The Podcast About My Zune

Now that I have had the Zune for a whole day the true nature of it is starting to become apparent.  Not that I don't like it ... I'm not a huge fan, but it isn't bad.  I haven't had a chance to test what I feel is the most compelling aspect of it, the social networking capabilities.  The device itself is an MP3 player that, to me, doesn't evoke an emotional response on any level.  It is a device that is a utility ... no statements or anything, just a device.

I do like the hardware, it is the software that is a real pain for me.  Maybe it is because I am so comfortable with the iTunes and iPod integration, but it just doesn't speak to me.  Having to log into all those damn Microsoft accounts just to purchase Zune Points is really something that I am not interested in.  It is so clear to me now just how much of an advantage Apple has when it comes to the user experience related to the software/hardware integration.  I wonder how someone who doesn't like Apple feels?  I am sure the Zune is so much better for so many people, but this is my space and that is my impression.  At the end of the day it is a good device and honestly only the second non-Apple MP3 player I have owned.  Before my iPod I had a Rio ... I felt the same about that as I do the Zune.  It works, but nothing else.  At least the Rio connected to iTunes.

So I sat down and recorded some thoughts about the device yesterday and tried to give a balanced report -- a lot like Fox News ;-) ... I also sat down with a few ETS people and got their reactions.  Keep in mind this is the first time I have ever tried to create a podcast like this -- just me editing a lot of stuff together.  It may be annoying, but I am trying to get better at this.  At any rate, here is a link to the ETS Special Edition Zune podcast at Penn State on iTunes U.  Thoughts?

Comments

[Brad]

How long did it take to edit that together? I think the heavy use of editing makes for a compact, easy to consume nugget. The problem I run into is that the time it takes to edit can be prohibitively expensive if you are generating a podcasts of some length or quantity.

[D'Arcy Norman]

I can hear it already. "Zune will never take off unless they open it up and release a full developer's API so we can build apps for it. It can't succeed without that." You could even travel to Redmond and tell them in person! :-)

[D'Arcy Norman]

great podcast. "oh. someone's trapped in the factory, and trying to talk to their family!" :-)

[Cole Camplese]

Thanks! It actually took me a good hour or so to edit the three 5-7 minute interviews I did. I got better as it went on ... I would really like to do more stuff like this over the long haul. I am so hooked on "This American Life" right now and it is making me rethink how we produce shows. Maybe that is a blog post in and of itself. At any rate, I appreciate the feedback and in my quest to be a radio host I will continue to try and learn more.

[Doug]

We just released Video and audio Podcasting support for the Zune:

http://FeedYourZune.com

Enjoy!