Zune owners who update their software are now able to get free Wi-Fi at over 9,800 McDonalds restaurants. Perhaps this is a reaction to the free Wifi for iPhone users at Starbucks, but the two product/restaurant partnerships should not be confused. The Zune has no browser or Internet access, which pretty much means owners they are only able to buy more music. Free WiFi without a browser is essentially meaningless.
In their latest Zune press release, Microsoft also seems to have dropped any pretense of social networking, and instead focused on the device as merely a channel for users to discover and purchase more music. But with more colors and designs. This seems to be a literal case of "putting lipstick on a pig".
Zune users seem to be ecstatic about the Zune user interface, while iPod users often complain about theirs. But it is the entire experience that drives the choice of player, from the integration with the iTunes Store and now the App Store, all the way to fitting in with your friends in terms of the things that you own. Apple understands lifestyle, while Microsoft seems to think it's all about the technology, and seems relegated to playing catch-up on features. We all know that Apple is just as interested in selling to customers as Microsoft, but they hide that fact so much better -- customers are not just buying consumer electronics, they are buying into a lifestyle.
Microsoft, with only about 2 million Zune users, seems to be chasing Apple for a tiny share of a music player (oh, and audiobook) market. Apple, with over 160 million iPods sold so far, is clearly playing a different game -- a device for all media, as well as your constant personal companion -- and their personal channel to you.
The ability to get just about any kind of software you want for the iPod/iPhone, with new applications every day, has also demonstrated the flexibility of Apple's platform. 100 million application downloads in 60 days demonstrates the power of an open extensible platform, even if it is still controlled and somewhat limited by Apple.
Now if only Apple would allow access to the iTunes database on the iPhone/iPod Touch, an entire ecosystem could spring up around the media. Users would be able to share music recommendations, share playlists, or create Pandora-style music mixes. They could do more with their media than just listen passively to it. After all, it is accessible on Windows and the Mac, so this shouldn't be a stretch.
I will say one thing about Zune users though; they are feisty. After reading Ian Lamont’s article this morning I looked at the Zune 3 Twitter stream. Comments like "Streaming the Joshua Tree directly to my stereo through the Zune 3.0 (original 30 gig version from 2 years ago too). Can your iPod do that?" suggests these folks do love the Zune.
Unfortunately, I don’t think that will be enough to save it.
Larry Borsato has been a software developer, marketer, consultant, public speaker, and entrepreneur, among other things. For more of his unpredictable, yet often entertaining thoughts you can read his blog at larryborsato.com.
Photo: Microsoft
More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:
- Prediction: Zune Phone announced by end of 2008?
- Prediction: Apple will ship 10 million iPhones in 2008
- Prediction: Apple hits 18% share of US computer market by end of year
- Prediction: Apple's iTunes to displace Wal-Mart as largest music retailer in U.S.
- Analysis: Why podcasting is failing
Comments
As soon as MSFT wake up and (finally) recognize that Zune is a 'platform' that can serve as your lifetime device and phone - rather than clinging to the notion that it's all about the music - then Zune won't have to worry about being 'saved'. Zune is a fantastic product, despite the fact that loading video content onto it is still a real challenge (which, of course, will change after the Zune Marketplace finally has some great content to select from).
Zune is here to stay. Make no mistake about that.
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