Microsoft Money is coming

[tx_doc]

If this is true, nice way for Microsoft to rip off more people:

There will also be the option of purchasing individual songs through a system called Microsoft Points. The new Microsoft cash system will work by adding money to an account, as with a prepaid phone card. Points will then be deducted from the account with each purchase. A single song will cost 79 points, "the equivalent of 99 cents," according to Microsoft spokeswoman Kyrsa Dixon.

The point system is already used in the Xbox Live Marketplace, and Microsoft plans to host other online stores where Microsoft points can be redeemed, according to Katy Gentes, product marketing manager for Zune. In the United States, points are available in denominations of $5 for 400 points, $15 for 1,200, $25 for 2,000 and $50 for 4,000. That makes $1 worth about 80 points.

​

Either Microsoft wants Zune to flop for some reason or they actually believe their own press clippings and think they can fool the world again, which just isn't going to happen.

 

[mike_n_herrin]

i'm not all into the whole music thing and stuff, i like music but i just don't listen to it much. so...i ask a dumb question maybe, but why would think make zune flop? isn't it their software?

 

[Kuja]

It seems like they're trying to trick you into believing a song costs 79 cents.

In the end, the cost is the same as iTunes (99¢), but the process is a lot more complicated.

 

[trawler69]

The great thing about these schemes is that Microsoft holds your money and earns interest on it, instead of you hanging on to it until you want to spend it and earning interest on it. Also once you are in credit you can't change your mind. If the system flops they've still got your money and you'd probably have to fight to get it back and a percentage of people won't bother, so more money for microsoft. Sure they will probably offer bonus points etc but you can only spend them with microsoft. I'd rather find a 3 for 2 offer in my local store.

 

[Matt1809]

You are going to be able to buy one song at a time, those point bundles are based on the way the points are currently sold for xbox.. And the point system is a good thing, kids without credit cards can now go to best buy and get poins for both their music player and xbox. What parent is going to give their kid their credit card everytime they want to buy one song? And iTunes offers the same prepaid cards too.

 

[Kuja]

Why couldn't they just do it like iTunes and offer prepaid cards. There's no need for a complicated point system.

 

[badboy]

Because this system works and extends way beyond Zune. Xbox Live is using it successfully and now Windows Live is moving over to it, as well. So you essentially have one global account with Microsoft Points, no matter what MS service you want to spend them on.

One advantage is that items are the same "price" around the world, which makes global marketing a lot easier (ie. songs will be 79 points no matter what country you live in - whereas iTunes songs are 99 cents in the US and 99 Euro cents in Europe - so they're actually more expensive in Europe now thanks to the exchange range, which, when this price was decided on, was much closer to 1:1).

This system isn't complicated in the least - anybody who's got an Xbox 360 can tell you that.

Also once you are in credit you can't change your mind. If the system flops they've still got your money and you'd probably have to fight to get it back and a percentage of people won't bother, so more money for microsoft.

Yes, I have no doubt everybody is going to convert all their money to Microsoft points immediately. Or maybe they'll just convert the amount they need to buy the song(s) they want.

 

[Kuja]

I can see where you're coming from. But for someone using only the Zune, a global account doesn't make much difference.

Anyway, thanks for educating us...or just me. ^_^;

 

[YeahWhatever]

Okay, I was going to dismiss the Zune at first soley because it's Microsoft, but now I kinda want one. That screen looks awesome. Damn you, Microsoft!

 

[evilest]

Live points works fairly well in terms of downloadable content on Live so far, and if they are going to Zune it, it does make sense if they want everything interconnected.

 

[Kuja]

Engadget reviewed the installation process. Everything you'd expect from Microsoft.

It seems to me that the Zune is going nowhere. As soon as Apple releases their 6th Generation iPod (Touch Screen "True Video" iPod) anyone remotely interested in the Zune will have forgotten about it.

 

[ANDORYUU]

Another Microsoft Scam! Previous scams include bundling Substandard OS with nearly Every PC.

 

[Corny]

"One World, One Web, One Program" - Microsoft Promo Ad in the 70s

"Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Führer" - Adolf Hitler

 

[tx_doc]

"One World, One Web, One Program" - Microsoft Promo Ad in the 70s

"Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Führer" - Adolf Hitler

I just came back to this thread and found that to be a great post. thanks Corny!

 

[gabriel1]

give me the days of 45s, 33s and CDs.

 

[Matt1809]

There is no great MS conspiracy here. The points were designed for two reasons. The first was to keep the prices the same, as stated by badboy, and also to help Microsoft cut down on the money it lost per transaction to credit card fees. And for those of us who have a 360/Zune its nice to be able to spend the points between the two, or give points to friends to spend how they want.