http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/ Engadget Comments for http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 7:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 7:34PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/
however im now an iPhone owner, so i no longer use the zune. they dropped the ball on not copying that device, they would have a much easier time gaining market share with a phone than an MP3 player. hell make a iPhone clone, do some good software and multitouch, then make a deal with verizon, they need a phone that directly competes. simple as that.]]>Mar 23rd 2009 7:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/
That is more or less what they are doing. Microsoft, IMO, are the big platform people. The little Zunes are perfectly good devices, but obviously not any kind of threat to the iPods. If they make Zune a platform for mobile media which 3rd parties can develop for they could stimulate some decent innovation and a nice bit of competition for Apple to push back against.]]>Mar 23rd 2009 7:54PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 8:55PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 9:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 10:06PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 10:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/
For this reason and others, I embrace the Zune.]]>Mar 23rd 2009 11:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/
For this reason and so many others, I embrace the iPod.]]>Mar 23rd 2009 11:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/
For this reason and so many others, I embrace the iPod."

Nothing illustrates the pathetic nature of iPods owners more than their need to appear on Zune threads to criticize people that had the nerve to use something other than the Apple product. ]]>Mar 24th 2009 12:25AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/
For the record I own Macs and Windows machines and I'm a big fan of Bill Gates.]]>Mar 24th 2009 1:04AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 24th 2009 10:44AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/I was not trying to be rude..is there anything I said that was not the truth?no.
I honestly don't know anyone who owns a Zune.
Zune cannot compete with the ipod/ipod touch. I mean what are the statistics, when every 300 ipods sold 1 zune is bought?.
Aside from creating a more innovative gadget they should work on their image as well.....starting with steve ballmer

@shism

You must be talking about yourself, self-projection maybe.

]]>Mar 24th 2009 11:32AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/
So you don't own one, and you don't know anyone who owns one, but you feel you need to weigh-in on the quality of the product and whether it shoud be discontinued.

Thread-crapping 101.

I have used iTunes and Zune marketplace and I prefer the latter. Zune's playback is generally rated better than iPods. I have the flash player, and while it lacks the 'coolness' of the iTouch, it's a high quality, compact player. AND for $14.95 a month, you get subscription service and 10 downloads. Not a bad deal.

While the iPod is a good player that suits the needs of many people, it is also the prefered choice of posers everywhere.]]>Mar 24th 2009 12:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/
I’m not saying it should be discontinued because it’s a bad product…. but because it obviously cannot compete with the ipod/itouch.

If it is a good device and no one wants to buy it is because of bad marketing and I also said they should work on that.

I’m not really sure what “posers” have anything to with this, posing for what? Lol

]]>Mar 24th 2009 2:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 7:13PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 7:17PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 8:06PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 9:11PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/
So there will still be hardware versions, at least as of now, and probably the 3rd generation of Zunes will have touchscreens (it's the next progressive way to go) and will be released, as well as finally being released in Europe and Australia. Perhaps there will be even multi-touch support, considering Microsoft continued work in Surface and Windows 7's multi-touch capabilities. ]]>Mar 23rd 2009 10:40PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 7:15PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 7:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 7:17PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 7:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/
Ross, for the love of everything you love, use this image:

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/6484/zunenew.jpg

I hope AOL doesn't have any restriction for you guys to use a picture of a new Zune!]]>Mar 23rd 2009 7:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 8:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 24th 2009 5:14AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/
www.syncmyride.com [click on Media Players]]]>Mar 24th 2009 7:41AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/
Well, they don't do that with iPods. If every iPod article had the first iPod there'd be lots of comments on how outdated it looks.]]>Mar 24th 2009 7:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 7:17PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 7:18PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 7:19PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Being unable to store a playlist made on the go sucks so bad.]]>Mar 23rd 2009 7:52PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 7:19PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 7:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 7:23PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 7:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/
And also they need to update the Zune hardware so it shows up as an external drive. That would go a long way to distinguishing it from the ipod among the enthusiast crowd. Okay, more file format support, too.]]>Mar 23rd 2009 7:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/
I don't care about on-computer intuitivity (unless it's really awful - I'd say iTunes is on par with your general Windows experience), it's the device that matters to me because each second I spend tapping/scrolling/whatever on that pad to do what I want is a minute less in battery life.]]>Mar 23rd 2009 7:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 7:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 8:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Zunes are versatile devices if you know what i mean, which i don't expect you to since you have already proved you will pay any amount
of money for a crippled feature-less player.

And i do not expect you to understand the complex statement i just made too.]]>Mar 23rd 2009 7:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/* Discontinue Zune hardware business
* Start new MP3 player hardware+software+DRM ecosystem that is not compatible with Zune *or* Playsforsure
* Wash, rinse, repeat.]]>Mar 23rd 2009 7:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 7:48PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/
I got 3 4G iPods so far (two of which were gifts), I'm disappointed by the battery life if anything, and the one I gave my girlfriend after she basically ended up killing her Sony player) is having the weirdest issues when formatted on an OSX-based computer.

No device is perfect, but the interface is what makes me stick with iPods... At least the flash-based, non-glossy ones.]]>Mar 23rd 2009 7:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 7:24PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 7:24PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/
The frighten me a bit.]]>Mar 23rd 2009 7:32PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/ballmer-zunes-future-might-be-as-software-on-non-zune-devices/Mar 23rd 2009 7:29PM