The Zune has a sympathetic pull on the gadget loving side of me. While I generally use Apple products, I like the drive of the underdog. Microsoft knows how to play catchup as we have seen with the Xbox 360 and the great experience many of us have online with our friends. The real question is will Microsoft hit a home run with the Zune HD? If you have an iPod Touch then you can guess the Zune HD will have a similar feature set. The real problem lies in the lack of a hugely successful app store. I am cautiously optimistic that Zune HD can deliver such an app store, but Microsoft has a vast pocket to draw from. The marketing power of a company with such monetary resources that far outweigh most companies certainly helps get Zune noticed.
Lets be honest with ourselves, who does not want Apple to have competition? Competition brings out the best in a company as they compete for features, value and price. The problem Microsoft is going to have is pulling those who have iPods into a market dominated by that familiar touch interface or click wheel. The other hurdle lies in iTunes and the very competent Zune player. If you have not use Zune player then you are missing out. Not only does it offer a great experience, mixview and bios on artists not found in iTunes, but it offers a subscription service that is a very compelling reason for Zune. With the great interface and experience of Zune player comes the problem that it is simply not iTunes.
I could go on and on about the benefits or disadvantages of the Zune, but this holiday should be interesting to see what Apple has up its sleeve and if the Zune HD makes any more headway into an iPod dominated market.
Lets hear what you think about Zune HD and if you plan to buy one for yourself.
