11/02/2006, 10:50am, EST

Thursday, November 2nd

Briefly: Apple patents; Zune switchers?

In brief: The U.S. Patent & Trademark Office today published numerous Apple patent applications which detail 'Techniques for acquiring a media season of digital media assets,' an 'On-line media store that supports pre-ordering of digital media assets,' and 'Rating media item groups'.... A survey conducted by ABI Research reveals that many prospective MP3 player buyers -- even iPod owners -- are likely to choose Microsoft's Zune player when the device hits shelves.... Google's ad revenue in the UK is expected to surpass Channel Four's predicted £800m, and will likley overtake ITV1 within 18 months.... FotoTime has announced a partnership with RealNetworks, offering SuperPass members access to FotoTime's online photo sharing and video services.... BenQ today released its new FP241W display ($1,100), the first 24-inch LCD to offer direct HDMI input.

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jarod

YA RIGHT!!!!

11/02, 12:12pm, EST

The day ANY survey says users will switch to MicroSHIT over an iPod is the day you know that company and survery are worth nill. But nice try ABI.. whoever you are.

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bsnoel

Zune switchers

11/02, 12:25pm, EST

What a bunch of BUNK! There have been far more worthy competitors to the iPod than Zune and they did not make a dent in Apple's market share. I don't doubt that MS will be able to grab some market share, but 50 some percent. Yeah right, can you say BS. Did MS happen to sponsor this survey? I have to question the credibility of this article. I doubt that 58% of iPod owners have even heard of Zune, let alone plan to switch to it.

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zac4mac

speculation...

11/02, 12:54pm, EST

By both ABI and Neo. I believe Neo over ABI tho. Time WILL tell.

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macnscott

Don't be too sure

11/02, 1:04pm, EST

Jarod, Don't be too sure that user of iPods won't try MS's Zune. I know several PC buddies that are somehow GOOFY over Microsoft products. They are long time MS worshipers and they will give the Zune a try as soon as it is available. They simply bought the iPod because MS didn't have a product to choose. I seriously doubt though that any Mac user would touch a Zune. But keep in mind that there are a huge number of PC users that own iPods and they are still in bed with MS.

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ZinkDifferent

whatever...

11/02, 4:37pm, EST

> I seriously doubt though that any Mac user would > touch a Zune.

Yeah, considering Microsoft boasts them to NOT be Mac compatible, I don't see how they could.

Regarding MS users who would do the switch - the combination of crappy and cheap hardware, sucky software, and not the least of which is the loss of the 'cool' factor will make most reconsider, if not switch back...

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resuna

"Push Survey"

11/03, 9:20am, EST

I'd have to see the survey. There's too many ways to "force a card" on people with surveys designed as advertising.

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