Microsoft Zume

Well the rumors were correct, Microsoft did it and made there own ipod called a "Zume" there pretty sweet id have to say myself. They do all an ipod does and lots more i have yet to find a pic but ill keep searching.
Do you think it'll be a big hit?

If it's cheaper than the iPod, and equally stylish and functional, then no.
Apple has a pretty heavy stranglehold on this market and are still sitting comfortably. Its good to have a wider market, although with the iPod's essential domination Microsoft doesnt have much of a chance. (Unless of course it just totally blows away the iPod in every category. That's a different story.)

...It's called the Zune, and it wasn't really a rumor.

It's also very disappointing, especially after Apple's recent announcements.

http://dapreview.net/comment.php?comment.news.3620

Hm. What I want to know is the video resolution. Besides being an awkward cell phone-ish aspect ratio, I wonder if it has a better video quality? They have to do SOMETHING better than Apple, if they want a foot hold.

I don't think the Zune can really be considered an "iPod killer." The elegant user interface of the iPod is a plus, not to mention the simple functionality of it as a music, video, and classic game player. Microsoft will have to have some freakin' awesome extra features to truly compete, or be given away with a PC. Otherwise, it will not be able to climb as high as the iPod.

Originally Posted by Triforcer

Well the rumors were correct, Microsoft did it and made there own ipod called a "Zume" there pretty sweet id have to say myself. They do all an ipod does and lots more i have yet to find a pic but ill keep searching.
Do you think it'll be a big hit?

It's not an iPod. It's an MP3 player. Or to be more precise, a PMP. Portable Media Player. Not all things revolve around Apple, kiddo.

Price is around $250, I may pick one up when my H10 has died. It looks pretty damn nice to say the least, I just don't hope we get screwed with DRM's though.

Still not jumping on the high-end Flash train, Yami?

I'm content with what I have. I have little money anyway, so I make do.

iPod sells because it's a brand name. Better MP3 Players are sold for less, but iPod reigns supreme. I rather doubt that a Microsoft MP3 player that, as far as I can see, has had all of $0 spent marketing it will displace Apple anytime soon.

Stupid name and it's ugly, the screens pretty big though. If I wasn't already an iPod owner I might consider it though.
I actually wish I didn't have an iPod, because everyone and your grandma has one now. But I have so much music on iTunes and all my friends have iTunes so it just makes it easier to swap music and so forth.
Also the iPod interface it's lame, it's boring to look at. I'm getting tired of it.
But anyways, about the Zune, it'll probably turn out to be a pretty good MP3 player. If your friend has one you can send "samples" of music to each other via bluetooth. Too bad you can't send the whole song. You can also send pictures.

Originally Posted by Yami

Not all things revolve around Apple, kiddo.

Thank you Yami... Thank you... Everyone needs to realize this.

I know all things don't revolve around Apple. But the iPod, in my opinion, along with the majority of America, is the best player out there. Easiest interface, modifiable firmware, most compact and greatest capacity. What else should there be? And, the fact that we consider the iPod the Zune's greatest foe is a testament to its power. I don't see my 'Pod as a brand name. It's the one place where all my music goes, and I love music. So anything that works that well to keep my tunes going is a useful tool. I think it's stupid that people see it as an accessory, but Apple knows that, and the corresponding marketing campaigns have reinforced that view of their player.

And, GDwarf is right, zero marketing equals zero profit. The Zune needs big time advertising, or to be given out w/PCs. Otherwise, no one will really care.

The iPod is a brand name. I realize this is a difficult concept so I implore you not to discuss that matter any further.

Also:

Originally Posted by Hi Yo Epona!

Easiest interface, modifiable firmware, most compact and greatest capacity.

1) Open to personal preference (Give me a good old filetree any day of the week)
2) Rockbox is the best thing you can do to an iPod
3) Thickness maybe, otherwise there are many players that are smaller lengthwise than both the 5G and Nano
4) Beaten by a few (lousy) players on storage (Yes, even the new 80GB)

It's important to recognize the iPod's real winning features: Ease of use, both in playing music and acquiring music through iTunes; and sleekness. On actual features and innovations, it falls short.

Originally Posted by Kadin

Stupid name and it's ugly, the screens pretty big though. If I wasn't already an iPod owner I might consider it though.

I agree. It's pretty obvious that the factors you need to consider when choosing a portable MUSIC player you're going to keep in your pocket are:

1. Its name
2. Its pulchritudinous value
3. Its screen

No, really. I totally agree. Thosse are excellent points.

Originally Posted by PyroMyrmidon

I agree. It's pretty obvious that the factors you need to consider when choosing a portable MUSIC player you're going to keep in your pocket are:

1. Its name
2. Its pulchritudinous value
3. Its screen

No, really. I totally agree. Thosse are excellent points.

Never-the-less, that's what most people do consider. Apple sells iPods because they're iPods, not because they're the better product.

Originally Posted by Kadin

But anyways, about the Zune, it'll probably turn out to be a pretty good MP3 player. If your friend has one you can send "samples" of music to each other via bluetooth. Too bad you can't send the whole song. You can also send pictures.

Not bluetooth. WiFi is 802.11b/g.

Bluetooth would be far too cumbersome, really.

And who wants to promote filesharing these days, really!?

And uh "the 3x3 DRM layer (share a song for three plays over three days) will supposedly wrap files of any supported type (MP3, AAC, etc.) in DRM during the transfer."

Those samples are supposedly DRM protected for 3 plays over 3 days, as it says.

Go figure.