The iPod Killer?

Microsoft has officially released its version of the iPod, trademarked Zune. It’s 30 GB capacity and price is similar to the 30 GB iPod, even though its heavier and bigger than an 80 GB iPod. At first glance its feature set is also similar, but looks deceive

What’s missing from the Zune experience?:

1. No scroll wheel. It looks like it, but it’s not.
2. No address book
3. No alarm clock.
4. No stopwatch.
5. No calendar.
6. No equalizer settings.
7. No podcasts on the Zune store.
8. Around 1.5 million more song choices on iTunes.
9. Audio books, movies and TV shows? The Zune store doesn’t have them.
10. No video games.
11. Microsoft’s PlayForSure doesn’t play. People who purchased music for their PlayForSure players are locked out. The Microsoft Zune doesn’t support it.
12. The Zune doesn’t work with the Mac.
13. No external hard drive support. The iPod supports this on Windows and on the Mac.
14. And, of course, it doesn’t play purchased iTunes files.

What can it do that the iPod can’t?:

1. Limited wireless sharing capability for purchased audio files.

Typically Microsoft likes to “embrace and extend” on its competitors’ features. Perhaps next year they’ll have a new “iPod killer” that follows through on that strategy. Until then (if that day arrives), Microsoft will try to sell the current Zune for what it’s not… it’s certainly NOT an iPod.

CNN video coverage of the Zune (requires Windows Media): www.cnn.com

Windows Media support for the Mac: Flip4Mac: www.versiontracker.com

Explore posts in the same categories: Music, Uncategorized

Tags: Apple, iPod, Microsoft, Music, Zune

You can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site.