Since the release of iTunes in 2001, Apple has dominated the music download and media market. iTunes is especially popular because of its ease of use and synchronization abilities with the Apple iPod. Microsoft has attempted to attack Apple’s iPod with their launch of the Zune Music Player in 2006. With the Zune now discontinued, Microsoft is attempting to attack Apple again, releasing Zune Music, a potential substitute for iTunes. Reading Peter Nowak’s blog on CanadianBusiness.com, a unique option Zune Music has, is an option for unlimited music download at a monthly rate. Microsoft is aiming to popularize their current products with Zune Music. I believe that this will be very tough for Microsoft, as Apple already has almost complete control of the digital music and portable music industry. Consumers would not consider these large changes when they already have a respected, easy service and product: iTunes and the iPod. The large majority of the world is already loyal with iTunes and the iPod; Microsoft’s new service does not have a chance against iTunes in the present world. I could never imagine Zune Music being more popular than iTunes, as iTunes is already as good as it gets.
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