Microsoft uses adware model to pay for Zune HD apps

13»

Comments

  • Reply 41 of 48
    I have a Zune HD and the ads they are talking about show up only as the app is loading, no within the app itself. And to say that they add "fifteen to thirty seconds" is a bit of an exaggeration. Most are single images that stay up on screen for about 5 seconds, though I have seen one 15-second video play as an app was loading. But that has only happened one time, the vast, vast majority of the ads have been 5-second images that occupy about a third of the screen just as the app is loading. Not too obtrusive.
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 42 of 48
    addaboxaddabox Posts: 12,665member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by djdj View Post


    I have a Zune HD and the ads they are talking about show up only as the app is loading, no within the app itself. And to say that they add "fifteen to thirty seconds" is a bit of an exaggeration. Most are single images that stay up on screen for about 5 seconds, though I have seen one 15-second video play as an app was loading. But that has only happened one time, the vast, vast majority of the ads have been 5-second images that occupy about a third of the screen just as the app is loading. Not too obtrusive.



    Has anyone claimed that the ads show up within the app?
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 43 of 48
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by treestman View Post


    Sadly, because the Zune HD doesn't totally suck, normal outlets are ignoring its weaknesses. Not just the ads, but the weak browser and the fact that it lacks so much compared to the iPod touch (except the price). Comparing it as a PMP to the touch, it competes (not necessarily better, but competitive). However, comparing it as a gaming machine, or computer, or Internet device, it gets beat up and has its lunch money taken.



    Microsoft critics lately have come under fire for being too "biased" against MS, or being Apple "fanbois" or "sellouts", or some other nonsensical garbage. Many of these critics are responding by taking the opportunity with non-total-suckage products like the Zune (and Windows 7) to show just how "unbiased" they can be.





    I guess I should make a point that the iPhone/Touch is a portable computer with media capabilities. The Zune HD is a dedicated media device with extras tacked on. The sound quality of the Zune HD is stellar compared to the iPod and the HD video-out capabilities outperform the iPod as well. As a PMP, it is a much better purchase than the Touch. The Touch is better as an all-around device compared to the Zune HD. Each has their own purpose.



    I owned the Touch, both 1st and 2nd gen, and finally gave up on them due to sound quality. My wife and I got iPhones for the phone, portable internet, texting and apps...definately not for the iPod "app".



    Now I have the iPhone for one purpose(s) and the Zune HD for music. To each his own, guys, too each his own.
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 44 of 48
    Admittedly the ads are a little annoying.

    But these particular apps are free.

    I don't recall reading anywhere that Microsoft plans on ads for all apps, or if it is just for these that were included with their new software release.

    Personally I could tolerate a short (under 20 seconds) add before a game, but if I were to open a productivity app like e-mail, calendar, etc., I would lose my mind.

    Again, don't know if it is confirmed or not.

    I saw somewhere today that an iPhone app was ported over to the Zune HD. This is good news for Zune owners, potentially good news for Microsoft if they decide to let the developers play.

    Just my two cents.

    I think the iPod Touch and iPhone are just great, but I picked up a Zune HD and am very happy with it because it does what I need. I can't say I am too upset over the limited apps availability, but then, I'm almost 40 so what the heck do I know?
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 45 of 48
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by hudscoop View Post


    ...I picked up a Zune HD and am very happy with it because it does what I need.



    What is it you needed it to do that the iPod didn't? I am not in the media player market because I have an iPhone. If I were looking for a dedicated music player, I find the nano more compelling than the Zune. The live pause and rewind radio on the nano is a killer app for radio lovers. The small screen is made up for by the fact that you don't have to use it. With voiceover, you never even have to look at the nano screen for navigation. There are useful applets on the nano that are not annoying to use. There are extras like the video camera. I never watch long-form video on a three inch screen. In short, other than the Zune pass lock-in, I see no compelling argument for the Zune over the nano for me. What is the compelling argument for you? I am genuinely curious.
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 46 of 48
    Quote:

    How can new competitors rival Apple's existing library of 75,000 mobile apps and installed base of 50 million users? Microsoft's approach with the Zune HD relies on overt adware, an approach Apple has deliberately avoided.



    I compare the iPhone to a potluck, if you look back on how it all came together. The iPod, the iTunes Store, the success of Tiger, and of course you can't forget the chip design improvements in the marketplace.



    This is what happens when you love and don't sell out American innovation to foreign thinking.
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 47 of 48
    pmzpmz Posts: 3,433member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by AppleInsider View Post


    How can new competitors rival Apple's existing library of 75,000 mobile apps ?



    Come up with about 20 that are really useful
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 48 of 48
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by pmz View Post


    Come up with about 20 that are really useful



    Companies can do it the same way Apple did it. They can take tremendous risks and produce an industry changing, paradigm shifting product that the masses crave. Once successful, they can invite developers in on the party. Apple didn't start out with a a world beating app catalogue. Why should anyone else?
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
Sign In or Register to comment.