Twitch Asylum

Microsoft set to launch iPod like player called the Zune.
http://reviews.cnet.com/Microsoft_Zune/ ... 68976.html

I've been on many many boards where people are just raping this thing. I don't know if it's just Apple fan boys, Microsoft haters or both...

My opinion? I like the thing! Kudos to MS for pumping out a really nice product! Is it rough around the edges? yes. Will it be improved? Absolutely yes. Just look at the generation 1 iPods. They were clunky bricks. Those too were slowly refined into what they are today.

Out of the shoot, the Zune will have some definate leaps over the iPod like Wi-Fi and (from what I hear) no or limited DRM as well as the ability to swap content with other Zunes (NICE). I'll wait until I get my hands on one before I start seriously critiquing it.

For now? Nice Job Microsoft! Anyone hear what they will be are asking for these?

--SjN

looks pretty sweet to me if u were able to swap movies and music that would make it way better then the ipod

looks pretty sweet to me if u were able to swap movies and music that would make it way better then the ipod

wtf thats a crazy glitch i just double posted ?

I found an article critical of the Zune's DRM:

...recipients of shared songs will only be able to listen to them three times or for three days, whichever comes first. It sort of sounds like a really bad tire warranty.

Zune accomplishes this amazingly stupid feat by wrapping shared music in a proprietary layer of DRM, regardless of what format the original content may be in. I

One of the things that worries me about the Zune is that multiple manufacturers will be creating the hardware. It reminds me a lot of the Windows CE devices. It just makes it more confusing for the consumer because they have to figure out which device to get based on quality, warranty, capabilities, etc. In other words, you can't just walk into an Apple store and buy one...

--Raz.

Apparently the Zune install has some interesting background images for errors. Also, someone has made a funny spoof of the Zune ads.

I don't like to pass judgement on new products but I've got a strange feeling that the Zune is doomed. There is just no way to stop the behemoth that is iPod. The concept is fantastic. It's just not marketed well enough to even be a threat.