Generational Comparison: Interesting....

ACE · 12-09-2007, 10:59 AM

Many people jump to the comparison between the 2nd Gen Zune and the 6th Gen iPod - especially iFans who forget their humble beginnings. While they are competing head to head, it's a little unrealistic to expect Microsoft to be at the level of Apple, who's been at the game for quite some time. Add in the fact that MS has just recently started making hardware (Xbox and Zune) while Apple has already established itself with partners and manufacturers to produce the polished iPod lines, and you get an even further dicotomy. People usually jump to this conclusion:

When it makes some sense to take a look at the comparisons of the evolution of the two devices.

Gen 1

Both 1st gen devices use tactile interface. The iPod wheel physically turned and the Zune had a D-Pad. Both manufacturers (Apple, MS) were brand new to the whole PDMP and did the best they could with the limited budget they had. Both players were considered bulky compared to competitors. While each had breakthrough concepts on them (the iPod sync'd via firewire, the Zune had wi-fi) neither one really redefined the industry. And contrary to popular belief, the iPod was not the first MP3 device - it simply had the flood strategy and more money behind it. The same can now be said about the Zune..... Both came in one size only. The Zune in 30Gb and the iPod 5Gb - both of which were more than standard at the time.

Gen 2

The second generations of both devices saw marked improvements. Both benefitted from more funds allocated to the furthering of their platforms. Better firmware, more menu options, greater storage capacity (the Zune has 80Gb while the iPod got a 15Gb HD), and touch interface for both were incorporated. Still no games for either, but it's interesting to see a striking resemblence to how the two devices evolve. Could MS be taking some cues from Apple's history?

1st Gen Flash Models

Both came later after the hard drive models were established. Both were met with some criticim. The iPod nano was directly competing against the iPod mini (a small HD device) and some saw it a risky move. The flash Zune is receiving luke warm reviews as its unique design is OK, but not revolutionary.

Well if the iPod evolution to its 3rd generation is any indication as to how the Zune will evolve, here are a couple things to consider: The iPod's interface was further developed to the familiar scroll wheel we see today, games were introduced, iPod shuffles went on sale, and greater functionality (images were now able to be sync'd) - So that could mean the Zune could get a Touch screen, games, a shuffle-like low-end player, and internet browsing! (total speculation of course)

[See Every iPod model]

quantum drop · 12-09-2007, 11:04 AM

I never jumped on the first gen pods. I was still in aural bliss with my minidisc player. *Tear* I miss that real deep bass my sony would put out. I still dust it off and listen to something when my zune is charging.

MemphisMasenko · 12-09-2007, 08:59 PM

yes this proves that the Zune is awesome and iPods are boring.

Dragod · 12-09-2007, 09:05 PM

Isn't it strange that the design of the iPod hasn't changed ever? It's always been "Small Screen, white screens, and a circle"

12-09-2007, 10:59 AM	#1 (permalink)
ACE I Scream, U Scream, We... zB Writer Section Staff Elite Zuner Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Fresno, CA USA Posts: 2,151 Reputation: 218 Awards Showcase Total Awards: 1	Generational Comparison: Interesting.... Many people jump to the comparison between the 2nd Gen Zune and the 6th Gen iPod - especially iFans who forget their humble beginnings. While they are competing head to head, it's a little unrealistic to expect Microsoft to be at the level of Apple, who's been at the game for quite some time. Add in the fact that MS has just recently started making hardware (Xbox and Zune) while Apple has already established itself with partners and manufacturers to produce the polished iPod lines, and you get an even further dicotomy. People usually jump to this conclusion: When it makes some sense to take a look at the comparisons of the evolution of the two devices. Gen 1 Both 1st gen devices use tactile interface. The iPod wheel physically turned and the Zune had a D-Pad. Both manufacturers (Apple, MS) were brand new to the whole PDMP and did the best they could with the limited budget they had. Both players were considered bulky compared to competitors. While each had breakthrough concepts on them (the iPod sync'd via firewire, the Zune had wi-fi) neither one really redefined the industry. And contrary to popular belief, the iPod was not the first MP3 device - it simply had the flood strategy and more money behind it. The same can now be said about the Zune..... Both came in one size only. The Zune in 30Gb and the iPod 5Gb - both of which were more than standard at the time. Gen 2 The second generations of both devices saw marked improvements. Both benefitted from more funds allocated to the furthering of their platforms. Better firmware, more menu options, greater storage capacity (the Zune has 80Gb while the iPod got a 15Gb HD), and touch interface for both were incorporated. Still no games for either, but it's interesting to see a striking resemblence to how the two devices evolve. Could MS be taking some cues from Apple's history? 1st Gen Flash Models Both came later after the hard drive models were established. Both were met with some criticim. The iPod nano was directly competing against the iPod mini (a small HD device) and some saw it a risky move. The flash Zune is receiving luke warm reviews as its unique design is OK, but not revolutionary. Well if the iPod evolution to its 3rd generation is any indication as to how the Zune will evolve, here are a couple things to consider: The iPod's interface was further developed to the familiar scroll wheel we see today, games were introduced, iPod shuffles went on sale, and greater functionality (images were now able to be sync'd) - So that could mean the Zune could get a Touch screen, games, a shuffle-like low-end player, and internet browsing! (total speculation of course) [See Every iPod model] __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. I'm an To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. ...Do you know what the original ZuneMarketplace looked like?

12-09-2007, 11:04 AM	#2 (permalink)
quantum drop Zuner Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Brownsville, Texas Posts: 52 Reputation: 10	I never jumped on the first gen pods. I was still in aural bliss with my minidisc player. Tear I miss that real deep bass my sony would put out. I still dust it off and listen to something when my zune is charging. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

12-09-2007, 09:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
Dragod The Master Chief Retired Staff Expert Zuner Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: In a house. Posts: 2,649 Reputation: 240	Isn't it strange that the design of the iPod hasn't changed ever? It's always been "Small Screen, white screens, and a circle" __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

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