With the latest Zune release Microsoft has successfully combined cloud computing with digital media to bring us the future of entertainment. While Apple is still making iPods with larger capacities, Microsoft "gets it" that the size of the hard drive no longer matters. What matters is the ability to access any song or movie, anytime from anyplace. And that's the promise on which Zune delivers.
Zune and Cloud Computing
In order to fully grasp this concept, we must first understand what cloud computing is. I've adapted the following definition of cloud computing from SearchCloudComputing.com by abbreviating it and modifying it for simplicity. Brace yourself; this is going to get geeky...
"Cloud computing is a general term for anything that involves delivering hosted services over the Internet. A cloud service is sold on demand, a user can have as much or as little of it as they want; and the consumer needs nothing but a personal computer [or device] and internet access to use the service."
Sorry, I know that was dry, but necessary. No more geek-speak, I promise!
Applying this definition in the context of Zune, we see that the hosted service is the Zune Marketplace - with over 6 million songs, music videos, and podcasts and now with both standard and high definition movies.
You can access any of this content on demand. For $14.99 a month, the Zune pass allows access to an all-you-can-eat music buffet. The ability to keep 10 mp3s at the end of the month makes the Zune pass the best music subscription service on the market today. You can also buy or rent movies. Access as much or as little of these goodies as you like. You only need...
...access to the internet and a "device". The device can be either a brand, spanking new Zune HD or a PC or an HDTV. In the future we can imagine this device spectrum to include the Xbox 360 and Windows Mobile phones.
Throw all of these ingredients together and you have one tasty entertainment salad!
Entertainment of the Future
Zune is shaping up to be a true entertainment platform - including games. The two new games added to the Zune Marketplace (chess, goo splat) are nice. But consider them a preview of what's to come. There are rumors of 3D games on the Zune HD in the not so distant future. Eventually you can imagine the ability to play the same game at home on your Xbox 360 or on the go on your Zune HD.
Now it becomes really interesting. If you are Apple, entertainment is all about allowing the consumer to buy content from their iTunes store, download it to a PC or Mac and then transfer it to an iPod device. The buck stops there. But for Zune, the fun's just beginning.
With Zune, you can certainly buy music and videos from the Zune Marketplace and sync it to your Zune HD. But that's oh so 2008. Here are a few more ways you can enjoy your music and movies - "your way" - 2009 style.
A quick note - the scenarios below assume you have a Zune pass. And there is just no excuse not to [have a Zune pass].
The Zune HD comes with built in Wi-Fi - you can use it to stream unlimited music from the Zune Marketplace directly to your Zune HD. Suddenly hard drive size is no longer relevant.
Zune takes the Pandora internet radio service one step further with "Smart DJ". It creates a custom playlist for you based off of an artist of your choice from the millions of songs from the Zune Marketplace. Witness the radio station of the future - with only songs and no ads.
If you don't have your Zune HD handy, you still can access your music. You can stream unlimited music from the Zune Marketplace to a web browser - anywhere in the world. This is an excellent application of cloud computing in the real world.
Services like Netflix are going to become a thing of the past. You no longer need to wait for a DVD in the mail. Instead, you can rent (or buy) either standard or high definition movies from the Zune marketplace. Then you can watch them in hi-def on your Zune HD or on a PC. Or hook up your Zune HD to your HDTV and watch the same movie in hi-def on a big screen. A Blu-ray DVD player is no longer required to enjoy HD movies at home. (Netflix sees this trend and is adapting by focusing more on streaming content directly to your home over the internet.)
If you are looking for a DJ to hire for your next party, try "Smart DJ". You can have him stream unlimited music from the Zune Marketplace over your home network to your Xbox 360. All you have to do is hook it up to your home theater system and get the party started. And the best part is that smart DJ is free.
The built-in HD radio tuner in the Zune HD unlocks access to CD quality FM stations. If you like a song, just tag it and then download it from the Zune Marketplace for free. Then share it with a friend using the Zune's sharing feature.
And coming soon, you will be able stream HD movies from the Zune Marketplace directly to your Xbox 360 and watch them on your HDTV.
These are some ideas to get your started enjoying your media, "your way". You can't do this with an iPod.
Conclusion
In 2009, Microsoft has moved beyond head to head competition with Apple. While the Zune HD is a beautiful device, very comparable to the iPod Touch, the services are where Microsoft has truly changed the game. With the Zune Marketplace paired with a Zune pass, the addition of HD content and the release of the sexy Zune HD device, Microsoft has given us a glimpse of the future of digital entertainment.
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire