3hive on Zune
September 14th, 2006Zune: Sharing the Sharing
My boy Sean at 3hive got a sneak preview with some other bloggers of the new Microsoft iPod competitor (too soon to determine if it’s a killer) Zune.
No Mac support and wacky DRM. I wonder if it will work with AAC files (iTunes purchases)… Sean, I hope they fed you well! o
If it were to sync wirelessly with the 360 I would definitely consider buying one.
Quality of food: top notch. Quantity: meager. And you know me Jon, I can put it down.
George–I think it’s just a matter of time before the Zune’s syncing wirelessly with lots of things…especially the 360. You know they wanna.
George… I’m sure it will sync with the 360 and a Media Center PC. MSFT wants to own the living room. Not sync’ing or streaming to a 360 would just be dumb, even by Microsoft standards. :-]
And Jon, I’d be willing to bet one of my kids that it will NOT support iTMS purchased music. MSFT would have to license FairPlay (iTunes’ DRM), and Apple would have to be willing to sell MSFT the license. Since MSFT invented a whole new DRM for the Zune (it’s not based on their Plays for Sure stuff), they might be unwilling to spend more on a competing license. And Apple has resisted all offers to license FairPlay so far.
But maybe it will play non-DRMed AAC files?
According to Engadget, it will work with AAC files.
http://tinyurl.com/otjyu
(link goes to Engadget)
Here’s a quote from an article I read in a NYTImes today: “The Zune will be able to play video files and songs in the MP3 format, along with music and video bought through a new service called Zune Marketplace. That service will also have a subscription plan, though Microsoft executives declined to give pricing details. The device will not play content bought from the iTunes Music Store of Apple.” I’ll check out EnGadget to see what they say.
I’d imagine they’d find a workaround for the AAC files, because my itunes downloads play fine when I sync my Ipod to my 360. Just had to download an additional driver off the Live Marketplace.
Hello men,
My husband (also named Sean) happens to be working on the Zune team so I feel like I have a bit of knowledge on this topic.
I have seen it, touched it and used it and I love it! It will NOT work with iTunes, however it will work with a MSFT music store that allows you to download AS MUCH AS YOU WANT for only $10.00 per month! I just spent $40.00 on two cd’s at iTunes, in a few months that will get me 4 months of music for Zune. Soooo much better.
You can share files with those around you wirelessly and download their music and listen to it 3 times in 3 days before you buy the invidivdual song for 0.99 cents, obviously subscribing to the music service for $10.00 is gonna be a better route.
Eventuallyl they will have movies and podcasting but not right off the bat.