Zune Tries a Smart Marketing Angle

You probably have an iPod (iPhone). Your friends probably have iPods. So who doesn't have an iPod? (hey, keep it clean!) I'll tell you who: people who primarily listen to the radio. Microsoft has found a way to cleverly reach that audience without alienating radio stations.

The Zune HD touts as one of its features the fact that it receives HD radio signals. Perfect! Now you can hear all the bad stuff* on radio in higher quality! By working with radio rather than against it, Microsoft can reach those people who aren't already plugged into their white earbuds.

Coincidentally, I was listening to the Kidd Kraddick show yesterday, driving in another town. (probably first and last time listening) The host and his sidekicks started wondering aloud whether Apple had lost its coolness, and was getting too big. This was about 20 minutes after an ad for the Zune HD on the same show. Coincidence? Quite honestly, it probably was, but Microsoft might have just found the right cheerleaders in commercial radio to get those who haven't bought an iPod to choose the Zune.

*Full disclosure: Once upon a time, I worked as a radio DJ (or on-air personality as many prefer). And of course when I say "all radio is bad" that's a generalization. Also, while I didn't enjoy his show, props to Kidd Kraddick who secretly kept the zanies coming on stations with his Bit Board service, that delivered 75% of those cool ideas your morning DJ would "come up with."