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- - e r i k - - · Nov 16, 2006, 07:08 PM

http://area-56.com/index.php?option=...d=44&Itemid=30

Oh dear Microsoft. Let's go through the checklist shall we:

- Painstakingly obvious attempt to be "hip" and "with it"
- Jarring music with the visuals, especially in "the battle"
- Bad attempt at showing people enjoying a zune together, when you are still dealing with a very much a one-person device still.
- Showing people clearly enjoying other music experiences more: concerts, djs, rappers.

Who wants to go to a picnic listening to their personal music devices?
Who wants to go to a concert with their zune?

They all just highlight how utterly utterly ridiculous it is trying to combine the "social trend" with a personal music device. God damn Microsoft, you fail at marketing so hard.

The Mick · Nov 16, 2006, 07:17 PM

Ugh, those were awful!
They bareley show the Zune except for extremely brief glimpses, so little in fact if you did not know what a Zune was, you still would not know after watching the commercials.

turtle777 · Nov 16, 2006, 07:23 PM

Hmm, doesn't work for me. Vids don't show.

-t

Teronzhul · Nov 16, 2006, 07:24 PM

I watched all of them for kicks. The last one titled "couple" looked like a commercial for the cellphone that the guy was holding.

nonhuman · Nov 16, 2006, 07:32 PM

Those are ads?

They seemed more like shorts put together for a class or something.

Originally Posted by Teronzhul

I watched all of them for kicks. The last one titled "couple" looked like a commercial for the cellphone that the guy was holding.

I thought that was the only one that was even vaguely decent. I do think the idea of being able to listen to the same thing as the person next to you is a cool feature. But I wasn't aware it was one that Zune had... Can it actually work to synchronize the music you're listening to or does it just let you share music?

- - e r i k - - · 09:57 PM

It only lets you share music, not broadcast nor synchronize. The commercials falsely alludes to the former.

::maroma:: · Nov 16, 2006, 07:55 PM

Terrible. As usual. No one ever said MS makes good commercials. Or is competent at marketing. They are horrible.

"Picnic" - Looked like a home movie made on a Mac. Did they solicit this commercial from some sort of contest? Looks so amateur. And I like a line from the song used "No one cares what kind of drugs you're on". Perfect.

"Battle" - More of the same. Looks like a home movie. No real message here other than "hey, go to a concert and bring your Zune and hopefully someone else has one so you can stand 2 feet away and listen to what they have on theirs."

"Concert" - This one is even worse as far as a message. There is none. They show a Zune for a total of 1.5 seconds. Waste of air time. I saw this one on TV the other night. The whole time I was thinking "what the hell is this ad for?" until I saw the Zune logo.

"Dog Scratch" - Cute, but again no substance at all. It just feels worthless.

"Couple" - The only one that makes any sense to me. This one actually has a message and is easily understood. I think this will be the only one that is effective at all.

Overall, typical MS crap. Meaningless empty messages, confusing the viewer. Painting a glossy picture of what the Zune is in hopes that people will go and buy one out of curiosity. MS loses. The Zune will fail for sure.

Gossamer · Nov 16, 2006, 08:03 PM

Buy a Zune, and you'll no longer have to deal with 'solo acts'

Sherman Homan · Nov 16, 2006, 08:57 PM

Have you seen the burning birds Zune ad? It is beyond weird.
https://www.zune-arts.net/ pick the birds.
Incineration has never been so much fun.
No product, no brand, no identity, just burning birds.
Mass murderers always start off by torturing helpless animals. Obviously, Microsoft is trying to raise an entire generation of mass murderers.
Obviously.

- - e r i k - - · Nov 16, 2006, 09:02 PM

I don't know, either of those would have been cool instead of the wanna-be hip ads that actually run.

Burning birds, people-eating monsters, walking penises that's gets an eye. All good

Kenneth · Nov 16, 2006, 09:20 PM

What are they? Those ads didn't do a thing for me.

TETENAL · Nov 16, 2006, 09:40 PM

Originally Posted by Teronzhul

The last one titled "couple" looked like a commercial for the cellphone that the guy was holding.

I have a question about the last one: He uses the Wifi-sharing feature to beam the song to her Zune so they both can listen to it. But how can they dance together? Wouldn't the music be offset unless they pressed play at exactly the same time? Does the Wifi-sharing feature allow to start the music at a synchronized time?

- - e r i k - - · 09:57 PM

Originally Posted by TETENAL

I have a question about the last one: He uses the Wifi-sharing feature to beam the song to her Zune so they both can listen to it. But how can they dance together? Wouldn't the music be offset unless they pressed play at exactly the same time? Does the Wifi-sharing feature allow to start the music at a synchronized time?

Originally Posted by - - e r i k - -

It only lets you share music, not broadcast nor synchronize. The commercials falsely alludes to the former.

The message you have entered is too short. Please lengthen your message to at least 3 characters.

Sherman Homan · Nov 16, 2006, 09:44 PM

Originally Posted by TETENAL

I have a question about the last one: He uses the Wifi-sharing feature to beam the song to her Zune so they both can listen to it. But how can they dance together? Wouldn't the music be offset unless they pressed play at exactly the same time? Does the Wifi-sharing feature allow to start the music at a synchronized time?

Nope! It doesn't sync in time. It would be like trying to get two iPods to start the same song at the same time. Now, having asked that question, I think you just nailed the Next New Thing.
You need to copyright SoundSync (that is my term, you can buy it from me...!) Brilliant!

G4ME · Nov 16, 2006, 09:51 PM

Originally Posted by - - e r i k - -

It only lets you share music, not broadcast nor synchronize. The commercials falsely alludes to the latter.

umm

- - e r i k - - · Nov 16, 2006, 09:53 PM

Yes? Former I mean obviously.

Kerrigan · Nov 17, 2006, 12:25 AM

I find it funny how they threw in lots of aging, slightly overweight hipsters. That just makes Zune look even more un-hip than the iPod.

Also, the feel of those ads is very 90s, which just confirms what I've always thought about MS: that they are stuck in that decade.

OwlBoy · Nov 17, 2006, 12:37 AM

Originally Posted by - - e r i k - -

It only lets you share music, not broadcast nor synchronize. The commercials falsely alludes to the former.

Exactly what I noticed.

-Owl

Apple Pro Underwear · Nov 17, 2006, 01:00 AM

they wish their product would be used in the way they depict it...

Gossamer · Nov 17, 2006, 01:07 AM

I played with a Zune at Target today (as someone said...the Zune endcap replaced the iPod endcap...but the iPod has its own aisle). It was funny as the Zune was attached to the endcap, so whenever pictures or anything came up I had to tilt my head 90 degrees just to watch it.

olePigeon · Nov 17, 2006, 01:11 AM

Why would someone go to a live concert, only to listen to their Zune?

Apple Pro Underwear · Nov 17, 2006, 10:05 AM

Originally Posted by olePigeon

Why would someone go to a live concert, only to listen to their Zune?

you meet peepz, drink and have fun. the commercials see like they're trying real hard.

Sbtrfuge · Nov 17, 2006, 10:19 AM

Wow. Just.... wow... they all look like American Eagle/Abercrombie/Hollister commercials.... with a zune thrown in at the end.

Who in the hell goes to hang out with all their friends outside at a park and puts their earbuds in to listen to their own music when there's a live DJ?

Or who brings a zune to a freaking concert?

This is just beyond dumb.

nonhuman · Nov 17, 2006, 10:29 AM

I think (one of) the major flaw(s) with their marketing campaign is that a device in which you isolate yourself from everyone by cramming earbuds in your ears is inherently anti-social.

Zune: Welcome to the...screw you!

Kerrigan · Nov 17, 2006, 10:37 AM

Ya good point nonhuman. Maybe these ads are part of a larger effort of brainwashing us into thinking that even tho we are sitting alone listening to music and not talking, we are being "teh social".

Y3a · Nov 17, 2006, 10:42 AM

Funny that the phrase "I don't care" repeats so much..

We don't care after all!

Doofy · Nov 17, 2006, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by olePigeon

Why would someone go to a live concert, only to listen to their Zune?

It's a Neil Diamond concert and you've got Manowar on your Zune. You're just keeping the chick happy.

The Mick · Nov 17, 2006, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by Doofy

It's a Neil Diamond concert and you've got Manowar on your Zune. You're just keeping the chick happy.

ROFL!

Cold Warrior · Nov 17, 2006, 07:06 PM

Barf. Horrible spots.

Railroader · Nov 18, 2006, 12:51 AM

The only Zune advertisement I saw after visiting both Best Buy and circuit City toady was at Circuit City and it was literally 10% of the size of the iPod displays.

olePigeon · Nov 18, 2006, 01:27 AM

Now I know what those commercials remind me of...

...Homer's Mr. Plow commerical.

Lisa: Dad, was that your comercial?!
Homer: I don't know!

TheWOAT · Nov 18, 2006, 01:33 AM

Horrible commercial, but for an Ad campaign, Ive seen worse. Let's not remember "Who let the dogs out!!!".... Wasnt that the ipod's first commercial? Either way, MS will fail at being cool for the umpteenth time.

C.A.T.S. CEO · Nov 18, 2006, 01:54 AM

My review:

1st commercial: I really don't like looking at dogs asses and testicles

2nd: Soooo..... your not suppose to listen to the concert but your zune?

3rd: (look above)

4th: WTF? I don't get it....

5th: Nice ear rings!

Good job M$!

chabig · Nov 18, 2006, 02:11 AM

I went and saw the Zune display at Office Depot today. The devices are locked in metal cages as though they really don't want you to see how big and heavy the device is. You can't pick it up and feel it.

C.A.T.S. CEO · Nov 18, 2006, 02:19 AM

Originally Posted by chabig

I went and saw the Zune display at Office Depot today. The devices are locked in metal cages as though they really don't want you to see how big and heavy the device is. You can't pick it up and feel it.

I don't want to feel that brown thing. Its a good thing they are in tough's metal boxes...

Gossamer · Nov 18, 2006, 03:16 AM

Originally Posted by C.A.T.S. CEO

I don't want to feel that brown thing. Its a good thing they are in tough's metal boxes...

Tough is a great guy. Don't dis his metal boxes.

design219 · Nov 18, 2006, 08:50 AM

I read yesterday that the zune lets you share music, but the tunes erase themselves after three days when beamed from one to another. The article said this is true even for non-purchased music. Now, will this be a positive and fulfilling social experience?

kcmac · Nov 18, 2006, 11:55 AM

Microsoft can't market anything. It was fun looking back at these original Apple ads for the iPod. What a drastic difference.

Original iPod ad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTlbXwUMirg

Original iPod introduction
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSqNHGJw2qI

TubaMuffins · Nov 19, 2006, 06:37 PM

after watching those commercials, i kinda want a coca-cola

nonhuman · Nov 19, 2006, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by design219

I read yesterday that the zune lets you share music, but the tunes erase themselves after three days when beamed from one to another. The article said this is true even for non-purchased music. Now, will this be a positive and fulfilling social experience?

Will it ever! I just wish that would happen with the other things that are often 'transmitted' to me during 'social encounters'.

Sbtrfuge · Nov 19, 2006, 08:54 PM

Ha!

Apple Pro Underwear · Nov 20, 2006, 12:39 AM

look at digg: more bad than good buzz coming from zune reviewers:

http://digg.com/?s=zune

SeSawaya · Nov 20, 2006, 01:20 AM

these must've been done on a windows computer...

olePigeon · Nov 20, 2006, 02:31 AM

"Two boxed Zune players sat ignored on the top shelf of a Plexiglas showcase packed with iPod accessories in a Virgin Megastore near Union Square in San Francisco's popular shopping district.

"I didn't even know they were there until a customer pointed them out," said sales clerk Jake Brooks. "I'm sure we have more in a closet in the back somewhere."

By mid-afternoon the store had sold one Zune player and one other person had inquired about them."

Heh.

houstonmacbro · Nov 20, 2006, 07:05 AM

how long does it take to transfer an average song from player to player?

Eriamjh · Nov 20, 2006, 08:48 AM

Originally Posted by houstonmacbro

how long does it take to transfer an average song from player to player?

I've read about 15 seconds. You can transfer ear wax to someone in less than five if you use your earbud.

After watching the first ad, I thought it was for the iPod (a new ugly brown one) until the very end.

Listening to ones iPod (or any music through ear buds) is a very private experience. Do people really hang out with others while isolated by their own MP3 player? I doubt it. Ironically, the Zune is one of the least social devices out there.

JoshuaZ · Nov 20, 2006, 09:23 AM

Ummm... so how do these commercials show that the Zune is a good buy? Maybe they need a new marketing firm.

houstonmacbro · Nov 20, 2006, 09:42 AM

Originally Posted by Eriamjh

I've read about 15 seconds. You can transfer ear wax to someone in less than five if you use your earbud.

After watching the first ad, I thought it was for the iPod (a new ugly brown one) until the very end.

Listening to ones iPod (or any music through ear buds) is a very private experience. Do people really hang out with others while isolated by their own MP3 player? I doubt it. Ironically, the Zune is one of the least social devices out there.

yeah, and i've also heard there is no way to notify someone you want to listen to their music. you actually have to ask them can you listen.

well, hello, i am not gonna just walk up to a stranger and ask them to ALLOW me to listen to their music.