The Zune HD vs. the iPod Touch (Part 3)
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For the last week, I've been carrying around both the Zune HD 16GB and the third-generation iPod Touch 32GB, earning quizzical glances from any number of fellow subway riders as I listen to one device and then, midway through my commute, often switch to the other. (Parts 1 and 2 of my "Zune HD vs. the iPod Touch" matchup can be found here and here.) A part of Microsoft's corporate strategy seems to be:
Many of its recent initiatives, from Bing to the upcoming retail stores, certainly seem to follow this pattern--and so does the Zune HD, which seems very Apple-like both in terms of the device and the broader Zune ecosystem. With regard to the physical devices, the Zune HD and the iPod Touch battle to a near-draw. The iPod Touch wins in the aesthetics category, if only because the smoothly planned back feels less blocky in the hand, while its slightly heftier weight makes it seem like less of a throwaway item. But with regard to functionality, sound fidelity, battery life, and video, neither device boasts a substantial advantage over the other--except for the Zune HD's radio, although I heavily suspect that feature may be matched by the next-generation iPod (it's already available with the iPod Nano). The one advantage that the iPod Touch possesses is its ecosystem. Microsoft recently switched strategies, and now seems to be angling to turn Zune into more of a cloud-based endeavor than a device-centric undertaking, but Apple's ecosystem is far more mature. The sheer number of applications available through iTunes puts Zune's online offerings to shame. Microsoft has plans, though, to integrate more gaming and video experience with the Zune. If Redmond manages to figure out how to best merge the Zune HD with Xbox Live, then it could hit the sweet spot of brand synergy; at the very least, dedicated gamers would give the device a second look. The iPod Touch still has more business-related Apps, though, which give it yet another advantage over the Zune HD. Granted, most people will probably use their iPod for video and music, leaving other mobile functions for their smartphone, but the fact that the option's there for the taking is enough to give Apple's device a leg up here. If I were running Microsoft's Zune division, I would also consider making Zune's software compatible for Mac. After all, when Apple made the decision to open iTunes to Windows, it enormously expanded the potential audience for the iPod. I doubt there would be a similarly seismic effect if Zune allowed itself to be loaded onto MacBooks, but I also think there's enough apathy out there towards iTunes--every system has its detractors--that at least a few people might be tempted to make the switch. |
Comments (9)
It seems you are not giving any credit to HD radio, which is different from plain old FM radio. Current version of Nano has FM, not HD radio. HD radio promises to offer much clearer sound. However, iPod may play a catch up game on this feature.
For more on HD radio: http://www.hdradio.com/
Posted by Curious | October 9, 2009 5:11 PM
This is all apple bias.
Anyone who held both the itouch and zunehd knows the zune hd is hands down the sexier device of the two.
The ONLY drawback is the lack of a large library of apps.
Also, the ZUNE ecosystem is backed by hotmail, windows live, msn, games for windows, xbox live, and not to mention the Zune accounts themself. This ecosystem is by far stronger in the long run than a simple online marketplace.
Posted by John | October 9, 2009 5:36 PM
Microsoft has plans, though, to integrate more gaming and video experience with the Zune.
That's good. Care to elaborate?
MSFT has quite the challenge, given that their gaming system has a completely different architecture; forget “porting” or repurposing existing programmers' skills.
Challenge #2: fine device that the Zune is, if I published the first sudoko game on it, I could expect massive sales of ... what, a few dozen? We've recently seen splash-of-cold-water articles about how hard it is get sales to cover a couple months of development time for a decent iPhone app; how many times harder will it be if there are no sales? Microsoft, if it wants games, will have to guarantee maybe $25,000 – $50,000 of sales, and that means working with a limited number of devs who they can trust.
Challenge #3: they still haven't painted a picture for how this comes anywhere close to breaking even. Their business plan must read,
1. Throw a bunch of consumer products out there that elicit “ho hum” responses worldwide.
2. Steve Jobs sprouts horns and shoots Obama.
3. Profit!!!
Challenge #4: remember MS “Plays for Sure?” I do. Toshiba and the other licensees do. Radio Shack does. A few thousand customers remember MS totally abandoning them, sticking them with an orphan product that played no-longer-available music. They have a bit of a reputation to live down, of abrupt product transitions for money-losing products. My (old!) iPod Classic won't play Touch games, but at least it still works great for music, photos, vids, stopwatch, ... new stuff at least once a week, that I bought it for.
Posted by Walt French | October 9, 2009 8:49 PM
Hi,
Thanks for this wonderful article.I am impressed the way you have provided three nice article on two very great looking gadgets.
Posted by handytaschen | October 13, 2009 5:08 AM
the zune hd does need some credit for the hd radio! i use it a lot and i dont get any static, if i have a good enough signal. but if you really think about it, apple is using all the godd ideas that the zune has!!! the FM radio is one thing with the new nano, and it has a muh bigger screen like the zunes, than before. i dont know a lot about the new nano, but apple is looking into the zune and might very soon get some competion from microsoft. the zune hd just needs some more apps to give bigger fight to the ipod touch! just wait and see apple, you soon will be worried about the new zunes.......
Posted by Shamano | October 13, 2009 8:35 PM
A couple of questions: if I want it for music, can it upload all the tracks I've bought from iTunes? If I'm out and about, is it going to tell me where I am in the world (map function)? Lastly, can it get my work email (MS Exchange) hooked into it so I can work on the move? If it's yes to those three I'll have one please.
Posted by Michael | October 14, 2009 1:48 PM
Regarding the radio. 3rd gen ipod touches have the capability to receive fm radio but the firmware for it hasnt been released yet.
Also i live in Australia and dont think many stations are broadcasting HD (Hybrid Digital) radio.
Posted by Bobby Croft | October 16, 2009 4:47 AM
im using my zune hd to read this stuff...and ive read a lot of other reviews and even tho the the differences arent vast it still makes a difference all ipod has is more apps but microsoft wil fix that soon.. the zune feels like it was built to fit in my hand ..i love the brushed metal back that it has... i love that it gives u pics of who ur listening to and their bio and the slideshow it looks amazing...so yeah thats what i have to say i guess...
Posted by albert3725 | October 18, 2009 4:58 PM
of course, all that zunes needs is some apps and TADA!!! appls is crying for their momy again! haha!i would stick to zunes if i were u, but appls is stealing from microsoft!!! but who cares, zune hd ROCKS!
Posted by Shamano | October 23, 2009 6:50 PM