Zune HD review
By Joshua Topolsky 
posted September 17th 2009 12:04PM
posted September 17th 2009 12:04PM
So the time has come for the Engadget review. Does the Zune HD finally match up with Microsoft's ambition, and can it stand up to the heat and ubiquity of the competition? Read on for all the answers.
Hardware
The first thing you'll notice -- the first thing everyone notices -- is just how incredibly sexy the Zune HD is. The sleek casing and big, glossy touchscreen is a far cry from previous devices in the line. The body of the player is a sandwich of brushed metal bread with plastic "meat" through the center. On the face of the device is a tall and thin 3.3-inch OLED display and a lean home button at the southern end of the panel. The back is slightly curved on the edges and fastened with four prominent, industrial screws. On the bottom of the device there's a Zune adapter port and 3.5mm headphone jack, while the top houses a power / sleep button, and a "media" button lives on the left-hand side of the unit (more on that later). All in all, the package is smartly put together, and while it sometimes felt a bit light (or not quite there) in the hand, we have few complaints about its build and style. It's one of the more mature offerings Microsoft has made to the gadget world -- and we're taken with it.
Inside, the ZHD is powered by the much-lauded Tegra APX 2600, a system-on-a-chip with a focus on HD video and complex graphics performance -- minus the typical battery suck associated with said activities. The 65nm CPU features eight separate cores, including HD encoder and decoders, a 600MHz ARM11 component, and a stand-alone 3D GPU. What does that mean? Well, presumably (and based on myriad demos we've seen from NVIDIA) the Zune HD is capable of some pretty fierce graphics performance, and given that Microsoft has just announced "3D games" for the platform, it's likely we'll see it put to the test. Thus far there aren't any real examples of the power of this Zune beyond the smooth handling of images and HD video (and it is smooth). We imagine this portion of the system has yet to be fully tapped.
The Zune HD comes in 16GB and 32GB varieties, and we had the pleasure of checking out both the platinum and black iterations, as our original unit was completely broken. We would have liked to see a larger option for storage, but for most users, we're guessing there won't be a ton of complaints. When paired with the Zune Pass service, it's almost an afterthought, as you'll likely be moving lots of music on and off of this thing -- we sure did.
Up top the unit boasts a stunning 480 x 272 OLED display -- still a rarity for most PMPs. The screen also happens to be capacitive (Microsoft's first foray down this road), and features multitouch input along with gesture support. The Zune HD's display is highly responsive and performance is super snappy -- if you're used to the action of an iPod touch or iPhone, this should feel about the same to you. More to the point, the color saturation and deepness of blacks is unmatched by almost any handheld device we've used. It's a gorgeous screen, and a great choice for a product so laser-focused on media. There is one minor gripe though... and you probably can see this one coming. OLED screens aren't known for their performance in direct sunlight, and the Zune HD doesn't hugely improve on that point -- the image below says it all. Just pretend it's Dracula or something.
The player comes with a few accessories as well -- a set of standard earbuds which are unsurprisingly weak (we found them to be overly bassy and muffled sounding), and a USB cable for connecting the device to your PC.
Software
The big changes here aren't just in the hardware that makes up the device, but in the totally new software which lives inside. The Zune HD features a completely revamped Zune interface, one which utilizes big text, big gestures, a multi-dimensional layout, and multitouch input to help you navigate through your media. Not only does the device provide the standard support for music and video, but it looks like Microsoft is taking a deeper dive into applications, providing a few non-game titles out of the gate, with plans for more robust experiences in the upcoming months. In addition, the company has revamped its desktop software to feel more closely in line with the new features it's providing on devices, and is pushing the Zune Marketplace out into Xbox Live for video content (soon, but not yet). Let's take a closer look at the software side of the Zune HD.
User interface
The user interface of the Zune HD is just about as sexy looking as the player itself. Microsoft continues its push towards big, big typography here, providing a sophisticated, neatly designed layout that's almost as functional as it is attractive. Like all good touchscreen devices, the Zune HD provides a lock screen which requires a swipe up to clear. Once you've pushed away the very-slightly informative page (you get the time and the battery life here), you're greeted with a clean menu of content options. Scrolling through the list is smooth as butter on the HD, but you're also able to swipe to the right, bringing up a list of "pinned" media (essentially favorites which you select by long-pressing on an item), recent selections, and the newest content that's hit your device. A swipe left takes you back to the main menu. The key to this kind of navigation is layers and fluidity -- every time you move from one place to another, you're being pulled into or out of a section... dimensionally. When you click on "music" in your list, it feels as if you're zoomed down into a new region of the device, when you click on your side menu you flutter out of one list and into another. The effect is quite different from the navigation on a touch or iPhone, where you feel like you're constantly managing lists.
One style of navigation isn't necessarily better or worse than the other, though we must say the Zune HD takes some getting used to in this department. Before you really get a feel for the flow of the UI, it can be a little confusing as to how you back out of a menu or move over to another option. Since the home button provides a consistent path to your main menu, it's not that jarring, but it does have a learning curve. The counterpoint to that, however, is that on a device like the iPod touch, a lot of your menu options are always front and center, which means you're poring through those boring lists, but you're also able to track your location and jump from A to B more quickly. With the Zune HD, it's always a few extra steps this way or that. Once you get a feel for it, however, it's quite a pleasant experience -- zooming through content on the Zune HD goes beyond simple navigation, and makes just using the device a kind of bizarre alien pleasure.
Whle the UI is mostly good news, Microsoft made what we consider to be a pretty poor hardware and software choice with the use of its "media" button. Where you would expect a hardware volume rocker, the company provides a single click button which brings up your media navigation menu. Here you get options for back / forward and volume adjustment. Unfortunately, what that means is that every time you need to change the volume, you not only have to click this button, but you have to be looking at the screen, and be able to touch the plus or minus symbols. If you've ever walked down a busy street in New York and needed to turn your volume up or down, you'd know what a backwards experience this is. Having to use a two step process and look at the screen makes no real sense for something as basic as volume adjustment -- especially since the Zune HD provides no option for leveling your audio. A standard rocker would have been a much smarter choice, or even a dual-use rocker that served both purposes.
Besides those gripes, however, getting into your content and playing back media is a cinch, and most users will take to it easily. Occasionally we felt like there one-too-many targets for us to click on (a play button, a letter, and an artist name all in one section, for instance), but generally the HD has its priorities straight.
Apps / Internet
One of the biggest issues swirling around the launch of the Zune HD was the app question. Knowing that the device had been supercharged with Tegra, had a multitouch capacitive screen, and a completely reworked OS, it only made sense. Since from almost every angle the ZHD looks like an iPod touch competitor, applications are the logical next step. Of course, how do you go about creating a new silo for applications when you've already got a dedicated mobile ecosystem and separate games console? The answer is very carefully, and very quietly. It was only upon launch that Microsoft made its intentions clear about apps coming to the Zune HD, and now it looks like we're going to see at least a handful of small programs headed to the device.
For starters, you can download a free calculator, weather app, and a smattering of games for the PMP. Nothing seems to be taking advantage of the horsepower just yet, and truthfully we felt that loading and closing times for even the simplest of applications were longer than they should be. Of course, this is a platform in the earliest stages of infancy, so we expect better things down the road. The big M has promised "3D gaming" -- which we know the Tegra is more than capable of -- so it's possible the company will choose to aim more enterprise-oriented software towards the Windows Phone platform, keep hardcore gaming orbiting the Xbox, and go after that casual market for the ZHD (which Apple is currently cleaning up on). Regardless, the Zune HD OS seems ripe for richer content, even if the device's awkward place in the Microsoft lineup doesn't make that prospect as simple as it should be.
One item that bears mentioning: Microsoft is sticking interstitial ads on the player when you load applications. It's a bit jarring and a bit off-putting to see an advertisement on your device when you're trying to get into an app, and we think the company may want to investigate some other options here -- it just feels sleazy.
Beyond the application situation, there's also the small matter of the web browser which the Zune HD ships with. Built upon the existing mobile Internet Explorer, but sufficiently tweaked, we found it to be mildly useful, though sorely lacking in key features. It's clear that Microsoft had some trepidation about putting anything too robust out there. The browser renders pages nicely and utilizes pinch zooming like a champ, but there are no tab options, no history, and hardly any navigational elements at all. Additionally, the performance on page loading and rendering wasn't even in the same league as most webkit-based mobile options (Android browser, iPod touch / iPhone, Pre). Forget about YouTube or other rich media as well -- it's just not happening here. On the plus side, the included on-screen keyboard is surprisingly accurate, and we're not-so-secretly hoping that we see this QWERTY pop up on future Windows Mobile devices -- it's actually quite good. But good keyboards notwithstanding, at the end of the day the browser is still barebones... no matter how smoothly it renders pages.
Desktop software
Microsoft has made some decent changes to its Zune software, but while the headliners like Smart DJ and a new Zune HD-style "Quickplay" home screen might grab all the attention, we're most enthused by the general speed and stability improvements. When it came to Zune 3.0 -- particularly when searching the Marketplace (a constant for Zune Pass subscribers) -- there were some incredibly annoying hangups and delays (or even outright failures) in populating search results. We'd bugged Microsoft about it, and the company claimed to be working on the issues. Well guess what? Zune 4.0 indeed solves most of these problems. In fact, the interface from top to bottom seems accelerated and a bit more logically laid out, though in general Zune's desktop software continues to defy most traditional interface paradigms.
The new Quickplay screen basically duplicates the functionality on the device, letting you pin favorites, check out a "history" of plays (which wasn't populating very frequently, to our eyes) and peep the newest additions to your library. Below that is a row for your favorite Smart DJ artists. If you're using a Zune Pass (and let's be honest, you should be) you're not getting just a mix of your own tracks, but of anything in the whole Marketplace. Honestly, we expected better playlists out of the feature -- Jack Johnson and The Fray tracks in a MGMT mix does seem a bit odd -- but perhaps Zune is just going for irony. The Mixview feature still seems mostly useless to us, and the Marketplace "picks" still vacillate between oddball and insulting, though we're working on a fresher machine without our full play history, so perhaps 4.0's picks will improve in time -- 3.0 only seemed to get worse.
Syncing content was mostly painless, though we did run into a few snags when trying to dump big stacks of files onto the device. More than once we had to erase our syncing items and re-download, or quit the app and reboot in order for all the bits to fall into place. We're not sure if it's a simple communication issue between the player and software, or if there's a more complicated answer.
Overall, however, the software seems mostly unchanged both in interface and functionality (outside of the odd tweak or there). Aside from the considerable speed improvements we're noticing and the Quickplay option, it's essentially the same. If you never liked Zune 3.0, Zune 4.0 won't do much to change your mind, but for existing users it's a big leap forward in frustration-free usability.
Audio quality
Zune players have always been known for their stellar audio, and the Zune HD is no exception. Forget about using the included earbuds -- they're pretty much junk. When we tested with decent in-ear buds, however, we thought the quality was rather excellent. Compared to the touch or iPhone audio, the Zune HD seemed to have a wider stereo field and deeper, more resonant low end. Where other players seem crunchy and muffled, the Zune HD feels expansive and open -- like someone popped the top off of a soda can. It's not such an outrageous difference that most people will notice, but those who listen closely should be able to hear it, and we're certainly not complaining about better audio when it comes to the realm of the digital.
Video quality
Video quality on the Zune itself is handsome, which should come as little surprise. You don't combine that kind of small screen, tight pixel density and OLED technology and not end up with some solid results. HD content we threw onto the device was clear and crisp, though when we used the A/V dock, we found the 720p content to be a bit more compressed than we'd like. Overall most video was fine, though we had some maddening issues with trying to get video from other sources playing. The Zune software isn't exactly a whiz at finding media from outside the Zune ecosystem, so if you're fresh to the platform, you may find yourself scratching your head while hunting around for the videos you downloaded in iTunes (or from Amazon, or anywhere else). Once you solve that problem you should be good to go... unless you want to get down and dirty with any even remotely weird format. If that's your endgame, you're going to have to figure out some more creative ways to get video onto your Zune HD. For all it's awesome media functions, it's not really a jack of all trades. For instance, there's no DivX support here (as other reviewers have noted), and you're definitely out of luck with the more modern formats such as MKV.
A/V dock
Microsoft was kind enough to send along the A/V dock and remote (MSRP $89.99), which puts the Zune HD in a whole new context. The dock worked beautifully out of the box -- we just plugged it into the wall and into our HDMI jack and away we went. As soon as the ZHD was slotted it brought up a familiar looking menu which is navigated rather simply using the included (tiny) remote. What's intriguing about the dock is that it transforms the Zune HD into a kind of mini all-in-one STB, allowing you to pull video, audio, radio (HD or otherwise), still images, and podcasts from an easily accessible location which requires zero setup.
Audio and video out of the dock via HDMI seemed more than sufficient, though as we said previously, we thought some HD content we'd purchased in the Marketplace was a bit more compressed than we would have liked. Overall it's a fairly compelling package to have, though it comes at a not-insignificant cost to the end user, and it's obviously not going to appeal to everyone (especially when you've just shelled out for the player). It does, however, seem like an ideal setup if you're a student or someone with limited space, as it solves quite a few problems all at once.
Wrap-up
Perhaps the most compelling reason to buy a Zune HD right now isn't the gorgeous screen or forthcoming apps, HD radio, or slick design. Make no mistake about it -- this is a fine, fine device, and no one would fault you for buying one -- but it's not the device itself that is the most attractive part of this package. To us, it seems like the single most compelling reason to choose this device over something like the iPod touch can be boiled down to one thing: Zune Pass.
We know what you're thinking -- that's crazy fanboy talk. But look at these facts: as of right now there isn't a huge price advantage to purchasing the ZHD over a touch (in fact, $199 gets you into a lower capacity touch, while you're looking at $229 for the base Zune), you don't have access to more media (certainly in the video department) or applications, the sound quality isn't so much better that we'd ward you off of another product, and there are generally major deficits in the utility of the Zune HD versus Apple's player (like that web browser). The Zune HD is a great media player, but we can't pretend it's the only PMP on the market.
But the one thing that Microsoft has that Apple doesn't is Zune Pass -- and that's a major "but." We won't bore you with the details of this service, though you should know that for $14.99 a month, you can basically enjoy all the music you can find in the Zune Marketplace (and download ten tracks on the house every 30 days). The Pass should appeal to both casual and obsessive listeners alike, since it provides benefit to either. Whether you're gobbling up music or just snacking, having an all-you-can-eat buffet in front of you is handy.
So let's pretend for a moment that these players are exactly the same in every way except for how you get music on them. In that scenario, we think Microsoft's angle has some real advantages. Of course, these players are different -- you're still sacrificing a lot for that $15 subscription -- and even though the Zune HD is a tremendous media player with a lot of great features, we still don't think it competes 1:1 with a device like the touch. Still, it competes, and for Microsoft and the Zune brand, that's a major leap forward.
Note: In the coming days, Engadget HD editor Ben Drawbaugh will be taking a deeper look at the Zune HD's integration into the rest of the Microsoft ecosystem, including Media Center and Xbox Live.
"One item that bears mentioning: Microsoft is sticking interstitial ads on the player when you load applications. It's a bit jarring and a bit off-putting to see an advertisement on your device when you're trying to get into an app, and we think the company may want to investigate some other options here -- it just feels sleazy."
WTF? Please tell me you're joking, Josh. If so, is Microsoft freaking crazy?
It looks stunning. I would love to use this with Os X
Those are for free games/apps, and by no means all of them either.
Want to circumvent ads on that occasional app, then pay out of pocket for the commercial titles upon availability.
As much as I fear we will be down-ranked for suggesting it, I'd like that too.
Although, the ZHD will actually have to cross the Atlantic before I can even wish for OSX software.
Why no Zune/UK love Microsoft?
I wanted to ask somebody. Does the ZuneHD have background processes and multi-tasking and if not, why aren't people complaining about it?
Also, there's no Flash and no removable battery. Shouldn't the Microsoft Fanboys be comparing this device to Satan or something?
something like this? http://www.zune-hd-cases.com/zune-osx.html
The iPhone runs iPhone OS, Apple Macs run OS X. Calling iPhone OS, OSX is fine but if you can't use any devices or applications that run on OSX then it really is just marketing speak isn't it ?
i have to ask why arnt they selling it in the UK
Wow. No one wondered if he wanted to use the Zune HD with Mac OS X? As in, Zune Software for Mac OS X? So he can sync without having to reboot all the time?
WTF ADS ? that's all i needed to know to stay away from zune, thank you microsoft for making the choice easier for us.
I don't understand why CAHLITO got down voted? I've been saying that for months. Microsoft needs to create software for Mac OS users. I don't understand why they don't use apple's own strategy against them?
Apple was incredibly smart by allowing Windows users to experience iTunes the same exact way it is on Mac OS. The way it looks, functions, and made it simple to sync music. Winning over a lot of windows user when they walked into the apple store to have a look at an iPod, instead had a look at Mac OS.
Some questions you folks may have that Arstechnica answered:
Does the Zune have some sort of maps application? No, and one has not been announced.
Does it play FLAC/Divx/Xvid/Ogg Vorbis or Ogg Theora? No, no, no, no, and no.
Can it make you coffee? Who needs coffee when the blinding light from the screen will keep you awake?
Does the Tegra still show hesitation in bringing up certain menus or scrolling album covers? No, everything is completely smooth.
Is the last "e" in "Marketplace" cut off on the main screen? Yes, it is.
Quality of earbuds? They aren't good, they aren't bad, they're just... earbuds. They appear to be the same kind that were included with the previous generation.
Is it too awkward for running? No, should be fine, though if you don't have a pocket you'll probably want some kind of action jacket or armband.
Are controls available on the headset? No.
Are the older Zunes still being made? No. If you want one, buy it now.
Does it have Bluetooth? No.
GPS? No.
Camera? No.
Can it stream Internet radio? There's no app to do so yet, and we were unable to play audio through Pandora, NPR, or other Web outlets in the browser.
Does it run Flash? No.
Does it function as a USB Mass Storage drive? No, though previous models could be hacked using a Windows registry key edit that would enable limited functionality.
Does it have a stopwatch? No.
Does it support/allow access from a Mac or Linux machine? No, though it would be awesome.
@Detox
Is your life really that empty that you walk around with such bitter thoughts about how unjustly Apple has been treated?
So I've already used this for 2 days and I must say there is a flaw in this review....
"Unfortunately, what that means is that every time you need to change the volume, you not only have to click this button, but you have to be looking at the screen, and be able to touch the plus or minus symbols."
That's incorrect all you have to do is tap the center near the album cover and it brings up the volume menu. In fact I never have to look at it to change my volume or press the button. Just wanted to point out there is another way.
@Major4Play, the iPhone OS is more like OS X then Windows Mobile(CE) is like Windows (98/XP/Vista/7). Basically Apple uses the kernel, and many of the same frameworks between their mobile devices and their desktop OS. True, you can't just throw a desktop app on an iPhone and run it, but Apple seems to be sharing tech internally more then Microsoft does.
As for the more relevant discussion here, I'd be slightly tempted as well if they offered support for OS X. However the windows exclusive aspect of the device isn't enough to pull me back to Windows full time, and already it looks like Microsoft is making their usual missteps with the ads in the "free" marketplace games. Sure, many free apps on the iPhone include ads in the program, but none force a video ad to be viewed before the app runs. And in many cases, I have the option of paying money for a program without ads.
Why does Microsoft seem to always make a major misstep anytime they are close to making something good? Same goes for the 360, the hardware quality was horrible out the door, the interface is just becoming one big ad even when you pay $50 a year for Live, and they hindered game development by sticking to DVD while making the jump to HD graphics.
Man, I really wish the comments were better on this review.
I really wanted to get the zune hd but if there are ads and problems with the browser, i think I will have to wait for the next zune hd and/or software update that fixes these problems. MS, it would be a good idea to also give us some mac compatibility software. (I prefer pc but I use a mac at work).
@ Detox
The ads are not that serious. They've always had ads on the Zune games that are available to the 1st and 2nd gen devices. They are shown while the game loads so they don't even take extra time, plus they are only pictures. I know I've seen some apps on the iPhone that had ads at the bottom or top of the screen which is far more annoying.
""One item that bears mentioning: Microsoft is sticking interstitial ads on the player when you load applications. It's a bit jarring and a bit off-putting to see an advertisement on your device when you're trying to get into an app, and we think the company may want to investigate some other options here -- it just feels sleazy."
Ok, here's the deal.
Are ads annoying on a game? Yes.
Is it wrong for them to have offered ad space to a company so they can help defray the cost of making the device initially? No. I'm not a AdBusters ype of guy, I get that their are expensies, and if It saves me some $$$ off the price of the device, then I can be a big boy and tolerate it at the start.
So here is the thing. IF they have ads on future games, WITHOUT stating it up front before you download it, then it will be "sleazy". If it becomes a habit on ALL apps, then it's really sleazy. But truthfully, as other companies make their own games and apps, the likelihood of seeing ads is very low if not zero, and I really doubt Microsoft is going to do this in the future.
@detox
They put short, few second advertisements on their free applications, in the same way that they have on previous generations of zunes, and that application developers have been free to do on winMo, webOS, and mobileOSX for a long time to support their FREE applications.
Also, IIRC the reason there isn't zune software for Mac is because Apple won't let them include the necessary codecs in the software that would encode your media to something that the Zune hardware could actually play. So don't blame Microsoft, blame Apple for controlling what you use on your computer
WHERE's the freaking Line Out!!!? I need to install in my car and don't want to adjust the headphone volume each time i connect.
Why is a car adapter + fm transmitter $79.99? Because you call it "premium"?
Please Fix wifi finding hidden SSID issue.
Why aren't there many zune accessories?
Just wanted to correct a few mistakes and misconceptions mentioned in this article:
It is stated in the third to last paragraph "while you're looking at $229 for the base Zune". The 16GB Zune HD starts at $219, not $229.
The outdoor OLED screen test image is most likely on either low or medium brightness settings. The Zune HD is set to medium out of the box. Setting the screen to High makes it perfectly readable in sunlight. You do this by going to Settings>Display> and toggle the Brightness option to High.
A clarification regarding the ads when launching an app:
Ads are only shown for Games, not apps. There are 2 ads that play, a 15 second car commercial, and a 5 second picture. Whenever you open a Game, the ads switch (first time opening the video, second time the picture, and so on).
You also do not need to look at the screen to change the volume. You just press the media button and either press the top or bottom half of the screen, or slide your finger up or down.
@Look Really? Did i really just see you state a bunch of things it doesnt have that you constantly pan the iPod Touch for not having? The fact of the matter is there ARE ads in MS OWN programs, and its freaking sleazy, and the fact that you are defending it just proves what most of the non trolls here know, you are a tool and a shill.
Forcing users to wait thirty seconds to load a chess app which includes watching a video for Kia cars, not once but every-time you load the app!!
Who ever ok'ed this decision need to lose their job.
It will be interesting to see how the subscription model goes, but paying a monthly $15 tax to M$ to listen to music, $180 per year sounds preety steep.
And the 10 songs you get to keep is their any DRM or can you use the files on other MP3 players and PCs?
@ Look_Around_You, responding to Patrick's Q&A
Patrick's list was helpful, objective, and was simply relaying information about the Zune HD without putting a positive or negative spin on it. Your response added no value, was pointless, and was merely full of iTouch bashing or inane comments.
Please refrain from posting in the future. You add no value.
Anyone else think the framework for this and by that I mean the interface and the software developer kit is going to similar looking if not completely complatible with Windows mobile 7?
We've seen that microsoft are going to dictate hardware requirements and hopefully that will mean tegra processors and capacitive screens (although i quite like restitive, each to their own).
If they could tie the zune, xbox 360, windows 7 and windows mobile 7 that would be awesome.
One possible reason for no UK love is that the HD Radio standards are different between the US and the UK. So that feature wouldn't work there. I think that's kind of a big deal, and perhaps Microsoft is right to wait and release a player specifically for Europe at a later date.
@Onelove If you cant see what the problem is you are a MS drone. Let me explain it slowly. This is a device MADE by MICROSOFT, these are games MADE by MICROSOFT. They put ads in their OWN games on their OWN device. If you dont get why that is sleazy, you cannot be helped.
@Look Really? Did i really just see you state a bunch of things it doesnt have that you constantly pan the iPod Touch for not having? The fact of the matter is there ARE ads in MS OWN programs, and its freaking sleazy, and the fact that you are defending it just proves what most of the non trolls here know, you are a tool and a shill."
Ok, First of all I dont "pan the iPod Touch" for not having whatever. Sorry if you got me confused with someone else, but I'm pointing out how many of the points raised in that list are for the most part things that are either of little real-world concern, too early to really make a judgment on, or just silly, like the Ogg-Vobis stuff.
"The fact of the matter is there ARE ads in MS OWN programs" And I explained to you, like an adult, and not some ticked off geek, why I think they did it. i'll even repeat it:
"Are ads annoying on a game? Yes."
Woooah that's some major shilling there...let me continue.
"Is it wrong for them to have offered ad space to a company so they can help defray the cost of making the device initially? No. I'm not a AdBusters (t)ype of guy, I get that their are expenses, and if It saves me some $$$ off the price of the device, then I can be a big boy and tolerate it at the start."
"FROM THE START"
You guys notice how fast useless comments like Look_Around_You's and WindowFTW go from lowest ranked to highest ranked in less than 2 minutes. Crazy. Someone has 40 accounts and is working hard today to stay on top.
@moffitt
Uhh... You don't have to get Apple's permission just to install a codec to transcode video. That's why VLC and Mplayer and Perian work on Macs without any issues. Hell, even RealPlayer has a Mac version, and there's an official MS WMV codec for QT. Same goes with Windows and things like K-Lite. And both the ZHD and Touch can play H.264/MP4, which is an open MPEG standard, so no argument there.
(meh, i'm probably just feeding a troll)
@moffitt: You said this: "Also, IIRC the reason there isn't zune software for Mac is because Apple won't let them include the necessary codecs in the software that would encode your media to something that the Zune hardware could actually play. So don't blame Microsoft, blame Apple for controlling what you use on your computer"
This deserves a huge [citation needed] tag.
First off, the Zune plays H.264 files just fine, along with AAC, MP3 and many other variants of the MPEG standard. MPEG standards are the foundation of Quicktime and the codecs that come out of the box with a Mac. The only thing Apple doesn't support out of the box is Microsoft's proprietary media formats. And Apple isn't stopping them either. The APIs for developing a Quicktime plugin (the OS X media layer) is well documented and supported. Microsoft just chooses not to develop one. MS used to have a Media Player program that had WMV support cooked in, but it didn't hook to Quicktime, meaning nothing else could use it. MS then discontinued the program in favor of providing a 3rd party WMV Quicktime plugin for free.
So yes, the blame here is squarely on Microsoft for no OS X support.
look_around_you:
Why are you even trying to defend yourself? Anyone who claims the ads are okay because poor microsoft needs $$ to get this product out the door at a reasonable price is in denial. Seriously? Everyone hates ads, they're annoying and i'd put up with them on third party software, NOT proprietary games. Can you imagine having to watch an ad when trying to load up brick breaker on your blackberry... umm NO!
Also saying things like "apple just recently got that" etc. is sort of ridiculous. The Zune just came out and is meant to be a competitor to the iPod. When its missing some of the basic functionality found in a competing device, it stands that we as consumers and enthusiasts have the right to point it out. Sorry if you don't like it.
And no, people don't buy a pmp for the stopwatch, but its a relatively simple program that I use on my iphone every time I go running. So because its on my phone: I don't have to buy a stopwatch! do you understand the advantage of that?
I'm eagerly anticipating a disjointed, and uneducated response about how I'm an apple fanboy because I use an iphone, so get typing and embarrass yourself further
@Tsing Tao:
Me a drone? LOL. Did you read my first comment? If I cant have line out my zune HD is going back today.
Anyways your explanation still confuses me and seems to make my point for me. My zune never came with ANY games pre-installed,
so I had to CHOOSE to download the game. Also, nothing in life is really free and the developer has to be paid for his work. Maybe by ad revenue?
As you said, this is a device MADE by MICROSOFT, these are games MADE by MICROSOFT. They put ads in their OWN (FREE) games. But YOU have to download it to your device.
Now, if I paid for the MS game and it had an AD, then I would be really pissed.
@look_around_you
Yes, and a majority of people eat at McDonalds, shop at Wal Mart and watch NASCAR while more discerning folks do not. Whats your point?
MS not wanting to develop Mac sync software for the Zune HD?, Fine that's their choice, But at least allow it to become a USB Mass Storage device for Music, Pictures and Video. Drag and drop isn't that much of a stretch for Mac or Windows users is it?.
Thought I would mention a few things. Volume changing is as easy as pressing the rocker or tapping the screen and then swiping UPWARD on the screen to turn it up or swiping DOWNWARD to turn it down.
Yes, it would be AMAZING to have OSX support as I have mac friends that I would love to get on this bandwagon.
I have a pair of Sennheiser earphones made for the iphone, MM50 I think, and the Zune sounds PHENOMENAL with WMA lossless playing back.
Lastly, it would be cool if you'd append your review with a line mentioning that a Zune associated with a Zune Pass account can stream or download and store Zune Pass compatible songs anywhere they have B/G wifi. When you get back home all you have to do is right click on the album under "device" in the Zune 4.0 software and there is an option to add it to your PC library as well. This has been the best part about having this for me because while I'm at work and someone wants to hear an album, I can just download it and play it for everyone without having to pay more than my zune pass subscription!
"Why are you even trying to defend yourself? Anyone who claims the ads are okay because poor microsoft needs $$ to get this product out the door at a reasonable price is in denial. Seriously? Everyone hates ads, they're annoying and i'd put up with them on third party software, NOT proprietary games. Can you imagine having to watch an ad when trying to load up brick breaker on your blackberry... umm NO!"
Ok, you are obviously not even paying attention to what I posted TWICE, so now you are just being an ass. Fine.
From what people have reported, the ads play once. Can you handle once or will your prissy ass melt at the horrible sight of a one-play video ad?
I WILL POST WHAT I SAID FOR THE THIRD GODDAMN TIME SO MAYBE YOUR STUPID ASS WILL ACTUALLY READ AND COMPREHEND!
"
Are ads annoying on a game? Yes.
Is it wrong for them to have offered ad space to a company so they can help defray the cost of making the device initially? No. I'm not a AdBusters Type of guy, I get that their are expenses, and if It saves me some $$$ off the price of the device, then I can be a big boy and tolerate it at the start.
you can, just use VMWare Fusion. Cnet has a vid that shows you how.
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12519_7-10354727-49.html?tag=TOCmoreStories.0
Agreed. Imagine a silver brushed-metal Zune HD sitting beside your brushed-metal Macbook, or in my case iMac. Sounds nice!
So, developers, when can we expect a Mac OS hack? :)
Also, Joshua, your review was really really comprehensive and very well-done. I feel like I have a pretty good grasp of the good and bad of Zune HD.
@MNJP
The songs 10 songs you download are drm free if they are drm free in the marketplace, not 100% of the songs in the marketplace are drm free.
look_around_you: That was quite the unnecessary jump in on his list. You did that just to be a tool and so you shouldn't be shocked we all think you came across as one.
Hell, your comment about how they could be found at pawn shops and such shows how desperate you were to act like you had something of value to add. The fact is they are not made anymore. I can find a 1910 ford out there someplace too, but that doesn't mean its easy, new and for the retail price. So to tell me that when I ask are they available is downright worthless. Don't piss on people's helpful posts.
@Samurai Jack,
There are already settings for the different radio for different regions.
Settings->Radio lists 3 options: North America, Europe, and Japan.
I think that they already took those regional issues into consideration.
Being in Canada, I was planning on ordering one in the US and shipping it here, or going to pick one up there.
But after seeing the disappointing browser (not really surprised being a WM user), the half-assed attempt at getting apps on the device, and the lack of an application distribution model that allows for other developers to get apps on the device, and also seeing that once again they are giving you XNA with no way of easily distributing or making apps available to users (just like they did for the last generation), Im no longer in a hurry to pick up the HD.
And I was one to always speak highly of the device. The app situation is extremely disappointing, and the browser is a shame too. My 8GB and 80GB will have to last a bit longer. And without those 2 features running strong, and me not really using my Zune to play videos, I have no reason at all to get one except to enjoy the awesome interface (which is one of the best interfaces ive ever seen). Unfortunately, playing music doesn't require much interfacing.
The Zune needs app distribution not when it works for them, but they need it now. You cannot compare the fact that the Touch took over a year to get apps available on the device, since that was 2 years ago. Running an app store is now a well researched process. Hell, even Palm, after only a few months of release, will have an app store. And not having a true SDK (XNA 3.1 is half assed as far as im concerned) is not what people want. People need browser access, 3D hardware access, WiFi access, and interface components to help blend other applications with the Zune itself. As well, that loading screen needs to go. Its fine if the Zune can only run one thing at a time, but make the app launch just like the browser or music app does: with a smooth transition into the app as if it was always part of the Zune.
As far as im concerned, theres no excuse for this, and the last thing they need is a dark cloud hanging over their head at this stage of the PMP war.
Cnet has an article on how to use the Zune HD with a Mac:
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12519_7-10354727-49.html?tag=TOCmoreStories.0
@ Look_Around_You who had one of the worst, most misinformative comments I've ever had the displeasure of reading.
"["Does the Zune have some sort of maps application? No, and one has not been announced.] Huh?" -- Simple question, and a simple answer, and the answer is correct. I cannot understand your lack of comprehension.
"[Does it play FLAC/Divx/Xvid/Ogg Vorbis or Ogg Theora? No, no, no, no, and no.] The majority of people use MP3s and stuff like AVI or QT video." -- You are not seriously saying that people don't use DivX and Xvid ... are you completely insane? P.S. AVI is the most common container for DviX and Xvid - those codecs are why a majority of people use AVI!
"[Are controls available on the headset? No.] Good" -- Right, because easily-accesible controls are such a burden.
"[Being able to find old Zunes?] Ebay? Pawn Shop? It's not milk. You'll be able to find one if you want one well into the future." -- Strawman argument. The original question was not "can I find old Zunes" but actually "will MS still make old Zunes" and therefore the answer (no) is correct.
"[GPS? No.] Iphone didnt get it until this year." -- This year? Oh, please, it would have taken you five seconds to find out the correct answer - the iPhone has had GPS since July 2008 (the 3G model).
"[Camera? No.] Neither does the iPod Touch" -- But no-one asked if the iPod Touch has a camera. Someone asked if the ZuneHD had a camera, that's all. They didn't ask, "does the ZuneHD have a camera and if not then booyah! Apple must rule." You do understand that someone asking "does the ZuneHD have a camera?" is not a troll question, right?
"[Can it stream Internet radio? There's no app to do so yet] Apple didnt allow that until recently." -- Right ... not until recently. Still, can the Apple devices do it now? Yes. Can the ZuneHD do it now? No. Stop trying to correct answers that are, you know, already correct (because then you're making them wrong, not correcting them).
"[Does it run Flash? No.] Neither does the iPod." -- Firstly, see my previous comment about simple honest questions not being troll posts (and therefore should not be replied to with more trolling). Secondly, you do remember that Apple was pilloried by you and most others here in the comments section for their lack of Flash, right? So the question is a fair one for the ZuneHD, yeah? You went from decrying Apple's lack of Flash, to noticing that the ZuneHD also does not have Flash, to then totally reversing your previous opinion and you're now saying that it is OK the ZuneHD doesn't have Flash because the iPhone also doesn't! Pick a damn position, and stick with it. The lack of Flash is either a) not bad or b) bad, for BOTH of the devices!
"[Does it function as a USB Mass Storage drive? No] Ok, USB sticks are what the majority of people use. It's a negligible point. Wonderful one back in 2006, silly one today." -- Yes, convergence is such a burden. Having one device do multiple tasks is so unnecessary and so 2006. Heh, so I guess you still carry a separate phone, camera, PMP, PVP, portable games console, GPS finder, watch, calculator ... and a memory stick! Extra features ≠ bad, dude, even if you don't want that feature.
Anyway, briefly back on topic:
"Microsoft is sticking interstitial ads on the player when you load applications."
WTF? That is an incredible blunder, surely they will be gone with the first software update? I'm hoping, anyway.
"we still don't think it competes 1:1 with a device like the touch"
Well, maybe, but if it is not 1:1 then it is awfully close. And could get even closer with just some software upgrades. For once, I believe I am looking at a device that (with decent marketing) could seriously impact on iPod sales, and bring some (needed) change to the market.
Bittorrent also provides all you can eat content. And for free.
Anyone else notice the ipod touch/iphone 'you've got mail' noise?
the ads are app specific. there are ads on ipod/iphone apps as well. i guess the reviewer never really downloaded a free app on his iphone.
I was watching the videos you put up Josh and there was an ad in it! Now thats sleazy!!