Zune - iPod Killer Mk2
The Apple monopoly over digital media players is set to fall if Microsoft's plans fall into place. Their new Zune device has a 30GB hard disk, and is available in iPod white and black, and in a rare case of Microsoft innovation, erm, brown...
Microsoft's iPod Killer MK1 - PlaysForSure
PlaysForSure (catchy name) was Microsoft's MK1 iPod killer. Like the Windows operating system, Microsoft coded it, and waited for the rush of developers to make devices that could utilise it. Zune is their MK2 iPod killer, it has also killed off PlaysForSure too, as songs from this system will not work on Zune.
"Microsoft is starting over. Never mind all the poor slobs who bought big PlaysForSure music collections. Never mind the PlaysForSure companies who now find themselves competing with their former leader. Their reward for buying into Microsoft's original vision? A great big 'So long, suckas!'
It was bad enough when there were two incompatible copy-protection standards: iTunes and PlaysForSure. Now there will be three.
(Although Microsoft is shutting its own PlaysForSure music store next week, it insists that the PlaysForSure program itself will live on.)"
NY Times - David Pogue
So, what happens when they kill Zune off? Will iPod killer MK3 support Zune files? Who knows but I wouldn't risk buying one. Even if I could as Zune is not available in the UK yet.
The Zune Social Club
One thing that that does seperate Zune from the iPod is it's wireless capabilities, it can be used to transmit music (and photos) to other Zune users, albeit for 3 days, then it wipes the tune - even if it was your own recording, this is just not for DRM protected files! It also has an FM Radio built in, and a bigger screen than the iPod.
What gets me though is what makes the iPod special to me, is the AddressBook and iCal intergration, plus the use of the iPod hard drive as a portable data carrier. Zune won't do this. It also doesn't work with Windows Media Player, you have to use a similar but less powerful player that Microsoft have developed to work with the Zune.
The iPod may not be perfect, but I really can't see Zune killing it off, I'll wait for the 3rd generation of iPod Killer, but I won't hold my breath.