Microsoft, you may just be too late

Last week, Microsoft announced it would release Zune — an MP3 player to rival the iPod, and a music download service to compete with iTunes. On Monday, the company announced it would launch Soapbox — its answer to YouTube.
Microsoft, what are you doing?
I’m all for people jumping on the bandwagon, taking an idea and making it their own — I mean without The Simpsons there would be no Family Guy — but the iPod and YouTube are amazing inventions that showcase smart, creative people thinking outside the box.
Both have set up intricate, easy to use systems that have been accepted by users as the dominant services in both medium.
Why would you want to mess with that?
From a business standpoint, it doesn’t make sense. You have to develop a new system from the ground up, form alliances with other media companies, promote it and make it better than what is already out there.
Apple emerged with the iPod (and iTunes) at the exact right time. There were already MP3 players, but they stunk. There were services to download music, but they weren’t user friendly (and many were illegal). Apple changed that, and wasn’t it like five years ago? They are dominant and have been for five years. You are just going to have to accept that.
Taking on the year-old YouTube makes more sense, but how would you, Microsoft, make it any better? Would you allow people to upload videos? Sure you would, but what’s next? Nothing — that’s what’s next!
I can see what you’re doing — you’re taking two great ideas and piggyback on their successes— but this isn’t an operating system, these are unique ideas in a fast moving business. By the time you copy them, Apple, YouTube and a hundred other companies will be on to the next great idea.
Where will you be? Copying old stuff, like a crummy cover band. It’s time to stop singing “We are the Champions,” and start writing a new song.

Photo courtesy of Aurum.

If you are interested in the Zune, read more about it on My Old Kentucky Blog HERE.