Microsoft Kills the Zune

[Warforger]

If I could get the Zune software to work with my iPod, instead of fussing with the hell that is iTunes, I would just be ecstatic. That being said, I am sad to see that the only large competition with the iPod is now gone.

1000x this, I will never again go with an iPod because of what I once went through with iTunes, and I am very ticked off that there is no real competition to Apple now.

Really? My dad is a Microsoft fanboy and so he always bought me Microsoft products, hence why I have an xbox and had a Zune. I went through two Zune's because the things malfunctioned and broke and not because of anything I did. I switched to the IPod and I only lost them because of personal mistakes like someone stole it etc., and I didn't find ITunes that hard to use since it was pretty straightforward.

 

[5mj7R7yf4Dwr3gdZyyu9PeGNwYjlNrjzuh3iTXQG]

I steered clear of the Zune for the same reason I steered clear of the iPod. Both are dependent on a software element support of which may be discontinued by the company. I had a 30GB Rockbox once. Now it is a very slow 30GB external hard drive, if I can get it to work as such.

My current mp3 players: a Sansa Clip and a Fuze. With these critters I just drag and drop into their directory folder system. I use other means entirely to organize my music, and am not above mixing my own.

I also don't like that Zune and iTunes are platformed to encourage the purchase of DRM laden music, exclusively on their respective stores. Microsoft has already set the stage for cancelling your license to a song whenever it damn well pleases by refusing to support retired DRM schemes (and not transferring the license). This is the bases of my wary opinions regarding permission-based DRM with games.

Regarding Mr. Zune-tat, it's regarded très retro chic to sport cool logos from extinct elements (the resurgence of Soviet Union kitch comes to mind), so even if his tat is permanent, I don't think it's going to be a cause for much embarassment.

238U.

 

[Ironic Pirate]

Apple fans. Sheep are incapable of buying things, being sheep.

Sheep: One falls off a cliff and dies, the rest follow just because the one did. Analogy well enough appropriate for all the idiotic Apple love.

And I assume you think you're the aloof, superior wolf, right?

On a side note, sheep actually aren't that stupid, a rather hilarious misconception considering the usage of the term.

See, when I hear the term "sheep" I assume more along the lines of "Following the herd". It's not that they're stupid, they just go along with everyone else because it's the collective norm.

That is how most people use it, this guy was trying to say they were dumb as well. Both usages still bother me, but at least one makes sense.

 

[Pumpkin_Eater]

Zune, your hardware and software were both marginally better than the iPod. You gave me many hours of enjoyment before falling out of my backpack never to be seen again. I salute you, friend o7

 

[Waaghpowa]

Apple fans. Sheep are incapable of buying things, being sheep.

Sheep: One falls off a cliff and dies, the rest follow just because the one did. Analogy well enough appropriate for all the idiotic Apple love.

And I assume you think you're the aloof, superior wolf, right?

On a side note, sheep actually aren't that stupid, a rather hilarious misconception considering the usage of the term.

See, when I hear the term "sheep" I assume more along the lines of "Following the herd". It's not that they're stupid, they just go along with everyone else because it's the collective norm.

That is how most people use it, this guy was trying to say they were dumb as well. Both usages still bother me, but at least one makes sense.

Personally I hate it when people follow the norm, if it's your preference and that's what you actually believe, fine. At least you're thinking for yourself rather than allowing someone else's opinions be your own. Granted that your opinions, regarding things like technology, are informed.

 

[Stryc9]

I loved my 30 GB Zune until it died last week after three years of faithful service. That thing took quite a beating in the time I had it too, surprised it lasted as long as it did. Looks like I'm gonna have to talk someone into making a new HD my combined birthday\Christmas present this year.

 

[Ironic Pirate]

Apple fans. Sheep are incapable of buying things, being sheep.

Sheep: One falls off a cliff and dies, the rest follow just because the one did. Analogy well enough appropriate for all the idiotic Apple love.

And I assume you think you're the aloof, superior wolf, right?

On a side note, sheep actually aren't that stupid, a rather hilarious misconception considering the usage of the term.

See, when I hear the term "sheep" I assume more along the lines of "Following the herd". It's not that they're stupid, they just go along with everyone else because it's the collective norm.

That is how most people use it, this guy was trying to say they were dumb as well. Both usages still bother me, but at least one makes sense.

Personally I hate it when people follow the norm, if it's your preference and that's what you actually believe, fine. At least you're thinking for yourself rather than allowing someone else's opinions be your own. Granted that your opinions, regarding things like technology, are informed.

Agreed, following the norm simply because it's the norm is a rather annoying characteristic. I dislike the term sheep, because it's such an elitist thing to say, and almost always used by people desperately trying to convince themselves that they are, in fact, intelligent.

 

[ToastedEngineer]

This is quite a shame, the Zune was about the only viable alternative to the iPod classic for me. Personally anything below 80 GB isn't worth considering and with them stopping production the cost of parts is only going to increase so keeping it running once it starts to fail will be an absolute pain.

This certainly seems like another case of Microsoft's inability to focus on any thing outside their core products for more than a few years.

 

[superbatranger]

Well, as long as my Zune HD provides me with hours of mindless entertainment, I'll be happy. Granted, the internet browser could use some tweaking.

 

[ninja51]

Meh, I have a zune, and besides its more polished interface, and avoiding the hell of Itunes, I kinda regret not getting an Ipod. Many many more features, an app store that has more than 10 shittily made "games", ect. ect. Yep, I love my music and I love my mp3 player for giving me access to my massive collection all the time (and I do use it ALOT), I jsut dont give two fucks its a zune and not anything else

 

[WilliamRLBaker]

Its too bad really the Zune was a vastly superior mp3 player then the ipod *which isn't actually a music playing device anymore. Ipod, Pad,Phone all app devices predominately. hell the phone isn't even about phone calls its about apps too* I love my Zune hd 32 gig. Won't touch itunes that thing is like spyware tries to install with every thing apple produces it seems.

 

[Sheldon Leahy]

i bought one and i fucking loved it, 8 gigs of memory and some awesome games already on it! the battery went after the first 6 months and i went to replace it but future shop didnt restock so i was shit out of luck. I was forced to get an ipod. I really wish I could get another zune that thing was awesome.

 

[Johnnyallstar]

Too bad. I have a Zune HD, and it is a wonderful media player. Sure, it was supposed to have apps, which is a complete joke, but as a media player, it's quite good.

 

[Johnnyallstar]

On a side note, sheep actually aren't that stupid, a rather hilarious misconception considering the usage of the term.

I dunno. I live near sheep, and they're dumber than a sock full of rocks. I mean, I could be comparing them to the horses, buffalo, cows, llamas, and more domestic animals, but for all I've seen, they're borderline retarded.

 

[Gixman]

Not too surprised. the Zune was doomed to fail from the very start and i doubt that many people own it any way.

 

[Wolfenbarg]

I'm a little disappointed. I don't like the Zune at all, but it was sort of nice when it wasn't just one MP3 player to represent the entire market. Some people don't like the incredibly proprietary nature of the ipod.

 

[hooksashands]

After 2 ipod battery replacements, I ditched it. The Zune lasts substantially longer in battery life, but mine got dropped in a snowbank and didn't work at all after that. My choice mp3 player is the Cube. That thing rules.

 

[Painful illusion]

Dang I was waiting for the Zune 3 to come out ): oh well

 

[twaddle]

as long as the old ones are still compatible with the software, i'll still buy the damn hd version.

 

[Blue Musician]

Also, I have never seen one of these. Ever. Do they really exist?

Yes they do.

Ironically my brother gave me his old Zune 80GB last week. Oh well. I do like my Zune, and at least it's in good condition. Let's see how much time it has left. But I did like more the Zune than the iPod for some reason.