We've been wondering when we'd see the next
Laptop Hunters ad from Microsoft, but it looks like the company's throwing a change-up: its latest 30-second spot features Wes Moss, Certified Financial Planner, explaining that iTunes "costs a lot" while Zune Pass "costs a little." The argument, of course, is that at a buck a song (or
more), filling up your iPod costs way more than the $15 / month cost of the Zune subscription service, but we've got a feeling that Wes just won't convince as many people as Lauren and Giampaulo -- while we certainly think Zune Pass is a great deal, especially with the
10 free tracks a month now included, most people have plenty of music from all kinds of sources already, and an additional monthly bill in the current economy doesn't seem all too appealing. Plus, well, this argument has never really worked for services like Yahoo and Rhapsody in the past, so we're not sure it's going to work now. But that's just us -- we're sure you've got your own opinions, so check out the vid after the break and sound off.
P.S. If Wes looks familiar it's because
he was a contestant on Donald Trump's The Apprentice. He was fired.
[Via
Ars Technica; thanks Travis and
Michael S.]
posted May 11th 2009 6:58PM
@rcam
WIN! +1
The real reason I would choose iTunes over ZunePass (besides the DRM/compatibility issues forcing you into the awful Zune) -- I plan on living forever.
If I can fill my iPod for a mere $30,000 and "own" a digital copy of a song, it is mine. So as long as you live (let's see... $30000 / $15 per month / 12 months per year) over 166 years, your investment paid off.
Do you think people will still like listening to the same ol' Lady Gaga or Flo Rida songs in 166 years? *shutters*
@Aarun,
Man, the irony of mis-posting in response to a comment about not being able to delete comments..
@gib,
Yeah, I don't really get it either. Clearly the subscription model is a better deal than buying tracks, but people seem to have an aversion to it. I guess they are afraid that if the rental service goes bellyup, they'll lose their music library -- they invested time in creating playlists and such, so trying to recreate that on another music service (or by buying CDs or individual MP3s) is quite difficult/expensive?
So it's not the "loss" of the 15/month that they mind (since they knew it was just a rental fee anyway), but the loss of the effort put into the system.
No, the subscription model is not a better deal. I don't pay $15/month for music, do you?
I buy a new album once every blue moon for $10, I have tons of stuff ripped from my CDs which I already paid for, and I trade music with others. I am sure everyone does this.
I have no interest in renting music.
@ nikster
it depends on the person. I like a lot of different kind of music. the Zune Pass lets me download virturally whatever I want when I want and I'm not the only one that finds that convient. i can even play music on someone elses computer if they have the Zune software installed and in the future, since Zune DRM works in Windows Media Player, I can stream my own music from any Windows Media Player 12 from my home computer.
Like they gib said, i don't think i'll be listening to lady gaga in my 60's. so instead of buying it i can get it plus 1000 other albums and if i was really that hung up on it i could just use my monthy free tracks to buy it DRM-free.
it works for me.
Does anyone really plan on paying $30,000 for music? This commercial won't work because no one will relate to it. Anyone that sees that big "$30,000" on the screen is going to say, "That's not me."
Hahaha.... in apple's face!
Not so much actually. The guy's main weapon here is deception. Anyone with half a mind about technology knows that the average person doesn't buy 120GB of music for their iPod. Videos, for instance, and don't forget about pictures. Pictures are free to put on your iPod.
Plus, I think I'd rather own my music than pay someone to keep it.
I think this is genius actually. My guess is most people have heard about iTunes, though I doubt most people know about Rhapsody and I bet only a fraction of those know about ZunePass. I like the idea of a music subscription and I hope this drives Apple to finally unveil a subscription service compatible with iPods/iPhones.
There is an advantage and disadvantage to both, it depends on what kind of music listener you are.
Guys, stop commenting saying one is better than the other.
PS, when the heck is Australia going to get Zunes? I want to try one out, I like my iPod nano but these look cool too.
Yep that's gonna have all the hip kids in a tizzy.
Try making a sexy zune with sexy advertising, under a brand that isn't as lame as microsoft. It would help its chances a fair bit :P
Is the Microsoft brand really a liability? It doesn't seem to be holding back the Xbox 360.
You have a point :P
Apple used to be cool. Those days are gone now.
The Zune software is far more appealing than iTunes. The latest Zunes (especially the smaller ones) are just as sexy as their iPod counterpart.
Oh, and the MS brand is not a liability. Last time I checked, they had the largest market share in OSs, and smart phones. And the 360 isnt doing bad either. Hell, the Zune has been the only competitor that has been able to hold its own against the iPod.
I actually think that Microsoft is pretty nifty (pushes taped glasses into face and adjusts suspenders)
in all honesty though, I really do love Microsoft (both hardware and software)
Apple is srewed with Windows 7 and all these new stuff from microsoft.... Apple soon will be as tiny as it was in 6 500 000 years ago...
Most people don't know the Xbox 360 is made by Microsoft.
yeah I've met a few people who didn't even know the xbox is made by microsoft...
@poematik14
I disagree considering you have to buy "Microsoft" points to purchase anything on the marketplace.
Anyone who uses an xbox should know it's made by Microsoft.
I'm willing to bet anyone who doesn't know it's made by Microsoft, doesn't really care.
Look for the Microsoft logo on your next xbox360 commercial.
Also look for the part where they demonstrate how an xbox360 is cheaper to own than a PS3.
Oh wait, that's right, they weren't stupid enough over in the xbox360 department to take a company that's known for being a bunch of number crunching nerds and create a commercial that's full of number crunching! The zune kids could take a hint from xbox360.
@ Mark Anderson: only in *your* twisted reality is Microsoft cool.
"From the makers of your dad's spreadsheet program, here's the newest, hippest in music accessories!" *barf*
I don't care how many Microsoft employees shave their heads and legally change their names to single letters: there's not an ounce of coolness in the place.
P.S. my 80G iPod is almost full, and I did NOT spend $15,000 to do it. If I want a smorgasbord of music, I listen to Slacker Radio (on my desktop or my iPhone). And it's FREE!
Microsoft fails at FUD.
"I'm an Apple fan and I'm offended that Micro$haft made an ad touting that their service may be a better deal for the consumer.
That burns me up!!! They dont have a right to do this!"
-Summary of the iFanboy posts here.
"I'm willing to bet anyone who doesn't know it's made by Microsoft, doesn't really care."
Exactly. No one cares about M$.
@Mark Anderson:
AAPL disagrees with you.
@Quix
Your point would be relevant if I actually thought Microsoft were cool which I don't.
@Lundmark
Yes? And?
Spotify - better than both.
oh so true
I can't wait for the Spotify app to hit Android :D
(i think it's in development for iPhone too :P)
But you can't really use Spotify when you're outdoors...
Oh yes, Spotify rocks. And to those who say you cannot use it outside (mobile), well, not long from now, we'll have global high speed wireless broadband. Codename: LTE (Long Term Evolution). The affordable wireless streaming device is the future, not the overpriced subject to obselesence highly priced device. The service will subsidise the hardware. Watch This Space!
Microsoft ain't playin'!
Newsflash...
iPods have always cost that much to "fill them up" but they are still the most popular device regardless.
Nobody thinks about how much they will have to spend to fill it up... they would rather buy one song here or there, rip their CDs, or acquire music from "other" methods.
I dunno... if I was paying $15 a month, I'd have to get new music all the time, or else I'd feel like I'm wasting the service. But, if you're too busy to download new music... you're paying $15 a month to listen to your old music. I guess I'm not the target audience for the Zune Pass.
Microsoft simply offers a subscription model... something that Apple does not... but I'm not sure the subscription model is a perfect fit for everyone.
If you want me to sign for 14.99 a month, give me the Zune for free.
A la phone contracts.
Wouldn't surprise me to see that happen. I spose the closest to it is the Nokia "comes with music" phones, that you can get for "free" with a £25 or so a month for 18 months contract.
Also, Wes Moss looks like a creepy android.
A very cool idea!
To spend $30,000 on the Zune Pass, you'd have to have it for over 150 years. But who owns that much music anyway? People who get 120GB iPods either listen to lossless music where a song can be 10 times the size of a regular mp3/aac, have a lot more things than just music (videos, etc.), or are idiots who think that they need that space but really don't (like one of my friends who said "oh no, 8GB (iPod nano) is definitely not enough! I have to get a 120GB iPod Classic," and no only uses 5GB).
My 160 gig ipod is almost full now, thanks to songs and a few shows.
You have a point, but some of my friends have those 8gb ipods and they have no space, and they are jelius of my ipod which I never used (classic 30gb old one)... although I use it as hard drive.. not much music fan and can't watch any movies on that migit screen. However it is really useful for people who are fan of musics.. and there is lots of those people...
Your spelling is a post-modern masterpiece.
It would take over 160 years for a Zunepass subscription to equal $30k. However, obviously most people are not going to use iTunes exclusively. I think the best point he makes out of it all is that you can try anything, no risk involved. That is the one big factor that I like about the Zunepass. You could download the entire marketplace if you wanted to (and if you had a massive harddrive!). There's a lot of freedom of exploration. And, of course, legality.
A note, this point is made on the original website (www.zunepass.net), not in the spot. Shame.
Who actually buys their music?
Try to read all comments that might awnser your question...
Maybe people who like to support the musicians they enjoy listening to?
as a financial adviser, did he ever consider the potential damage to his credibility by saying something this dumb on TV?
Its ok, he's just another paid actor.
I googled his name. Apparently he was on The Apprentice.
And yes, he got fired.
I will never buy from iTunes until they have a similar subscription service. Until then I'm either buying CD's or using Amazon MP3s. Also I don't really like the Zune or the iPod.