Microsoft takes aim at the iPod

It amazes me that after all these years Microsoft cannot seem to change the dynamics of their marketing thrust. Instead of taking the "take no prisoners" and threaten every competitor policy why don't they just go invent "insanely great" software that is easy to use and integrates with ones personal/work life intuitively. Geeeze . . . you would think that they would get that simple message by this time. Their approach is really getting tiresome and only seems to highlight their failure to do that.

Most of you are thinking one dimensional figures considering its TUAW talking about Microsoft. The reason why people who have a open mind and try Zune with the software never go back to Apple it's because Microsoft offers more. Unlike Apple, Microsoft lets you download your music at any time with no restrictions so if I was to lose my data tomorrow there is no worry about using a backup disc. The Zune software is a lot more intuitive then iTunes and if I get tired of the look they have different themes to use. They have a achievement system built into the software and they give you your own web page which displays your listening count, latest song played, your favorites, and much more data. The Zune player itself is been proven to be better then IPod's just look at YouTube all the gadget reviews say the Zune sounds better and the Zune pad works much better than the scroll wheel. The Zune has a better screen and offers stuff that is not available with iPod's like wireless downloading. The fact of the matter is the Zune is your main competitor and is offering a better player and software and giving more choice to its consumers. The fact is if iPod did not have such a huge lead in the market the Zune would be the main player.

My iPhone is filled to the brim with video and apps, but I only buy a few songs a month, if that.

I'd be throwing money away with the Zune Pass, not even mentioning that the music I don't love enough to purchase, I listen to on the streaming Pandora radio app for free.

So the majority of you are apparently devoted Ipod users and thats fine I suppose. The Xune pass is a great idea in that you can sample any and all music that you want and only buy the tracks that you actually want. With the Zune pass I have been able to broaden my listeining choices and discover music that i normally wouldnt have bothered to download to begin with.. Yes you only can keep 10 songs per month, but who says you have to do the Zubne pass every month? It is a month to month subscription with absolutely NO Commitement!!!

So many people keep saying how its such a horrible idea or Microsoft doesnt understand what the consumer wants.. I would argue that giving consumers more choices is a GREAT thing and it gives people many more options!!

The majority of people I have talked to who have any issues with Zunes have never used them and having owned several Zunes and Ipods over the years i can honestly say that I like Zunes better... Both companies do things well and I wish for once that Ipod users would get off their perch and realize the benefits to something besides a precious IPOD... FYI Zune downloads range from $.69 to $.99 and every month they offer free songs and tv show downloads to expand people's one dimensional thinking... During Christmas season I received 16 free songs.. Thinking outside the box..... Does Apple do this?? My answer is no... Now go cry about it!!!!!!!!!!!

That is hilariously moronic! So so ridiculous! Why would anybody complain about a 120GB drive? Can be used as a portable hardrive. and OBVIOUSLY the main reason people can fill it is with the iTunes awsome collection of movies and TV shows. This advert is utterly moronic.

@ macserv: "Also (MSFT) continuing their sales strategy of "pay less up front; owe us your time, sanity, and paycheck later, after we lock you in".

YOU SPEAK THE TRUTH!

It's 'beckon call,' not beck and call. As in you are beckoning someone to come over here.

Usually, I think these ads are a waste of time without any real contribution to anything, but this one raises a point, personally I would love a subscription model, especially if it included TV shows.

It won't happen though, nice enough dream

Perhaps Apple could make one of those Apple/PC commercials highlighting the fact that many of our soldiers serving abroad have been unable to use the Zunes they purchased/were gifted because the Zune account setup doesn't allow APO addresses. ;-)

It is what is it... With that said, it seems silly to me how much time is spent on this blog devoted to the competition. Analyzing all these ads every time they came out is merely preaching to the choir.