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Zune: Bad First Impressions

November 14th, 2006

So the Engadget folks had a crappy experience installing the Zune software for the first time. They’re not alone. Another report says that the Zune music store is totally confusing.

My main observation is that there are sure some big, gorgeous pictures of people having fun with music in that user interface. But a lesson (which a lot of us web designers agree with) is that big pretty pictures are no use if the user experience sucks. Those big, smiling supermodel grins could easily seem evil. (“They’re mocking me! Their Zunes are working and mine isn’t…!”)

One of the reasons for the iPod’s success is the integration of the software and the hardware. Every time I plug in my iPod to add some more podcasts or refresh my music, I’m confident it will function as advertised.

Another item to remember is that people like choice, but not so many choices that they get confused. One of the first things Steve Jobs did when he returned to Apple was pare down the product lines to a simple grid based on pro and consumer. Even today, there are only three or four models of any particular computer.

In the iTunes Store, this simplicity mantra is followed as well: 99 cents for a song, and around $9.99 for an album.

It looks like Microsoft is trying hard to recreate an easy, friendly user experience with the Zune, but based on these first reports, it doesn’t look too promising. There will undoubtedly be bug fixes, but in the game to compete with the iPod, first impressions are important. Especially with the holiday season fast approaching, and Apple already has a many killer iPod products ready to go.

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folder Categories: Apple, General, Technology :: ::

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  • Harold
    I was going to get one of those Zunes, but i got an 80GB ipod instead because they are so much smaller and better. Let along i have had like 5 ipods over time.
  • Harold - gee, 5 iPods that's a lot! But I think you are not alone... I had a shuffle, then a nano, and now an iPod video. The Zune is going to have to be awesome in order to get any of us apple users to switch... and right now it's just okay.
  • Harold
    Yep, the Zune is fat, hard to use, shitty software. Why would you want all that JUST to use WIFI? woopdie do. i watch scary movies on my 80gb and still crap myself so the screen is big enough.

    One bad thing about the ipod is the stupid back cover. Mine got scratched on the first day. STUPID apple could think of using the scratchless nano magnesium back and putting that there.

    Anywya i am only 17 and will have more ipods in the future!

    Zune will soon be dead! atleast i hope!

    I will never convert because apple is awesome and has great customer support.
  • abbey
    You guys are idiots....you obviously etheir havn't used ur ipod or havn't had it long enough to know it just breaks. but ur just sooo ADDICTED, u MUST get another one. Apple is conning u just like they con everything else. The whole MS points thing is to just make it more easier, and even if they're trying to fake u out, it's exactly the same price as itunes, and some even a little less, so what is the big deal? personally, u all are spoiled ipod freaks that simply can't take the thought of having something easier to use, or more simple, or even better looking, then the ipod. and even if u can believe it...all you'll do is just force ur parents into getting u another, more "newer" ipod and then protesting against zune because u all are just so baffled by the thought of a more professional music player. u guys dont even OWN A ZUNE! my dad does, he got it for his birthday today, and even though he has only had for less then twelve hours, he can see that it's not a shitty ipod. u guys are basically hypocrites that are trying to "look smart."
  • Harold
    Kiss my ass abby, i have had 4 ipods. I have taken care of everyone. Seems like your the gullable one that got the zune!!!
    So its easier to use huh
    hahahahahah
    Its only had the worst reviews about its software and can't even play half of the things that ipod can
    Its like twice the size of my 80gb and its FKN UGLY!!!!!!
    Ipods look awesome and they feel good, not to mention the ease of use.
    Abby, your probably only like 11 i am guessing. I don't think you are old enough for the internet yet.
  • Harold
    5 sorry -
    Ipod shuffle 1gb
    Ipod mini 4gb
    Ipod 40gb
    Ipod nano 8gb
    Ipod 80gb

    I had them for more then 4 months each. I treated them well and NOT 1 broke or had faults.
  • Abbey I'm going to check out a Zune first chance I get. So far I haven't heard great things about it. I'm not totally anti microsoft... the XBOX is really great.
  • Oh and also, about the iPod scratching, that is annoying. I had the scratching screen problem with the Nano, and the iPod video I have has definitely been suffering from scratching on the metal surface. It is basically impossible to keep the iPod scratch-free unless you cover it with laquer or never use it. I just gave up trying to keep it in mint condition after a certain point.
  • Harold
    The backs of my 40gb is very scratched, but the new 8gb nano is scratchless with the magnesium. The screen doesn't scratch and the back is VERY hard to scratch.
    If only they were all made of that stuff.
  • Wow so I guess Apple improved the strength of the new 8 GB nano! I guess that is one more reason to eventually get a new iPod. But for now I am sticking with my Video iPod...
  • I got this zune download that is a blast. i am glad microsoft is catching up. I know they get a lot of flack but i like them
  • Harold
    Apple owns 79% of the market. Microsoft 2%
    Apples ipod charger outsold the zune in the month that it came out.
  • Interesting post thanks for sharing.
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