To Zune or to Spotify… That’s the question
When I heard that Spotify was coming to the United States I thought, “What’s the big deal”? With such a question in hand, I when to the site to get notified when the service was available. I was lucky enough to get approved for early access only a few days later. After using the free version of the service, I quickly saw how it could be a game changer.
First off, I’ll point out that I’ve been using the Microsoft Zune services since it came out. Full Disclosure: I worked for Microsoft at the time Zune came out. Regardless, it’s a quality product.
To keep this post short, I’ll get to the basics.
Zune Pass: http://zune.net
- User Interface is easy and beautiful.
- Great integration with Windows Phone (I have a test phone and it works like a charm), XBOX 360, PC, and Zune HD (cool but limited device)
- Each month I get to keep 10 songs via MP3, everything else is protected (WMA format) but as long as I keep paying the subscription I can get as much as I want.
Spotify: http://www.spotify.com
- Free version allows for (free) streaming of music. (Awesome)
- Paid versions allow access via you mobile device. I have an iPhone and it’s pretty nice. It also works on other mobile platforms such as Windows Phone and Android.
- Streaming is super fast.
Winner: To be determined, but right now I’m starting to think I’ll go the way of Spotfiy unless Zune makes a few changes. If Spotify can get away with the free service, why can’t Zune? Plus I like being able to keep 10 songs via MP3 each month.
Conrad Agramont 