You get a sticker with your Zune

I don't usually jump on the 'Microsoft copies A le' bandwagon since that copying goes both ways, but the with the Zune it is pretty clear what is going on. First, Microsoft abando the 'Plays For Sure' strategy for a closed system (what ha ened to Microsoft's co tant refrain of, 'People want choice, and you can't get that with a closed system'). Then they introduce the Zune, a player that has a music store that sells tracks which will only play on the Zune.

As if that wa 't enough, Microsoft has taken yet another page from A le's iPod playbook. Check out Engadget's Zune u oxing video and right near the end you'll see that Microsoft is including a Zune sticker with each player (seen to the right). Hmm, where have I seen this before? Oh, that's right, A le has been doing this for years with almost all of their hardware (including iPods, even the iPod shuffle).

I doubt we'll be seeing these Zune stickers on cars all over the place.