WMP 10 vs. iTunes
So. MS has released a beta for WMP 10. It's due for a final release later this year.
Anyone using XP care to report how it is, and how it compares to iTunes?
AFAICT, the most challenging thing about it w/r/t iTunes -- other than it doesn't seem to completely suck any more, at least compared to WMP 9 -- is how it integrates Windows music stores into the application, even including a "browse all stores" option. People are going to like comparison-shopping.
Somehow, though... I just have a feeling it's not going to be as smooth a experience as the ITMS.
If I'm wrong, though, I'd love to know.
Anyone using XP care to report how it is, and how it compares to iTunes?
AFAICT, the most challenging thing about it w/r/t iTunes -- other than it doesn't seem to completely suck any more, at least compared to WMP 9 -- is how it integrates Windows music stores into the application, even including a "browse all stores" option. People are going to like comparison-shopping.
Somehow, though... I just have a feeling it's not going to be as smooth a experience as the ITMS.
If I'm wrong, though, I'd love to know.
Comments
Nothing really jumped out. The UI still looks like a jumbled mess that tries to do too much.
Browsing stores seems superfluous to me since a vast majority of the catalog will be identical
I don't see really anything that makes me think MS is onto something special.
Originally posted by hmurchison
Read the pdf.
Nothing really jumped out. The UI still looks like a jumbled mess that tries to do too much.
Browsing stores seems superfluous to me since a vast majority of the catalog will be identical
I don't see really anything that makes me think MS is onto something special.
Agreed, mostly. Still, I'm curious how the UE is. Pictures only say so much.
Since MS will soon be shipping this on every box with their OS, all it has to be is "good enough" to draw users away from the iTunes advantages.... And I do think that people like the options of shopping at different stores, esp. if they get a deal at one... but I also suspect WMP10 offers a far from coherent buying experience. Anyway, I'm sure Apple knows that they have to keep iTunes, the iPod, and ITMS a magnitude of order better to maintain their insane marketshare, so -- the game's afoot.
Microsoft knows how to make money but I don't think they are as adept strategically when it comes to things beyond the business world.
It wouldn't happen that way, of course, but it should do some damage anyway.
Apple is definitely looking good against the WMA houses. Apple just needs to keep striking up partnerships and deals.
In fact Apple needs to be partner with BMG and Columbia House. Imagine this.
1. You purchase 3-4 songs from iTunes but decide you really like the artist and would prefer to purchase the CD.
2. What if Apple worked out and arrangement where you could receive a credit for the songs you purchased on your shipping of the CD from BMG or CH.
This works out nicely because just like that Apple now sells physical distribution without having to warehouse a single product. CH and BMG get more sales funneled their way and the customer gets the liner notes and CD to keep them happy and doesn't regret the digital download purchase.
Apple needs to push iTunes into every crevice they can. How can they best serve the needs of the music lover is the only question they should strive to answer.
Installing
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Welcome
So far, looks like crap, with red x's
Originally posted by Aquatic
Hey that's a cool idea hmurchison!
8) Thank Aquatic. I thought about it one day when I kept finding myself buying more individual songs from one artist. I finally thought "hell I might as well buy the CD" but now you're already out $3.96 or so. Now imagine getting a $2 credit against shipping from BMG or Columbia house. Chances are I could pick the CD up on special for less than $10 and shipping would be credited.
1. BMG and Columbia house are happy because Apple is funneling potential sales to them
2. Credits on the shipping are nothing because they normally default to Media Mail deliver. Thus they charge roughly $2.79 a disc when actual shipping costs are at best a dollar. Even with the credit they'd profit off of the shipment.
Doesn't really hurt Apple either. If you bought the CD from BMG or CH you're likely to rip it in iTunes and put it on the iPod.
BMG and CH shouldn't care. They are both distributors and make money off of both sales.
A true Win/Win for all.
Originally posted by psgamer0921
Agreement
Installing
Main
Welcome
So far, looks like crap, with red x's
OMG ... what shity graphics, i think they went a little heavy on the music notes.
<add-on>
I usualy download all of the latest MPlayer stuff, as well as DX, but I thinkj i will stay here at mp9, unless the good ole "mplayer2" command still works
The main reason I use iTunes is because of my iPod, not because it is inherently better than other music apps. If MS makes WMP10 a valid competitor (which they very well might do) there is no way any of you would acknowledge it anyway. I will stick with iTunes because I have a $300 piece of hardware that Apple has locked up tight in the kind of proprietary nonsense that the Maclots scream at Microsoft about.
I like Apple Lossless so far. But I like FLAC more. I can't play FLAC (completely open-source) in iTunes so I can't use it. Bullshit.
Originally posted by groverat
If MS makes WMP10 a valid competitor (which they very well might do) there is no way any of you would acknowledge it anyway.
The big IF will be if Microsoft can nail the integration with MP3 players. Theres going to be a lot riding on this one, no doubt tempers will be twitchy. I wonder though, if installing one, will cancel the other one out. One thing is for sure, Microsoft couldn't come any later to the party.