One of the threads about Xbox music not syncing properly prompted me to download the Zune software and see if I could re-create the issues people were having. I never owned a Zune, and WP8 has been my first Windows "mobile" experience since I sold my VX6900 (a Verizon-branded HTC Touch) and moved to the iPhone. The Zune software is amazing, though... it's *really* good. Since I installed it I keep playing around with it and trying to figure out why MS dropped it. After a couple of days of contemplation, I think I've figured it out:
The iPod was wildly successful. Hugely. When you say "the iPhone doubles as an iPod" or "the iPhone has a built-in iPod" that means something because of the iPod's success. The Zune - on the other hand - was a commercial flop. The only MS flops bigger than the Zune were Bob and the Kins, heh. Saying "Windows Phone 8 has Zune built-in" would probably garner grimaces (at worst) or blank stares (at best) in reply from all but the most diehard MS/Zune fans. Xbox, however... that's wildly successful as well. Hugely. How many Xbox consoles were sold on black Friday? Some ungodly amount? Anyway, "Xbox" has TONS more recognition and positive vibes than does Zune; saying "Windows Phone 8 has Xbox music built-in" is much better.
So yeah, now I get why MS dropped Zune for Xbox Music. I can't imagine that MS is going to sully the Xbox brand with poor performance on WP8 devices. I have faith that they'll fix all the issues that are being encountered.
Anyway, just some thoughts I've had recently, thought I'd share 'em.
The iPod was wildly successful. Hugely. When you say "the iPhone doubles as an iPod" or "the iPhone has a built-in iPod" that means something because of the iPod's success. The Zune - on the other hand - was a commercial flop. The only MS flops bigger than the Zune were Bob and the Kins, heh. Saying "Windows Phone 8 has Zune built-in" would probably garner grimaces (at worst) or blank stares (at best) in reply from all but the most diehard MS/Zune fans. Xbox, however... that's wildly successful as well. Hugely. How many Xbox consoles were sold on black Friday? Some ungodly amount? Anyway, "Xbox" has TONS more recognition and positive vibes than does Zune; saying "Windows Phone 8 has Xbox music built-in" is much better.
So yeah, now I get why MS dropped Zune for Xbox Music. I can't imagine that MS is going to sully the Xbox brand with poor performance on WP8 devices. I have faith that they'll fix all the issues that are being encountered.
Anyway, just some thoughts I've had recently, thought I'd share 'em.