On top of that, Microsoft now allows you to pick 10 songs per month that you officially own. All these songs that you pick are now yours, forever. If you cancel the server, you can still play these songs. This is huge for the music industry and should be a iTunes Store killer (especially if you look at the original requirements of the iTunes store).

Now listen, I’m not Microsoft advocate, nor can I say I have used Windows on a regular basis in over 4 years (I run various Linux boxes and for the past year have used a MacBook Pro G4–my first true “Mac” experience). However, Windows 7 has me redefining what the Operating System is as well as the global posture I should have over my files (a whole other blog writing will attempt to tackle that problem as well as looking at those Operating Systems, including the Android and Google Chrome OS).

Unfortunately, Zune requires Zune Player to actually sync your Windows computer to your Zune device. On top of that, Zune Player is only available for the Windows Platform. That said, Microsoft will not take any market back from those guys at Apple (after all, this is how Apple took the market, making iTunes work on Windows… duh).

What Microsoft needs to do to capture (thats right, downright capture) the market:

• Publish a Zune API (allow 3rd party applications into the Zune platform)
• Market the Zune HD device (second generation of the Zune, coming out soon)
• Integrate Zune Player with Windows Media Player (choose one, integrate the others features into it, and run with it. Stop burning money by supporting both, and limiting your market share).
• And finally, market Zune Pass. Stress the legality of the service, stress the ease of choose any song and just downloading it without having to look over your shoulder to check if Uncle Sam is watching.

Microsoft spent more than $8 Billion USD in 2008, a record number for the company, and they couldn’t integrate Zune capabilities into Windows Media Player yet? Their plan is a good one; Keep centered on the business (Azure’s cloud computing, Web-based Office, better Live integration, Bing search engine), but now is the time to redefine the poor image the Windows consumer has.

How did Apple create such a good name for its OS? Not through the OS, but through the iPod/iPhone. It impressed people that when it came to buy a computer, they chose a Mac based on their fondness of the iPod/iPhone device! Its not just brand recognition, its name recognition and momentum (Apple keeps opening more doors to enter the business realm, but again that’s another blog post in itself).

Microsoft, please go after the consumer to change your image. Zune is your gateway, not just Windows 7.

Google, mostly buys things, than makes them free.  Apple, mostly innovates things, then closes them to such an extent that you pay much more!!  Two crazy companies who work together in such a way that both benefit!  Its truly remarkable when you look at it.

There is no fight in the mobile OS market against Apple.  The iPhone is a clear dominate force against Microsoft and Google alike.  However, how long can its non-openness survive against Google’s Android or Microsoft’s infinite money?  Pretty long I would say!  It has the enthusiastic fan base, somewhat open SDK, great OS support, great platform (hardware, since they control it).

So why is Apple so successful? Because they own their own market.  They control what the people want.  They release a color iPod not even thinking it will take off, and it launches.  They have created a market that everyone must have the latest and greatest product from them.  Apple keeps release dates so secretive that anxiety just builds up until the day its announced.  It’s Product release conferences are always a top view in any YouTube site.

It controls everything and integrates flawlessly.  Want to buy a song?  Buy it on your new iPhone, then sync up via iTunes on your mac.  At the same time, sync up your contacts and songs, and when your on the go just use MobileMe.  Whats that, want to watch your videos on your TV?  Purchase the AppleTV.

I’m not saying this is the best alternative for your dollar, but its efficient and it works!  For too long have I tried to get all my Linux boxes to do what I want, to behave with what hardware I throw at it, just so I can throw another distro on it.  I still love Linux and support it 100%, but for entertainment and personal use, Apple it is.

The fact that Apple creates and controls its market is a feat within itself.  The fact that they have control over all aspects of the product, even controlling what hardware their product goes on is incredible.  Testing on all platforms is insane, so is the support.  Instead, pay more money for new features and stability.  Depth then breadth… wait… Apple only believes in Depth.  What a great business model!!

I was watching the United States play Brazil today in the FIFA Confederation Cup today, and many United States citizens were rooting against their own country!  Now, I might just be sensitive but really!?  I can see if you are born in Brazil or have heritage that links to Brazil, or perhaps enjoy their style of play better.  However, rooting against your own country for no real reason is just crazy to me!

Now, I’m not saying the country lacks culture because of the Brazilian soccer fans worldwide, although this isn’t a good sign for American culture.  What I am saying is, if America were to fight wars based on its culture, it would lose.  It wouldn’t even be close!  Sure, we are starting to spread Baseball around the globe.  But America continues to steer clear away from its original values of helping bring Democracy to other nations.  We stray away from our religious backgrounds, and have no clear central position on anything these days!  Republicans are hard right while Liberals stay hard left.  Texas wants to secede (something proven to be Unconstitutional, however it can be broken into 5 different states if it wanted to)!

Overall, we are at a crossroads.  Which way will we go?  Will we continue to go two directions and divide ourselves, further weakening ourselves on almost every issue that requires a stance?  Or will we unite, and fix our weaknesses and build upon our strengths?

Leadership would be nice right about now.. although the media will surely blame Bush for a poor succeeder!  At least Bush stood up for what he thought, even when against unpopular opinion.  Of course, Obama was against many of those decisions, and then when finally briefed on the situation, he quickly changed his mind.  Perhaps we should learn what we are talking about prior to speaking?

Topics I will discuss here:

• Computer security
• Innovative technology
• International news
• Market analysis of the computer industry as a whole