6% total marketshare (worldwide) - and according to the Mac faithful, Apple sales are "throw [sic] the roof" and on the verge of taking over the world.
The difference is, it took Apple a little over 32 years to get that 6.6% market share for their computers. Zune grows an average of 1.3333...% per year, Apple computers grow at a total of 0.103125%.
A little perspective:
In 1 1/2 years, the Zune has gained 4% of total market share (only sold in the US) - and according to the Mac faithful, Zune is a complete failure.
According to an Apple fan website, as of April of this year Apple computers have a 6.6% total marketshare (worldwide) - and according to the Mac faithful, Apple sales are "throw [sic] the roof" and on the verge of taking over the world.
The difference is, it took Apple a little over 32 years to get that 6.6% market share for their computers. Zune grows an average of 1.3333...% per year, Apple computers grow at a total of 0.103125%.
LOL WUTS A MAC?
That 6.6.% is for the US. It's a 3.2 worldwide last I heard http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/07/10/23/apples_worldwide_mac_market_share_now_3_2_percent_report.html
Try this with your ipod... put it into a dock in the living room and turn it on during a party. Someone wants to hear something you don't have. Go to the computer in the office, go to Amazon.com, buy a song. Go into your living room... hit your ipod's wireless sync button. Oh wait...
How about try having a dedicated ipod in your car and have it sync to your home computer every morning when you start the car.
Zune's got one killer feature on the ipod. Wireless sync. It's the only reason to choose it over the ipod right now- but it's a dang good reason.
Yeah right, Wireless sync sucks, it takes 10 minutes to sync 2 songs which takes 2 seconds to do via cable. wireless sync makes no sense at all, maybe if it had a 802.11n it would have been better, but right now is not good. I never have had a problem with buying stuff from amazon & getting it on my iPhone ether.
To save yourself time, you could have just taken the Zune with you back to your computer and synced it there, since you had to go back there anyway. I don't really see this as any advantage, although the wireless sync to a car sounds cool. Granted, I personally would not have time to sit in my garage every morning waiting for my songs to sync OTA.
In comparison, if that person at the party wanted a song that I didn't have on let's say my iPhone (or Touch), I could just purchase it directly through the device WITHOUT having to leave the party. Try that with your Zune.
@Snitch
A few years ago, one of the rumored new features (among many others like the Beatles being available exclusively on iTMS - and we know how well that has worked out) available in the iPod was wireless so you could wirelessly sync (http://www.macuser.com/ipod/wireless_ipod_patent_filed_ove.php). This was going to be the greatest thing ever, and would make all other players obsolete. Now that Zune does it and iPod does not, it is noting, useless, and something to be mocked. As is usual, whenn Apple wants to do something it is the best thing since sliced bread, somebody else does it, and, well, you know the rest...
@Bloobie
I was at my girlfriends place the other day, and she wanted to buy some Barry White music. We had to boot her Mac, go to iTMS, make the purchase, then sync her iPod. I guess we could have just used her 5.5G iPod to buy the music. Wait, you are talking about an iPhone and not an iPod - the competitor to a Zune? If you want to compare two different technologies, then I should be able to compare my Media Center computer, which is there for parties, and has access to an online store also and does not require a sync.
@Snitch.
Are your songs lossless?
Are your songs 20 minutes long?
My wifi router transmits to my zune at 400KBps.
Takes about 10 - 20 seconds per song at 320Kbps.
If the top two conditions arnt applicable to you, then either your router sucks balls, or your a liar.
@Snitch
Seriously? 10 minutes?
I made a test to validate this, I've synched 3 podcasts with a total filesize of 16.6 (roughly that's 4 songs) and it took me less than 4 minutes to do it. It already includes searching and connecting to the network and computer.
Actually I do this without iPod or Zune... AppleTV.
Here's one thing I did back when I had jailbroken my iPod Touch. I had installed an .app that would allow a computer with iTunes to see my iPod Touch's shared library over wi-fi. Was able to play some music at a party that I had on the Touch just fine.
With an iPod Touch you can just buy the song directly, or find it and play it on Seeqpod for free.
I have a zune80. I personally like the physical interface (I turn off the touch sensitive method) much more than the ipod scroll wheel. I am not found of the software, but I put up with it. The main reason for my purchase is sound quality and storage. The Zune's sound vastly superior to the regular ipods, though sadly there is no bit-perfect line-out.
Now as far as the Zune not doing great...this seems to be reflected just in the sheer lack of its recognition. I have only seen a handful of Zunes ever, and when people see mine they are always confused about what it is and thought it was some sort of ipod. And there are also the people who think anything that plays music is an ipod for whatever reason...
I saw my first Zune in the wild this past week. A white 30 GB 1st gen unit. It was on a flight from Seattle to Phoenix. I was surprised and told the owner that I had never seen one in real life, and she said "iPod is a dirty word in our house". She then said her boyfriend gave it to her for Christmas, but that she hardly used it. She did like it though. When I asked if her boyfriend worked for Microsoft she said yes. As I suspected.
The marketplace is large enough to support a number of vendors, including Microsoft. But only if they get over the notion that they have to be the dominant player in every space. They probably won't be in the media player market. But if they're happy with sales of 1M units/ year and gradually growing that they'll be fine. Unfortunately, I suspect they're not over their dominance fixation just yet.
Zune poster child of the year (He's claimed to have a mind of a child). Oomph! He finally got out number 2,000,000 on his last push.
http://www.roughlydrafted.com/2008/05/09/zune-sales-still-in-the-toilet/
Wow. Thanks for all the sarcasm. I wouldn't've known the correct amount to hate the Zune withour your help. How dare they try to update the firmware to include new features. There of course is enough information to say that Zune sales didn't hurt iPod sales. There's no way that the Creative marketshare is down because they haven't released a new player in a few years.
Ah, yes. The Zen Stone last May, and Zen Stone Plus last June, followed by a 32GB flash-based Zen last September. It's been many years since Creative released any new players.
I meant HDD players, like the main Zune. It's been a while since the Vision:W, which they don't even make anymore.
I'm just thrilled that I can quit asking 'What's a Zune?'. That picture was perfect, and it said it plays MP3's, so I can quit wondering. Is the 'Zune' a European thing?
don't worry Frank, you could have stop asking that question a long time ago... it hasnt gotten any funnier.
Yeah, but it's always good for a response from a Mac-hater. Thanks.
girls with zunes are hot.
I know this comment probably won't mean much, but I had to come in here and say my piece about the Zune.
I love it, plain and simple. The large screen is beautiful, and I love how substantial the Zune feels. My husband and I shopped around for a very long time before deciding on our Zunes, and one thing we disliked about the iPod is that they feel so flimsy - we were seriously concerned about breakage. And other players from companies like Creative and Sansa, etc - we have known people who have had some problems with those, so we decided to steer clear.
I have seen a couple other people on my college campus with Zunes, and they seem to like them. I'm also a fan of the Zune Pass, but I will admit that the Zune software is a b*tch. It is slow and freezes up from time to time, but nothing is perfect. Another great thing about the $15-a-month Zune Pass is the access to an insane amount of music. I filled up my 30gb of storage very quickly. Granted, there are some albums/songs that cannot be downloaded with Zune Pass, they must be purchased outright. But I have not had too much of a problem with that. Besides, if there is something out there you really want, I am sure you know how to get it, paying for it or not.
One last benefit to the Zune Pass goes along with that insane amount of music that is available. I am taking a college music course, and there have been some relatively obscure composers and musicians I have needed to track down and listen to. I have never had a single problem finding what I need for my music course on Zune Marketplace.
Anyhow, I am not a rabid fangirl either for or against Microsoft or Apple. I just enjoy technology that WORKS. I take things on a case-by-case basis, and this is one case where Microsoft won.
It's about time MS sold this hunk of shit in Europe
Its about time this pile of shite was sold in Europe
I love my Zune. Five people in my office have one, and we beam music to each other constantly. (Music we can all keep, because we all have Zune Pass)
Get an iPod for you Mac.
Get a Zune for your Windows. The integration is truly amazing.
Zune syncs with XBOX 360
XBOX 360 syncs with my Zune
Zune syncs with my recorded TV shows from media center (free Tivo with vista)
Zune syncs with the fantastic Zune 2.5 software
Zune syncs wirelessly. I set my Zune on the Zune Dock when I walk in the door, which is connected to my 360. The Zune syncs over my wifi network, and I use my 360 to play music from my Zune over my home theater.
Seriously, the eco-system is enormous. For those of you who haven't studied it over the past three to six months, look into it again. It's come a long way, and finally stands on it's own.
I can honestly say, now, the Zune is a truly better piece of hardware than the iPod Classic. I even truly prefer Zune 2.5 to iTunes.
Now... the iPod Touch... that's hawt. (But it doesn't sync with my 360 or Media Center, automatically, so I won't have it)
Every person I know with an Ipod goes crazy for my Zune 80 when they get there hands on it. And that includes Touch owners.
I like the Zune; maybe not the menu, but I still like it. Still waiting for it to be hit the Canadian market, though. :\
I have a Zune30 and a current-gen iPod nano. The two players serve two different functions -- the Zune is my everyday PMP for working, the commute, and for the bedroom stereo dock.
The iPod is used solely with my Nike+ shoes. And really, thank god. I hate the interface, hate iTunes, and hate how flimsy the product has been. The screen resolution is nice, but twirling my thumb in order to cycle through menus seems remarkably stupid, and having used the Zune's intuitive up-down-left-right control mechanism, I just hate navigating the iPod interface.
My nano is only 4 gigs. I can't imagine using that same interface with 8p0 or 160 gigs of music.
Awesome pic (on the left!) Looks like the pulse-sequence from B1237+25? I did my Master's thesis on pulsars.....
It's not hard to steal Creative's business, considering their TERRIBLE customer service and stinginess with their own warranties.
I went through Creative players before I switched to iPod. I wouldn't go back now for anything.
I found the manual to my old RIO 600 yesterday... I sort of miss it. It was a pretty decent early MP3 player. I regret replacing it with a Creative Muvo and a few other Creative players after that.
On the other hand, I do like having my iPod nano around all the time. I couldn't watch movies or play Solitaire on my Rio 600.
i got one of these bad boys for christmas, turns out the software it used wasn't compatible with my vista running pc. or atleast thats the conclusion i came to after being on microsoft customer support for 2 hours and them not knowing how to fix it.
I own a zune. Some guy gave it to me as long as I post things on the internet that are positive about Zune.
My iPod is better
I like how the title of the article states as a fact that Zune is stealing marketshare from creative and not from apple but when you read the actual article it turns out that's pure speculation. I also love the sarcasm around the 2.5 update as though it was something horrible when in fact it solved every single thing that people have been complaining about.
Did anyone ever care to look back at the iPod's sales? We're looking at 150 million iPods, compared to the 1.5 year-old Zune selling 2 million. But even the iPod hadn't sold 2 million until it's 2nd anniversary, basically. After it broke the mark, it sold like gangbusters.
With the advertising for Zune Pass out now and their strongest lineup of hardware and software (v2.5) in the product's history, we should see another million sold in due time. I've personally loved my Zune 80 from day one, but the new software lets me organize everything juuust riiiight. Mmmm! It makes me feel warm inside.
Hey, just a few more percentage points and the Zune will have the same marketshare in the PMP market as OS X has in the desktop OS market :)