While everyone had high expectations for the Zune HD to outdo the iPod Touch due to its better display, HD output, and supposedly faster performance, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Microsoft has let us down big time. The major advantages that the iPod Touch has, as I had pointed out in my article not so long ago are apps and games ( which most people didn’t like, but I’m happy to have the last laugh now). Apart from a few games that people will have gotten bored with by now, the Zune HD hasn’t offered anything else for the user.
Granted, there’s a browser available on the Zune HD, and it brings the whole web to the palm of your hand, but then that’s what Apple thought would be the perfect recipe as well when it launched the iPhone. Native apps on a handheld will always attract more users. Let me rephrase that – native apps available in a centralized location with a great user experience will always attract more users. Something Microsoft isn’t doing with the Zune HD.
The announcement of the Twitter App for the Zune HD came via a tweet from the official Zune Twitter account. More information will be available tomorrow morning, and we’ll keep you updated on that.
Keep in mind that word was already out that Microsoft is planning to release a Facebook app as well for the Zune HD. Microsoft has shares in Facebook as a company, so I, along with many other people, was expecting that this particular app would be available quickly. But, it’s been almost 3 months since launch, and the users haven’t gotten that yet.
I’ll end this rant with this quick note: Microsoft should get serious about the Zune HD as a platform and launch it internationally. Otherwise, it’ll just end up as a ‘hobby’ just like Apple TV is to Apple. In other words, a product that’s good but cramped.
Hi Mr Hussain,
Thought I would pop back with a few observations (hopefully you can stay civil this time) I’d first like to quote you:
“While everyone had high expectations for the Zune HD to out do the iPod Touch”
Who was that? Who had, in the face of massive popularity of the ipod (and rightly or wrongly the “fashionable” image) who had high hopes it would unseat ipod?
See, this is the problem with the PR machine of Microsoft (IMO). It has many sources willing to “big it up” and sing its praises, but when a product fails to hit those targets it all looks rather silly.
A new Twitter app? Lets hope we don’t see a repeat of recent allegations of “code lifting” or GPL violations in the product. I would hope MS will supervise it better this time.
Quote “Microsoft should get serious about the Zune HD as a platform and launch it internationally”
I thought they were? Im sure Ive seen a report that said MS was inflicting the Zune on the world. The term “flogging a dead horse” springs to mind.
If we forget about ipod and its “trendy” image and market penetration, lets ask ourselves are the “youth” of today (and the main purchasers) going to think it great to be seen with a Microsoft product strapped to their waist? I wouldn’t think so and its why this time last year we had reports of the Zune being sold from a bargain bin in one store whilst Apples product flew off the shelves.
Before you say it, no I don’t have an ipod and I wouldn’t consider buying one, I think its overpriced offers nothing to me that would make me desire it.
Regards,
Goblin.