CrunchGear has a picture of the new Microsoft Zune device, which we wrote about here and here.
I like that it’s black, and the screen is large, much bigger than my iPod video. But other than that, it seems sort of…uninspired. More on Gizmodo, which found the picture.
Actually, I don’t think it’s black. According to Gizmodo, the picture is in black and white to protect the source of the picture. Each prototype is a different color so that leaks can be traced.
Posting a link to a picture CrunchGear they got from Gizmodo is kind of lame. I know it’s a new site, but still…
fair point.
most bloggers I know would not have linked to gizmodo, too.
but you’re right. Won’t happen again.
Dude post the picture here.
Yeah, been on Engadget and iLounge for hours…
http://www.engadget.com/2006/0.....-revealed/
http://backstage.ilounge.com/i.....-detailed/
iLounge has a very comprehensive review, lacking here.
John, I think the point of the post was to make people aware that coverage of Zune will take place over at CrunchGear…
If TechCrunch starts to turn into a spam blog for all the other crunch sites, than I most certainly will not hesitate to click the little X on the Google IG feed.
Gizmodo used to be a good blog. Then Gawker got ahold of it. Now its lame.
Dont turn lame mike.
Agreed with Tom. I don’t want to have an advertisement for another Crunch site every day appearing in my feeds.
But such is the problem as all companies grow. They start off small and everyone loves them, then they get bigger, more hungry and start to drift away from the cause that bought them to where they are now in the first place.
Keep that in mind Michael.
mmmm…ok but I am covering Zune and I would have written about this anyway. So if you don’t want to hear about Zine, TC isn’t the blog for you.
What’s the deal with those triangle looking shapes over the screen? Did they make the bottom two corners of the screen useless?
I absolutely agree with those posts. I am almost ready to remove this feed as well. Many spam articles, no real added value anymore.
Many of articles here are just highligting new sites by promoting them. Two more articles like this, and Techcrunch is removed from my Google page.
Alex, Tom, Mike-
Cut Michael and TechCrunch some slack. Come on now, you wouldn’t have nearly as much interesting content to talk about if he and his crew didn’t produce it day in and day out 24/7, like clockwork, while you are on vacation, while you are at work, while you are sleeping, while you are walking the dog, etc.
7 posts today and 6 posts yesterday - how much solid content have you all produced today?
If TechCrunch wants to point out its other sites and offerings then I think it has every right to do so. I don’t think Michael will allow TechCrunch to turn into a spamfest. Give it up, this is ridiculous.
Are people jealous here? or
Are you really huge fans of TechCrunch (hurt to see it losing its charm)?
I do understand the concerns, but I would give it a few weeks before passing a judgement.
I can understand you want to promote the other site, but we come to the site to read the techcrunch usual content. I am starting to feel a little exploited, it’s enough with the constant “Thank You” Sponsors note, and all the banners. Greedy = No visitors. That’s my view though
Hey,
I just want to note that my previous comment was posted without even reading other users’s comments, and that’s why I wrote “That’s my view” to imply respect of anyone who might disagree with my viewpoint; however now that I read the other comments I am surprised to read they are all pissed off at this too :s.
I just want to say that all you people who are bitching about this need to get over it or just leave. In the last 30 days, by my count, TechCrunch has produced approx. 175 posts. Of those, 11 can be counted as non-content or ad posts. That’s just over 6%. The breakdown is as follows:
Sponsors - 3 posts
TechCrunch Party - 3 posts
Other Crunch sites - 5 posts
TechCrunch is free, and you’re whining about having to scroll a little more than usual. I’d be willing to bet money that those of you complaining about 3 posts out of 175 to recognize sponsors don’t have a successful business of your own, or won’t once the irrational exuberance of this market dries up.
Keep up the good work, Mike and crew. You’re doing a fantastic job.
Noone is bitching you idiot. “Succesful Businesess” like feedback that’s all this is. Don’t be a radical comunist
I see where people are coming from, but I’d note Mike has said this won’t happen again, particularly given how they are using a photo taken from Gizmodo on crunchgear…and then using this as a leverage to promote the site (poor form BTW Mike)…but if Mikes listened and will act (which he’s promised to in these comments) cut the guy some slack.
All posts noted and appreciated. Emily, I agree.
However Ryan, this site is not free. Yes, I don’t pay anything to view it but no, Michael is not doing this out of his heart. He is making money from this site. Same point goes to Frank. You make it sound like he is posting all of this for me and he is getting nothing out of it. This is his JOB remember. He makes MONEY from this.
And yes, I do care. All I want to say is that I hope it doesn’t get so big it loses its focus, thats all.
I am giving my feedback to better the already good service that Michael delivers. Nothing hateful in it.
Have fun at the party!
I don’t see what the problem with sponsors are. What’s the alternatives? Pay for content? I wouldn’t be paying to view TechCrunch. Advertising is a necessary evil but if it doesn’t hurt the integrity of the site then I don’t see a problem with it.
Stephen you need to go back and re-read.
We were talking about the advertising of the oher websites, not the sponsors.
You should have been talking about the lame attempt by MS to enter the MP3 market. I have to agree, TC provides great content like clockwork. A short entry about Zune is certainly warrented. This is a major entry by a mega company. I would expect Zune to be covered. Keep up the good work Michael.
Like most things, I can see MS really coming up with a really bad entry into the market. And this prototype leaves me no reason to think otherwise.
Actually,
thinking about this some more and reading Colby’s comment, WTF is anything about Zune doing here at all….basically how is Zune a Web 2.0 startup?
Duncan: Uhh, exactly my point?
PS: What wasn’t meant to sound sarcastic to you
Some days ago I made a small cartoon about zune:
http://geekandpoke.blogspot.co.....abbit.html
Bye,
Oliver
Oliver - you drew one demented rabbit.
Think you need to go to the new social artists site.
Also as the original article says: “Just so you know, it’s not black, its just a black and white picture. I think it cools pretty cool and would actually prefer a black version”