The New York Times’ Andrew Ross Sorkin visited CNN’s “Amercian Morning” show earlier today to visit with Miles O’Brien and Soledad O’Brien to discuss to Microsoft’s Zune.
What ensued was a comedy of sorts – unless you’re Microsoft, then it’s a tragedy – with choice moments including:
• After Sorkin describes the Zune and all of its glorious limitations (during which Miles O’Brien remarks, “Lot of fine print there”) including, “And, even worse, if you’ve bought songs on Napster or some of the former Microsoft-compliant devices [services], also doesn’t work here [Zune]. So, you have to start your library all over again…” Soledad asks, “So who do they think is going to buy this?”
• Sorkin trying to gin up an “iPod Backlash” theory
• Soledad, quickly tired and bored with Zune, asks, “May I show you my new iPod shuffle?”
• Sorkin perks up, “Now that’s the thing, that’s the thing… that’s a lot sexier than this, right?”
• Soledad shows her new iPod shuffle – this is during the Zune introduction segment, mind you – and says, “Hello? Hello? Look at this it weighs nothing, it literally is the size of a matchbook and weighs that. So, why would I buy that, heavy…”
• Sorkin, “You know Microsoft, in the end, I’m sure they’ll come out with something… I don’t know if it’ll be that pretty (referring to the shuffle that Soledad is clipping neatly to her lapel)… but something – isn’t that neat, oh my God (referring to Soledad’s iPod shuffle on her lapel)…
• Miles O’Brien asks, “Why don’t they [Microsoft] get some decent design people to make thing look better?”
• Sorkin responds with pained sigh and, “I, I…” as Miles O’Brien says of Zune, “It’s clunky, it’s clunky.” Sorkin concludes with, “No comment.”
See it for yourself:
CNN’s version (Windows Media Player required) is here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “A.R.” for the heads up.]
It’s always “you know Microsoft, in the end, I’m sure they’ll come out with something…” Something to be like a Mac, something to be like an iPod, something to be like iTunes – just keep waiting. So, when does this “in the end” come? You know, where Microsoft finally gets it right? Puleeze. Microsoft gives it to their customers “in the end” ad infinitum. From what we just saw and heard on CNN, it looks like the world is finally waking up. There is no reason for Microsoft to have an iPod knockoff other than to satisfy their own egos. They are not advancing anything. Nobody outside of Microsoft wants a Zune. They screwed up their Mac knock-offs with Windows and now they’ve screwed up their iPod+iTunes knockoff with Zune. What’s the point anyway? Why does Microsoft exist exactly, to poorly translate Apple innovations for the Wal-Mart set? To provide their investors with a flat-lined stock price? To make crappy products to ensure jobs for IT guys? Why?
Life’s too short. Wake up. Save yourself unending aggravation and get the real thing. Get a Mac and an iPod+iTunes.
Related articles:
Engadget: Microsoft’s Zune software: ‘It sucks’ – November 13, 2006
Early Microsoft Zune customer greeted with Zune ‘Installation Error’ – November 13, 2006
Zuned: What’s the ‘deal’ with Microsoft Points? – November 12, 2006
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Apple has no need to worry about Microsoft’s cumbersome, chunkier Zune – November 11, 2006
BusinessWeek: ‘By this time next year, Microsoft’s Zune will be considered a dismal failure’ – November 10, 2006
USA Today’s Baig: Microsoft Zune is no Apple iPod – November 09, 2006
Forbes: Microsoft’s Zune stinks; like ‘Microsoft Bob,’ only more embarrassing – November 09, 2006
NY Times’ Pogue: Zune should come in green to match Microsoft’s iPod envy – November 09, 2006
Mossberg: MS Zune has ‘too many compromises, missing features’ vs. ‘thin, sleek, elegant’ Apple iPod – November 09, 2006
Microsoft to pay Universal for every Zune sold – November 09, 2006
Analysts: Microsoft Zune may end up being a flop – November 08, 2006
Are 58% of iPod owners really thinking of a Zune switch? – November 08, 2006
Survey: 58% of iPod owners planning another MP3 player purchase will consider Microsoft’s Zune – November 01, 2006
Zune is from Microsoft, but Microsoft doesn’t want anybody to know about it – November 07, 2006
Microsoft Zune to be US-only, no firm plans to launch anywhere else globally – November 03, 2006
Five Microsoft Zune TV commercials – November 02, 2006
JupiterResearch: Apple’s iPod will dominate for foreseeable future; Microsoft’s Zune insignificant – October 25, 2006
Ellen DeGeneres Show gives away Microsoft Zunes, studio audience goes berserk – October 23, 2006
More Microsoft Zune myths explored – October 20, 2006
Five more Microsoft Zune myths – October 18, 2006
Microsoft Zune intensifies chaos in Apple iPod+iTunes also-ran market – October 16, 2006
Newsweek Q&A: Apple CEO Steve Jobs discusses iPod’s impact, Microsoft’s Zune, and more – October 15, 2006
Microsoft’s Ballmer: Zune device not money loser, wishes Apple’s 30GB iPod was $299 instead of $249 – October 11, 2006
Microsoft’s consumer electronics track record: long string of failures – October 11, 2006
MP3.com founder: ‘Zune will be an expensive failure for Microsoft because consumers aren’t stupid’ – October 06, 2006
Microsoft fails to secure key Zune domains – October 04, 2006
Microsoft rigs Zune with tricky pricing and proprietary money schemes – October 03, 2006
Why Microsoft’s Zune won’t kill Apple’s iPod – October 03, 2006
10 Apple iPod vs. Microsoft Zune myths – October 02, 2006
Analyst: Zune could lead to ‘civil war’ between Microsoft and Windows Media partners – September 29, 2006
Thurrott on Microsoft’s Zune: ‘The makings of a disaster, what the heck are these people thinking?’ – September 29, 2006
Analyst: Microsoft Zune’s as good as dead on arrival – September 28, 2006
Microsoft sets 30GB Zune price at $249.99 – September 28, 2006
How Microsoft’s Zune can kill Apple’s iPod – September 21, 2006
Microsoft’s Zune insanity – September 21, 2006
The Microsoft Zune 1.0 dud – September 20, 2006
Microsoft’s underwhelming Zune a ‘viral DRM’ device – September 18, 2006
SanDisk teams with RealNetworks against new common foe: Microsoft Zune – September 18, 2006
Creative does Apple’s dirty work by immediately attacking Microsoft’s Zune – September 17, 2006
Motley Fool’s Jayson: Microsoft’s ‘just plain ugly’ Zune a meager offering, not an iPod killer – September 15, 2006
What’s in a name? ‘Zune’ a French-Canadian euphemism for penis or vagina – September 15, 2006
Crave at CNET: ‘Microsoft Zune, all the excitement that brown can bring’ – September 15, 2006
Microsoft’s Zune underwhelms – September 15, 2006
Enderle: Microsoft Zune ‘a design mistake’ – September 15, 2006
Microsoft hypocrisy exposed with Zune: What ever happened to ‘choice?’ – September 14, 2006
Analyst: Microsoft Zune with fake scroll wheel ‘hardly an Apple iPod killer’ – September 14, 2006
Analyst: Microsoft Zune won’t spoil Apple’s biggest iPod Christmas ever – September 14, 2006
Microsoft unveils Zune 30GB player, Zune Marketplace; declines to disclose prices – September 14, 2006
Analyst: Microsoft’s Zune an ‘underwhelming’ repackaged Toshiba Gigabeat; no threat to Apple iPod – August 30, 2006
Microsoft confirms brick-like Zune to be made by Toshiba – August 25, 2006
Microsoft Zune is chunky brick made by Toshiba – August 25, 2006
Microsoft to sell single Zune model this fall, rumors of Wi-Fi capability were greatly exaggerated – August 10, 2006
Microsoft to spend hundreds of millions, several years on Zune trying to catch Apple iPod+iTunes – July 27, 2006
Zune: Apple cannot lose. Microsoft cannot win. – July 26, 2006
ok, apple beats microsoft and people gush. this doesn’t change the fact that no one actually watches video regularly on his/her own ipod. beyond music, there’s not much else to advance for in terms of mp3 players.
It looks even thicker when someone is actually holding it. That thing is huge.
I watch video on my ipod. The screen is small but the resolution is great.
Ouch… that’s got to be one of the most (delightfully) painful things I’ve ever seen. I bet the profanity is flowing in Redmond this morning. I can almost hear Ballmer’s tirade from here.
OMG …the zune got humiliated. damn. Definitely a chair thrown somewhere
Just finished watching the thing and it’s absolutely hilarious. Typically presenters on this sort of thing just kind of nod and go along with whatever the guest is saying since obviously they’ve not used the thing, they don’t know all about it. In this instance they’ve both come to the conclusion that they don’t like &/or want anything the zune has to offer. Brilliant. The only thing they expressed interest in – wifi – didn’t work remotely how they thought it would and they both seemed to think that how it did work was pretty stupid and restrictive. The zune isn’t some sort of bizarre tax write off or something is it?
I threw my freakin back out picking up a zune.
I think it’s hilarious that during a Zune segment, the iPod got more screen time.
That’s really cool when Soledad pulled out her new gen 2 iPod shuffle and Miles said now that’s is neat. It doesn’t look like either one of them was impressed with the Zune at all.
Whoa . . . it does look even thicker than the ads have shown. Does that thing play cassette tapes as well? What a brick!
I wonder if that weirdo running the Zune project has been fired yet?
I want to see the live demonstration of them attempting to squirt a song from one zune to another. I bet it only works half the time.
I still don’t know what to get for Christmas. I already own a 5g 30g iPod.
Should I get a new core 2 duo Macbook,
a refurbished 15″ Macbook Pro,
or a 42″ Panasonic Plasma TV.
Decisions, decisions!
Why even compare it to an iPod? It can’t match up with the also-ran MP3 players. When zune is as good as Creative’s offering, then try to compare it to the iPod.
CNN has lost so much credibility in the journalism business that they’re resorting to undisclosed promotions? Come on.
You’ve all seen “tech sopts” before.. they are paid for by the manufacturers. The “news” anchors do NOT, under any circumstances, ask questions they haven’t been told to, and they don’t proclaim the glory of competing products.
It’s very clear this was orchestrated by Apple. “It does Email, right?” “No.” “It works with a server, right?” “No.” “Can I show you my shuffle?”
This is weasely stuff. CNN has obviously sunk this low, but Apple should be above it.
MS has had over 5 years to come up with something to compete with the iPod and this is the best they can do? We know they weren’t spending that time in Vista since is has basically none of the features that were originally promised. What exactly have they been doing for the past half decade? I am not trying to judge but wondering what their employees actually do during the course of a normal business day.
that was AWESOME
/cackle
So I have to suffer through a microshaft ad to see the CNN broadcast which puts MS in its place–in the toilet. The Shuffle is great. Someone should design very light headphones with a slot for the Shuffle to slide right in. NO cables.
MW-with-Headphones WITH Shuffle.
Wow. Way to go Soledad! That was ballsy of her to do but at least they were being honest with their viewers and not gushing over something they thought was a POS.
“Does it do email?”
“Uh, no…”
Sorkin looked really uncomfortable at the end, like he could sense his check from Redmond going up in flames at that very moment.
MW – trouble. Could be trouble for M$ today.
Oh, My Freaking Golly!!!! After seeing this video, I am definitely convinced I’m gonna get one. I have 4 ipods. One of them is a 1st gen Shuffle.
I’ve always wanted to get one of these things when I saw pictures of them on the internet and magazines being advertised. I just haven’t seen one being handled by anyone or it being shown in a video before it came out. I was a little hesitant about buying one. After seeing this video, I’m sure now that I have to get one of them new Shuffles!!! It’s so freakin’ awesome!
With that brief exchange of fresh air, I may have to change my opinion of CNN (just a tad…. maybe).
I think I hear chairs flying in Redmond.
2nd Gen iPod Shuffles, that was what’s being promoted in that video, right?
Hilarious!
Seriously, other than few pimply Apple hating MS fan bois… who the FVCK gives a damn about the Zune?
I use an iPod to shuttle files around between computers. I carry system and application installers and updates, too.
Zune can’t do that!
Hopefully Apple will implement Home-on-iPod with Leopard. THAT’s the kind of feature that’ll make people drool! And BUY MORE … Macs, iPods… the Apple Works. No, not THAT AppleWorks… RIP >snif<
Zune will NEVER do that!
I’m hoping the mythical “real” iPod video can be used as some kind of universal remote (Front Row). That’ll be one MORE Zune flushing feature.
If CNN is anything, they are shills for MS, Apple sure as hell didn’t pay them to do this you idiot. Hell, the video file to watch this clip is even in WM9 format.
It just goes to show that even Windows idiots realize that the Zune is one big giant turd.
“Why don’t they get some decent design people”….
That was a great closing comment.
So, just how do you redesign a turd?
Just had to watch that again. Sorkin’s pained sigh at the end is priceless.
What I don’t understand is this so called “backlash”… Apple is the new monopoly? Puhleeze! It works on anything! The only backlash that’s going on is on the Redmond campus.
That was freaking hi-lary-ous!
It takes Soledad and Miles 30 seconds to wipe out millions in Zune marketing.
http://slackerdave.org
My favorite moment: When Sorkin says “Maybe Apple is now the new monopoly, the new Microsoft,” O’Brien makes an audible, dismissive sound of disagreement.
(If anyone has a problem watching the video using Flip4Mac: I couldn’t get it to play until I went into Flip4Mac’s System Preferences pane and set it to “Show QuickTime controls even if the website tries to hide them.”)
(I watched it at cnn.com, before the handy YouTube version was up.)
I saw a segment on AFN (Armed Forces Network for those from OS) that showed the launch of the ZUNE in Seattle. Bill Gates was there and some dude was squirting him a song during the demo. The journalist had a ‘brownie’ in the crowd and tried to catch the ‘squirt’. He didn’t of course and later asked the dude why he could not get the ‘squirt’ when he was in range of the other two ‘brownies’.
The Dude didn’t have an answer but rambled on about the man (Gates) having a plan or some other shit to ensure that music wasn’t stolen.
???? What the cfuk does ‘squirting’ a song have to do with stealing music????
The stupid thing is supposed to send songs to other ‘brownies’, but it didn’t?
Seems to only one on one, which is not that ‘SOCIAL’ after all!
I have a 1G shuffle and I love it. (plus kids and wife have other iPods) I didn’t think I would like the new shuffles form factor, but saw it the other day at Best Buy, and wow, It is way beyond my original shuffle!
It is interesting that the Zune was compared to Apples “bottom of the line” iPod offering and it could compare (yeah it “shows video,”) but who cares? let’s get back to this sexy iPod!!!!!
Thanks Always Right for the heads up, the CNN piece is priceless
…in weather related news, CNN weather reports that it is literally raining chairs in Redmond, Washington. This strange phenomenon has been noted before in this area. It’s continuing and ever increasing frequency has some meteorologist’s speculating a link to global warming…
Wow – that was a great ending… sighs about the Zune and attention back to the iPod.
” width=”19″ height=”19″ alt=”smile” style=”border:0;” />
@Eric24601
I was reading your post with increasing incredulity until you said it was the Shuffle you wanted, not the Zune. /chuckle
Chip….
It plays 8 track tapes, not cassettes which is more technologically advanced.
Hilarious!!!
“You can network, but only if there’s somebody else with a Zune in the same room.”
Now what are the chances, outside of Ballmer’s office, that two Zunes will be in the same room at the same time? I mean, they will be at infinite dilution in the sea of mp3 players.
hahahahahahahaha!!! chairs flying in Redmond
That sigh, which perhaps should henceforth be known as the Sorkin Sigh, so utterly and perfectly emblemizes Microsoft’s frustrations and new-found awareness of their own unending inadequacies. Just go listen to it again. It says it all. I’m going to rip it and put it on my new iPod shuffle.
It should be right up there with the flying chairs. Really.
If Ballmer was watching that he must have felt like his teeth were being removed…… through his arse.
It is dead in the water and will only be bought by M$ fanboys and idiots.
What’s that you say, there is no difference, and, PC apologist has one already.
There you go then. Enough said.
that cinched it. I need the 2G shuffle. I’m not even sure why…
But it’s just so cheap and shiny. (And this is what happens when you come out with something simple and actually NEW… people will buy it for no good reason.)
By the way the idea above of headphones it just slides into–brilliant.
Now I just gotta talk a family member into “upgrading” me to an 80GB real ipod. (Dear Zune… I bought a 40GB DAP nearly THREE YEARS AGO. Then again, my music is on my mac, and I am not an Apple hater so…)
OMG that was PRICELESS!!!!
Wow. They really managed to trash the $une.
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Write it down.. iPod Shuffle killed the Zune live in the CNN.
That was pure defence, because Zune treathened to kill iPod and attacked first.
Wow, she’s hot! Look at her with her cute little shuffle. She should be the new “Mac babe”.
Screw CNN.
If I get a zune for free, that is OK for me, I will sell it or crack it to see ad hear what ever I want, is a good piece of junk for hackers. But for real music and tech lovers, I believe that there is no option but the iPod, but contrary to what the reporter said, Apple is not the new microsoft, the big key diferent is that Apple knows how to do things well, and Microsoft only know how to sell, but does not knows how to create and not even how to program well.
Some body will crack that “3 day” limit for songs and zune will became that best music pirating system working for Universal.
Haha! I like how the NYT guy sells all the crappy features of the Zune to Miles and Soledad, who clearly aren’t digging it, and then says:
“Here’s the part that’s not so cool…”
that. was. awesome.
Wow … i’m speechless … i have no speech …
I work just a few miles down the highway from the Redmond campus… I can almost see the chairs flying and hear the Chief Executive Howler-Monkey screeching from here. ^_^
What a lovely day.
So yeah, that about says it all – MS’s one big booster, Engadget, has finally seen the light, and CNN gave us a giant nail for the Zune coffin.
AAPL – all time high this week. Bet on it.
Zune – DOA.
Nothing more to see here, folks, move along.
-c
MW: ‘opened’ (my xmas presents only to find a Zune. I hate you, Santa)
LMFAO!!
Hahahaha! just too funny! I had to play back that clip several times to believe that Sorkin just struggling to find a way to play Devils Advocate and give some support to Zune. Zune, in true Microsoft fashion, is already experiencing zero-day attacks.
MW: its OVER for the Zune already
That was a perfect example of PR gone bad.
WOW
Priceless!
Nice to see all the right-wing apologists in here grumbling about CNN. You Rush-fellaters are hilarious.
“The Zune was slammed live on TV? Great! Oh, it happened on CNN? Grumble.”
Right-wingers, you’re all losers. Keep up the hypocrisy; it’s what you’re best at!
PC Apologist is right. If you can’t see that Apple is clearly manipulating CNN you better get yourself checked out.
Hey Apple: Dishonesty and manipulation is no way to get ahead in business. Microsoft didn’t get to where they are through heavy-handedness and misrepresentation. Try a little something called customer-focused innovation with a dash of ease-of-use and you might get to within 10% of Zune’s awesome features and usability. Try using direct approaches to commerce like points instead of currency. Nobody likes to use money, they like to use points. It’s like a game, so it’s fun dealing with Microsoft. Microsoft gets this, why don’t you Apple?
Hey CNN: Don’t let Apple push you around like that.
Keep it up Redmond. Way to take it to ’em even though Apple obviously has the media bamboozled against you. Definitely a conspiracy going on…
so funny! zune launch means more shuffle sales!
funniest news I’ve seen in a long time. that couldn’t have gone better for apple.
d^_^b
“Why don’t the get some design people.”
That about sums the segment up.
Now all the morons will see, FOX is a cartoon network.
CNN, Fair and Balanced.
Zune Tang wrote:
“Microsoft didn’t get to where they are through heavy-handedness and misrepresentation.”
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA…
Takes me all the way back to Windows 3.1. Priceless comedy. =)
Keep it up, Redmond. Laughter is the best medicine. ^_^
-c
MW: ‘over’ (Macho Grande… I’ll never got over Macho Grande)
That thing probably will probably sell more if they just put it on an online store and didn’t advertise or promote it. The less said about it the better for Microsoft; at least some of the malcontents would buy it just to be contrary.
The new media is merciless. Apple better stay on top of their game.
U mean to say NYT and CNN on the right side of an issue….???
Folks, mark this historic moment in your calendar!
Zune just got its ass kicked by an ipod shuffle
How much do you think Apple paid for this commercial?
We all know that this first Zune is designed to throw people off while microshaft builds the real Zune. They are listening to peoples complaints which they intentionally created with this half baked product so that the next generation will seem like they listened to the people and designed it the way the customer wanted. Then all the reveiw will say”: This new Zune may actually be an iPod killer. Blah blah blah. But of course it won’t work properly and will share viruses with the other zuned. Man I like microshaft.
CNN just did ANOTHER segment,
-admitted that another analyst said Zune won’t even give APPLE a headache
but made a mistake (99 cents, just like Apple.)
but my husband likes wal-mart!
MDN word is “social” – no kidding…
balmer???? has anyone seen balmer?????
HAHAHAHAAHAHAA ahhhhhhhhhh suck sh*t microdick fanboys.
Apple should buy the rights to that clip from CNN and put it in their own ads. At $100M, it would be a bargain.
It’s amazing how hopelessly inept Microsoft is. I almost feel bad for them. They’re trying so hard to change their image with this device, but they can’t. They’re inept. Oh well, I don’t feel that bad for them.
no comment
The Zune does sound like a lifeless turd.
-the “start your library over” argument
First: whatever happened to the idea that MS was going to give Zune switchers Zune-compatible copies of the songs they bought from other stores? Was that just speculation? I would never switch, but if that is actually going to happen, this argument is misleading. Second, unless you only do subscription, you do not “lose your library” – you can still play them on your computer. Third, most music on portable devices is from CDs (which the labels now want to call stealing, though Sorkin does address the CD issue. I will not switch to Zune, but there is plenty of room to criticize the device without being misleading. Also, I do not buy the concept that people will lock themselves into a hardware investment of $250 + the cost of accessories because of $30-40 in music that they can still play on their computer.
– glad that Sorkin addressed the critical mass issue with sharing and also pointed out that the distance really doesn’t make much difference because you actually have to ask the person face-to-face to request sharing. Shouldn’t you be able to do that remotely? The e-mail and download via wi-fi questions were funny.
– “MS will get around to it”
Just like they will get around to making Windows more secure.
– this thing is even uglier on video than in stills
That final ‘no comment’ from Sorkin is very telling – he’s a commentator, for z***s sake! If his lips are sealed, then he’s clearly on the MicroShaft payroll.
It’s so funny that people will see a conspiracy and money in EVERYTHING now.
Like there is not a moment in the 24-hour broadcast day that isn’t scripted.
This was one of the most obviously “live”, straightforward, and honest moments I’ve ever seen.
As someone else pointed out, usually the hosts just nod and add the polite banal regurgitations to a presenter’s “schtick”. Clearly this one went.. not so well.. for Microsoft. 😀
Great moment, great video, and classic comparison of apples and oranges – or is it Apples and Turds?
Honestly, if the Zune isn’t better than a $70 Shuffle, how is it gonna compete with anything?
Microsoft’s Zune Hardware: ‘no comment’
GotZuned.com
If there ever was a visual definition of PWNT, there it was.
On a related note, time to dump Toshiba stocks as they won’t be getting a second order from MS due to overwhelming inventory.
That was incredibly bad.
What you saw there was “the social” in action. Communities do not spring up because of a marketing campaign, but because people find a common and useful interest. Things fail because there is no common and useful interest.
It appeared to be spontaneous and probably a good indicator of the squirting turds chances.
It pretty much reminded me of the reaction to the PCjr. Spontaneous derision.
mw final: as in its not the final word, but a good indication of where the zune is headed.
What are you people talking about? Apple has CNN in their pocket. It’s what they do: mislead and muscle the competition around to get their way. That’s the only explanation for the plainly biased views expressed today on CNN.
Anyone who performs a genuine, objective evaluation of Zune will come to the conclusion that it is a vastly superior product with technology years, if not decades ahead of anything those unimaginative copycats at Apple would come up with. “Oooooh, it’s so shiny!” Give us all a break. The Zune is available in brown, people. Brown! Take that, Apple.
Nobody really wants an iPod. Zune is a beacon of freedom for those of us shackled by Apple’s clearly inferior, difficult-to-use product. Consumers will greet Zune salespeople with flowers and hugs. This is the start of something BIG.
Thank you, Microsoft!
If MSFT wants it, they will get it. Apple has been so lucky that it is still around. I assume it would have died 10 years ago. Bill Gates comparing Stave Jobs is like Michael Jordan vs. Charles Barkley, Tiger Woods vs. Phil Michealson, they are not even in the same class.
The Shuffle wipes the floor with the Zune, priceless! Apple probably makes more profit from their $79 shuffle than Microsoft do on their $249 Zune.
Ok Folks, try this …
If you url – http://www.ipod.com – you’ll get:
Apple’s iPod/iTunes web site
If you – http://www.zune.com – you’ll get (or least I got):
Listado de directorio denegado
Este directorio virtual no permite listar contenidos
Sorry Microsoft, el zune-o es stupido
Zune Tang –
Nice Satire – if you hadn’t included this statement:
“Microsoft didn’t get to where they are through heavy-handedness and misrepresentation.”
I would have thought you were being serious. Well done.
It gets funnier the more times you watch it, CNN are doing their own version of the I’m a Mac and I’m a PC adverts.
I think it’s really funny that I have yet to see ANYONE “squirting” songs to each other… sure, I’ve heard Ballmer rant on about it, but I haven’t seen anyone successfully squirt. Is it because the performance is flaky at best, and probably as complicated as installing Zune on a PC (are you sure you want to squirt?, Really Sure?, Error)
In the old days bad children got a lump of coal in their Christmas stocking, but now ……..
If even CNN can see that the Zune turd is a total piece of sh*t, then any retard should be able to clearly see the same thing.
So fine, the 352 Zune fanboys in the entire country can go have their fun with their new turd, that’s fine. Meanwhile the rest of us millions will continue to enjoy our iPods.
He said you get video. I thought the Zune didn’t even have video.
That thing is a hunk of crap.
That video is a wonderful reminder of the joy I feel that I no longer work in consumer P.R.
thanks for the video
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still checking.. no backlash
TimD: It gets funnier the more times you watch it, CNN are doing their own version of the I’m a Mac and I’m a PC adverts.
hah! Well said.
Zune Tang… seriously, you’re killing me. ^_^
BROWN!
-c
MW: ‘children’ (are smarter than you think)
Hey, did anyone read Atlas Shrugged? Remember when the spanish guy intentionally crashed his company to bankrupt the corrupt investors that backed him?
Something about this whole deal seems to smell just like that.
Come on. This product is SO BAD. It’s so much worse than ANYTHING ELSE out there. I just can’t shake the feeling that this is one big Hindenburg that MS launched in a lightning storm. I can’t make it add up any other way.
But if so… why? Is it the 120-some-odd million dollar investment in Apple? Does MS WANT to make the iPod look better?
Have I been reading too much Jim Marrs?
Well yes, but that’s not the point.
Point is – it’s all just TOO perfect. It stinks. Stinks like brown poo.
So Ballmer, what gives? What *is* your angle?
-c
MW: ‘red’ (ink might run out – stock up!)
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
Ow, my head hurts…
I can’t breathe…
Oh, wow.
If I had written a script for the introduction of Zune, I don’t think I could have made more chairs fly in Redmond.
~M
Just watched it again. That really is pretty harsh.
“I was in one Starbucks, and he was in the other Starbucks, and one day I went to his Starbucks, but he went to the other Starbucks…”
(If you’ve seen Best in Show that shit is hillarious)
(and yes, the people of Redmond are really kinda like that)
I watched it again, and wow… that just stings.
It REALLY seems biased.
But who the hell cares?
Did you guys see those crazy women on Ellen jumping up and down like idiots?
For the ZUNE?!?
MS is buying their publicity, and so is Apple.
I think Apple is getting a better deal.
-c
MW: ‘justice’
“Just watched it again. That really is pretty harsh.”
If you don’t think that was scripted, then you’re dumber than a rock.
Scripted?
Are you nuts?
Or a conspiracy theorist or something?
“Apple is a monopoly” is a lousy argument against the iPod. To find out why, ask two simple questions with obvious answers. What’s the largest single OS userbase that is generally monopoly-averse? Mac users. What’s the single OS userbase least likely to defect from using the iPod? Mac users. It’s like running as a Republican and attacking the Democrats of being pro-business. That’s not going to work, because the people most likely to vote Republican don’t really see that as a problem. That’s exactly analogous to telling iPod users, who are predominantly Microsoft customers, not to give Apple their business because they have a ‘music monopoly’. The average PC user may be living in an ease-of-use hinterland, but that doesn’t make him an idiot. He (or she) is going to look at that argument and think, ‘Me? Support a monopoly? Perish the thought!’, roll his eyes, and buy his daughter an iPod for Christmas because she wants it.
I’d like to see the “Apple Paid CNN To Trash the Zune” theorists provide evidence. That’s it. Put forth the evidence to back up your claims. The way I see it, CNN is fairly Mac hostile. I can’t even view the video because I’m not using WMP on a PC in IE. Show me the money. Put up or shut up. Otherwise, I pronounce you guys as paid astroturfers for Microsoft spreading FUD to spin a very bad product review on national TV.
if by scripted you mean the CNN presenters thought ahead and decided to show a shuffle up against the zune thats one thing (are they not allowed to do a comparison between apples cheapest iPod and microsofts so-called iPod killer ? )
but if youre saying that the NY Times journo was also in on it then youre delusional.
the CNN presenters and most other people know that if its got microsoft written on it then its going to suck – and the zune does not dissapoint.
Can’t wait for the zune to get a virus and/or Spyware
Coming from the viewpoint of a converted mac user, I have seen both the good and bad things about microsoft, and I will admit, I fear that there is not enough good in this product to save it, and I can pretty much garuntee that the DRM will be hacked in about 48 hours, considering microsoft isint exactly known for security. Also, I think it would have been a really good idea for it to have been mac compatible, then microsoft could have gotten to apple on the home front. since the Wifi sharing is so limited, I dont see that being used much. It needs more abilities, my Palm Pilot is alot thinner and looks nicer, but it can do alot more, and it works with my mac.
But when has microsoft ever made anything as good as the competition?
@Zune Tang: Shouldn’t you call yourself Zune Koolaid? You either drank the Redmond Koolaid or that was subtle satire.
Two thoughts finally crystalized when I viewed this video.
1. Every review I have read on the Zune has contained a phrase like “I slipped it into my pocket”. While on CNN we see one of the reporters proudly wear her Shuffle on her lapel like it was a fine piece of jewelry. So, if I’m in a Starbucks with a Zune (??) and I see someone else’s playlist, how am I ever going to find them? Since they are probably hiding their Zune in a pocket, instead of proudly wearing it.
2. I have seen many nic-names for the Zune. Some of them are not very nice. But one review had affectionately called his new Zune — ‘Brownie’. Then it all made sense to me… Monkey Boy (Steve Ballmer) has given up his diet of donuts and now he eats brownies.
MW: against — The Zune competes against the iPod, like brownies compare against fine jewlery
“if by scripted you mean the CNN presenters thought ahead and decided to show a shuffle up against the zune thats one thing”
Absolutely that’s what I mean. Soledad doesn’t just start pimping products on CNN without some-body’s permission.
“The Zune competes against the iPod, like brownies compare against fine jewlery”
Now suddenly the Shuffle competes against a 30GB iPod or 30GB Zune? The Shuffle is so much a non product in terms of features or capability that it deserves to disappear into a cellphone thereby costing and weighing nothing extra. If Apple would let Motorola raise the 100 song artificial limit on it’s iTunes phones then for those who carry an mp3 player and a phone anyway, which is most people, the shuffle and 2GB nano would have no reason to exist.
Did you hear about that girl who wrote a letter to Apple suggesting they add a feature to display song lyrics on the iPod’s screen? That was an EXCELLENT idea. I hope Apple uses it in spite of the legal complications.
If the Zune didn’t force you use a propretary music store like the iPod does, maybe I would take a look.
As it is, I refuse to be bound to a single music store, whether it is from Apple or Microsoft.
I love my Creative Zen Vision:M. It loves me. That’s all that matters.
Served! Served! Served!
wow, apple fan boys gushing over a negative review of a microsoft product! who’d’ve thunk it?
segment of an intercepted purchase order from microsoft in Redmond:
Deliver to: Microsoft Inc
From vendor: Office Depot
Item: standard office chairs
Quantity: 2 dozen
“If the Zune didn’t force you use a propretary music store like the iPod does, maybe I would take a look.”
NEITHER OF THEM DO. You can go to a REAL music store, BUY A CD, and RIP IT.
RIP MIX BURN. Remember?
This is what MOST people do, and it’s the World’s Best Way to avoid DRM. PROPRIETARY FORMATS are ONLY for online-delivered content.
AND YOU DON’T HAVE TO USE IT.
So let’s get of this DRM thing. It does not have to be there if you don’t like it.
-c
MW: ‘writing’ (so many posts is going to get me fired)
Zune, pwned by a Shuffle. That smarts.
Wow, I didn’t really read the whole comment thread… too time consuming for me right now…
Still, I have to say, I prefer Zune over iPod, and yeah, I give a damn about Zune over iPod. No need to get upset, Mr. Reeee… Not everyone has the same needs and desire of things, you know?
I have to admit, I think Eric24601’s comment was the most, and the best humour I’ve seen in this week.
Well said, right to the point. =_=+
Anyway, in the end, I have to agree with SoUnnDunn here… I’m going for a “Zen Vision V Plus”.
It’s as tiny as my sony NW-E99, it kills 2nd gen iPod Nano in an instant with it’s features and music quality (Also the default ear phones, too.)
Speak of designs… To my personal test… iPod was plan as paper to me… it seemed fresh, but now it’s just over-repeating it too much.
If you want designs… go for sony, at least they give NEW DESIGNS for almost every MP3 models. =_=+
Reference Link:
http://akihabaranews.com/en/news-12582-HDTV+:+New+Sony+Walkman+and+NetJuke.html
And, like I said before, if you want funtionalities, go for Creative’s Zen Series. Just go check engadget.com or cnet.com for the reviews… Oh, btw it’s the “Editor’s Choice of 2006”
Speak of Funtionalities… when will the iPod users and apple people get wise up and add a little “Volume Limiting Functions”??
Sony and Creative did it already… when will you follow? Perhaps in the future where there’s a bunch of middle-aged/senior deaf-mutes that sue you for damaging their ear drums?
Wise up, people… Haven’t your parents taught you that it’s bad to turn the volume up so high?
I personally don’t care about on-line music stores, I’d rather rip my own CDs, or I get it from friends for the GOOD, Old-fashioned MP3s… less complicating, less annoying, and I can actually decide what I want to do with the stuff that I paid.
I don’t really care if people accuse me of downloading music from forums, or exchange my own songs with friends. To me, I bought the music, and you bet damn well I want full control over it.
Have you everseen Gap or Nike sued people for exchanging clothes? Have you seen Ford or Honda sued people for moding their cars or exchange the cars?
No, I don’t think so.
To me, I don’t care where I download the music, as long as I contribute to the singers I support eventually, I’m cool with it.
Let me add one more thing…
I treat on-line downloading as a “Natural Selection” of the artists in general.
I don’t know about the rest of the world, but I’d feel damn upset if I spent 20+ dollars for CDs and DVDs, and found out it was filled with cheap-made crap, or “WATERED DOWN”.
I only buy CDs and DVDs after I download them from forums, listened, and liked/ watched movies in Theartres/rented/ or downloaded it before I go out and buy the DVD.
It all comes down to the same idea…
Survival of the fittest(talented)…
Sorry, almost forgot to tell the key point:
I started to dislike iPods and hating it after I found out how many friends of mine got screwed up by iTune 7… and I definatly hate apple for their innitial attitude of trying to hide the problems.
I don’t care if they changed now, they’ve already dealt the damage to my friends; and I think they are now as money/power hungry as Microsoft with their over-charged products. =_=#
If you got any comments, advices, ideas, you are always welcome to send it to fukgugle@gmail.com
Sincerely, Big-Daddy
ChrissyOne: I haven’t bought a CD in years, and I don’t intend to start now. My Creative Zen Vision:M is much more flexible than either iPod or Zune, so I’m sticking with it.
UnnDunn – I don’t care. I was making a point.
-c
MW: ‘ahead’ (is a terrible thing to waste)
The shuffle weighs about the same as a match box and is far less useful that a box of matches!
Wow CNN is a load of crap! So glad I don’t live in the US and have this force fed to me…
Apples and their products are made for simple(retarded, dumb) people.
Yes please let me spen $70 on an iCrap shuffle when I can get a smaller better quality mp3 player for about $40-50. OMG you people are being led by Job like the dumb rich sheep you are. Please dig a hole and die in it!
Look… it’s trying to think.
-c
MW: ‘points’ (…and laughs)
anon gets it.
Brilliant post, and Welcome to the Social.
Anyone ever look at the Zune board?
Our members have made a total of 3,370 posts in 515 threads.
We currently have 233 members registered.
Please welcome our newest member, Clintonman
The most users online at one time was 58 on 09-23-2006 at 11:24 AM
Isn’t it interesting that way back on September 23rd, fully one quarter of the total current membership were online at one time. And not much action since then.
Funny.
-c
MW: ‘either’ (this man is dead, or my Zune has crashed)
It’s been hilarious watching the reviewers and pundits struggle to come up with something to say about the Zune to turn it into an iPod killer. I mean, look at the numbers for chrissakes! Add that fact to the boneheaded blunder of telling all your partners to “sod off” and rendering your own system/scam (Plays For Sure) worthless and a host of other stupid moves the least of which being that buyers of Zunes and Vista loaded computers may have to get a patch just to get the thing to work out of the box AND the outright headache that it’ll be on a day to day basis to make the two communicate (it always happens with MS products, dont think it wont). It’s just the height of hilarity that someone would even try to post flamebait on the issue!!
This is going to be the most entertaining consumer product crash n’ burn since DeLorean cars and WebTV.
Oh my god, apple makes products that are the best designed ever. No company has come close to the design of the iPod in terms of integrated software and ease of use. The iPod is very flexible, it doubles as an external hard drive and I use as this almost daily (something that the Zune lacks for some reason)
Stop bashing a company that moves innovation and great products forward. There is a reason so many people have iPods, its not coincidince. They are simply amazing in all of its design.
The shuffle (which I own) is amazing it is smaller and lighter than any other music player with sound that will blow you away. It is a design marvel. Sure you can get another player for 50 dollars but it won’t work nearly as well with as the shuffle.
“Sure you can get another player for 50 dollars but it won’t work nearly as well with as the shuffle.”
The other $19.95 mp3 players have full LCDs and cellphones and PDAs and cameras built in them…
Ok, so you have to sign up for a 2 yr contract to get that price, but hey, you needed a cellphone anyway, right?
The future is not in standalone limited functionality MP3 players.
I’m sure to take heat here but there were other MP3 players before iPod. Apple is a fad for X, Y and 20 somethings. I’ll admit I think it’s cool but I’m for the underdog. I’ve been using creative labs products, RIO and RCA players for years. Before iPod was even a drip in apples pants. I just got 2 of my 3 kids the new gen ipod 30gb models. Though got them at a good price, they are still more expensive then my 2 year old 40gb Zen Ultra. I don’t need video (got a RCA media payer for that). So, I’m happy with mine and if it EVER breaks and that’s a big if (I’ve beat pretty hard, last time if fell off a 2 story building in it’s protective jacket and survived), I’ll stick with CL. One of the kids did ask for a ZUNE (brown) but is getting a white iPod instead as it was a second choice and I’m not happy with the zune’s restrictions on file types and operating systems. I’m sure to venture on these forums from time to time for tech help but I got these pods on a credit card the doubled the warranty and I’m sure from what I’ve read.. I’ll need it.