gdgt

It isn't going to happen any time soon. Apple has such an insignificnt share of the PC market that it is not in Microsoft's interests to make software available for Macs.

Don't forget to factor in the fact that Mac users tend to not like Microsoft (else they would surely be better off paying less for a more widely compatible Windows-based computer), have a computer that is tightly integrated with other Apple products (e.g. the iPod), etc.

MS put a lot of time into updating the Zune software. They can't be expected to develop a second version of the software for a tiny group of Mac users who might want a Zune. Then there is the DRM situation with the Zune pass. WMA DRM complicates things further (though I suppose MS could easily fix that issue).

Just add Zune to the huge list of hardware and software that Macs can't work with. You made the choice to use a closed and incompatible platform, so you shouldn't complain that it isn't compatible.

Yes, please! I realize the market share is not that big, but here I sit on the fence for what my next device will be. Zune HD (stellar music platform, Zune Pass, but only PC) or iPod Touch (Good App platform no subscription music and both PC/MAC).

Heck, Blackberry has released its desktop manager software for the Mac. I think the DRM is the big issue holding them back on Zune 4.x on the Mac.

I'm in Australia and I have a Zune and have pre-ordered the Zune HD (*cough*priceusa*cough*.com*cough*.au*cough). Using the marketplace is tricky, but you can buy music from anywhere (Bigpond, iTunes, CD stores, etc.).

It sucks that MS haven't released Zune here yet, but the signs are good. Zune branding is soon going to appear on Australian XBoxes and MS have quietly said they are releasing internationally 'eventually'. I suppose they have a lot of licensing issues to work out, especially if they want to allow the subscription service here.

Your point about iPod and iTunes doesn't only apply to Mac users. Most MP3 players in the wild are iPods (something like 65-70%). Combine this with the fact that 95% of people with a computer run Windows and you'll reach the conclusion that most iPod and iTunes users run Windows (and most Windows users with an MP3 player have an iPod).

This shouldn't be as much of a problem in future as most music is available without DRM now and Zune can play DRM-free iTunes music.

I see your point, but I disagree with your conclusion. You're implying that Windows users aren't early adopters. That might be true for the majority of Widows users, but there are far more Windows users (in raw numbers rather than percentage) who are early adopters than there are Mac users in TOTAL.


The number of Mac users who hate Microsoft or who wish to stick with the iTunes/Mac combination probably far outweighs the number of Mac users who would buy a Zune.

No, the ZuneHD only comes with the standard cheapo stock-bud, not the premium in-ear one. MS rep at the Bestbuy demo I went to said that MS did that because they found most people prefer the cheapo stock-bud vs the premium bud. It's unfortunate.