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.
because
11/12, 09:14am reply
It's all about the customization.
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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