Netflix Plus Zune Anyone?
Today the Zune is getting a small update to version 3.1. Official Zune blogger Cesar tells us that Zune users will get a few more games added to the default firmware (Checkers, Sudoku, Space Battle, and an updated version of Texas Hold’em). There will also be a new music discovery feature called “like minded listeners” and additional back end updates.
I can’t help but point out the coincidence that this update is a day before the Xbox 360’s major refresh, Next Xbox Experience (NXE). Likely, I’m reading into this a bit too much and is purely speculation, but it triggered one of those “hey waaaint a minute” moments.
One of the biggest NXE features I’m looking forward to is the ability to watch high definition Netflix movies and TV shows on my Xbox. There have not been too many big moves to tie in the Xbox and the Zune together yet. But it is one of those obvious progressions solidified by the fact that Zune houses some of the talent from the Xbox team. With Xbox welcoming Netflix with open arms, it’s easy to link this trifecta of next generation entertainment together. Zune subscription ($15) + Netflix subscription ($9) = $24 per month for unlimited music, movies, and TV. Many people already subscribe to both, but tying the Zune, Xbox, and Netflix together would leave the iPod looking like an empty aluminum shell.
Comments
Joe on November 18, 2008 12:14 PM
I think this would be an awesome feature on the Zune!
Caleb on November 18, 2008 3:46 PM
This would definitely tip me over the edge to buy a Zune...hope it's more than speculation.
Nation on November 18, 2008 5:19 PM
That ... would ... rock.
Did you see the price cut article yet? http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/11/18/microsoft-zune-prices-dropping-just-in-time-for-the-holidays/
I am looking at getting a Zune as soon as I find the right deal.
Frank on November 18, 2008 8:16 PM
Don't tease me like this. Netflix on ZUNE would be AMAZING!!!!
bob on November 19, 2008 1:23 AM
i think that this is a great idea and a great way to stop the ipod/itunes monopoly, but i thimk that this is hurting the consumer. Why pay every month $24! In one year alone you will be paying $288, more than your player. Not to mention the fact thatonce you stop the subscition, you lose all of the "unlimited" music and movies. I like the way Zune/microsoft has been heading recently, but now they are taking out money away from us.
Grahm on November 19, 2008 10:29 AM
@bob
Cable TV is $60 per month and has been for a long time. Would you say that Comcast is taking our money away from us? $720 per year is the cost of a HD TV... Do you see my point. Costs of housing data and managing these services are not cheap. Be realistic- $24 per month is very reasonable.
slaughter on November 19, 2008 9:34 PM
Thanks for pointing that out Grahm. I have always been a huge subscription supporter and I always hear the same thing...you don't get to keep the music when you leave. 1. Why leave? 2. Every time you pay bills or go out to eat, they stop providing you with goods and services when you stop paying. The only thing that keeps me from a Zune is that I can stream Rhapsody from any computer, anywhere. That added bonus keeps me coming back.
MachinationX on November 20, 2008 5:48 PM
It would be a feature putting Zune on the next level ... in the US. Would be nice to see the Marketplace in Canada (without changing your PC's region to the US) and a partnership with Canflix or Zip.ca or something like that because those exist in Canada, unlike Netflix.
Robbie on November 21, 2008 5:29 PM
When is the Zune Marketplace coming to Canada?
Zac on November 22, 2008 11:33 PM
Wow whoopdie doo. How about something needed, like .WAV compatibility? Where the crap is .WAV????