No I don’t love Engadget cause Jason Calacanis bought me dinner and gave me a tour of AOL’s new studios! (How’s THAT for PayPerPost. Heheh. Total collected, about $20 for a nice chicken sandwich at Mantilis, Pramit Nairi caught us in the act, and ice tea and a ride in his yellow Corvette).
Rather I love Engadget because it keeps me up to date on the good and bad about gadgets. I too had a look at the Zune last week and was disappointed, just like Engadget was, to find that I won’t be able to use its WiFi capabilities to download netcasts or music. Instead I’ll have to hook it up to my computer (which is upstairs, while my WiFi works downstairs) to load a bunch of netcasts on it.
Lame, lame, lame. They could have really gotten the Apple’s ve-vant-to-own-your-’pod’ behind. Instead Microsoft fumbled.
But, Microsoft is brave enough to invite me and my camera over for an interview and demo this week. That is something that Apple hasn’t yet done. I guess Steve Jobs is scared that I’ll give him crap for not putting a widescreen into the latest iPods.
Of course Steve doesn’t need the PR right now. Why not? Well, we bought Patrick a new 80GB iPod. I’ll let him review it vs. the Zune. What’s fun about 12-year-olds? They tell the truth. Brutally. Must be a skill they learn on the playground.
Apple generally keeps things under wraps until they can be bought in store, I hear it has something to do with a company in Redmond that has the reputation of wholesale theft. Just a thought.
Apple generally keeps things under wraps until they can be bought in store, I hear it has something to do with a company in Redmond that has the reputation of wholesale theft. Just a thought.
Bob: Apple isn’t worried about Microsoft. At least that’s not the reason they give me for their secrecy. They are scared, instead, of being “Osbourned.” That’s the process of seeing all sales stop the minute a new model is talked about. After all, if you knew there was a super-dooper-new iPod coming out January 1, would you really buy your kid one for Christmas? No. At least enough people wouldn’t to dramatically change their sales.
If you think Microsoft can get a leak, and copy an Apple product that fast, give me a freaking break.
Apple iPod has been out there in the marketplace for, what, four years now and Microsoft is just now getting around to copying it.
Bob: Apple isn’t worried about Microsoft. At least that’s not the reason they give me for their secrecy. They are scared, instead, of being “Osbourned.” That’s the process of seeing all sales stop the minute a new model is talked about. After all, if you knew there was a super-dooper-new iPod coming out January 1, would you really buy your kid one for Christmas? No. At least enough people wouldn’t to dramatically change their sales.
If you think Microsoft can get a leak, and copy an Apple product that fast, give me a freaking break.
Apple iPod has been out there in the marketplace for, what, four years now and Microsoft is just now getting around to copying it.
Robert, the reason Apple doesn’t want to talk to you is because you’re still the biggest fucking Microsoft fanboy this side of that fat-ass SuperSite guy whose name I can’t remember.
Robert, the reason Apple doesn’t want to talk to you is because you’re still the biggest fucking Microsoft fanboy this side of that fat-ass SuperSite guy whose name I can’t remember.
Netwhatnow?
I’m sorry, it’s just not sticking for me. This too shall blow over.
Netwhatnow?
I’m sorry, it’s just not sticking for me. This too shall blow over.
“What’s fun about 12-year-olds? They tell the truth. Brutally.”
————————
Er, no.
They tell what they *think* to be the truth brutally. Big difference.
I’m not so sure they tell the truth anyway. In my younger days, I remember cliques that argues over whether Nikes were better than Adidas and whether Atari was better than Intellivision, and “truth” wasn’t much of an issue in such arguments. LOL
But maybe your son is more objective than we were (though, you’ve already indicated that he’s an Apple/iPod fanatic (note that I didn’t say “fanboy”
).
“What’s fun about 12-year-olds? They tell the truth. Brutally.”
————————
Er, no.
They tell what they *think* to be the truth brutally. Big difference.
I’m not so sure they tell the truth anyway. In my younger days, I remember cliques that argues over whether Nikes were better than Adidas and whether Atari was better than Intellivision, and “truth” wasn’t much of an issue in such arguments. LOL
But maybe your son is more objective than we were (though, you’ve already indicated that he’s an Apple/iPod fanatic (note that I didn’t say “fanboy”
).
Durr: uh, huh. Keep believing that. Even my friends who have Apple fan boy (and girl) podcasts don’t get Apple interviews. Oh, and you might be interested to know that I have a Mac now. So does Maryam. So does my son.
If that’s what you call “Microsoft fanboyness” then Microsoft really does have a problem.
Oh, and I’m interviewing Woz (cofounder of Apple) on stage on Friday night at the University of Washington. So someone at Apple doesn’t see me as a total raving Microsoft fanboy.
Durr: uh, huh. Keep believing that. Even my friends who have Apple fan boy (and girl) podcasts don’t get Apple interviews. Oh, and you might be interested to know that I have a Mac now. So does Maryam. So does my son.
If that’s what you call “Microsoft fanboyness” then Microsoft really does have a problem.
Oh, and I’m interviewing Woz (cofounder of Apple) on stage on Friday night at the University of Washington. So someone at Apple doesn’t see me as a total raving Microsoft fanboy.
>In my younger days, I remember cliques that argues over whether Nikes were better than Adidas and whether Atari was better than Intellivision, and “truth” wasn’t much of an issue in such arguments.
Truth isn’t much of an argument among adults either.
>In my younger days, I remember cliques that argues over whether Nikes were better than Adidas and whether Atari was better than Intellivision, and “truth” wasn’t much of an issue in such arguments.
Truth isn’t much of an argument among adults either.
Regarding not being able to use WiFi to transfer tracks (netcasts and music) from computer to Zune, I imagine that it will be possible in the future. I get the impression that Zune’s WiFi is like Xbox’s built-in ethernet, with the idea that every device has such functionality, allowing it to be put to use in more and more ways in the future. Xbox’s ethernet was originally only used for multiplayer over LAN, but a year later it was used for XboxLive as well. Similarly, initially Zune’s WiFi will be used for the limited sharing functionality, but can be used for more and more purposes in the future.
Regarding not being able to use WiFi to transfer tracks (netcasts and music) from computer to Zune, I imagine that it will be possible in the future. I get the impression that Zune’s WiFi is like Xbox’s built-in ethernet, with the idea that every device has such functionality, allowing it to be put to use in more and more ways in the future. Xbox’s ethernet was originally only used for multiplayer over LAN, but a year later it was used for XboxLive as well. Similarly, initially Zune’s WiFi will be used for the limited sharing functionality, but can be used for more and more purposes in the future.
How about a poll/ show of “hands” who thinks Zune will garner more than, say, 5% market share in the USA, this holiday season.
I vote, no way.
How about a poll/ show of “hands” who thinks Zune will garner more than, say, 5% market share in the USA, this holiday season.
I vote, no way.
Fumbled? That’s assuming they even had the ball to begin with, but expect more song and dance Microsoft spin about some future ecosystem, in which Zune dominates the landscape by 2009, 5 or 6 firmware and device upgrades later. Heard the same one-note song, with Pocket PC, then Smartphone, followed by Tablet and UMPC. Xbox did take, a good second place showing, but at a cost of (with a capital B) Billions.
Always entertaining, Microsoft is, least everyone now doesn’t hafta fight Scoble, who would ordinarly have to prop this up (or at least make the half-hearted attempt) during his Microsoft PayPerPost era.
Just amazes me, you can see the trainwreck 50 miles down the road, but they chug on, thinking everything is a Netscape or WordPerfect carbon-copy, just apply enough Redmond long-lasting willpower and you can make yourself Gods, or so the ‘failure is success’ Clayton Christensen gospel reads.
The early-adopter set will zum up, creating that incestous network of MVPish fan sites, (cue up the Tablet PC marketing script here) and that will be that. Junkets, giveways and a small droned army…classic textbook Microsoft.
Fumbled? That’s assuming they even had the ball to begin with, but expect more song and dance Microsoft spin about some future ecosystem, in which Zune dominates the landscape by 2009, 5 or 6 firmware and device upgrades later. Heard the same one-note song, with Pocket PC, then Smartphone, followed by Tablet and UMPC. Xbox did take, a good second place showing, but at a cost of (with a capital B) Billions.
Always entertaining, Microsoft is, least everyone now doesn’t hafta fight Scoble, who would ordinarly have to prop this up (or at least make the half-hearted attempt) during his Microsoft PayPerPost era.
Just amazes me, you can see the trainwreck 50 miles down the road, but they chug on, thinking everything is a Netscape or WordPerfect carbon-copy, just apply enough Redmond long-lasting willpower and you can make yourself Gods, or so the ‘failure is success’ Clayton Christensen gospel reads.
The early-adopter set will zum up, creating that incestous network of MVPish fan sites, (cue up the Tablet PC marketing script here) and that will be that. Junkets, giveways and a small droned army…classic textbook Microsoft.
Hey Robert, Can you ask about being able to transfer tracks to other Zune players that are not protected, i.e. transfer a “podcast” that is in mp3 format and that person to spread it to their friends and then to their friends and so on? the coolest kid in school will be the one who always seems to pass the coolest tracks. Talk about 12 year olds building woffie.
That my frinds would be an iPod killer. My guess is that zune will only allow transfer of protected content so they can kill it after 3 plays. I would love it if I was wrong.
Hey Robert, Can you ask about being able to transfer tracks to other Zune players that are not protected, i.e. transfer a “podcast” that is in mp3 format and that person to spread it to their friends and then to their friends and so on? the coolest kid in school will be the one who always seems to pass the coolest tracks. Talk about 12 year olds building woffie.
That my frinds would be an iPod killer. My guess is that zune will only allow transfer of protected content so they can kill it after 3 plays. I would love it if I was wrong.
Robert, don’t forget to give Microsoft crap for not putting a widescreen on the Zune too.
Have you tried to interview Steve Jobs? If not, maybe give it a shot and report back what they say? Just an idea.
Robert, don’t forget to give Microsoft crap for not putting a widescreen on the Zune too.
Have you tried to interview Steve Jobs? If not, maybe give it a shot and report back what they say? Just an idea.
Diego, I met some Apple employees and asked them if I could interview THEM and they were so scared about their PR department they wouldn’t even introduce me to PR folks. They sure have built up a culture of secrecy. It’s almost like the Soviet Union’s KGB.
Diego, I met some Apple employees and asked them if I could interview THEM and they were so scared about their PR department they wouldn’t even introduce me to PR folks. They sure have built up a culture of secrecy. It’s almost like the Soviet Union’s KGB.
” It’s almost like the Soviet Union’s KGB.”
o boy.
Do you know any history?
What a lame assed comment.
” It’s almost like the Soviet Union’s KGB.”
o boy.
Do you know any history?
What a lame assed comment.
Fumble ain’t the word for it Robert … suspect that they did this on purpose as not to offend certain big companies.
It is such a killer feature and was the main reason why I would have gotten a Zune myself as I hate using iPod docking stations and sync cables.
Fumble ain’t the word for it Robert … suspect that they did this on purpose as not to offend certain big companies.
It is such a killer feature and was the main reason why I would have gotten a Zune myself as I hate using iPod docking stations and sync cables.
James: I know my history very well. I have an employee who was born in Russia. Have you dealt with anyone who is either Russian or an Apple employee?
OK, Apple never had anyone shot, but if you’re worried about losing your kickass high-paying job the fear is there nonetheless.
James: I know my history very well. I have an employee who was born in Russia. Have you dealt with anyone who is either Russian or an Apple employee?
OK, Apple never had anyone shot, but if you’re worried about losing your kickass high-paying job the fear is there nonetheless.
“Diego, I met some Apple employees and asked them if I could interview THEM and they were so scared about their PR department they wouldn’t even introduce me to PR folks.”
This is a real shame. A small look inside would be great. I guess the Wrath Of Jobs is too much for them that they want to lay low.
“Diego, I met some Apple employees and asked them if I could interview THEM and they were so scared about their PR department they wouldn’t even introduce me to PR folks.”
This is a real shame. A small look inside would be great. I guess the Wrath Of Jobs is too much for them that they want to lay low.
Robert: it ain’t just shooting vs firing. Apple’s employee population chose to immigrate into Apple-achia and are free to leave if they can’t stand the government. The KGB ruled a union of captive nations.
Christopher Coulter’s mention of “some future ecosystem” for Zune points to their biggest marketing challenge: birds in hand vs. birds in bush.
If you want to apply “brutal honesty” to evaluate iPod vs. Zune, then it’s not just device vs. device, but ecosystem vs. ecosystem. With iPod it’s there now… from running shoes to car interfaces to a broad selection of cases, external speakers, and more. With Zune, it’s on the way. Maybe. And while it’s getting here, don’t expect iPod to stand still.
That said, the Zune team made some excellent design choices. I wish them well.
Robert: it ain’t just shooting vs firing. Apple’s employee population chose to immigrate into Apple-achia and are free to leave if they can’t stand the government. The KGB ruled a union of captive nations.
Christopher Coulter’s mention of “some future ecosystem” for Zune points to their biggest marketing challenge: birds in hand vs. birds in bush.
If you want to apply “brutal honesty” to evaluate iPod vs. Zune, then it’s not just device vs. device, but ecosystem vs. ecosystem. With iPod it’s there now… from running shoes to car interfaces to a broad selection of cases, external speakers, and more. With Zune, it’s on the way. Maybe. And while it’s getting here, don’t expect iPod to stand still.
That said, the Zune team made some excellent design choices. I wish them well.
Today’s Wired Cult of Mac raised the best point I’ve heard thus far (after taking two cheap shots) in comparing rival iPod/Zune feature sets: who really wants to share music anyway?
Maybe I’m out of touch–maybe I’m too old (26) to know what kids are up to on campuses–but everything about that rang true: I feel that almost everyone else has bad taste in music. I don’t want strangers sharing their bad taste with me. And if someone did decide to, “DJing” a song on a Zune would come off as really dorky, just like beaming eCards with a PalmPilot or Newton: something you might witness at a computer expo/CES, but wouldn’t want to do at, say, Starbucks.
It’s too early to call, of course. I don’t know whether my feelings, or those of the Wired columnist, are anything like what the majority of the world feels. But that wireless sharing killer app started looking a lot less killer when I considered what it actually means: having other people inflict their bad music on me.
Today’s Wired Cult of Mac raised the best point I’ve heard thus far (after taking two cheap shots) in comparing rival iPod/Zune feature sets: who really wants to share music anyway?
Maybe I’m out of touch–maybe I’m too old (26) to know what kids are up to on campuses–but everything about that rang true: I feel that almost everyone else has bad taste in music. I don’t want strangers sharing their bad taste with me. And if someone did decide to, “DJing” a song on a Zune would come off as really dorky, just like beaming eCards with a PalmPilot or Newton: something you might witness at a computer expo/CES, but wouldn’t want to do at, say, Starbucks.
It’s too early to call, of course. I don’t know whether my feelings, or those of the Wired columnist, are anything like what the majority of the world feels. But that wireless sharing killer app started looking a lot less killer when I considered what it actually means: having other people inflict their bad music on me.
Please!! Post that kiddo opinion about 80G iPod!!
I’m just about buying one, but I need REAL feedback!
No, Zune it’s not an option…
Please!! Post that kiddo opinion about 80G iPod!!
I’m just about buying one, but I need REAL feedback!
No, Zune it’s not an option…
I just bought an 80Gb Vaderpod and while it has a brilliant screen and looks good, it STILL can’t keep position on more than one playlist. If I stop playing podcasts to play a song, then go back to podcasts, it doesn’t track where I was.
I just bought an 80Gb Vaderpod and while it has a brilliant screen and looks good, it STILL can’t keep position on more than one playlist. If I stop playing podcasts to play a song, then go back to podcasts, it doesn’t track where I was.
Correct me if I’m wrong but this WiFi sharing thing Zune offers…doesn’t the person I want to share with also have to have a Zune? Absent that some other wifi device? How likely is that scenario amongst their target market. More than likely anyone interested in having music on a portable device has an iPod or some other MP3 platform..without WiFi capabilites. If the sharee doesn’t have a Zune I can see the conversation going something like: “Wait! let me get my laptop out…Damn! can’t find a WiFi hotspot. So let’s head back to my dorm room or over to Starbucks so I can……hello? Hey!! Where’d you go?”
Correct me if I’m wrong but this WiFi sharing thing Zune offers…doesn’t the person I want to share with also have to have a Zune? Absent that some other wifi device? How likely is that scenario amongst their target market. More than likely anyone interested in having music on a portable device has an iPod or some other MP3 platform..without WiFi capabilites. If the sharee doesn’t have a Zune I can see the conversation going something like: “Wait! let me get my laptop out…Damn! can’t find a WiFi hotspot. So let’s head back to my dorm room or over to Starbucks so I can……hello? Hey!! Where’d you go?”
You have a random employee that is Russian, so that means you know your history? You don’t know your history. You’ve proven that many times over.
Hey, my neighbor is German. I guess I know German history very well, huh?
You have a random employee that is Russian, so that means you know your history? You don’t know your history. You’ve proven that many times over.
Hey, my neighbor is German. I guess I know German history very well, huh?
Sam zeroed in on what I’ve been thinking about the Zune’s ‘sharing’ feature:
“And if someone did decide to, “DJing” a song on a Zune would come off as really dorky, just like beaming eCards with a PalmPilot or Newton: something you might witness at a computer expo/CES, but wouldn’t want to do at, say, Starbucks.”
For years, Palm PDAs had infrared sharing. You could beam files to another Palm or an infrared enabled computer. I rarely used the feature myself or saw other people use it. Will an MP3 player with a very limited market share be any more successful in getting users to share? I doubt it. Heck, iTunes’ shared libraries are much broader than Zune’s snatch these crumbs approach, and, I’ll wager that most people still listen mainly to their own music.
James and Lazy, why bother, regarding Russian history or any substantive matter? Robert is much too shallow to realize he is shallow.
Sam zeroed in on what I’ve been thinking about the Zune’s ‘sharing’ feature:
“And if someone did decide to, “DJing” a song on a Zune would come off as really dorky, just like beaming eCards with a PalmPilot or Newton: something you might witness at a computer expo/CES, but wouldn’t want to do at, say, Starbucks.”
For years, Palm PDAs had infrared sharing. You could beam files to another Palm or an infrared enabled computer. I rarely used the feature myself or saw other people use it. Will an MP3 player with a very limited market share be any more successful in getting users to share? I doubt it. Heck, iTunes’ shared libraries are much broader than Zune’s snatch these crumbs approach, and, I’ll wager that most people still listen mainly to their own music.
James and Lazy, why bother, regarding Russian history or any substantive matter? Robert is much too shallow to realize he is shallow.
I guess Steve Jobs is scared that I’ll give him crap for not putting a widescreen into the latest iPods.
And the Zune’s IS? Um, widER screen, but same number of pixels, so actually, less sharp than the iPod. Do you actually have a point for that statement, or are you trying to come up with a reason why Jobs won’t talk to you that’s better than the truth?
Oh, and I’m interviewing Woz (cofounder of Apple) on stage on Friday night at the University of Washington. So someone at Apple doesn’t see me as a total raving Microsoft fanboy.
Nice StrawWoz, but again, a simple knowledge of the facts show that Woz is not a full-time, or any-time Apple employee in anything but the emeritus sense of the word. I know quite a few people who have interviewed Woz and Apple PR had zip-all to do with it. At least TRY to get it right.
They sure have built up a culture of secrecy. It’s almost like the Soviet Union’s KGB.
Dude, that’s one of the most ignorant things you’ve ever said, and it’s wrong ANYWAY. You meant to say “it’s like the Soviet Union was”. The KGB were the ENFORCERS of the secritive nature of that society, NOT the originators. Try reading something besides your own book occaisionally.
James: I know my history very well. I have an employee who was born in Russia. Have you dealt with anyone who is either Russian or an Apple employee?
What, so if you have a black employee, you know what racism feels like? Could you BE anymore condescending? I don’t think so, but I’m really curious now. Secondly, were they born during the Soviet era, and are old enough to remember, or are they 18? Facts without details are useless. I *am* old enough to remember the day to day of the USSR, in fact, most of my military career was during the Cold War. I also went to college with some Soviet defectors. Not just born in Russia, but ran like hell to escape the Soviet Union. The difference is, I understand that no matter HOW well I knew those guys, I would NEVER have even the SLIGHTEST clue as to what living in the USSR was like. I never thought I’d have to say this Robert, but, your skull and your ascending colon are in fact, NOT the same. Do try to keep them separate? (I’ll bet ANY amount of money that you’d have never pulled that line about a black employee.)
OK, Apple never had anyone shot, but if you’re worried about losing your kickass high-paying job the fear is there nonetheless.
Most of the ones I talk to in a year, and it’s quite a few, don’t quake in fear. Maybe when YOU’RE around they get twitchy, but we all know how you love to wave your “I HAVE A SECRET” penis around, so talking to you is kind of stupid from their POV. But actually, they’re pretty blase about it. It’s annoying at times, but that’s about it. No furtive glances, no pants-wetting, no tasers.
Beyond that, the stunning ignorance of the real, true evil that the KGB personified, (humorous point, KGB can be roughly translated to “Department of Homeland Security) that your remarks show is appalling in its scope. I’m not talking about the BS that your former bosses pulled. That’s minor. I’m talking about the enforcers for a system that made the Nazis look like pikers when it came to mass murder. Try reading a book about it sometime, there’s tons around, and see just how inane your comparisons are.
I guess Steve Jobs is scared that I’ll give him crap for not putting a widescreen into the latest iPods.
And the Zune’s IS? Um, widER screen, but same number of pixels, so actually, less sharp than the iPod. Do you actually have a point for that statement, or are you trying to come up with a reason why Jobs won’t talk to you that’s better than the truth?
Oh, and I’m interviewing Woz (cofounder of Apple) on stage on Friday night at the University of Washington. So someone at Apple doesn’t see me as a total raving Microsoft fanboy.
Nice StrawWoz, but again, a simple knowledge of the facts show that Woz is not a full-time, or any-time Apple employee in anything but the emeritus sense of the word. I know quite a few people who have interviewed Woz and Apple PR had zip-all to do with it. At least TRY to get it right.
They sure have built up a culture of secrecy. It’s almost like the Soviet Union’s KGB.
Dude, that’s one of the most ignorant things you’ve ever said, and it’s wrong ANYWAY. You meant to say “it’s like the Soviet Union was”. The KGB were the ENFORCERS of the secritive nature of that society, NOT the originators. Try reading something besides your own book occaisionally.
James: I know my history very well. I have an employee who was born in Russia. Have you dealt with anyone who is either Russian or an Apple employee?
What, so if you have a black employee, you know what racism feels like? Could you BE anymore condescending? I don’t think so, but I’m really curious now. Secondly, were they born during the Soviet era, and are old enough to remember, or are they 18? Facts without details are useless. I *am* old enough to remember the day to day of the USSR, in fact, most of my military career was during the Cold War. I also went to college with some Soviet defectors. Not just born in Russia, but ran like hell to escape the Soviet Union. The difference is, I understand that no matter HOW well I knew those guys, I would NEVER have even the SLIGHTEST clue as to what living in the USSR was like. I never thought I’d have to say this Robert, but, your skull and your ascending colon are in fact, NOT the same. Do try to keep them separate? (I’ll bet ANY amount of money that you’d have never pulled that line about a black employee.)
OK, Apple never had anyone shot, but if you’re worried about losing your kickass high-paying job the fear is there nonetheless.
Most of the ones I talk to in a year, and it’s quite a few, don’t quake in fear. Maybe when YOU’RE around they get twitchy, but we all know how you love to wave your “I HAVE A SECRET” penis around, so talking to you is kind of stupid from their POV. But actually, they’re pretty blase about it. It’s annoying at times, but that’s about it. No furtive glances, no pants-wetting, no tasers.
Beyond that, the stunning ignorance of the real, true evil that the KGB personified, (humorous point, KGB can be roughly translated to “Department of Homeland Security) that your remarks show is appalling in its scope. I’m not talking about the BS that your former bosses pulled. That’s minor. I’m talking about the enforcers for a system that made the Nazis look like pikers when it came to mass murder. Try reading a book about it sometime, there’s tons around, and see just how inane your comparisons are.