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Microsoft Zune versus Apple iPod

November 10, 2006 › Sandy McMurray | comment

iPod with video - is it better than Zune

Why has the iPod been such a huge success? Sure, it's easy to use, and the click wheel is cool, but there's more to it than that.

The success of iPod has a lot to do with Apple's ability to control the whole widget. It's not just about the iPod player; it's also about the iTunes music software, the iTunes store, and the tight integration of all three parts.

Microsoft's soon-to-be-released Zune music player will take a page from Apple's playbook. The device will be integrated with special Zune software, and with an online store called Zune Marketplace.

Zune digital music player - better than iPod?

I haven't had a hands-on with Zune yet, but Wall Street Journal tech columnist Walt Mossberg has.

Mossberg compared the Zune player with the comparably-priced iPod with video (30 GB version). Here are his observations.

How Zune is as good as the iPod:
- same $249 US price tag
- same storage space for music, photos, etc. (30 gigabytes)
- integrated with special software and online music store
- good user interface
- good sound

How Zune is better than the iPod:
- larger screen
- built-in FM radio
- permits wireless music sharing with other Zune players
- Zune comes in one version, three colours (black, white, brown)

How Zune is worse than the iPod:
- hardware feels "rushed and incomplete"
- 60% larger and 17% heavier than comparable iPod
- battery life is "much worse" than iPod (2 hours less!)
- album art looks worse
- can't share music libraries between computers
- fewer accessories than iPod
- not compatible with music purchased from iTunes Store
- not compatible with music purchased from Microsoft partners

How Zune Marketplace is better than the iTunes Store:
- music subscription plan available: $15 per month

How Zune Marketplace is worse than the iTunes Store:
- less music choice (2 million songs vs. 3.5 million in iTunes)
- no TV shows, movies or music videos
- no audiobooks or podcasts
- songs must be purchased using points, in $5 increments
- confusing pricing: 79 points = 99 cents

Annoyances:
- songs purchased on Zune Marketplace only work on Zune players
(just as songs purchased from iTunes store only work on iPods)
- Zune can't play copy-protected songs bought elsewhere
(even online stores that use Microsoft music formats)
- songs received from another Zune can only be played three times

Mossberg on the Zune user interface:

In some modes, it allows you to do things with fewer clicks than the iPod does. For instance, if you are browsing through music, you don't have to go back a step to switch from, say, a list of artists to a list of albums. Those choices are arrayed at the top of the screen and can be selected with a sideways push of the navigation pad.

Also, the entire interface is more colorful and visually satisfying than the iPod's. Lists of albums are accompanied by thumbnails of their covers. Menus zoom in and out, and some are translucent. You can also select your own photo as the wallpaper or background for the device. But, unlike on the iPod, you can't customize the main menu or go to "Now Playing," or shuffle all songs with one click.

Mossberg on Zune's future prospects:

Overall, the iPod and iTunes are still the champs. Still, I expect the Zune to attract some converts and to get better with time. And this kind of competition from a big company with deep pockets and lots of talent is good for consumers in the long run.

Read the whole Wall Street Journal article here:
Microsoft's Zune Challenges iPod

P.S. Weirdness: Microsoft does not seem to own zune.com or zunemarketplace.com

Update: This page has a positive review from NBC, and a negative review from CNN.

November 10, 2006 › Sandy McMurray | comment on this item