Zune and Xbox Live Video Merger No More?
Along the lines of my previous article concerning Microsoft working to integrate their media delivery systems across platforms, it appears that they’re heading in the opposite direction…(sigh).
Via Ars Technica
“Back in November 2007, The New York Times interviewed Microsoft’s J Allard, an important figure behind the Xbox who moved over to work on the Zune and a few other secret product efforts. Among the many things discussed during the lengthy interview, J Allard touched upon the Xbox Live Video Marketplace and the Zune Marketplace….Is Microsoft making a good decision by changing its mind on a single marketplace for both the Xbox and the Zune? I personally don’t think so. It’s like offering an iTunes store for the iPhone in addition to one for the iPod. It just doesn’t make sense. For example, how will Microsoft address users of both the Zune and the Xbox? These customers might not be amused if they have to pay twice for the same download. What do you think; should there be one marketplace or two?”
It’s all about the endgame folks
Everyone focuses on the numbers, you can’t escape it. When you discuss Windows and Macs, people love to crunch the numbers. The other day, I was with a friend in Chipotle, his Zune 80 on the table, and a mutual acquaintance wandered by, and asked what the latest sales figures were – hoping to justify his ipod in tow. I think that this analysis, which we’re all guilty of, is misguided and ineffective for gauging the value of the Zune, and what Apple’s packing up in Cupertino. It’s all about the end game, and when enframe the competition between Microsoft and Apple this way, it takes on a new light, which I believe is a little more realistic.
So let’s talk about this endgame, what exactly is it? It’s the elusive “connected experience,” that no one can seem to get right. It’s your movies, music, games, and all other digital content served up regardless of location, working seamlessly. We’re not there yet folks.
(Finish Reading After the Jump)
Zune Swag Contest #1
Hey everyone,
I have some Zune swag around the house that I’m looking to give to some lucky winners, so this is the first of several (weekly?) contests.
(Contest details after the jump.)
We now return to your regularly scheduled programming…
And we’re back.
Sorry for going off the grid for the last few months, life got just a tad bit hectic, and with less than stellar feelings about the Zune 2.0 rollout I just couldn’t juggle the site with my schedule.
However, I really miss the community, and need a medium to rant, because my friends just can’t take anymore Zune gossip, so I’m back. Hopefully you’ll add the site to your rss reader and stay tuned, as I’ll be pluggin’ away like the good old days.
Thanks, and happy reading.
-Charlie
Merry Christmas / Zune 8 Short Take *EDIT*
*EDIT* SO MY CAMERA DECIDED TO DIE TODAY. GUESS I KNOW WHAT I’M BUYING WITH CHRISTMAS MONEY. PICS/FULL REVIEW OF THE ZUNE 8 ORIGINALS EDITION UP WHEN I GET BACK. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!
First of all Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates that today. And if you head over to our new forum (click the image above) and go to the wallpaper section you’ll find a nice little gift from me. just redid the flow images from the wallpapers on Zune.net to give people a bit more choice.
And also i’ve had a few days with my Zune 8 and here is my short take on the player. (pics of Zune Originals coming tomorrow)
Pros:
-Light Weight
-Comfortable
-ZunePad is probably the best control scheme on a DAP i’ve used.
-spot to put in a wrist strap.
-perfect size/feel.
-Zune originals engraving is amazing.
Cons:
-Menus could load a bit faster sometimes
-wishing the screen filled up the whole top instead of having that black boarder around it
-Randomly restarts for some reason.
-FM Tuner dosn’t seem to be as good as in the Zune 30
-no BLUE color. (^_^)
So far though i give it 4/5 and highly recommend it.
I’ll probably have a few updates after i come back from boston where it’s going to get a lot of use. but for now go check out your christmas gift over in the forum!!!
~neo~
Zune originals update
So it came in a few days ago and i’ve been spending a lot of time testing out the 8 and seeing it’s pros and cons. My internet has been down for the last week but i will have a review up here and photos on the forum come the 26th at the latest. And on the 27th i’l be leaving for Boston for a week and i hope to see some Zuners up in new england!
Zune originals!
So my Zune Original shipped today. and whenever it comes in i’ll be making an unboxing video for it and it’ll be posted here and on the forum. probably around friday.
ANd i’m sorry for the lack of posts/activity on the forum. i’ve been sick for a week and i work at gamestop so now with holiday hours i’ve been there almost every day.
