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Zune to one-up iPod in customization?

updated 09:00 am EST, Mon November 12, 2007

Zune Originals

Microsoft intends to improve on the basic formula of customization pioneered by the iPod for the release of the new Zunes, according to an interview with company global marketing chief Chris Stephenson. To be called Zune Originals, the service will offer not just four lines of engraved text (up from the iPod's two) on the aluminum backs of the new models but also any one of 27 different full-size drawings from internationally well-known artists.

The move is in part a conscious break from the "clean aesthetic" of Apple, Stephenson says, and encouraging users to fill the design of the player with art rather than leave it plain.

Engraving will be available from the Zune's launch tomorrow and should be free for the Zune 4, 8, and 80. Microsoft does not say whether it will be selling the Zune itself through the site instead of relying on third parties, as it frequently does with its peripherals and Xbox game consoles.



 
Previous Comments

because

11/12, 09:14am reply

It's all about the customization.

testudo

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2001

0

Yeah

11/12, 09:22am reply

i like, i like.

There is a market for this but i don't want to be limited to the 27 drawings, i want my fav comic on the back. http://www.laserdevils.com/ipod_engraving.htm

Peter Bonte

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2001

0

Needs it!

11/12, 09:31am reply

The ZOOON needs all the help it can get. On that note, I'd like mine in white please and with an Apple logo in the middle.

ZOON = trash for fools.

jarod

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Apr 2005

0

LOL

11/12, 09:52am reply

So they are focusing on "customization" instead of usability. Baby p*** green is still baby p*** green no matter if you put it in a custom case or not.

dliup

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jan 2006

0

No it won't

11/12, 10:20am reply

Zune will not one-up iPod because "to one-up" is not English, it is gibberish. It's much more likely that Zune will yesterday-trifleimbob iPod.

talisker

Mac Elite

Joined: Oct 2001

0

A tattoo for your Zune

11/12, 10:23am reply

I believe this is a quick and easy way for Microsoft to improve the product at a very very low cost.

The engraving will likely cost them pennies per device. Even if they sell a couple more due to the engravings, it's likely to be worth their investment.

Even better, its optional, so those people who don't want a Zune tattoo aren't required to get one.

Jittery Jimmy

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jan 2006

0

Not for me

11/12, 10:45am reply

Engravings stink because you make it harder to fix a broken unit. For instance, Apple swaps out broken iPods. It will not do that with a customized unit.

Terrin

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jan 2006

0

eh

11/12, 10:52am reply

It looks like c***. Once again, Microsoft shows that it doesn't understand the customer. Most iPod buyers who personalize their iPod get their name on the back or, they write a message of love or appreciation to someone. Sometimes, they have their phone number engraved on the back in case the iPod gets lost. Those drawings look tacky.

howiethemacguy

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Sep 2007

0

re: not for me

11/12, 10:55am reply

You're wrong. Apple does swap the engraved iPods under warranty. I used to be a Mac Genius. I did it several times daily. The only drawback is that at the Apple store, they can't engrave the new iPod. If a customer calls AppleCare, they can have their defective iPod replaced with another engraved unit.

howiethemacguy

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Sep 2007

0

customization???

11/12, 11:55am reply

how is choosing from among their clipart customization? customization is putting whatever you want on there.

rtbarry

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2001

0

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