Lots of random links to catch up on today.

Microsoft’s attempt at an iPod-killer, called Zune, is to be released tomorrow. Nearly all the reviews I’ve read are negative. Forbes.com’s Digital Download blog says flatly, “Zune stinks.” C|Net compares the unit to “someone showing up to a punk rock concert in a tweed coat.” Only PC Magazine gushes “All I can say is ‘Wow.’”—a response so different from everybody else you have to wonder if advertiser dollars are a factor.

Most reviewers seem to find the unit clunky, the purchasing system confusing and borderline deceptive, and the implementation of wireless song-sharing mostly worthless (you can share the song only three times and only for three days). The cornerstone of Microsoft’s plan seems to be that they are working closely with the major labels, unlike the uneasy arms-length approach of Apple. Given that the biggest complaints I have heard about iPod involve the concessions Apple made to the music manufacturers, and the current low state of the majors, this doesn’t bode particularly well for Zune.

The C|Net article features extensive quotes from the Zune team, telling how they tried to “think like a band,” with phrases like “think creatively and in terms of how to improve music for a listener.” In my experience, bands are a lot more likely to think like “Do we get free beers in this place?” and “Think I can make it with that waittress?” Phrases like the former seem likely to produce this kind of music, but what do I know?