Microsoft scouting exclusive video content for Zune
Now that the Zune's most vocal (and deranged) proponent has apparently jumped ship, Microsoft is looking for some other method of gaining market share. The most recent report on reinvigorating the portable media player has Redmond execs looking low and high at talent agencies and production companies in hopes of "licensing exclusive original video programming." According to Richard Winn, director of entertainment development at Zune, the company is searching for "non-conventional programming that can capitalize on the device's social networking platform." Details are unsurprisingly scant at the moment, but Winn also noted that the outfit was looking for something that "iTunes or any competing service" couldn't provide. We hear Vongo's going for a song... just sayin'.
























I can see you're still just trolling, Jubei. Grow up- no one cares what you have to say.
Even though you proclaim yourself as a deity of some sorts, I think it you need to clarify to use mortal beings what exactly you mean by no one. Are you stating no one within your immediate vicinity or are you implying no one on the planet cares? Can you elaborate? Actually why ask, as a self proclaimed God of some sorts, you can telepathically send the answer. Don't you find it confusing existing in a multi-plane reality in which the laws of time doesn't apply for you? You exist in the past, present and future. Interesting that you still can't see the future of the Zune as a total failure of a "me too" device, even though you think your some greek god of some sort.
I know no one cares what you have to say, because you have proven time and time again, that you are nothing more than a troll- and a fairly stupid one at that. Generally trolls around here at least try to use some shreds of truth in their trolling tactics, but you just go off the wall and say some random crap that absolutely isn't true... Such as your other post about every other smart-phone trying to be a "me-too" of the iPhone, which simply isn't true. The only things I have seen try to directly copy the iPhone is the Meizu M8 and the LG (Samsung?) Instinct, or whatever it is.
Why are you taking my name so literally? Are you that much of a retard to see that it's nothing more than a label? I don't think of myself as some sort of "God"- I never have.
How is the Zune going to fail? That's what everyone has been saying since before it was released, yet it has continued to prove them wrong, time and time again, as it has only GAINED popularity- and in today's market, is very impressive (even though you'll likely deny that, because you're an Apple shill). The Zune is a very nice product- the software is fantastic (the original software, not so much), and the hardware is of quality that no iPod (excluding the iPhone) has ever seen. Then again, if the Zune is a "me-too" product, so is every iPod and iPhone every created... Oh, but you probably think that Apple CREATED the first MP3 players and smart-phones, right?
For a self proclaimed deity, not having omniscience as one of your powers has caused you failure time and time again. Proclaiming the Zune as a success is hilarious. Perhaps you are not godlike at all. Perhaps a new name is in order? Loki more like it.
A troll and someone feeding him. I voted you both down.
Loki was a god too... btw for Zeus: please don't respond to him any more, if we all ignore him maybe he'll just go away
The problem that the Zune has is that it's not actually making a dent into the iPod market but rather simply taking market share away from existing iPod competitors like Creative. In this respect the market does not seem to see the Zune as a competitor to the iPod and that severely limits the available market that the Zune can exploit. It also doesn't help that Microsoft hasn't released the device outside of the US for some unknown reason, which give the iPod even more time to become entrenched.
The Zune itself might be a great device but the management of it is pitiful.
Dear Microsoft.
You already have a service with a lot of content- it's called Xbox Live. By getting the zune marketplace integrated with Xbox live, you could very easily do what apple is trying to do with itunes and that piece of crap "Apple tv" device.
I have an ipod (that I never use) and an 8gb iphone already, as well as a PSP so it's unlikely I'd find myself with a zune any time soon (enough portable gadgets; all this and a DS too). But integrate xbox live with the zune, and let me take videos from the zune to the xbox and vice versa and I might have to get one.
100% agree! xbox live is the best out there, merging this with xbox live and vista media center would be a HUGE win.
Make them an extension of the Xbox, not to replace the main controller, but to enhance the overall gaming experience. For example, you could use the PMP as a game map in a first-person shooter, an inventory screen for RPG's, or a rear view mirror for driving games. You wouldn't cripple the Zune, but add features to connect to the Xbox via wireless and have that crucial second screen. Sony showed it a couple of years ago with the PSP and Formula 1 Championship Edition, but I don't think it made it to the final game.
If that happened, I'd get the Zune to add to the Xbox - it opens up a new audience to the Zune. But if it's just a media player, why would I replace my iPod?
What's the point? Just kill it already and focus on what you do best ie. Office.
Actually, despite the low ranking of your comment, that's actually a pretty sensible idea. The probability that Microsoft is going to overthrow the iPod at this stage of the game looks very low. The Zune has made little impact on the market and doesn't appear likely to change things so the investment that Microsoft is making in the product is rather wasted. There are other divisions and products at Microsoft that are either already market leading, or likely to be, that could use the money. I also have my doubts about how much life the dedicated music player has with the trend definitely looking like mobile phones will replace both the iPod and your pocket camera.
Too little, too late.
Better Integration is Key to the Zunes success:
1. Xbox and Zune's marketplace content should merge.
2. Zune needs a way to browse and download music over wifi. Why hasn’t this been done yet they already have wifi?
3. WMP and Zune need to be combined.
4. Cloud based syncing. Wifi syncing is great but imagine being able to sync your device from any wifi network.
5. Subscription based video content.
6. Let indie and local bands post there content for free and download for free. Great way to generate free advertising for the Zune and get people interested. Also supports the social idea.
7. I want to see a Zune equivalent to the shuffle.
8. Windows Mobile Zune Client, adds millions of more users.
9. Allow more devices to the Zune subscription. I have six people in my household 30 bucks a month is asking a lot.
10. Encourage Ipod owners to switch. Offer an Ipod owner additional incentives two switch. Port over playlists from Itunes, offer free song downloads to help them rebuild their library.
11. Listen to customers. If they want a clock add a clock and do it in quickly. Before they buy something else.
12. Advertise the differences of the Zune compared to the Ipod. Give Apple a taste of there own medicine.
Pet peeve: people who spell iPod Ipod or IPod. It's really annoying.
pet peeve: people who think others care about their pet peeves.
Great list. Many of those reasons are exactly what I'm thinking Microsoft should be doing. Microsoft makes too many redundant or similar products, with only a few differences. Combining the best of them into one simple product would be better.
And the WiFi ability needs to go beyond sharing and syncing. Adding more cooler features could really help.
Microsoft looking for "exclusive video content" won't work that much in my opinion. Unless it's actually really good video content, people won't be going for the Zune just to get it.
Rob, you should get on Microsoft's payroll! ;) There are definitely some interesting and actionable ideas you've come up with.
As Quikboy said, the "exclusive video content" would have to be something pretty damn special (next week's lottery numbers?) to get people to disregard any alternatives and buy a Zune.
Dear Microsoft,
Here's a tip for free: dump the stupid Microsoft Points system for pricing media and let people use real money that they understand. I am consistently amazed that a) someone thought this was a "good idea" and b) enough people agreed such that it was implemented.
Regards,
Kel
Why don't they just actually release the Zune in UK / Europe and then I can actually get one without going to US!