New iPods: Zune Killers?

Apple dropped a bomb in the portable media player market this afternoon. The Cupertino Company released a completely new line of iPods, including a new iPod nano, a new iPod Touch and a 160Gb iPod called the “Classic”. All those new devices also have extremely attractive prices as well. Even the iPhone gets a $200 price drop!

The iPod Touch  has a Wi-Fi connection with an embedded Safari browser and the ability to buy content online through the iTunes Wi-Fi Store. Almost even more than what we dreamed about for the Zune.

The Zune already had a tough time competing with the old iPod, it now has a even tougher enemy.  And with the iPod Touch, Apple seriously takes the lead on portable device software.

But what can Microsoft possibly do to compete with the iPod? Buy RIM? Create a Zune based on Windows Mobile? Embed the Zune in Windows Mobile to get access to all Windows Mobile phone out there?

So many questions!

Comments

[JohnCz]

The crazy thing is that Microsoft had the lead with PocketPC devices a few years ago.

[zunetoday]

it looks nice but touch screens do nothing for me. i prefer physical buttons.

if microsoft doesn't come up with some nice offerings soon i hope some heads are gonna roll.

i'll stick with my zune cause i despise apple.

[Aaron]

I'm a zune fan but dang it microsoft you better start pulling some tricks out and get that new zune...cuz apple has come out with a team of buldozers, and at the moment youve got a mini tractor

[Southpaw]

The Zune team has probably been sent to the house at this point. They're having to deal against alot. Then again I think there's also a chance of apple getting a world of issues with the new touch screen thing. When was the last time you heard of a touch screen item that you have to poke alot and quite often that lasted a long period of time? I mean I do wonder what'll happen if iphones start dropping dead in a year, the time after the warranty goes out. I think there's a reason IBM really stopped working so much on the multitouch screen for home uses.

[ks]

They should come up with a device similar to Ipod touch that is 160 gb

and a support for Divx files , along with tie up with walmart

[Rob]

The Zune is dead. I don't even need to trash iPod like most of these responses. When was the last time we had an upgrade or new feature for our Zunes? When was last time Microsoft gave us new features in the Zune Marketplace? The Zune software seems to suck a lot of system resources. Wheres the industry buy-in? Try to find a car stereo or home AV receiver that is Zune 'aware'. Sorry Zune, but I'm just not feeling the support and I'm truly disappointed.

[Monk]

I agree with Rob, I believe the Zune has died.

[Tom]

Have you seen these things? This Gen. of iPods rock! I had a chance to play with the "touch" model and it works as advertised. I was surfing away-no probs. The video is fantastic and at 3.5 inches-is surprisingly large. Face it, unless team zune comes up with a product that loosens DRM, uses real money(not points), plays on all platforms, is stylish, has better support, replacement policy and build quality-they can depend on getting less market share. If that was possible. Back when we used to "spin wax" you bought your music. This still works for me, the subscription model is awful as your tunes become increasingly more expensive.

Apple is getting this right, it's not just adds at work here or good design. It is the whole iPod ecosystem that is kicking mp3play ass.

I've used a zune. Not bad, but it leaves tons to be desired and that is problem. In fact I would love to see a kicking zune. Keeping Apple on it's toes can only benefit the consumer in the long run.

[Creative Mp3 Players]

I've used a zune. Not bad, but it leaves tons to be desired and that is problem. In fact I would love to see a kicking zune. Keeping Apple on it's toes can only benefit the consumer in the long run.