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Zune's Music Discovery System Tops iTunes

Apple, Microsoft take page from Pandora's book in broadening users' horizons

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 17, 2008 3:38 PM CDT

(Newser) – In test-driving new software from Apple and Microsoft designed to facilitate music discovery for users of their respective media players, Walter Mossberg gives the edge to Zune’s system over rival iTunes’ upgrades. “Though I didn't happen to have as much time to use Zune's software as I did Apple's Genius, I got more out of my Zune experience,” he writes in the Wall Street Journal.

Zune’s “Mixview” displays a web of related items around each song; select one, and a new web will appear. This ever-digging approach “adds a real zing to the discovery process,” Mossberg writes. Apple’s Genius, meanwhile can make playlists based on your existing library, or suggest new songs. But the interface isn’t convenient—its suggestions don’t automatically change as you listen—and they’re limited to songs sold on iTunes.

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On Sept. 16, 2008, the Microsoft Zune portable media player will give users the ability to buy music directly from the FM radio built into each device. (AP Photo)

"Zune's software ... offered recommendations in a richer, more engaging manner, encouraging me to keep digging around and learn more about my music," Mossberg writes. (AP Photo)

Microsoft Zune's software offers users suggestions on music they might like based on what they're listening to%u2014as does rival Apple's iTunes software, which scans users' music libraries. (AP Photo)

A model displays the newly launched Apple iPod nano in Mumbai, India, Monday, Sept. 15, 2008 (AP Photo/Gautam Singh)

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Though I didn't happen to have as much time to use Zune's software as I did Apple's Genius, I got more out of my Zune experience. - Walter Mossberg

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Zune's Music Discovery System Tops iTunes