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Microsoft Makes Apple Look Bad

Originally published by "dbarker" on 2007-10-03 15:45:00Z

First-Gen Zune Getting All The New Features: This is How You Treat Your Customers: Wow, Microsoft is getting some good press over this. And Apple – for perhaps the first time in history – looks really bad by comparison.

The first generation 30GB Zune—which 1.2 million of you already purchased—is getting all the new Zune’s features. All. Sure, the new Zune is more of a half step forward than a completely new design. But Microsoft’s done something fantastic here by rewarding first gen buyers with cool new stuff that also happens to be free by software upgrade. And talk about spin— Microsoft just took a middling jump in hardware and turned it into a genuinely good move for loyalists (as well as a PR miracle). Are you paying attention Apple?

But let’s not pat Microsoft on the back too much. They’re the kings of artificially crippling software to differentiate them and maximize profits. Access and Works will only get so good, folks, because there are more profitable products lurking above them.

Comment by "Mark" on 2007-10-03 14:02:00Z
"They're the kings of artificially crippling software to differentiate them and maximize profits." Oh you mean like how iTunes locks out every other mp3 vendor? If Sony ever annouced that it was selling a CD player that would only play it's music the outrage would be enormous. Apple does the same thing and everyone swoons at Steve's feet. Sorry but from a Linux point of view both sides have plenty of egg on their face. Let's be honest here, Apple isn't winning anyone over with their recent moves while MS is gaining some good press; period. It's a snap shot in time and next week things might change. But at the moment, score one for MS.
Comment by "Charlie B." on 2007-10-04 16:46:00Z
Typical Microsoft. Take on the iPod but not make it available to Apple users. Didn't they learn anything from the iPod. Make it dual platform and you might get people to take a look at it. Better yet, make it worik with iTunes and scrap all the other junk it has.... ....or even much better yet, acknowledge that the iPod is king and look for a new market in something else!
Comment by "Deane" on 2007-10-04 06:29:00Z
>...or even much better yet, acknowledge that the iPod is king and look for a new market in something else! Because that's the hallmark of innovation.