Giant RIPPING Noise from Microsoft

Wesley · 05-07-2008, 03:50 PM

Microsoft updates Zune with new social aspects

So you thought M/S might do something good for a change? Think again after you read below. They are thinking about putting copyright checkinjg patch in this new item to track bit torrent, etc. Ha-ha. Just what everyone needs.

Microsoft updates Zune with new social aspects

7 May 2008 13:05 by Dave "Davedough" Horvath

Trying everything in its power to catch up to the market leading Apple iPod, Microsoft has released a new update for their Zune player that attempts to bring more social aspects into music file sharing. The portable media player received yesterday an update that allows users to download the last nine songs played by their friends as well as up to nine songs flagged by their friends as favorites.

This update to the Zune software that synchronizes the player with a person's music library on the PC and Microsoft's own Zune Marketplace is a clear indication that Microsoft hopes to snag a bit of that market share away from Apple. They feel that building a social network with these media players will attract more customers to their side of the fence. Last November, Microsoft launched the website Zune Social where users could browse each other's playlists and share opinions on the songs and bands contained. This update is the next step in that evolution.

In order for users to trade songs with one another, they need to subscribe to Microsoft's mobile music service called Zune Pass. This service costs $14.99 per month and allows the user to download any of the 3.5 million songs in Microsoft's library to their Zune. A contrasting payment policy when viewed against Apple's $.99 per track option.

Of course many researchers believe that Apple's dominance in the portable media player market is far too strong for any real competition to be formed. Only time will tell if Microsoft's new direction takes away any of Apple's 71% market share.

bostinelosd · 05-07-2008, 03:52 PM

This is why Im happy with Creative Zens. I hate this stupid Apple/Microsoft product war.

CloneAggie · 05-07-2008, 03:52 PM

I guess I'm missing it ... what's the problem here?

Wesley · 05-07-2008, 04:00 PM

A secondary story says M/S more than likely will eventually track all software for copyright protection. If you download Heroes from bit torrent from your buddies, their big whistle blows and you are in trouble. If you stick to buying music off the internet through their service no problem. Just depends on how you use the device. It may turn out to be a Gestapo reporting device....Go Zen.

CloneAggie · 05-07-2008, 04:03 PM

Originally Posted by Wesley

A secondary story says M/S more than likely will eventually track all software for copyright protection. If you download Heroes from bit torrent from your buddies, their big whistle blows and you are in trouble. If you stick to buying music off the internet through their service no problem. Just depends on how you use the device. It may turn out to be a Gestapo reporting device....Go Zen.

Link????

The_Architect · 05-07-2008, 04:05 PM

Someone just let me know when to take all of my illegally downloaded music out of my iTunes...

RyCy04 · 05-07-2008, 04:08 PM

Originally Posted by bostinelosd

This is why Im happy with Creative Zens. I hate this stupid Apple/Microsoft product war.

Exactly. I have had my Zen for about 2 weeks now and couldn't be happier.

clonefan_80 · 05-07-2008, 04:11 PM

Originally Posted by RyCy04

Exactly. I have had my Zen for about 2 weeks now and couldn't be happier.

How much? Can you use it directly with i-tunes no matter what the song format is in? Can you safely run with it?

bostinelosd · 05-07-2008, 04:15 PM

Originally Posted by clonefan_80

How much? Can you use it directly with i-tunes no matter what the song format is in? Can you safely run with it?

Prices vary on size. ZEN ZEN4GBBK - MP3 Players - Credit card-sized media player

It plays itunes format. Not sure if it works with the itunes software however. I would think running is fine since it uses flash memory.

RyCy04 · 05-07-2008, 04:45 PM

Originally Posted by bostinelosd

Prices vary on size. ZEN ZEN4GBBK - MP3 Players - Credit card-sized media player

It plays itunes format. Not sure if it works with the itunes software however. I would think running is fine since it uses flash memory.

It doesn't work with the itunes software but does play itunes music. I got my 16 GB for $180. I got an arm strap and works well while I lift. I couldn't tell you about running. I only run when chased.