[Pony99CA]

Also, remember that Microsoft isn't the only company to be greedy in the media space. Look at Verizon's ringback tones. They want a $0.99 per month fee (which doesn't sound bad), but also $1.99 per song per year. And, being ringback tones, these aren't songs on your device as far as I know, but only on Verizon's servers. I'm also not sure if you get the whole song or just a clip, but it's probably moot as you'll get routed to voicemail before most songs could finish anyway.

With iTunes selling full songs for $0.79 - $1.29 for life, why does Verizon need to charge so much? There's really no risk of piracy. I understand that the infrastructure probably costs something to run, but come on.

I thought the service would be cool, but not at those prices. I think it would be better if they charged $2.99 - $4.99 per month and you could select up to 10 tones and switch them at any time. You could also pay more to increase the number you could have at any one time.

At least they've started offering "jukeboxes" (pre-selected groups of tones at a reduced price), but it's still not that great. A pack of seven Rihanna songs was still $9.45 ($1.35 per tone), for example.

Steve

[Pony99CA]

Also, remember that Microsoft isn't the only company to be greedy in the media space. Look at Verizon's ringback tones. They want a $0.99 per month fee (which doesn't sound bad), but also $1.99 per song per year. And, being ringback tones, these aren't songs on your device as far as I know, but only on Verizon's servers. I'm also not sure if you get the whole song or just a clip, but it's probably moot as you'll get routed to voicemail before most songs could finish anyway.

With iTunes selling full songs for $0.79 - $1.29 for life, why does Verizon need to charge so much? There's really no risk of piracy. I understand that the infrastructure probably costs something to run, but come on.

I thought the service would be cool, but not at those prices. I think it would be better if they charged $2.99 - $4.99 per month and you could select up to 10 tones and switch them at any time. You could also pay more to increase the number you could have at any one time.

At least they've started offering "jukeboxes" (pre-selected groups of tones at a reduced price), but it's still not that great. A pack of seven Rihanna songs was still $9.45 ($1.35 per tone), for example.

Steve

[efjay]

Originally Posted by Pony99CA

First, one stupid decision isn't proof that they can't do anything (or most things) right.

Second, your own example contradicted your claim that it's time for Microsoft to get out of the mobile services world. Live Mesh is a mobile service (and more, perhaps).

Steve

How is live mesh a mobile service? Its primary focus is that it allows you to sync data across pc's, the mobile part provided by either the WM app or the mobile website is part of that, not its prime function.

[ucfgrad93]

Wow, I can't imagine that this will be very successful. The trend right now seems to be moving away from DRM and here Microsoft is trying to swim upstream.

[Rocky Sullivan]

There was a time when i loved Microsoft software and products - I was a PC user and an avid windows mobile fan.

In the last year I have moved over to a Mac and to an iPhone as my primary setup (still have a Vista Laptop and a HTC Touch Diamond). The Mac and iPhone are not perfect but i am very pleased with both.

My point is this - I was not lured away by the Apple hype, I actually resisted going the Apple route for some time while waiting for Microsoft to release new products. My move away from Microsoft was due to the mind blowing frustration brought about by what appears to be Microsoft's stupidity and/or arrogance.

Windows Mobile development has been a joke and Vista was a disaster - the only thing functioning appears to be the Xbox 360. Introducing DRM music in the UK at this time, when DRM is dead here already is ridiculous.

As a businessman I believe there has been a key change at Microsoft in the last 3 years - the company seems to have lost focus, drive and the ability to wow customers. This is a management issue and i wonder how much this has to do with Gates moving on and the people left behind - it feels to me like the management team is off the case, they are treading water and unfortunately getting away with it. This can not last, and will not last in the current economic climate.

Microsoft obviously have some talented people but i believe things will get much worse before they get better - a lot of damage is being done and I predict the company will be worth half of what it is today in 3 to 5 years time.

[Pony99CA]

Originally Posted by efjay

How is live mesh a mobile service? Its primary focus is that it allows you to sync data across pc's, the mobile part provided by either the WM app or the mobile website is part of that, not its prime function.

The Live Mesh slogan is "Sync, share, and access the information you care about—wherever you happen to be." "Wherever you happen to be" is about mobility and accessing your data anywhere.

I pretty much view any "cloud" type services as mobility services. If you don't, we have difference of opinion, which is fine. Even so, I think you were still way over the top with your claim that Microsoft has no idea what they're doing in mobile services.

Steve