Lukas Svoboda: Strategy, Architecture, Governance & Technology

Okay, a very quick note on Zune 2 first impressions - IT ROCKS! WOW! More on this later once I've played more, but I'm really impressed with this device. Very very impressed!

Although the Zune 2 is not available in NZ, I've managed to score one of these devices. According to UPS it's already landed in NZ and hopefully being sent to me shortly. I previous had an opportunity to get the original Zune but it really didn't tickle my fancy. The Zune 2 looks good, finally comes in black, is small and has a whole host of features that make it worthwhile. It's interesting to note that's it's receiving a lot of positive press for being a real iPOD contender. I'll post more once I've played with it. Otherwise, here are some interesting links on the Zune 2 I've been reading in my lunch hour:

Five things Microsoft did right with the Zune 2 (The comments from Apple Fans and Anti Apple Fans make interesting and funny reading!)

Walter Mossberg's Review of the Zune 2

Wired Zune 2 Review

Gizmodo news on Zune 2

Some design speculation on the "Zune 3"

Zune 2 FAQ

Zune 2 versus iPOD comparison charts

Paul Thurott Zune 2 Review (A lot of good history on the Zune here).

The Microsoft eToilet - the integration of the Zune and your fecal waste... Coming to a bathroom near you!

Just came across this fascinating video at YouTube. Microsoft takes the Apple Ipod and repackages it according to current Microsoft packing conventions. The results are hilarious but do illustrate Microsoft's general tendency to overemphasize every single little product feature and cram information into it's packaging. Interesting video illustrating some points that Microsoft should consider in it's branding for for the future - especially with the whole Zune release coming soon.