MIKE STICKEL

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The "crazy" Zune commercial

Tue Jan 2, 2007 2:19 PM EST

technology, video, microsoft, odd, youtube, commercial, zune, ms, mp3-player, crazy-creatures

By Mike Stickel

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I can't, at least at this point in time, verify whether this is true or not but there seems to be a video going around that makes some question the sanity of the Zune marketing team. The video of the Zune commercial in question shows two very odd looking creatures interacting with each other. There is absolutely zero words being spoken—only sound effects.

The best thoughts I have of this odd commercial are that it's a metaphor for the sharing of music between Zune's. If that is the case, it really looks—according to the commercial—like there is a significant amount of energy required to send one song/file to another Zune. It would make more sense to me that the marketing team of the Zune make it seem as effortless as possible.

In the eyes of others, this could be a very different metaphor. This could signal the amount of effort and time it will take Microsoft, the larger character in the video, to create acceptance, buzz, and product loyalty for the Zune, the smaller character.

Other than the pure comedic value of the video, what do you think?

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Public Discussion (19)

cfehnel

Why would they make their creature in an almost exact replica of male genitalia? That has to be one of the most unintentionally disturbing commercials ever. Actually, it could be intentionally disturbing, but either way, it's horrible.

3 votes

#1 - Tue Jan 2, 2007 2:33 PM EST

Elliot Vos

That's exactly what I was thinking...

2 votes

#1.1 - Tue Jan 2, 2007 9:00 PM EST

Nem W Schlecht

Yes, phallic and the butt squeeze is a little disturbing. Personally, I still find it interesting and non-offensive, but it doesn't relay anything about music and/or sharing to me.

#2 - Tue Jan 2, 2007 6:25 PM EST

Mike Stickel

There was nothing disturbing about the commercial to me either. I actually laughed at the butt squeeze part.

#2.1 - Wed Jan 3, 2007 8:13 AM EST

Dr Juice

That really makes me want to go buy another iPod.

3 votes

#3 - Tue Jan 2, 2007 7:42 PM EST

Damascus

My brother bought himself a Zune for Christmas and I honestly have to say I love the damn thing. Battery life is, at least, on par with my iPod Video. Video and audio playback is MUCH better from what I can tell and the interface is much more fun to play with. It even has a built-in radio, which is nice too. I didn't have that much time with it, but if I could, I'd gladly trade my iPod Video for a Zune even if they're only around $250.

Oh, about the commercial. lol, one-eyed monster, lol

1 vote

#4 - Wed Jan 3, 2007 7:59 AM EST

mariachi77

Be careful Damascus, the hordes of Apple-ites will descend upon you and beg Jobs to smite you where you stand!

2 votes

#4.1 - Wed Jan 3, 2007 9:57 AM EST

Brian Ford

Well, I don't think people would descend on him -- but I have a hard time believing the "MUCH" better description of the audio and video playback. (Based on the critical reviews I've read.)

Still, those who expect mac-zeolatry usually find cause to claim its there when its not.

3 votes

#4.2 - Wed Jan 3, 2007 10:06 AM EST

Tim.

The Zune has an average review of 3 and 1/2 on amazon. The Ipods' average review is 4. With just 1/2point average review less then the Ipod (video) I Guess people don't hate the Zune as much as I thought.

#4.3 - Wed Jan 3, 2007 11:50 AM EST

Brian Ford

That isn't all that valid of a comparison. People who buy the Zune are probably doing so because they want something different than an iPod and it shouldn't surprise that they rate it higher or as high.

The way to judge whether people (in general) like the Zune is to look at how it's selling. The answer (despite Microsoft's statements to the contrary) appears to be: Not very well at all.

1 vote

#4.4 - Wed Jan 3, 2007 11:57 AM EST

Mike Stickel

I'm curious to see how well it will be selling in a month or so. I wouldn't doubt it if a lot of people are holding off buying any mp3 player before Macworld next week.

1 vote

#4.5 - Wed Jan 3, 2007 11:05 PM EST

Tim.

Ah, Macworld, I hope you don't disappoint.

2 votes

#4.6 - Wed Jan 3, 2007 11:28 PM EST

Brian Ford

If a lot of people are holding off, Apple ought to be really ecstatic about their holiday sales. :)

2 votes

#4.7 - Wed Jan 3, 2007 11:29 PM EST

Dr Juice

I'm curious to see how well it will be selling in a month or so. I wouldn't doubt it if a lot of people are holding off buying any mp3 player before Macworld next week.

In a month it will either be selling roughly the same or even worse depending on Macworld. I'm not sure that many people are holding off because of Macworld, I think a lot of consumers are simply buying lower capacity flash-based players (Nanos or not). From what I've read all the hype for Macworld is about the Apple phone; the "true video iPod" (which is what I personally would hold off for) rumors seem to have died.

#4.8 - Thu Jan 4, 2007 1:09 AM EST

Mike Stickel

If a lot of people are holding off, Apple ought to be really ecstatic about their holiday sales. :)

I didn't say they were holding off buying other Apple hardware, just the iPods ;)

Either way you're right though, Apple should be ecstatic. It's amazing what an extra 1% or 2% market share can do for sales figures :^)

In a month it will either be selling roughly the same or even worse depending on Macworld. I'm not sure that many people are holding off because of Macworld

That could be very true, proving me completely wrong. I'd still like to see it happen though. Critic reviews are one thing, advertising is another but neither account for some kids somewhere getting their hands on it and suddenly starting a buying frenzy in their area. There's no way to predict it and it's always fun to see if it will happen — at least to me.

It would be nice to see the first few months of sales for the original iPod, just to compare the two. Based on the critical success of the iPod there is probably a big difference but that doesn't stop me from wanting to see the data.

1 vote

#4.9 - Thu Jan 4, 2007 8:37 AM EST

Tim.

Yes, microsoft needs a nano competitor. If I'm not mistaken, the nano is much more popualr then the Ipod Video.

#4.10 - Thu Jan 4, 2007 1:01 PM EST

Tim.

I am going to buy an mp3 player soon and Microsoft just isn't doing a good job of convincing me to get a Zune. Anther customer crawling back to apple to buy an Ipod (to think I even considered buying a Zune!). Microsoft, spare yourselves the time and money and either forget being in the mp3 player market or come out with an mp3 player that actually stands a chance against the Ipod (the crummy commercials have got to go, don't waste your money putting this on T.V.).

1 vote

#5 - Wed Jan 3, 2007 11:44 AM EST

toosday

Someone may have already pointed this out, but that's not a Zune commercial and it wasn't created by the Zune marketing team. That video (and many others) are part of Zune-Arts.net. It's a website where designers and artists make experiemental posters and videos to be displayed.

I've seen them passed around on blogs. A friend of mine pointed me to the site. I've never seen any of them on television, though.

Some of them are actually pretty cool. (Like "Endless Cookie".)

#6 - Fri Jan 19, 2007 1:23 AM EST

Mike Stickel

Nobody had pointed that out before so thanks for letting me know. I checked out the Zune-arts.net site and "endless cookie" but I'd have to say I like this particular one better.

#6.1 - Fri Jan 19, 2007 8:00 AM EST

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The "crazy" Zune commercial

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