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WTF? Please tell me you're joking, Josh. If so, is Microsoft freaking crazy?]]>Sep 17th 2009 12:10PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/Sep 17th 2009 12:06PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/Want to circumvent ads on that occasional app, then pay out of pocket for the commercial titles upon availability. ]]>Sep 17th 2009 12:19PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/Although, the ZHD will actually have to cross the Atlantic before I can even wish for OSX software.

Why no Zune/UK love Microsoft?]]>Sep 17th 2009 12:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/
Also, there's no Flash and no removable battery. Shouldn't the Microsoft Fanboys be comparing this device to Satan or something?]]>Sep 17th 2009 12:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.zune-hd-cases.com/zune-osx.html]]>Sep 17th 2009 12:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/Sep 17th 2009 12:36PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/Sep 17th 2009 12:39PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/Sep 17th 2009 12:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/Sep 17th 2009 12:45PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/
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.]]>Sep 17th 2009 12:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/
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.]]>Sep 17th 2009 1:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/
Is your life really that empty that you walk around with such bitter thoughts about how unjustly Apple has been treated? ]]>Sep 17th 2009 1:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-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. ]]>Sep 17th 2009 1:02PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/
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.]]>Sep 17th 2009 1:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/Sep 17th 2009 1:05PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/Sep 17th 2009 1:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/
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.]]>Sep 17th 2009 1:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/
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.




]]>Sep 17th 2009 1:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/
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]]>Sep 17th 2009 1:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/
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?]]>Sep 17th 2009 1:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/
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.]]>Sep 17th 2009 2:06PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/Sep 17th 2009 2:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/
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?]]>Sep 17th 2009 2:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/
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.]]>Sep 17th 2009 2:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/
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.]]>Sep 17th 2009 2:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/Sep 17th 2009 2:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/Sep 17th 2009 2:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/
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" ]]>Sep 17th 2009 2:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/Sep 17th 2009 2:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/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)]]>Sep 17th 2009 3:15PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/
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.]]>Sep 17th 2009 3:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/
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]]>Sep 17th 2009 3:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/
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.]]>Sep 17th 2009 3:48PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/
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?
]]>Sep 17th 2009 4:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/Sep 17th 2009 4:06PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/
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!]]>Sep 17th 2009 4:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/
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. ]]>Sep 17th 2009 4:41PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12519_7-10354727-49.html?tag=TOCmoreStories.0]]>Sep 17th 2009 4:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/
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.]]>Sep 17th 2009 5:16PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/
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.]]>Sep 17th 2009 5:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/
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. ]]>Sep 17th 2009 5:54PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/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.]]>Sep 17th 2009 5:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/
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.]]>Sep 17th 2009 9:18PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12519_7-10354727-49.html?tag=TOCmoreStories.0]]>Sep 17th 2009 9:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/
"["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.]]>Sep 17th 2009 11:10PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/Sep 18th 2009 4:42PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/Sep 18th 2009 1:58AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/Sep 18th 2009 6:33AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/zune-hd-review/Sep 18th 2009 3:52PM