Zune - Microsoft Killer or Next Apple Victim?

prophet asks: "Now that we have all seen the new Microsoft 'Zune', and the suits over at Microsoft have seen fit to inform us of a whole line of 'Zune' related hardware and software products, my real question is, will Microsoft be able to de-throne the ever growing iPod phenom? With the current confirmed 'Zune' prototype photos dispersed throughout the net, it is hard to see how Microsoft has thought that the current design of the 'Zune' is in fact enough in its current form for users to be pleased aesthetically, and at the same time impressed by ease of use. At the current moment, rumors are circulating of a redesign of the controls on Microsoft's part before a complete release. With the current aesthetical design of the Zune, will it appeal to the masses in the way the iPod did? More importantly, does it appeal to you?

Comments

Re:who wrote that title?

[Anonymous Coward]

Just like a bug zapper is a bug that zaps, an Anti-Aircraft missile is an Anti-aircraft that missiles??

I guess its just as logical as most of what MS does.

I don't see the problem

[Anonymous Coward]

Well, let's consider its features.

1.) It has wireless.

2.) It has more space than a Nomad.

So this thing should be good to go!

Re:I don't see the problem

[iced_773]

But...but...it's Micro$oft! Evil! Antitrust! WGA! Security! DRM! Plus, it's got the added drawback of competing with beloved Apple.

So the answer is: no, it does not and will not appeal to us, and in the rare event that it does, we wouldn't dare admit it here on Slashdot. :)

Re:I don't see the problem

[SEMW]

Finally, since it will use WMA (when ripping CDs etc.) rather than MP3, it won't need an MP3 encoder -- so it won't be "Lame"!

It will be another failure...

[Anonymous Coward]

...for one simple reason: The ecosystem of accessories that exists for the iPod.

If you buy an iPod, nearly any kind of accessory you can dream up is available for it. Hell, most of the 2007 model year cars in the U.S. will offer iPod connectivity if not include it standard.

Plentiful software and accessories for Windows is a big part of why Windows remains popular in the face of superior alternatives. Microsoft is on the wrong end of that now.

As a long time Mac user who endured having to walk through the 90% of the local computer store dedicated to Windows crap to get to the few shelves of Mac stuff buried in the back, I have to ask, "How does it feel, fuckers?" :-)

Zune will kill iPod

[Anonymous Coward]

Zune will create history. The best MP3 player designed in the shortest period with highest sales when it goes on shelf during 06 holidays. Zune uses .Net compact framework so you can change and twist anything in the smallest development cycle unlike iPod which requires contacting dozens of arrogant hardware vendors.

ZuneYourCar is something which some ofthe insiders are working on ;-)

Re:Name

[jpardey]

I have a feeling they will have an incredibly annoying comercial with a bunch of 23 year olds pretending to be 17 year olds, dancing and listening in awe to some shitty Crazy Frog song (on Microsoft External Zpeakers connected to the coolest kid's Zune), with the tagline "I gotta get this tune on MY Zune!"