Microsoft vs. Ipod

For years, the ipod has dominated as a fixture in media players and current music trend in the industry.

Ipod set the standard for what many have tried to emulate with their products, music formats, and online purchases. Microsoft has struggled to keep up with the popularity of the MAC operating system in conjunction with the iPod, and how they've declared all out war.

Microsoft made claims that it costs 30,000 dollars to fill a 30G ipod, where you can fill a ZUNE player with rented tunes for 15 dollars a month. However, the ad, from a marketing standpoint is seriously misguided.


The ad neglects the ZUNE player at the heart of their advertising ploy, and confuses consumers with it's message. Most consumers won't know that you cannot play zune tunes on an iPod, nor do they know where you can purchase Zune tunes, either.

Conflicting messages on the Microsoft Twitter blog also confuse followers and consumers. They've stated that they're not making an iPhone direct competitor, but their message differs from official statements. The question is - what do they want you to do?

What is the reaction supposed to be with their products?

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_50/b4112072232768.htm?chan=innovation_architecture_architectural+showcase