Image of Zune HD's marketplace surfaces, leaves much to the imagination
By Ross Miller 
posted Jul 11th 2009 6:16PM
posted Jul 11th 2009 6:16PM
[Thanks, Taylor]
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Now how about a firm release date and price, eh Steve?
Steve Jobs is going to announce those details for the Zune?
i cant wait til september. this thing will be mine.
Uh ... Steve Ballmer, perhaps?
Whoops. : )
(>^.^)>September 8 will probably be the release date according to trusted sources, and the 16Gb will range from $249-$279
Upon first reading your comment, I didn't even catch that.... damn Nerdy Desi, you are good.
@tomtom
I'm confused, you're giving him props for being confused?
I'll get you, Eh! Steve, if it's the last thing I dooooooo!
I see what you did there. Fail.
@ jon
Yes, and kudos to you as well.
DSG is back!! :| I thought she was gone forever, there is no god!
I really like how they are doing the background images of the artist..... alot like the now playing section of the zune software which I am a big fan of. (really makes the whole device look more graphical pleasing imo)
Indeed.
Looks great.
Sweet! Marketplace, I can't wait to download some music legally on the go! *shifty eyes*
----
I just really wanna see that browser.
Yes, well, music is -much- cheaper on the Zune, so most people actually WILL be filling their entire libraries with stuff downloaded using this service on the go*
*and then they'll pay $15 a month to keep their music for the remainder of their natural lives :\
marketplac
It's more like marketplacє
@Mmmm... Dohnuts.
You realize you can PURCHASE music right, you don't have to get it through the subscription....
I don't mind listening to millions of songs while getting 7,200 free songs, which I won't really need cuz I have subscription, for the next 60 years for just $10,800.
What is an Xbox 360 Program manager doing with a Zune HD anyways?
Love the interface, BTW.
Maybe the 360 and Zune HD will be better integrated.
Zune marketplace on the 360...
The Zune division is under the 360 executive staff at Microsoft. They were given permission to build a PMP because of the success they had with creating the Xbox's vertically integrated services. The Xbox manager has a Zune because he is, or works with, Zune managers. Hope that answers your question : )
If I'm not mistaken, the design team of the Xbox/Zune team are closely related. At the very least, the wiki page for the Zune says they were given the chance to design it.
The Zune team were the first with the deisgn. The Xbox team has changed their interface to better resemble that of the Zunes.
Are they going to update the software for the older Zunes too?
I'm happy with mine the way it is, but just wondering.
I'd like the games to hae better support, e.g. install / uninstall from the software. Also, I' like to browse my MP3 folder on my PC via wifi. That would be rad.
They'll probably update the software that you use on the computer, but the firmware for the devices is another story. They obviously can't really put the UI stuff that they built around the Tegra, and touch stuff won't be coming along, although I guess it'd be easier to play a touch game using the Zune Pad then the old Zune 30 D-Pad.
Ybor city is tres speedy but they throw such killer parties
I thought they said there was going to be an update for the olders HDD models to have a browser with an on screen keyboard. There also has to be some kind of update for the older devices to be able to communicate with the ZuneHD and capabilities for whatever XBox integration come up.
UK pretty please. I'm buying a cheap ramos until christmas.
they are releasing it to the uk same time the Zune HD and 4.0 software is released also you guys are going to get a marketplace too.
They said that first time around.
Yep they really need to launch it in Europe at the same time, tired of lame apologies - of course does a large company like Microsoft have the capacity to make a worldwide launch.
Beside that, Zune HD is just wow!
I can't wait to try one of these out.
"The Hold Steady", my friend was wearing one of their shirts at a party last night.
I'm a bit surprised to see them on Engadget.
I've always been impressed by the Artist Now Playing animations on the software, and have always wanted them on the Zune itself. For those who don't know what I'm talking about, this is the now playing screen. http://i26.tinypic.com/4tr8za.jpg
Now they just need to get Mix-View on the device as well.
Where did that come from?
That's the now playing screen on the Zune desktop software
no Zune for me. I've still got my 1st gen 30GB Zune and although I would like an upgade. I'd rather get a nice netbook.
The zuneHD just keeps on getting better and better. Now about that rumoured 120GB version......
lol 120 Gb $600+? lol but they will make a 64gb model later on but it would be better at release ^.^
Read somewhere recently about a 250Gb dual platter 1.8'' drive. If microsoft could somehow get a single platter version which will be ~120GB and stick it in there, that would be utter pwnage.Surely, one can dream?
rumored by who? i think the most anyone can realistically expect is 64gb. I just hope the combination of OLED screen and lots of flash memory doesn't push the price up too high
Spinning HDD's won't work with capacitive touchscreens.
How about having a menu that can actually fit whole words onto it..?
I could care less about marketplace fitting on the screen. Why does it matter? do you get extra benefits form the gadget? no not really.
Ugh. Is this going to be the major reoccuring gripe of this generation? Because it's already lame.
Here's a tip: the Zune HD runs a nice processor called the Tegra which allows it to do cool stuff like 3D UI. 3D UI is where all the menu items are located in the same realm of 3D space, and by selecting one, instead of just refreshing the screen with a submenu, the viewpoint will actually navigate through 3D space to reach said submenu (at least that's how it is in this specific instance). Therefore, some items will extend off the screen to emphasize that the menu doesn't stop at the edge of the screen-- it extends further into the 3D space around it. This type of menu is often described as "cool" and "interesting" and is perfectly intentional.
@james: you're an idiot
You know, James, if it's such an issue I'm sure they'll give mental cripples like you an option to reduce the font size.
So you're talking about a potential features, or real?
Because if we're talking potential, my iPhone could potentially turn into a unicorn, which I ride away into the giant volcano to slay the evil dragon, whilst the princess awaits me in the tower to be saved.
i dont like the interface that much :s
As a apple person myself the Zune is looking rather nice at least in terms of hardware ( I really want the OLED screen on a touch ) but I think the touch still offers better software/OS
It probably depends on what you want in a device. I mean, since the 80GB Zune came out Zunes have been better than the iPods if what you're interested in is music and only music. In any case, it's sort of silly to comment on the quality of the operating system when it isn't out yet.
If apple fans couldn't have uninformed opinions, they wouldn't have any opinions at all.
jk.
"I think the touch still offers better software/OS"
Talk about snap judgment. The Zune HD isn't even OUT yet but you're already crowning the Touch the winner? Have you even touched the ZHD yet?
@giantenemycrab
Kinda like zunePrunes claiming zuneHD will own the touch when they haven't even touch the zuneHD yet?
Wanna hear something trippy...
See that "Live at Fingerprints" album..? I used to work there.
True.
i wonder if you can browse it sideways. Not that it matters to me. Im a bittorrent hound
I sure hope so
That's a very pretty UI.
Listen to me Microsoft, i want that thig and i want it NOW ! I have money burning my pockets and everyday i must control myself not to buy a new pmp, cause i want the HD. So stop fixing bugs and ship it already, you can fix those bugs after release like apple does, and it serves them pretty good up to now.
You can only see three items ( 2.5 actually) before having to scroll down????????
Do not like. All Microsoft seems to care about these days is one upping Apple in looks.
And failing, I might add...
if you look carefully, its for one artist so that makes sense. so max of like 15 albums not bad but its just a pic and i think the firmware is still in development.
Eww look at the cut off ART text. It is clearly sloppy and unintentional.
uh.. maybe it's the album art background?
Clearly you haven't looked at much of design trends to see that using font in that manner is quite popular and artistic. Obviouslly you have never used Zune software either as this is like a stylish compact version of the marketplace. Which uses font in that manner all the time.
Clearly, he was being sarcastic.
Heh, you know that didn't even say "ART", it said "ARTIST". /THAT'S/ how crazy that zoom is.
But for those who really do think it's tacky (the op seems to be sarcastic), the point of cutoff letters is to emphasize that all of the menus and submenus exist in the same realm of 3D space, and by switching menus you are simply zooming in and out, rotating, or otherwise navigating through that space. It's called a 3D interface.
As a designer I remeber how when everyone was doing the cut out text look, many years ago. Think it was the time Flash first came out. Frankly I see it as amaturist design.
You crazy fashion designers!
I like that Paul has so much ignorant hate to spew he needs two accounts to get it all out.
;)
sounds different
the last two words made me want to watch homestarrunner.com
I love this UI so excited for it. anyone know if this is gonna be USA only at launch? I hope it comes up to Canada too or will have to make a trip to the USA. That UI is so cool just like the software. So awesome.
Zune HD and Zune Software 4.0 and World Marketplace will come out on the same day as the USA Launch Date The world will get there own country marketplace and zunes/software
I am definitely getting this when it comes out!
Fugly and trying to hop on the Apple band wagon ......
Its no ugly per se, but it aint special looking either. They gotta fix the GUI at least, like actually fitting menu items perhaps?
Most companies are moving away from text-based main menus but I guess Microsoft wants to be different.
Your'e trying too hard fangirl.
Sorry it is FUGLY!
umm...have u used an ipod touch or the ipod on an iphone? once you get passed the home screen its all text pretty much until you rotate and get to cover flow. at least on a zune you can still see your customized background no matter what menu your in.
Agreed Fugly
hands up for who don't wanna hear chapel's applefanboyish comments.
Right here. That guy is a tool. But isn't the real one named Paul a. Chapel?
I mean he has a B in his name and has like 10 comments. The real Paul Chapel has like 2000 comments.
i CANT wait til this comes out soooo tired of my ipod touch freezing up all the time. time for a real pmp!!!!
disappointed about not having bt as a have bt headphones......illl get over it though. this thing looks sweeet!
Delete some apps off your touch or reset after downloading a new one and your freezing up problem will most likely be gone
nahh i dont think so. i have over 7 gigs open. it freezes all the time not just when i get new apps. bt with pandora or broswing freeze it all the time, very annoying.
Enjoy that Pandora app while it lasts. They're moving into a subscription-based service. browser-based users have 40 hours of playtime before they have to start paying 99 cents a month. App users will probably be effect soon as well.
Can't wait for this to be released :)
They still sell Zune? More losses to come for Microsoft? :)
I hope I'm not the only one thinking of Eh Steve and his sassy-frass in Wheelchair's burled holiday cabbage.
I can has huge boner for this. Need to find a job quick.
Proof that something is wrong with this guy...he called another guy attractive.
Great to see The Hold Steady getting some much deserved exposure, they are one of my very favorite bands, and put on without a doubt the best live show I've ever seen.
I concur heartily. Though...as much as I love THS' live shows, I really find the live stuff of The Dresden Dolls far more enthusiastic.
And yeah, different genres, but...::shrugs::
As far as the ZuneHD goes...looks nice, sounds nice, but within my disposable income range? That is up for grabs. COWON is what I roll with these days and despite the many quirks and flaws, I adapted.
ive read multiple comments about how "ugly" the zoomed in look is, but I think its not outside the realm of possibility that you could "pinch" to zoom out? it is a multi-touch device, after all...
We have yet to get our hands on it and people already finding reasons to knock it down
I don't want to pinch. Have you tried pinching on a Touch (or otherwise) while also trying to drive?
Apple's two handed UIs are a big step back for those who want to access their media while commuting.
Someone trying to surf the web while driving? *Sign* That's the only one I could think of where you are pinching in/out.