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RIP Microsoft Zune brand

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Re: RIP Microsoft Zune brand

#21

Post by checoivan »

chops wrote: post #11

As a longtime Zune user and appreciator, I'm hoping that the Zune-Pass will be rolled into something else and that existing devices won't suddenly lose access to the Zune-pass service songs ($15/mo for unlimited (DRMed) songs and 10 MP3 Downloads was generally great). Further, if the Zune software becomes the "WP7" software, I won't really care so long as it still works with my existing devices. If, on the other hand…

Similar here. I used Zune pass since I loved the fact of getting an album, literally in 1 click. But I was tied into a zune, and windows, 3 physical machines top to be exactly. Then some albums starting dissapearing, and when I tried to setup an account for my dad,I couldn't since it was outside the US. In short I wish it was given a bigger push.

I'm using rdio now. Works on any computer with a browser, good album selection, cheaper, and I can get the songs on my iPhone.

Re: RIP Microsoft Zune brand

#22

Post by zmonkeyz »

chops wrote: post #11

As a longtime Zune user and appreciator, I'm hoping that the Zune-Pass will be rolled into something else and that existing devices won't suddenly lose access to the Zune-pass service songs ($15/mo for unlimited (DRMed) songs and 10 MP3 Downloads was generally great). Further, if the Zune software becomes the "WP7" software, I won't really care so long as it still works with my existing devices. If, on the other hand…

I really dig Zune as well. I originally wanted to get the HD model but held out for WP7. The subscription idea suits me better then the iTunes model.

Re: RIP Microsoft Zune brand

#23

Post by ptomato »

thought_alarm wrote: post #16

Well, it was no surprise to most people that Microsoft could release a well-designed MP3 player well after the problem of the MP3 player had been solved. (Although, the Zune Desktop software was way too underpowered for my needs.) It was also no surprise that it had little impact on the market. They have been 3 steps behind their competition for the entire time. Few differentiating features beyond music subscriptions…

Judging from what they call that, they'll probably call it the Windows Media Device 7 Windows Windows Media Device Windows 7 Windows Device Device 7.

Re: RIP Microsoft Zune brand

#24

Post by agazso »

Refringe wrote: post #17
spoiledtechie wrote: post #14

I hope they don't get rid of the player. That desktop player is by far the best one I have ever used except for maybe Winamp before AOL. Its too feature rich to get rid of. Yes, even better than iTunes.

I can't stand iTunes as a media player. I'm still using an old version of Winamp.

Try Foobar2000! It is open-source, actively developed, has tons of features and plugins but still lightweight, plays numerous formats and the best, works out-of-the box.

http://www.foobar2000.org/

I also changed from Winamp, when it became adware.

Re: RIP Microsoft Zune brand

#25

Post by barista »

chops wrote: post #11

As a longtime Zune user and appreciator, I'm hoping that the Zune-Pass will be rolled into something else and that existing devices won't suddenly lose access to the Zune-pass service songs ($15/mo for unlimited (DRMed) songs and 10 MP3 Downloads was generally great). Further, if the Zune software becomes the "WP7" software, I won't really care so long as it still works with my existing devices. If, on the other hand…

I think this is just some rebranding going on. The Pass is awesome and I'm sure will live on.

Re: RIP Microsoft Zune brand

#26

Post by foljs »

rbanffy wrote: post #19
spoiledtechie wrote: post #14

I hope they don't get rid of the player. That desktop player is by far the best one I have ever used except for maybe Winamp before AOL. Its too feature rich to get rid of. Yes, even better than iTunes.

> Yes, even better than iTunes. Beating iTunes is not exactly hard.

Oh, but it is.

Most of the people who can't stand it, are those that like to micromanage their music collections.

Re: RIP Microsoft Zune brand

#27

Post by Griever »

brondaire wrote: post #9

Although the Zune was largely a failure in terms of overall market share, it wasn't a bad product offering. * The Zune Pass was an excellent way to get music for a flat monthly rate, and the selection and price was competitive with Rhapsody and other services. * Zune hardware was always top-notch, with Zune devices having FM or HD radio. The Zune HD was particularly nice. * Zune Social was somewhat similar to last.fm…

In regards to the client software, I must say that iTunes is an absolutely atrocious piece of software (at least on Windows). I think the Zune app really got it right for managing large amounts of music in a simple-to-use interface. It really is too bad that it will most likely be getting the can soon enough.

Re: RIP Microsoft Zune brand

#28

Post by nigelsampson »

Griever wrote: post #27
brondaire wrote: post #9

Although the Zune was largely a failure in terms of overall market share, it wasn't a bad product offering. * The Zune Pass was an excellent way to get music for a flat monthly rate, and the selection and price was competitive with Rhapsody and other services. * Zune hardware was always top-notch, with Zune devices having FM or HD radio. The Zune HD was particularly nice. * Zune Social was somewhat similar to last.fm…

In regards to the client software, I must say that iTunes is an absolutely atrocious piece of software (at least on Windows). I think the Zune app really got it right for managing large amounts of music in a simple-to-use interface. It really is too bad that it will most likely be getting the can soon enough.

Agreed, I started used the Zune software when I purchased a WP7 and really enjoy the software, especially when compared to itunes.

Great products but unfortunately failed for other reasons.

Re: RIP Microsoft Zune brand

#29

Post by leif »

You know, as a guy that uses free software whenever possible, I never liked a Microsoft product until I gave the Zune a shot (got it for free, so...). It still pisses me off, having to run a virtual machine just to load up my music, and I've never used an iPod, but I honestly like the device and the firmware a lot. It's one of the best offerings they've put out.

I hope the product design and engineering talent in the Zune team continue to do great things for WP7, even if I'll probably never use one.

Re: RIP Microsoft Zune brand

#30

Post by foresterh »

chops wrote: post #11

As a longtime Zune user and appreciator, I'm hoping that the Zune-Pass will be rolled into something else and that existing devices won't suddenly lose access to the Zune-pass service songs ($15/mo for unlimited (DRMed) songs and 10 MP3 Downloads was generally great). Further, if the Zune software becomes the "WP7" software, I won't really care so long as it still works with my existing devices. If, on the other hand…

How was it better than Rhapsody? That's only $10/month, and you can, as far as I know, download whatever you want to listen to offline (though I may be wrong... I listen to most stuff online)
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