Microsoft bringing ads to your Zune: everybody panic

Microsoft turned a few heads at its Advance '08 advertising conference by announcing a type of ads for its Zune platform, in addition to those web, TV and Xbox "branding experiences" it already delivers. The primary method described merely involved corporate sponsorships of celebrity playlists, with the "ad" being consigned to branding on that musician's Social card -- and you'd have to have friended the musician to see any of it at all. Apocalyptic stuff, eh? Microsoft also promises to keep the ads appropriate for the audience, so we're not going to start panicking just yet, but the first DAP builder to make us sit through a minute of ads every time we try to sync with our computer is sure score the (oh, hey, thanks for the $100, Microsoft!) scorn and vitriol love and affection of its customers for years to come.

[Jacob Wagner @ May 22nd 2008 11:10AM]

Why am I not surprised???

[Shinigami @ May 22nd 2008 12:22PM]

Because you already ordered a new Zune hacked bios with an Ad-blocker build-in?

[Jagster @ May 22nd 2008 2:37PM]

This is awesome. I've been waiting for someone to offer this so I can get free music, legally. Broadcast TV has long been paid for by advertising, radio has long been paid for by advertising, many newspapers and magazines are paid for by advertising, most web sites are able to be free due to advertising (including this one, engadget), and no one can sit here and say it would have been better off if those media were never available free to the public (except maybe Mr. Paul Miller here). So why not embrace this for music downloads?? I love it and can't understand why anybody would be against it.

Now if they are just throwing ads on the Zune with no benefit to the user, then that is bad.. we already paid for the Zune. If they give the Zune away for free, then they can put ads on it. In any case, that is not what MS is planning to do so it's irrelevant.

And from the sounds of it so far, it’s not clear if they are going to give you free music in exchange for opting in (yes, you have to opt in to allow ads in exchange for freebies.) or if it’s just crappy backgrounds and such. If no music or video is offered then I don’t think this will take off… but it could be a launch pad for a full blown free Zune Pass. That would be the greatest.

[Ruben @ May 22nd 2008 3:18PM]

Paul Miller, can you get rid of your pathetic dribble of an analysis and place Jagsters comment in its stead?

[DeoWulf @ May 22nd 2008 3:23PM]

Good point Jagster. It'd be a legal way to get free music, and the execs would get their hands on some cash as well. I'm impressed with your idea, and hope that's what they're actually going for here. Not sure if I'd end up doing it myself ("Celebrity Playlists" doesn't sound like my type of music) but it would certainly be praiseworthy in my opinion.

[Reid @ May 22nd 2008 3:44PM]

Jagster is right, but I see nothing in Microsoft's nickle-and-diming of customers that would suggest they have any plans to do so. I mean, I could invent a story that they're going to be giving them away free, with free music, but that doesn't make it remotely accurate.

I say, wait to see what they ACTUALLY do before passing judgement. It's not like an ad on the screen is that big a deal, since you don't look at it much, but they had better give me something in return. And hopefully they don't leave the backlight blazing and killing your battery just to show you ads.

[Mark @ May 22nd 2008 4:43PM]

actually, Jagster is correct and @Reid: They've already done it. Go to zuneinsider.com. The very first post(and the second one as well) will tell you that if you befriend Ryu Hayabusa, you can download the Ninja Gaiden 2 soundtrack for free. :) enjoy.

[loosely_coupled @ May 22nd 2008 6:41PM]

@JAGSTER

Why don't you stop being such a cheap bastard. To see the future when everything will be ad supported, and a bunch of brainless zombies like yourself will be staring at them all day as you drool on yourself, see film "Idiocracy"

[Nohone @ May 22nd 2008 7:31PM]

There are 8 ads on the first page of www.engadget.com, these are OK because they earn Engadget money. Having ads on the Zune, which a user must go out of their way to get and earns them free music, videos, etc. (nothng for Microsoft) are evil because it does not bring Engadget money.

Engadget (specifically Paul), you are a hypocrite. If ads are so horrible on the Zune, why do you not demand that every single one of them be removed from Engadget and all the sister sites, and refuse to write until they are removed? But you will not, because it is easier for you to point the finger than do anything about it yourself. And Paul, let me ask this, do you get any money from this ad funded web site?

[modified @ May 22nd 2008 8:33PM]

Jagster and the rest of you are crazy with your sane reasoning! If it's not Apple, then it sucks!

/sarcasm

[Kaiser-Machead @ May 27th 2008 9:27AM]

@Ruben,

It's drivel, genius.

[Pochi @ May 22nd 2008 11:17AM]

So this applies only to CELEBRITY PLAYLISTS?

This is going to effect exactly 0% of the people reading Engadget, and probably 0.01% of Zune owners.. Everybody, cool it with the panic (I can already see it coming)...

[derspiess42 @ May 22nd 2008 11:33AM]

Yup. All that matters is the headline - OMG ADS ON THE ZUNE!!!

And FWIW, I might opt into the ads if they're giving away the playlist tracks for free, or at least 3 free plays.

That's assuming some dimwit celeb has a playlist with music I'd actually like to listen to, of course.

[Flit @ May 22nd 2008 11:38AM]

so, a so called "celebrity" will put out a free playlist of music, sponsored by ads. So? What's the big deal? If they did this with TV shows, i'd be happy not to have to pay $2.00 an episode (which i refuse to do).

[Cal @ May 22nd 2008 11:57AM]

Yeah but it isn't apple and therefore is flawed in everything it does...

[Waveblade @ May 22nd 2008 12:11PM]

I don't like the Zune myself but I think this is fear mongering in itself!

[teslasnp @ May 22nd 2008 11:17AM]

does this mean zune could be free like google and engadget...

[colin @ May 22nd 2008 11:20AM]

i'd get a joy division zune

[AlekZander @ May 22nd 2008 11:21AM]

Where's the obligatory Engadget Zune-bashing?

[Ruben @ May 22nd 2008 12:06PM]

Read the article.

[chickenator @ May 22nd 2008 12:08PM]

in your mind

[Cal @ May 22nd 2008 1:47PM]

Broken sarcasm detectors?

[Flashpoint @ May 22nd 2008 11:22AM]

If Microsoft had done what I told them to do in the letter I wrote, right now, they'd be bringing out the second Zune Phone rather than playing catch up to Apple.

[Esat Dedezade @ May 22nd 2008 11:55AM]

Did I miss something?

Is there a Zune phone I should know about?

[Zak @ May 22nd 2008 11:57AM]

Yeah, since people should definitely listen to you. It's probably your fine tuned sense of reasoning that people find most attractive.

[Munkcy @ May 22nd 2008 12:06PM]

I can't believe a major world-wide corporation wouldn't listen to the advice of a blog commenter.

[Shinigami @ May 22nd 2008 12:21PM]

Wow, you didn't ask if it plays Crysis! Thats progress!

[teej @ May 22nd 2008 1:01PM]

i'm pretty sure i've seen every Flashpoint comment...and they're usually not worth reading, probably just like the letter!

[Esat Dedezade @ May 22nd 2008 1:04PM]

How refreshing, there is yet hope.

The low ranked seed sprouts many beautiful high ranked flowers....

Including this one*?


*You have the power to make it so.

[fanthem @ May 22nd 2008 7:13PM]

By the power of Greyskull. Yes, we do have the power. 1+ for you .

[Billy Gun @ May 22nd 2008 11:22AM]

Of course this is an option, you want free stuff, get some ads.. if its an option I'm ok with that!

[Brad @ May 22nd 2008 11:23AM]

I panicked for a second when I saw the headline. I just picked up a Zune 80 (save your harassments, it's the only easily-acquired player I know of that will hold 80GB of video content with a 3.2" screen), and was dreading the possibility of forced advertising. Thankfully, I don't even have an account with the Zune Marketplace. Whew, I can sleep easy tonight.

[NHAnimator @ May 22nd 2008 11:45AM]

Oops. Microsoft just also announced ad-sponsored dreams. This Teri Hatcher fantasy brought to you by Midol.

[fanman @ May 22nd 2008 12:29PM]

Impartial review of the situation over panic mongering? That way madness lies!

[jymmyz @ May 22nd 2008 11:23AM]

This may not bother too many people but it's certainly a step in the wrong direction (sadly a direction we're marching steadily towards)

[Mitch @ May 22nd 2008 11:30AM]

I don't know if you can call it the wrong direction. Everyone wants free music, if that means I have to listen to a 30 second add every 10 songs I think I would be willing to do that. I know most people just download off of torrents and ddl but this is just a way to pull a few people away from that.

[greg @ May 22nd 2008 11:42AM]

I agree with mitch

step in RIGHT direction. Seriously, everyone can't expect to get free music forever. if I could listen to music w/o having to pay for it and just spending a little time listening to ad's, then I would. Perhaps this will become the tv version of music. Its NOT like microsoft is forcing you to watch ads. If anything people should be happy they have more media options now.

[rob @ May 22nd 2008 12:02PM]

there is already a tv version of music. it's called "radio". you should check it out some time.

[D9 @ May 22nd 2008 12:35PM]

Yeah, but this is just another reason, regardless of how insignificant, to not by a Zune. Sure, the ads in this current state are not a big deal but why do them in the first place? Is this REALLY going to be a revenue generator for Microsoft, who is so hurting on the bottom line?

It's just another example of what most people think about Microsoft's approach compared to the iPod...they just always seem to want to take care of the corporate before the customer. Royalties to Universal, asinine point-system for purchases, industry-friendly music renting, cheap construction. It's such a condescending attitude... shut up, buy the thing and learn to be happy!

[Brad @ May 22nd 2008 2:03PM]

@D9: I don't think you read past the unnecessarily alarmist headline.

Let me explain: If you want to get FREE music from CELEBRITY SPONSORED PLAYLISTS then you can do it by watching a few short ads on your player ONLY WHEN LISTENING TO THAT PLAYLIST. Don't want it? Don't sign up to get the free playlists/music. Not in the mood for an ad right now? Don't select that playlist.

This is about trying to find more ways to get media to users. It isn't about pinching a few hundred dollars here and there.

[Tony @ May 22nd 2008 2:11PM]

@ Brad

Don't be too hard on him, it's a poorly written post.

[Jagster @ May 22nd 2008 2:23PM]

@ D9: So Apple gives away free, non-sponsored, music downloads right now? That is news to me. Shame on MS for not following Apples superior offering.

@ Tony: No, it was an intentionally misleading headline and post. As is usually the case on Engadget any time they can get a chance to belittle a MS product.

[D9 @ May 22nd 2008 4:19PM]

@Tony: Although I'm not certain what was poorly written, I wasn't aware this was a literary debate! Instead of needless personal attacks, why not add a certain substantive rebuttal?!

@Jagster: Why, yes, Apple does give away a free download each week on iTunes. But I'm sure you meant to imply that Microsoft is doing no worse than Apple...yeah, the numbers seem to really bare that out.

@Brad: First, thanks for the sensible response. Second, I did read & understand the gist of the offering (and I agree the Engadget headline is nothing short of flame-baiting), but I still feel Microsoft is introducing an element (advertising) into the music consumption world that has no purpose for the public. Sure it takes care of the musician/industry/sponsor, but that is my main point...that Microsoft always takes the corporate path first and then spins it to the public as something good or at least, painless.

I'm not trying to be an Apple fanboy, but I do believe the iPod has succeeded because it kept (keeps) it rather simple...easily put music you own or buy onto a portable device that is easy to use & listen to. Why Microsoft has to even entertain these types of schemes when it should pursue game-changing features to both catch & surpass the iPod is beyond me!

/

[Duscrom @ May 22nd 2008 6:29PM]

To D9
"First, thanks for the sensible response. Second, I did read & understand the gist of the offering (and I agree the Engadget headline is nothing short of flame-baiting), but I still feel Microsoft is introducing an element (advertising) into the music consumption world that has no purpose for the public. Sure it takes care of the musician/industry/sponsor, but that is my main point...that Microsoft always takes the corporate path first and then spins it to the public as something good or at least, painless."

Remember HD DVD? Low cost media, Low cost players, managed Copy protection (which in theory would allow consumers to make copies) Completed spec, including a REQUIRED means for allowing updates. in Every way was better for the consumer then Blu ray. FAILED. Why? Cause it didn't please the content creators. If you don't have the content, you don't have customers. Apple defenders like to pretend Apple's content monopoly doesn't count. But it does. Apple can get more content, because they are apple. Steve jobs is a majority owner is Disney/Mirimax for god sakes.

The irony is, I find the Zune software easier in some ways to iTunes (iPod touch owner). Like I'd love it if iTunes would convert videos so they can be put on the player, like the Zune software does. Just because i can bring a video into iTunes, doesn't mean it can go on my iPod, and iTunes doesn't give me this information. Sure I found a menu command that'll let me do it NOW, but then it creates a duplicate file that shows no distinction of which one is the original and which one is converted. Zune, automatically converts it at sync time.

MS doesn't have the gigantic dong of iPod to swing around at the studios. So, yeah, they have to give these content companies the perverbial handjob so they'll get the content. Because that's what brings in customers.

"I'm not trying to be an Apple fanboy, but I do believe the iPod has succeeded because it kept (keeps) it rather simple...easily put music you own or buy onto a portable device that is easy to use & listen to. Why Microsoft has to even entertain these types of schemes when it should pursue game-changing features to both catch & surpass the iPod is beyond me!"

Because it's not that easy. Apple is a company that has name recognition and a reality distortion field like no other. They are introducing game changing features, Like Wi-Fi shareing and syncing, social music networking. Zune has a larger, better screen, bettr audio quality. and more options for HOW you want to get your music. (I like the subscription idea myself). The truth is that whole devision of MS is changing the entertainment landscape. And they'll never get any credit for it, because it's cool to hate Microsoft. Look at this article here if you want proof.

It's funny how they always get flack for copying apple, yet when they do things differently, they get flack for not being appel enough.

[Tony @ May 23rd 2008 2:34PM]

@ D9

I was referring to the article. I'm sorry that was unclear.

[Billy Gun @ May 22nd 2008 11:24AM]

kind of..

[futurepastnow @ May 22nd 2008 11:27AM]

In one week, they've enabled the Broadcast Flag all on their own, and now ads on the Zune. Clearly Microsoft knows who is buttering their bread, and it ain't consumers.

[Quikboy @ May 22nd 2008 8:01PM]

1. The Broadcast Flag was in WMC for a long time. NBC enabled that flag, NOT Microsoft. It's up to the network provider to do that. MS probably had that flag, because they knew that the FCC might make it mandatory for MS (and maybe TiVo, and other commcercial DVR's) to do this. Blame the network provider, not the whole software.

2. If you read the comments, instead of the obviously biased Engadget article, you might discover that this ad-thing is

a. Not enabled for everybody
b. Most likely would be an "optional" way to get free music
c. You have to ADD one of these celebrities as a friend to get free music & ads

Paul Miller has officially become the next Ryan Block (and at least Ryan Block hasn't been MS-bashing much lately, score one for him)

[Starvine @ May 22nd 2008 11:29AM]

And if the oil companies had done what I had told them to do in the letter that I wrote, I'd be paying $0.35 per gallon and enjoying my complimentary case of fudge rounds.

Strange how product development doesn't revolve around random consumer feedback...

[Ruben @ May 22nd 2008 11:30AM]

Two words: Fear Mongering.

1. "the first DAP builder to make us sit through a minute of ads every time we try to sync with our computer is sure score the (oh, hey, thanks for the $100, Microsoft!) scorn and vitriol love and affection of its customers for years to come"

-This was never mentioned in the article, and was introduced to basically give Zune haters ammunition (albeit, empty ammunition), and leaves the feeling that this is actually intentional. I'm sure i wont have enough fingers to count the number of times the commenter's here will take that and actually assume its going to happen, thus it shouldn't be introduced, if only to spread false information.

2. "blah blah blah (something that isn't even a big deal) ... Apocalyptic stuff, eh?"

-If you read the actual article, this is referring to a company like "Doritos" sponsoring a particular event, such as a music festival or contest. By subscribing to being a friend of this event (created by Doritos), you would get free music paid for by that company. The company basically paid for the music for the opportunity to advertise. Seems legitimate to me.

This is absolutely wretched reporting. I enjoy Engadget, but quite frankly, it is becoming like Fox News with its reporting on anything related to Zune (or Microsoft for that matter). Unfair and Biased.