Zune Pass…Is It Worth It?
Posted by Cinematically-Correct.com on May 15, 2008
Last night, I noticed an advertisement for the Zune. I am familiar with the Zune and I realize that it is an iPod knockoff from Microsoft. However, the Zune now has something that iPod/iTunes does not, an unlimited monthly pass, aptly titled “Zune Pass”. Since the notion of unlimited music makes my indie/alt-country pants go completely insane, I had to check this out.
Here are the positive things I have learned so far:
- The Zune Pass is $14.99 per month.
- Unlimited downloads which you can play on your Zune device or PC/Mac.
- The downloads can be placed on up to three PCs/Macs and up to three Zune devices.
- Unlike iTunes, you can select the file format and you can select the bit rate.
Here are the negatives:
- You cannot burn any of the songs from Zune Pass onto disc.
- Here is a quote from the Zune Pass FAQ: “Not all songs have subscription-based rights, but you may be able to buy the songs instead”. That is weak sauce.
- After searching the Zune Marketplace, it is NOT apparent which songs/albums/artists do not have subscription-based rights.
- Once you discontinue the monthly Zune Pass, you cannot listen to any of the downloaded music again. I do not understand how this is monitored at all.
Does anybody out there use the Zune Pass? Does anybody out there have a Zune? I am looking for help!
May 15, 2008 at 11:03 am
um, so we have to pay $14.99 a month from here to eternity to listen to the songs we downloaded??
No Game.
oh, Zune operates on a blue-tooth technology and encrypts songs. that is how they monitor that.
May 15, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Once you discontinue the monthly Zune Pass, you cannot listen to any of the downloaded music again.
Lamest thing I have ever seen regarding a monthly service - fail!
May 15, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Who cares about Zune! Are you excited for Office and LOST tonight! I can hardly wait to see the Oceanic 6 returning!
May 15, 2008 at 1:18 pm
I don’t know…if I could just listen to unlimited music for $14.99 a month, it’s kind of worth it. I would still fork over $10 to buy every album that I want to own. I could seriously buy one brand new album a week…
Oh and I get the feeling that the very last thing we’ll see is the Oceanic 6 on the plane!!!
May 19, 2008 at 8:46 am
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July 1, 2008 at 10:08 am
but for the cost of a single cd a month… i guess it depends on how often you like to buy new music. personally, i think it is worth it. last month i spent $30 buying music from itunes when i couldve spent only $15. no, i wouldnt be able to put them on a cd but who uses cds anymore?
and as far as cancelling your subscription, the music is given a license that expires after 30 days. this means that you would have to connect your zune to the internet once every 30 days to keep the music you download. but as soon as you connect your zune to your computer after you cancel the subscription, the licenses expire.
but again, i think it is worth it.
July 3, 2008 at 6:40 am
It’s nice and stuff, but it’s like buying a cd from best buy with all your favorite music on it - but at the end of the month best buy comes back to your house and asks for $15 or no more music, doing that the rest of your life?
If you really read the fine print in this situation, it dont think it’s worth it…but if you get tired of a song after a month or so then its probably worth it for you!
July 7, 2008 at 12:07 pm
well
i think its worth it but can you put songs on your zune from burnt discs?
July 7, 2008 at 1:16 pm
I don’t really know if you can or not.
My biggest problem with the Zune subscription is that I can’t find out what music they have. If they are missing an entire record label like Merge or Sub Pop, well, then it’s a waste of money for me.