How would you change Microsoft's Zune HD?

For the anti-iPod crowd out there (you know who you are), Microsoft's Zune HD has been a long time comin'. As of September 17th, your excuses for not owning one vanished completely, and for those diehards willing to splurge on Redmond's swankest PMP yet, we know you've been toying with it ever since. Still, the Zune HD hasn't thrived without its fair share of hangups, and we get the impression that at least a smattering of users are still frustrated by this or that. If we just rang your bell, you're in the right place. We're curious to hear what actual, honest-to-goodness Zune HD users have to say about their new toy, and better still, how you would've done things differently if you had any power whatsoever over Sir Ballmer. Drop your rant off in comments below, would you?

[MrPeanut Posted Oct 11th 2009 2:44PM]

I'd like to see

-the ability to search for songs within playlists
-built in speakers
-bluetooth for tethering
-more apps/games

[TCrimson05 Posted Oct 11th 2009 3:17PM]

Here's what should happen.

1. Higher Capacities.

2. The dock for Video out should cost less (if not free)

3. Since it packs such a powerful chip, have games that really show it off (call bungie and get them working on a portable halo)

4. A2DP BLUETOOTH!!!

5. More format support (seriously, who uses WMV?)

6. Give the browser more detail and FULL flash support.

7. Let Mac users use Marketplace (that's how you gain market share)

8. Ship it WORLDWIDE!!!!

9. Dedicated volume rocker.

10. FOR GOD SAKES, I want a cellular version!!!! (stop beating around the bush and give me "ZUNE 3G") (no at&t)

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 11th 2009 7:15PM]

1. A rocker switch for changing volume and tracks. Or any other kind of button for this function, so you don't need to take the device out of your pocket or look it at.

2. A cooler interface.

The interface on Nvidia's prototype just had more potential that I didn't see in the Zune HD. Although the Nvidia's prototype wasn't pretty as the Zune HD, it still had the utility that the Zune HD doesn't have.

3. Flash acceleration. Nvidia made the Tegra to bring flash acceleration for mobile devices, yet the Zune team decided to disabled it?

4. Wider codec support for video and audio. Does it actually cost them more to add these? If they did they would gain a lot of support and customers from audiophiles.

5. Better battery life. Nvidia has been marketing Tegra to have battery life in days, but from the Zune HD it doesn't seem to be true. Maybe those benchmarks were from just netbook/laptop batteries and not small devices.

6. Ability for users to upload personal images to engrave on their Zune rather than the ugly designs provided by the Zune store. Artwork made by people on acid, is what some would call it.

7. More apps and games

8. Better web browser

9. HDMI built-in ($90 for a dock, you got to be kidding me.)

10. Bigger screen/resolution (web browsing will benefit from this)

11. Removing the HD tag, because it was a lie like the cake.

12. Maybe a voice recorder/recognition. Would make finding songs, albums, artist, or w/e faster. I would love this. I use my Zune 30 mostly in my car on the way to class. Having the ability to stay focused on the road rather than messing around to find a song or something.

13. Support for IM apps ( MSN, Yahoo!, AIM, and 3rd parties like Pidgin) If they added this, Microsoft could milk off with a modified keyboard addon like with the 360 keypad. Of course you could only use it in hotspots, but worth it if your in a hotspot everyday and use it often.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 11th 2009 8:54PM]

I'm possitive i would only change two things. despite the tegra processor, it has frozen on me a few times. and A DAMN APPS STORE! CMON! WHAT IS THIS?! november, the date they say they are going to go into more detail about it needs to be like, ok were going to open it to everyone and everything is going to remain free.

[Average White Boy Posted Oct 12th 2009 1:49AM]

There will never been any more apps for the Zune. Developers have considered it a dead platform and not worth the effort. This will ultimately lead to the end of the Zune HD but the world will take little notice of it's untimely passing.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 11th 2009 9:58PM]

put a freekin phone in it..

[Average White Boy Posted Oct 12th 2009 1:51AM]

There will never be a phone in a Zune. Microsoft already has something called the Windows Phone in case you've missed the current ads.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 12th 2009 8:05AM]

The only reason I don't own one right now is what I would change:

Bluetooth

I cut the wires over a year ago, EVERY mp3/video player should do the same. Say what you will about quality of sound. I will never go back to wires, especially when working out. Nothing worse than getting your earbuds ripped out of your ears by your swinging arms, or for that matter the player getting thrown on the ground. Yes, there are arm bands and they do help, but with todays cutting edge technology, I think wireless should be an option.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 12th 2009 2:14PM]

First, regarding the ads (not "Adds") on game launching... I think folks are making too big a deal of this. It's no more than 10 seconds, and it's only when the game launches. Ads are everywhere (look at this web page). It's a viable solution for generating revenue that can be used to develop more advanced devices and services.

My biggest complaint is the pause behavior when watching videos. Here is the scenario: I'm watching a video but need to pause it. I hit the media button and pause the video. A few minutes later, I return to the device, hit the media button and hit the play button. But, instead of resuming the video, the device starts playing my music. Frustrating! Instead, I am expected to hit the power button, slide the lock screen up, and then hit play.

If something is paused, regardless of the type of media, hitting play should resume it.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 12th 2009 10:47AM]

capacity. 32gb...that is..um....pathetic.

Right now, I have a 30gb original zune, and I use it for music only. If I had an HD I would want it to do music AND video. Ive already got it chocked full of music at 30gb...no place for video on the new one.

I wont upgrade till it feels like an actual upgrade and not a side grade. I honestly dont give a flying donkey ball about touch screens and flashy crap like that.

[shukero Posted Oct 12th 2009 11:20AM]

Ok, I just had to say something about this.... I absolutely hate people that say this kind of stuff. You have 30gb's of music, yet you will NEVER be able to listen to it all. What is the use of having at least 20gb's of music just hanging out on your Zune's hard drive taking up space?? I'll never get it. I've talked to people that say "I listen to all of the music on there." Which is BS since there is no physical way possible without going like 30 straight days 24/7 without listening to the same song 2 times, which I've never seen nor heard. Everyone I've ever met gets hooked on a song and plays if not the same song, the same 5,10, maybe even 15 for a week or so.

There is plenty of space if you use it effectively, I have 100 songs I listen to and I still only have just about 3-4 gigs used up. Now times that by 10 and I would never be able to listen to that many songs X_X

[shukero Posted Oct 12th 2009 11:15AM]

I would first off get the apps store opened up to 3rd party developers.

Then I would shoot whoever made this Horrendous version of "IE" they call a browser. There are several things about the browser that sucks:
1) No Flash
2) Resource HOG!!! (2 hours of internet browsing and the Zune is drained of battery)
3) I go to sites that are picture rich, and after about 20 pictures the browser GIVES UP and decides not to load anymore in the interest of "Looking Fast."
4) Random Shut downs because of complex sites.

I would load something in here AKA Firefox WITH FLASH instead of this "IE" BS. It would take less resources, load everything I want it to load, and not freak out over complex websites. But I know that won't happen unless they come out with an app since Microsoft is so Protective of their "Awesomely fast and secure" browser.... Just give it a break Microsoft; there is NOTHING about IE that is fast, or safe, or even friendly.... You had to rip off of Mozilla Firefox with tabbed browsing in order to even get people to use your POS browser again.

I would also change some of the settings like the "history" and "New" lists since I like my privacy. I don't like the fact that I can't delete my history. I don't want people to know what I listen to... Get your own taste in music not mine -.-

Next is the social, since we are able to send messages to each other for music via Zune HD you should be able to just send messages. I'm surprised that Microsoft didn't include either an MSN app or just replace the whole social thing with MSN since it would probably do really well on this platform.

Last thing would be downloads. I want a browser that supports the ability to download pics, videos, and music to their respective folders. If phones can do it why not Zune HD?

Over all I love my Zune HD, but then again there are somethings that just look like they were slapped on at the last minute and didn't have much thought put into them. Since it was never demoed, I'd bet you $100 that the browser is a prime example of one of these things.

[idiotekniQues Posted Oct 12th 2009 12:12PM]

I love the size and interface of this thing, and the Zune software is great with its artist info/bio and pictures that it syncs and I have had and love ZunePass for 2 years now, etc... the screen is beautiful and video is smooth. Of course there are some things I would like added:

Hard Volume Button
Expandable SD memory card slot
App Store
Less of a Fingerprint Magnet

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 13th 2009 3:27AM]

the zune needs to add all the things that makes the ipod touch the BEST pmp out there: a good browser, good apps, a dedicated volume button, a responsive touch screen, a good music store...

yeah. fail microsoft. until you lose the microsoft points music buying system you will never have crdibility. that whole system is just designed to swindle more money out of poor uneducated users.

[glowgoboy Posted Oct 12th 2009 1:20PM]

Needs to support WPA-Enterprise.

[STURGL Posted Oct 12th 2009 1:44PM]

INTEGRATION!! Make the Zune HD (in addition to all of its other features, of course) a tightly integrated Media Center client. Allow it to show DRMed HDTV via wi-fi on that big, beautiful screen. With sound, please (seems the Zune HD can't/won't do ac3 - which accounts for pretty much all HDTV). I fail to understand why Microsoft didn't include above integration out of the box - at least for 7MC. Doing so would only expand the Media Center ecosystem, adding to its value, and hence its desirability. It could help drive Media Center adoption, just as Media Center could help drive Zune HD sales. I, for one, would buy a Zune HD if it had this capability. Without it, the product's value proposition just isn't enough for me.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 12th 2009 4:09PM]

UK release. Flash support. But mainly the UK release.

[bsnar Posted Oct 12th 2009 5:23PM]

throw a camera in there, and the rest can be fixed with software upgrade.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 12th 2009 11:51PM]

I totally wish I had a Zune HD so I could play around with it, but I guess my Zune 80 will have to do for now. I definitely like the new Zune 4.0 software features though! I did a short review on Youtube if anyone would like to see the new features.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WTbhTm54ZU

It would definitely be awesome to have a Zune HD phone.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 13th 2009 11:31AM]

I don't like the idea of my phone being my PMP and all that. I listen to my PMP ALL day long, if it were a phone it would never have any battery power. Plus compounded gadgets have a tendency to break easier.

I'd like for it to have a volume button, surf the web fluently (including playing youtube videos),

And mainly, for Microsoft to offer a freakng INSURANCE PLAN or a EXTENDED WARRANTY for it like so many other PMPs...I'm just saying...

[zabadaboum Posted Oct 13th 2009 8:55AM]

I would change it with a hammer.

[hawknj Posted Oct 13th 2009 2:32PM]

List of things it needs Badly

App Store Pretty Please
More Movie - TV Shows (when is xbox intergation coming)
Ability to make a video playlist
Amazon Unbox Support would be nice
PIM where is the PIM
Improve the browser
E-mail Support

[korvin13 Posted Oct 13th 2009 7:14PM]

In order of most important to least: An App store, 64GB version, built-in speakers, camera

[korvin13 Posted Oct 13th 2009 7:22PM]

Oh, and Office mobile would be great!

[theSAWzall Posted Oct 16th 2009 12:40AM]

Add a MicroSD memory card slot.

I also agree with the better browser and more apps. A volume rocker would also be nice.

[soren121 Posted Oct 19th 2009 4:07PM]

Better browser! If it's gonna use IE, I want them to get cracking on a mobile port of IE8, along with Flash 10.1. Otherwise, just release a C SDK for the thing so Mozilla can get Fennec on it. Or Webkit.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 20th 2009 1:45PM]

1. 3rd party app eco system.
2. Flash etc for the browser.
3. Stereo Bluetooth for headphones in the gym.
4. Physical volume rocker, using the touch screen in your pocket is difficult.

5. GPS, for navi app
6. 3G for anywhere access.

7. NO external speaker. The headphones with the volume up to 30 is more than loud enough to be heard a room with people talking.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 20th 2009 6:33PM]

MORE STORAGE!!!!!!!!!!! I dont care about internet browsing, apps, cameras, or any of that crap that is completely unnecessary. i just want an hd zune that can hold ALL my music. Microsoft has their head up their ass! They need to fire their promotions, advertising, and quality assurance teams, and higher some staff out of Apple. Apple knows all the right cards to play in the business world, the only problem is... they're Apple.

[phoghat Posted Oct 24th 2009 3:43PM]

I had a 30 GB zune for a couple of years and was waiting for the HD. I bought an iTouch instead because I wanted to be able to read books as well as using it for music and other media. I've installed ePub and Kindle and B&N software and I'm a happy guy. I waited to see if the HD would offer those options and they dropped the ball in my opinion.

[snowrid3r Posted Oct 24th 2009 4:40PM]

make it a ipod touch;)

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 28th 2009 9:36PM]

i would make a open app store with sdk. Also go to petition.com there are petitions for making a app store. Also im not spamming im for real

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 10th 2009 5:00AM]

Let's start with, making it the Xbox Portable system --- like you said Microsoft was releasing, but didn't. Make it work with the Xbox360, so if I buy movies or TV shows or what have you, I can port them off the Xbox onto the Zune. Make that Zune the backup Xbox360 hard drive so I can have games, games saves, movies, music everything. Make it my portable Xbox.

Mainly, make it ANYTHING but a failed iPod. Which is what it is. Which is why I don't own one.

[weedalin Posted Nov 20th 2009 10:10PM]

The biggest thing for me would have to be Flash.

[weedalin Posted Nov 21st 2009 12:25AM]

Just a note, you CAN change the volume and rewind/fast forward without looking at the screen:
swipe up or down for volume
swipe left to go forward a song, right to go back a song.

[eingoluq Posted Nov 28th 2009 3:52AM]

I think its a shame that they cant take advantage off the danger acquisition. It can make a great addition to their consumer services.

Think about this....
A Microsoft sidekick could have a special name attached to it. What ever it is it can start with the letter Y. a pun on the word 'you' and how the sidekicks focuses on social aggregation. This sidekicks 'Y' can also come with the same xbox avatars to appeal to people's vanity.

Now here's the killer. with a total x,y,z consumer package and marketing, consumers will recognise that the xbox, zune and the sidekick y goes hand in hand. Also if you have one device, then you have the other.

the zune hd though focused on music can have an xpad attachment for full xbox gaming, and 'y' social apps.

an xbox portable can also be a zune and xbox in one. ( ala psp go)

The sidekick y can be the device for persons who want an all in one device, phone, mp3 player and a portable gaming device. a system like that would be hard to beat. x,y,z. but then there's windows.....W?

With windows phones and even the courier, they can represent the w for work i guess. even these devices should still get similar treatment. with full w, x, y and z functionality... what yuh think?

[musicmanz93 Posted Nov 28th 2009 10:05PM]

obviously more apps, but im sure it will grow over time. adds at the beginning arent that bad and they keep them free so i dont care much about that. i just wish more people had them. also, i really want avi support. and flash support on the internet will be nice, but it could be fixed too.

[agent807 Posted Nov 29th 2009 5:23AM]

Spread the love to those with Macs, maybe? How do you think the iPod managed to become the 800 pound gorilla with its 73% market share?

[MrColtux Posted Nov 30th 2009 8:33PM]

Dont get me wrong i love the thing but i wish they would look more at Zii egg hardware and look at adding cellular capabilities
for example id add
expandable memory via a micro-sdhc slot
1080p output
a 1080p capturing VIDEO camera on the back to kill the flip cameras;)
a forward facing camera for skype and the such
a volume rocker
720p screen resolution
bettter sound quallity
cell phone capability
bluetooth

now software-wise
more apps
better codec support
a customizable eq
better web browser

[JavaLlama Posted Dec 6th 2009 4:23PM]

The internet browser is utterly bare and janky.

[JavaLlama Posted Dec 6th 2009 4:23PM]

Youtube support is also necessary to compete with the touch

[Marcel2097 Posted Dec 7th 2009 8:41PM]

The available colors and the shape of the Zune HD still look very modest to me (but somewhat better than the normal Zune). Thats what I would change.

[StarCaptain170 Posted Dec 26th 2009 1:55PM]

It’s a great device but, there always is room for improvement. First of I hate the fact that the Zune HD doesn't show the full name of a song and its artist if it’s featuring somebody else. Second a HD camera would be great also, the zune marketplace needs be available for Mac and the whole Microsoft points is annoying. Third, a few apps would be great I don’t understand why it can’t use the Microsoft marketplace. Fourth its touch screen keyboard gets annoying with the bubble keys they should just highlight or something like that also; built-in wi-fi & the ability to type in wi-fi networks would be awesome. Overall great but, it needs a little more improvement if it’s going to compete with the ipod touch