One of the things that constantly bugs me is the inability of nearly all players to play OGG and FLAC. Is this a CPU power issue? All I know is that it seems like something that would be trivial to add (since the decoders are all open source anyway) and a selling point for at least some people. I feel that way about them adding this support to iTunes too.
I can't say the same for DIVX. I don't know anyone who has ever demanded that feature. That's not to say it wouldn't be nice, but it doesn't qualify as a let-down to me because it was never an expectation.
Eugenia
· 3 years ago
DivX is the most common format on the internet for download (mostly illegal) videos. For many people DivX compatibility is a must. Regarding OGG and FLAC, these are just geek formats. From geeks for geeks. Most people don't know what OGG is (plus it requires more CPU power to decode and that eats battery life).
Adam S
· 3 years ago
For many people DivX compatibility is a must. Regarding OGG and FLAC, these are just geek formats.
So what? Quicktime can already read OGG and the FLAC support is available and open source and therefore can't be tough to add quickly. iTunes just uses Quicktime, seems like that part should be cake. I would imagine Zune *could* add this stuff too, and adding it makes another feature to boast of. As is, the only really exciting feature is the dreadfully named "squirting," which is crippled anyway.
Eugenia
· 3 years ago
I am not sure that QuickTime can read FLAC and OGG. It's third party plugins that enable this ability. E.g. the Democracy Player adds those and some other apps too.
And the iPod doesn't do OGG either anyway. For many companies is a requirement for engineers to not touch (L)GPL code. MS is possibly one of the major ones that do that. Be, Inc. had the exact same policy: they were not allowed to touch *OR READ* GPL code. All the posix stuff were coming from BSD. So as long some companies have this policy, you won't see OGG support. Besides, OGG is not really better than MP3, technically-speaking.
DAMN!!!!!
· 3 years ago
you know, you can always convert your music from MP3 to MPEG if that's the problem, no biggie, I can do that to most of the stuff I've gotten from Itunes
Adam S
· 3 years ago
Uh... no. Your mpegs gain the "added security" of DRM when they go onto the Zune.
Rocpuppy
· 2 years ago
You do your readers a disservice by telling them their music collection will be obsolete. If you are going to make statements like that you need to explain that it would only affect music you purchased from digital stores and NOT their CDs they have purchased in stores etc... They would not have to re-purchase their entire music collection. Very few people have purchased their entire music collection from iTunes, MSN, or any other online store. However I agree that MS should not have abandoned "Plays for Sure." It really puts people in a bad way and is another example of how big companies screw the users of their products so they can sell more newer products. Apple is no different though. Their DRM scheme still restricts users from being able to use their downloaded media between dissimilar devices.
- Roc
Rob
· 2 years ago
Obviously it wouldn't apply to music purchased offline, since those are solid hardcopies that you can rip and rerip at your liesure, so the only things left are online purchases. I'd never go near the Zune because of Microsoft's history, not to mention the bogus points system, though advantageous with Microsoft's faux currency system for *someday* worldwide ZMP revenue stream, is complete garbage on the simple fact that one can't just buy one track for .99 like iTunes, but rather MUST pay at least $5.00 for a block of MS points similar to the XBox gamertag system. Oh, and let's not forget the slightly perplexing fact that each song is 79 points, which gives the illusion of cheaper songs.
Given the fate of Plays for Sure, I see no reason to have any faith in Microsoft or the Marketplace whatsoever. Microsoft will have to establish trust for a number of years before I'd even consider bothering with their service (which I'd then use to rip the DRM off their music for use beyond the Zune). The Zune could very well become the next Gigabeat, and ZMP could very well become the next Sonicstage, only Microsoft has ONE player that works with it.
ripxrush
· 2 years ago
WOW! I definitely dont think i am intested in ZUNE @ ALL!!! i will sitck with an ipod! I think this is the 5th or so blog or artical about the zune & it had made me SURE that i want my music to play for sure! which it sounds liek if i get a zune i wont be able to! My wife has had a 4th gen ipod for well when it came out 3 r so years & has had 1 minor issue & that is the batt not holding much of a charge anymore but that is kind of expected out of rechargeable batts as far as i am concerned!thanks for your blog
rip
Harold
· 2 years ago
I don't have time to point out all the misinformation in your article, but let me pick out my favorites.
Furthermore, have you made yourself at home in Windows Media Player? Because you can kiss that goodbye too. Microsoft ditched WMP for the new Zune software. Not only that, but even if you load unrestricted files onto your Zune, they become restricted on your Zune!
Did you honestly expect Microsoft, or any company for that matter (including Apple), to include a feature in an MP3 player that allows users to freely trade songs via WI-FI?
People are already doing stuff like this on the Internet. It's called file sharing. It's illegal. That would be why Microsoft included the DRM lockdown when trading songs from Zune to Zune.
Furthermore, you suggest that all .MP3 songs added to your Zune are automatically locked down and given DRM. This is completely untrue. If you add an MP3 to your Zune and then delete the file from your computer, you can go back to your Zune and download the file and copy it in the original non-DRM state.
And, by the way, Microsoft didn't "ditch" WMP for the Zune software. It's still very much in development.
In fact, there are really *no* compelling reasons to buy a Zune. They aren't prevalent, there are no third party devices to extend its functionality yet, and investing in the "assume you're a thief" DRM scheme is risky at best.
Really? How about a larger screen, built-in FM tuner and Wi-Fi sharing. Sure can't find that on your iPod, can you, fanboy?
And don't even mention the iPhone. It's a phone, not an MP3 player, so it doesn't belong in this argument. Take away the MP3 player and what are you left with? A phone.
Adam S
· 2 years ago
Let's see what Harold above says:
Did you honestly expect Microsoft, or any company for that matter (including Apple), to include a feature in an MP3 player that allows users to freely trade songs via WI-FI?
Yes. If I have a podcast on my Zune, or a song from a local band that ISN'T restricted, why would Microsoft ADD the DRM? That's silly. Why bother allowing people to share at all if you're going to make the song shared mostly worthless? It's a joke - the "feature" isn't a feature once it's crippled.
People are already doing stuff like this on the Internet. It's called file sharing. It's illegal.
You are a zombie. File sharing is NOT illegal. Sharing copyrighted material is illegal. Believe it or not Harold, not all recorded material is copyrighted. I listed to Phish. You can freely redistribute their live music.... but not on a Zune. Microsoft has taken the liberty of assuming I'm a pirate attempting something illegal.
Furthermore, you suggest that all .MP3 songs added to your Zune are automatically locked down and given DRM.
No I don't. But if I did, it's true. It is locked down on the Zune.
And, by the way, Microsoft didn't "ditch" WMP for the Zune software. It's still very much in development.
Are you nuts? They did ditch it FOR THE ZUNE. It's in development elsewhere.
Really? How about a larger screen, built-in FM tuner and Wi-Fi sharing. Sure can't find that on your iPod, can you, fanboy?
People who have no compelling arguments resort to name calling, Harold. Those features are great, but they are only there to make up for the massive shortcomings everywhere else. Without those things, the Zune would be completely worthless.
And don't even mention the iPhone. It's a phone, not an MP3 player, so it doesn't belong in this argument.
A) Id didn't mention the iPhone.
B) You're wrong, it IS an MP3 player, arguably the best iPod yet.
Take away the MP3 player and what are you left with? A phone.
And a portable web browser. But take away the MP3 player from the Zune and what are you left with? An FM radio? What's that worth, $4.99?
Nota Sheep
· 2 years ago
Dear ismug!
I need to buy an MP3 player which is simply a flash memory card and a but of software to drive it and a shiny case with a tiny screen. I am GOB SMACKED at how much crap someone can type and spend so much time doing it, about such an insignificant piece of hardware........ if they don't feel threatened! God knows what buy, but it stores and plays music and video... from a different company. Get on with your life and use what you have and stop slagging the world off! ipods also have thier draw backs... you are STUCK with itunes and it encoding!! So Nerrrrrrr! But.... thanks for the entertainment, I will buy a new Zune in November when they are released.
Adam S
· 2 years ago
I will buy a new Zune in November when they are released.
Go ahead, your loss.
dini Mueter
· 2 years ago
I purchased a Zune two weeks ago.
Amazing screen, nice looking video - H.264, mp4. (easily converted a BluRay rip to h.264 with minimal loss in quailty.
NOTHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT. paid only 90$.
90$ thats nothing. 90$ for a portable video player.
incredible.
Dini Tante
· 2 years ago
o i forgot to mention, video converting software is available CHEAP.
convert annnnny files to Zune format, no problems.
Rklandry
· 2 years ago
I have a white 30gb zune, and its wonderful actually. I've had 2 ipods, and I like the zune much better. The fm tuner is nice. the larger screen is nice. i havent had one problem with it yet.
Zune = Poon
· 2 years ago
The Zune owns Ipod. Its a fact.
windragon
· 2 years ago
write a better argument than just the plays for sure crap and update the article based on the new zune software (which many mac fans agree is much better than itunes) and then you might be able to convince me.
yetanotherdj
· 2 years ago
next to rip, ill give you praise for such an informative article, and shun all the "non-believers!"
christmas day 2007 (which is the day im writing this): my cousin receieved a pretty pink zune. she is an average computer user, who knows not-alot of computers. and i can easily assume that most of you who wrote and complained to the writer are. ill fall into the former, as well, considering i dont much either.
to our amazement, we cannot add songs from filesharing programs; this i did not know.
we cannot add songs off of ripped cds and put them on to the zune; this as well i did not know.
we cannot sign on to the marketplace because for some strange reason, it is "not available" in "our region" (we live in san antonio, texas...this isnt exactly the middle -of-nowhere kind of town); did.not.know.
we cannot simply add said files (from filesharing or ripping through WMP) then transfer to the zune, because it is an "invalid media file"...need i say more?
what i did know? you could send music wirelessly to friends, but w/ a restriction of 3play3day-thingy (1st turned me off to it) fm transmitter, and big screen. cool.
for the average user, this is a problem. for others who know thier stuff...welp, good for you.
telling my uncle, he will return the zune and replace it with an ipod. yes, it probably is more expensive; yes, it has its share of problems; yes, anything wrong w/ the ipod & itunes services, ill probably agree w/, but the most important thing for the average user about the ipod: its USER FRIENDLY!
Mike
· 1 year ago
You most definitely can put music ripped from CDs and music from file sharing programs on your Zune. First of all, the Zune software has its own ripping system you can use, if you have not already ripped the music to your computer. But if you want to use a different program, it doesn't matter, it will still work.
Make sure your music files are in either .mp3, .wma, .mp4, .m4a, .m4b, or .mov format.
Go into the Zune software and click "settings" in the top right corner. Click "add folder" by Music. Find the folder the music you want to add is in, and click ok. Thats all there is to it.
Mike
· 1 year ago
I forgot to mention I have the 80GB Zune, and I am unsure of the difference between my 2nd gen and your 1st gen.
Dave
· 1 year ago
Lol... while I am not a novice at computers (IT consultant), I can easily say that the Zune is extremely user-friendy. This Christmas, our family purchased 5 of them. 4-30gb units, and 1-80gb unit (for me). My 11-year old opened it up, popped the CD into the computer, installed the software, and then plugged in the Zune, and began syncing her files with the software. Then, with my guidance, we proceeded to go to the Zune Social site and register her a screen name. The Zune site admirably blocked her from creating an account until a registered parent's email address and password were input by me. Then she proceeded to the marketplace to look for music and videos that suited her taste. By default she cannot download music with explicit lyrics. The same goes for my 13 year old. In addition to all of that, he received a music CD for Christmas as well, and put it into his computer, clicked on rip, and the next thing you know, he was listening to it on his own Zune...all in a matter of minutes.
The same goes for my 17 year old and my wife. The interface is simple to navigate, and we have had no issues at all with either the software, the device, or the service. By the way, none of us even bothered to read the manual...
I'm not saying everyone will have this great experience, but I am sure we aren't the only 5 people out there with a Zune that had a great out of box experience. My family isn't a bunch of computer genius geeks either. Far from it...but it just doesn't get any easier than this when it comes to getting things started with an MP3 player...
Dave
Transvinny
· 1 year ago
There must be more devices called Zune than I thought. Cause thats the only explanation for all the negative spin in this article. I'm not a fanboy of Microsoft by any stretch. I think the XBOX360 is a piece of crap with all its overheating issues. So far the Zune has proven to be a pretty reliable device. Its a far cry from that cumbersome piece of junk that apple put out. I don't understand what the gripe is with content being locked on the zune once its uploaded to the zune. Hell Itunes are DRM locked long before it gets put on the Ipod. Why anybody wouldn't be content with three days or three plays is beyond me. Do people serious watch podcasts more than that?
I've owned a zune for about three months and have been very pleased with it. I have a few minor complaints. Syncing video can be very slow. That in and of itself is understandable because of the file sizes. It could really benefit in showing a bit more feedback that everything is syncing smoothly. The percent complete readout would be better if it showed a line indicating the percent complete for the file conversion and a seperate percent complete bar for sync complete. Also art doesn't always update correctly and there is no ability to search for the correct art. To get around this I use the Windows Media Player to search for the art manually. In most cases this fixes it. The zune software isn't perfect, but I like the fact that my source files aren't DRM locked and couldn't care less about wiifi sharing and threeday threeplay limitation. I bought the thing to watch video, store pictures, and play music, not file share.
Adam S
· 1 year ago
You do realize that this was written over a year ago, when there was only Zune version 1 with many more limitations that exist today?
Luxsphinx
· 1 year ago
You do realize that this was written over a year ago, when there was only Zune version 1 with many more limitations that exist today?
Well then, let me pose you this question. Based on the current Zune hardware, software, and features, what is your revised view of the product?
noneofyourbussiness
· 1 year ago
All of my friends that own zunes belive that they are the best they use them every day movies music pictures i even had ipod fans admit the zune was better and that they would buy one when thier ipod breaks my brother sold his ipod and got one a week ago and we are borowed the cd and installed it and all of our music was synced instanly (the only reason that we didnt download it is because we are on dialup) and im getting an 80 gb the end of this april, so quit ur bitchin about microsoft you commie apple loving fag.
Adam S
· 1 year ago
It's always the completely anonymous, can't spell for shit, AOL-speak, IE-on-Windows morons who call me something completely inane like a "commie fag" simply for not liking rev 1 of the Zune. These people have no credibility, they act like complete fools and they are very likely 15 year old kids with nothing better to do with their time too dumb to realize the piece was written well over a year ago when the Zune was a complete piece of junk.
Please disregard above douche bag.
Daniel M.
· 1 year ago
This report was done in Nov of 2006 so its obvious since then Microsoft has made some dramatic changes. A couple to mention, larger hard drives in their players and a firmware upgrade to allow tagging of fm radio songs. Let me just say this. Apple's IPOD is the kleenex of portable music players but what Apple doesn't have its the worlds most prevelant operating system. 95% of the world runs on some version of windows. What does this all mean? Microsoft has deeper roots and of couse deeper pockets when it comes to developing products. At some point Apple will hit a creativity block and people will buy what ever is cheaper and user friendly. I beleive Zune will mimic their windows legacy with the Zune to create a more uniform approach. It's only a matter of time until they realize that what will sell their products. In recent times Apple has made some critcal mistakes with their iPhone, locking in with one carrier and a near unprofitable iTunes store. I 've owned my Zune since they first came out and I've never once had a problem with it. I know many who purchased DRM'ed music from Apple iTunes and dont realize their stuck with Apple if they plan to keep the files. I look at purchasing music as something you'll have your entire lifetime. They key to avoid the trap is to purchase DRM free music. I purchase all music from amazonmp3.com and on the rare occasion that they dont carry the album I'll purchase the CD, rip it, and sell it back to the store. (find a local music retailer that has a buy back program) This will force the retailers to close up shop, eleimate the distrubtors, give more funds to labels, and of course make the music industry profitable again. We need to cut the middlemen and have music files flow from the studios to the fans. Remember, sharing is one of the main focus' of Zune! It's not different than dubbing tapes or burning CD's as we used to do.
This is article is the future of music and the future of Zune!
Chris Henn
· 1 year ago
You idiot.
The Zune is a nice player, and the problems with it are not a big deal at all. Your main argument is its DRM, but its not a big deal. Its as simple as this: if you want a music collection you can depend on, you have to pirate it (or at least make sure their is no DRM whatsoever). iTunes has DRM too! Every major company is never going to accept having no DRM at all. When I tried to transfer my iTunes collection to my Linux and Windows laptop, it was locked up. But im no iTard, I found a way around it. And the way I used is just as illegal as downloading a copy of the internet, so I might have well just done that first. A music collection should stay free, and thats how I intend to keep it. I am somewhat tech savy, so I do not let the boundaries of DRM constrict me. I'd happily pay for my music, but the major digital stores dont even have all the music I want, and its all locked up if I bought it anyway.
The Zune is not a monster. It will not eat your children. In fact, its a great mp3 player if you've got half a brain to keep your music actually yours. They have come out with multiple hardware and software improvements since this was written. The interface is MUCH more intuitive then apples iPod (every review agrees) and its new design for navigation (a squircle) is awesome, and fast. Its also better for games, which by the way use the XNA developers toolkit. That means if I knew how to code a bit more, I could make my own game.
If your thinking about buying a Zune, try reading the unbiased reviews. Go to Cnet, or PCmag. Dont let Apple scare you away.
UnknownAX
· 1 year ago
Really disappointed that this popped up in my Google search.
"In short, nothing is ever “for sure” with Microsoft."
In the beginning of this article you say that for technological things you specifically choose Microsoft's products, the reader assumes that you mean this because they are superior, and guaranteed to work.
"At work, where I choose everything from a technology standpoint, we are Windows 2003 and Microsoft SQL Server, so I’m not especially anti-Microsoft."
Yet you proceed to bash Microsoft, saying that nothing is for sure.
One things for sure, you're full of it. November 2006 huh, it appears to be December 2008. "The Zune will be dead and gone within six months," you say? 2 years, and the Zune still seems to be around.
A note for everyone, I haven't decided whether to buy one or not - I can tell your for sure right now though, If I wanted a portable music device, the Zune would be it, mostly for things like this.
I urge anybody actually looking into it to disregard the above article, it's aged and not worth your time.
Adam S
· 12 months ago
@UnknownAX:
I use Microsoft products at work because they are the best at what they do. The Zune is NOT the best at what it does -- for me -- for several reasons. The first one, of course, is that the DRM is not a proven constant. The second reason is that the loading software is not omnipresent and not found on multiple platforms. And, of course, the device is not common. Two years on, I do not know even one person who owns a Zune. But I know dozens who have multiple iPods and are very happy with them.
The Zune has certainly improved quite a bit since this was written, but the *fact* is that if it weren't Microsoft behind it, content with losing money just to compete in this market, it would've been a failure long ago.
Sarah
· 11 months ago
Apple lover!
Adam S
· 11 months ago
@Sarah: That's the catch 22, isn't it? If I say the Zune sucks, I'm an Apple lover. If I sayI have problems with the iPhone, I'm a Microsoft shill. Can't win, I guess.
The rumor this week is that the Zune is going to be retired and no longer manufactured. If that's true, my point will be proven... the DRM'ed music *will* come back and bite you in the ass.
Rick Anderson
· 10 months ago
Its 2009 and Zune is still around. Its cool, its hip, it rocks! I love my Zune Original. Most of my family has one and we love it! What happend to it'll be gone in six months? Love the fact that you can now get Games on the Zune. Way cool. The new 3.0 Zune software update is awesome. Microsoft and Zune is here to stay!
All Comments
I can't say the same for DIVX. I don't know anyone who has ever demanded that feature. That's not to say it wouldn't be nice, but it doesn't qualify as a let-down to me because it was never an expectation.
So what? Quicktime can already read OGG and the FLAC support is available and open source and therefore can't be tough to add quickly. iTunes just uses Quicktime, seems like that part should be cake. I would imagine Zune *could* add this stuff too, and adding it makes another feature to boast of. As is, the only really exciting feature is the dreadfully named "squirting," which is crippled anyway.
And the iPod doesn't do OGG either anyway. For many companies is a requirement for engineers to not touch (L)GPL code. MS is possibly one of the major ones that do that. Be, Inc. had the exact same policy: they were not allowed to touch *OR READ* GPL code. All the posix stuff were coming from BSD. So as long some companies have this policy, you won't see OGG support. Besides, OGG is not really better than MP3, technically-speaking.
- Roc
Given the fate of Plays for Sure, I see no reason to have any faith in Microsoft or the Marketplace whatsoever. Microsoft will have to establish trust for a number of years before I'd even consider bothering with their service (which I'd then use to rip the DRM off their music for use beyond the Zune). The Zune could very well become the next Gigabeat, and ZMP could very well become the next Sonicstage, only Microsoft has ONE player that works with it.
rip
Furthermore, have you made yourself at home in Windows Media Player? Because you can kiss that goodbye too. Microsoft ditched WMP for the new Zune software. Not only that, but even if you load unrestricted files onto your Zune, they become restricted on your Zune!
Did you honestly expect Microsoft, or any company for that matter (including Apple), to include a feature in an MP3 player that allows users to freely trade songs via WI-FI?
People are already doing stuff like this on the Internet. It's called file sharing. It's illegal. That would be why Microsoft included the DRM lockdown when trading songs from Zune to Zune.
Furthermore, you suggest that all .MP3 songs added to your Zune are automatically locked down and given DRM. This is completely untrue. If you add an MP3 to your Zune and then delete the file from your computer, you can go back to your Zune and download the file and copy it in the original non-DRM state.
And, by the way, Microsoft didn't "ditch" WMP for the Zune software. It's still very much in development.
In fact, there are really *no* compelling reasons to buy a Zune. They aren't prevalent, there are no third party devices to extend its functionality yet, and investing in the "assume you're a thief" DRM scheme is risky at best.
Really? How about a larger screen, built-in FM tuner and Wi-Fi sharing. Sure can't find that on your iPod, can you, fanboy?
And don't even mention the iPhone. It's a phone, not an MP3 player, so it doesn't belong in this argument. Take away the MP3 player and what are you left with? A phone.
Did you honestly expect Microsoft, or any company for that matter (including Apple), to include a feature in an MP3 player that allows users to freely trade songs via WI-FI?
Yes. If I have a podcast on my Zune, or a song from a local band that ISN'T restricted, why would Microsoft ADD the DRM? That's silly. Why bother allowing people to share at all if you're going to make the song shared mostly worthless? It's a joke - the "feature" isn't a feature once it's crippled.
People are already doing stuff like this on the Internet. It's called file sharing. It's illegal.
You are a zombie. File sharing is NOT illegal. Sharing copyrighted material is illegal. Believe it or not Harold, not all recorded material is copyrighted. I listed to Phish. You can freely redistribute their live music.... but not on a Zune. Microsoft has taken the liberty of assuming I'm a pirate attempting something illegal.
Furthermore, you suggest that all .MP3 songs added to your Zune are automatically locked down and given DRM.
No I don't. But if I did, it's true. It is locked down on the Zune.
And, by the way, Microsoft didn't "ditch" WMP for the Zune software. It's still very much in development.
Are you nuts? They did ditch it FOR THE ZUNE. It's in development elsewhere.
Really? How about a larger screen, built-in FM tuner and Wi-Fi sharing. Sure can't find that on your iPod, can you, fanboy?
People who have no compelling arguments resort to name calling, Harold. Those features are great, but they are only there to make up for the massive shortcomings everywhere else. Without those things, the Zune would be completely worthless.
And don't even mention the iPhone. It's a phone, not an MP3 player, so it doesn't belong in this argument.
A) Id didn't mention the iPhone.
B) You're wrong, it IS an MP3 player, arguably the best iPod yet.
Take away the MP3 player and what are you left with? A phone.
And a portable web browser. But take away the MP3 player from the Zune and what are you left with? An FM radio? What's that worth, $4.99?
I need to buy an MP3 player which is simply a flash memory card and a but of software to drive it and a shiny case with a tiny screen. I am GOB SMACKED at how much crap someone can type and spend so much time doing it, about such an insignificant piece of hardware........ if they don't feel threatened! God knows what buy, but it stores and plays music and video... from a different company. Get on with your life and use what you have and stop slagging the world off! ipods also have thier draw backs... you are STUCK with itunes and it encoding!! So Nerrrrrrr! But.... thanks for the entertainment, I will buy a new Zune in November when they are released.
Go ahead, your loss.
Amazing screen, nice looking video - H.264, mp4. (easily converted a BluRay rip to h.264 with minimal loss in quailty.
NOTHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT. paid only 90$.
90$ thats nothing. 90$ for a portable video player.
incredible.
convert annnnny files to Zune format, no problems.
christmas day 2007 (which is the day im writing this): my cousin receieved a pretty pink zune. she is an average computer user, who knows not-alot of computers. and i can easily assume that most of you who wrote and complained to the writer are. ill fall into the former, as well, considering i dont much either.
to our amazement, we cannot add songs from filesharing programs; this i did not know.
we cannot add songs off of ripped cds and put them on to the zune; this as well i did not know.
we cannot sign on to the marketplace because for some strange reason, it is "not available" in "our region" (we live in san antonio, texas...this isnt exactly the middle -of-nowhere kind of town); did.not.know.
we cannot simply add said files (from filesharing or ripping through WMP) then transfer to the zune, because it is an "invalid media file"...need i say more?
what i did know? you could send music wirelessly to friends, but w/ a restriction of 3play3day-thingy (1st turned me off to it) fm transmitter, and big screen. cool.
for the average user, this is a problem. for others who know thier stuff...welp, good for you.
telling my uncle, he will return the zune and replace it with an ipod. yes, it probably is more expensive; yes, it has its share of problems; yes, anything wrong w/ the ipod & itunes services, ill probably agree w/, but the most important thing for the average user about the ipod: its USER FRIENDLY!
Make sure your music files are in either .mp3, .wma, .mp4, .m4a, .m4b, or .mov format.
Go into the Zune software and click "settings" in the top right corner. Click "add folder" by Music. Find the folder the music you want to add is in, and click ok. Thats all there is to it.
The same goes for my 17 year old and my wife. The interface is simple to navigate, and we have had no issues at all with either the software, the device, or the service. By the way, none of us even bothered to read the manual...
I'm not saying everyone will have this great experience, but I am sure we aren't the only 5 people out there with a Zune that had a great out of box experience. My family isn't a bunch of computer genius geeks either. Far from it...but it just doesn't get any easier than this when it comes to getting things started with an MP3 player...
Dave
I've owned a zune for about three months and have been very pleased with it. I have a few minor complaints. Syncing video can be very slow. That in and of itself is understandable because of the file sizes. It could really benefit in showing a bit more feedback that everything is syncing smoothly. The percent complete readout would be better if it showed a line indicating the percent complete for the file conversion and a seperate percent complete bar for sync complete. Also art doesn't always update correctly and there is no ability to search for the correct art. To get around this I use the Windows Media Player to search for the art manually. In most cases this fixes it. The zune software isn't perfect, but I like the fact that my source files aren't DRM locked and couldn't care less about wiifi sharing and threeday threeplay limitation. I bought the thing to watch video, store pictures, and play music, not file share.
Well then, let me pose you this question. Based on the current Zune hardware, software, and features, what is your revised view of the product?
Please disregard above douche bag.
This is article is the future of music and the future of Zune!
The Zune is a nice player, and the problems with it are not a big deal at all. Your main argument is its DRM, but its not a big deal. Its as simple as this: if you want a music collection you can depend on, you have to pirate it (or at least make sure their is no DRM whatsoever). iTunes has DRM too! Every major company is never going to accept having no DRM at all. When I tried to transfer my iTunes collection to my Linux and Windows laptop, it was locked up. But im no iTard, I found a way around it. And the way I used is just as illegal as downloading a copy of the internet, so I might have well just done that first. A music collection should stay free, and thats how I intend to keep it. I am somewhat tech savy, so I do not let the boundaries of DRM constrict me. I'd happily pay for my music, but the major digital stores dont even have all the music I want, and its all locked up if I bought it anyway.
The Zune is not a monster. It will not eat your children. In fact, its a great mp3 player if you've got half a brain to keep your music actually yours. They have come out with multiple hardware and software improvements since this was written. The interface is MUCH more intuitive then apples iPod (every review agrees) and its new design for navigation (a squircle) is awesome, and fast. Its also better for games, which by the way use the XNA developers toolkit. That means if I knew how to code a bit more, I could make my own game.
If your thinking about buying a Zune, try reading the unbiased reviews. Go to Cnet, or PCmag. Dont let Apple scare you away.
"In short, nothing is ever “for sure” with Microsoft."
In the beginning of this article you say that for technological things you specifically choose Microsoft's products, the reader assumes that you mean this because they are superior, and guaranteed to work.
"At work, where I choose everything from a technology standpoint, we are Windows 2003 and Microsoft SQL Server, so I’m not especially anti-Microsoft."
Yet you proceed to bash Microsoft, saying that nothing is for sure.
One things for sure, you're full of it. November 2006 huh, it appears to be December 2008. "The Zune will be dead and gone within six months," you say? 2 years, and the Zune still seems to be around.
A note for everyone, I haven't decided whether to buy one or not - I can tell your for sure right now though, If I wanted a portable music device, the Zune would be it, mostly for things like this.
I urge anybody actually looking into it to disregard the above article, it's aged and not worth your time.
I use Microsoft products at work because they are the best at what they do. The Zune is NOT the best at what it does -- for me -- for several reasons. The first one, of course, is that the DRM is not a proven constant. The second reason is that the loading software is not omnipresent and not found on multiple platforms. And, of course, the device is not common. Two years on, I do not know even one person who owns a Zune. But I know dozens who have multiple iPods and are very happy with them.
The Zune has certainly improved quite a bit since this was written, but the *fact* is that if it weren't Microsoft behind it, content with losing money just to compete in this market, it would've been a failure long ago.
The rumor this week is that the Zune is going to be retired and no longer manufactured. If that's true, my point will be proven... the DRM'ed music *will* come back and bite you in the ass.
Microsoft and Zune is here to stay!