Early glimpse at Zune HD: "better" than iPod touch - Page 6

You are right about the troll thing - I retract that statement.

I have to admit that I do doubt the veracity of what he said; I have used PC's and Macs for a long time. Back in the dark ages of OS8 and 9 I switched to PC's because they were indeed more stable. With OSX however I think the tide has turned, at least from my perspective, in favor of Apple's OS once again.

see you zune

Hmm. Well, I have one. Not being a regular follower of Giants baseball, I can't say for sure what station this app typically uses... but At Bat 2009, the MLB.com app, lists the home audio for this evening's Giants - Cardinals matchup as being KNBR 680. So, now that I've paid my $9.99 for the app, I can in fact listen to the game - apparently on EXACTLY the station you wanted to listen to - for free over wireless OR 3G.

I suppose that you might not want to pay the $9.99 for the app, but I don't want to pay an extra $9.99 or whatever to get a built-in radio that I won't use. Especially since my chances of receiving KNBR via radio broadcast are pretty small here in Florida. Plus, I also get all of the other games, home or away audio, as well as a pretty damned good realtime gameday app showing AB, pitch locator, etc. I'm a Braves fan living out of their market, but I can hear them ALL using this app. From anywhere in the country. Radio won't do that.

Based on having paid for the MLB.tv service last year, I was all but certain that this app would suck as bad, but no. They must have hired someone to write it because it's good. I think it does a great job of leveraging a great interface for high usability.

Disclaimer: I do not work for Apple, MLB, or whoever coded that app. I've simply been pleased with it.

Correction - anywhere in the world using WiFi.

So is that why Windows CE phones are so much more advanced than the iPhone? Mac OS 9 is still around...doesn't make it a great OS for a media player or a phone. Both your rebuttals lead to the same point I was making originally. That is Microsoft has no intentions much less capability to lead. They can only attempt to strangle what becomes successful to make it their own. Even your OS rebuttal to the Mac is full of examples you attest to Microsoft when indeed they were developed by others prior to being incorporated into Windows. Jeez, NEXT had multi-tasking before Windows and that's what Mac OS X is built on.

And honestly...those examples (forgetting that you're completely off base on some of your Mac hardware knowledge)...do you really call that innovation (regardless that Microsoft didn't develop)? The average Joe has no idea what those are or the benefit from it. I'm talking about innovation as an industry standard. The Mac GUI, the iMac, the iPod, the iPhone...these have all caused changes in the industry as well as the consumer's conscience. BOB, WebTV, SmartWatch, Zune, Tablet PC, talking PCs, Passport, Windows ME, the 1st Edition "The Road Ahead" (ie - Gates completely dispels the Internet)...all examples of where Microsoft tried to lead and has fallen flat on their face. I certainly don't see or hear of Apple trying to build a "Zune killer"!

The only number that matters in the long run are profit and stock performance. Leopard helped build the Apple brand and market share, Vista didn't do the same for MS. iTunes and Amazon are profitable ventures, no subscription service that I know of is currently even breaking even.

If you look, it's not that many. It's just a couple that keep posting the same arguments over and over. And then they call us fanboys.

Wow..

I already knew of this product. Yes, it does cost too much. Everything Apple does seem to have a high price tag at first glance. This one does even at second glance. Based on the reviews, it is way below Apple's standards of quality. We all have our desires, and I have zero use for the photo and video side of iPod or Zune. My eyesight is bad enough already. I don't need the frustration of trying to look at stuff on a tiny screen. For me (and only me) that is just dumb. I am interested in a portable audio only device with everything but the kitchen sink in it. I posted a link in a previous message.

It's been said a couple of times, but it bears repeating:

From what we've been shown, the Zune HD is using WinCE to basically replicate the existing Zune UI with animations.

It doesn't even appear to be trying to be a Touch rival, it's more like a big touchscreen Nano.

The Touch is a general purpose computing device running a subset of a desktop class OS. The Zune HD appears to be a media player running an offshoot of a componentized, embedded OS originally designed for extremely constrained devices, which may or may not at some point merge with whatever MS is selling for a phone OS at that time.

The idea that WinCE is poised to leap forward and eclipse the iPhone OS is insane, and the Zune HD gives no reason to think that's even where MS is going, with this device.

Honestly - that Zune HD demo was pretty fucking lame. Let's just recap what the video showed:

1. Wallpaper that slides up to reveal a menu.
2. Clicks on Music to show a list of artists.
3. Plays an artist (even thought there is no audio but we'll give them the benefit of the doubt. No, scrubbing for songs, no slider for audio level.
4. View pictures - this was actually exciting, I was actually starting to fall asleep at that point, but perked up then and there.
5. View a list of videos. The demonstrator "discovers" that nothing happens when you turn the Zune sideways in this mode. Guess he figured he was using an iPod for a minute there.
6. View the radio - again no audio - I'm assuming it works, but maybe they haven't put speakers on the thing???

That was about it.

So to recap - Microsoft has demonstrated a device which can browse a few lists - but actually has no functionality at all - most notably - it does not seem to be able to play music, something which I hope is high on their to-do list. They have demonstrated a "nifty" transition between views, and a title which becomes illedgible once you enter it but that seems to be all they are bringing to the table at this point in time.

Not defending MS at all, but you hit it right on the head with the people buying a cheap computer. A vast majority of people cant afford a Mac and thus a $500 E-Machine works great for them. The problem is that you believe that if everyone could experience OS X they would switch. The only way most people would switch is if Apple made a super cheap PC at the same price as E-Machine.

When did 3G become free?

Just cos you say it Don't make it so...

Let's also not forget the iPod touch OS doesn't HAVE a hierarchical scrolling menu system - it's WAY more advanced than that!!

The iphone OS is invisible..

This guy talks out of his arse..

a long-term cost analysis of mac vs. PC is an eternal debate, and not something i'm particularly interested in starting on a friday afternoon lol...Bottom line - macs do indeed cost more upfront. However, they generally have a lower cost of ownership and much higher resale value. The intangible benefits (OSX, etc) extend the discussion even further.

In my opinion, Macs are by far a better value, even if the sticker shock turns some people off.

Edit: I'll add the following as well - I would rather go on eBay and buy a 2-3 year old mac than purchases ANY brand new windows computer. Hands down, no questions asked. That says quite a lot about the value OSX.

Or the stubbornness of the locked Apple skin.

Well we'll find out soon. Apparently they'll announce what can run on the software at E3. The other nerds I talk to seem to think what I think. But again, I added to the hearsay and I apologize.

First off - try reading through the thread. I apologized for contradicting myself by adding hearsay and guesses, but that doesn't matter to you.

Second - Like I said, don't speak about what you don't know. Go do some reading. WM apps can run on touch screens, as they have for years now. This really was a bad comment to make.

So like I said, sorry for adding to hearsay, but at least I'm not adding complete misinformation as you are.

You didn't understand what I meant. I'll explain it. See, if Apple did the same as Microsoft and gave us a glimpse of the 2009 Touch, we could compare. They haven't. So we can't. We know what's in the 3.0 update, but that's about it. Whatever awesome innovations Apple has up their sleeve, we can't speak to, and this is something a lot of people are doing.

When we know more about the new Touch, it will make more sense to compare it's features to the features Microsoft has said the Zune will have.

See, it's hard to have a serious discussion when you ignore reality. 30 million units sold isn't a "few." Besides that, do you seriously think they design these devices with the middle aged businessman in mind?

OK... You do understand it's a pain to pick that TV up and take it with you right? Having the ability to plug an ipod directly into a TV doesn't mean much compared to being able to plug a device like the Zune into any TV (even the ones designed for the iphone/ipod.) I mean, I know video cables exist, but that's standard definition.

Face it, HD video output capability is REALLY cool, and yes I do hope the Touch gets it. I'm not sitting here brown nosing Microsoft. Packard Bell could have made this thing, and if it did hat they said it did, I'd still be interested in it. It's why I'm holding out for a netbook that supports hdmi (I'd like to be able to bring my movie collection with me and display it in a reasonable way for friends on their TV's.)

glad we can agree on something.

The HD is for video also. If you notice, it will have hd out capability. Of course it's little screen isn't going to be 1920x1080 or even 1280x720. Even if they could squeeze that pixel density into a screen, would it really make a difference? Is it really bothering you that the little screen isn't HD!? At that size, even standard definition looks great.

As fas as babbling on about a product yet to be released, isn't that the norm around here? I mean, correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't there been article after article posted containing "rumors" about the upcoming iphone or touch? Give me a break. If you want to ridicule me for doing this, you should ridicule everyone else as well.


Listen, I know it's an odd concept, but I don't play favorites when it comes to technology. It may seem odd that I sit here and try to defend the positive traits the Zune HD carries against people's comments on how it sucks and won't beat the Touch 2009, but the honest truth is I couldn't care less about who made this product if I tried. If packard bell was behind the zune and announced these types of features, I'd still get stoked. I'm a TECHNOLOGY fanboy and I don't limit my preferences to a single company. That's boring and moronic. BTW I have an ipod touch 8gb. Isn't that WEIRD?


Now, to squash this. I apologize for assuming the Windows CE OS will run apps designed for Windows CE. They heavily modified it so this might not be the case, but again, it will be made clearer at E3.

I'm sorry that I said I think it seems to be a decent product and that the HD output intrigues me. I know by saying this, I did not join in with the collective consciousness around here and somehow ANGERED some folks.

I'm sorry that because I think this might be a decent product, people here somehow think I don't like the Touch, hate Apple, and want to cradle Microsoft's balls with my chin and drink their gravy.

I'm sorry that I have to say sorry when really, I see a lot worse.

If anyone like bru cp is wondering: I don't come to an Apple site to start trouble, I don't come here to defend Microsoft no matter what and bash Apple. I come here because I'm interested in Apple news just as I am with any news in technology. I try not to attack anyone for their opinion, please don't attack me for mine.

Dude maybe I was too strong I am sorry .It just seemed that you hate apple. I also wish zune the best . As you said its just a machine .

Also it is misleading to say zune hd , when it does not play hd on the zune itself .99 percent of the people will never get it . They will be fooled . Now hd out means what ??? I first put hd into the zune and then I play it on my tv ???

oops ya double post LOL

Since the day I signed up for an unlimited 3G data plan for other purposes. Because I (and every other AT&T iPhone customer, AFAIK) already have a 3G plan (and I would even if I weren't required to), listening to MLB over 3G is free. I don't pay per game, I don't pay per byte. There is no monthly fee from MLB, either.

I mean, if you are wanting to amortize my 3G plan costs over the usage share due to MLB.com's app, you might as well do the same thing for my home internet service and go ahead and amortize the cost of equipment, wiring, electricity to run the access point, etc. Or, you could look at it from the point of view of incremental cost: once I've invested in the infrastructure (iPhone 3G, dataplan), there is NO incremental cost.

Did either of those answer the question you wanted to ask?

And for anyone who thinks it won't display your hd videos on the screen, I found this at the site they set up for it:


(http://www.zune.net/en-us/mp3players/zunehd/default.htm)

So that settles the whole "I need the av dock just to see my movies" argument.

The fact there are people who think the new Zune is pretty, definitely proves the point that beauty is in the eye of the beholder; but i think those folks have a serious macular disease problem

WOW i made a post to you . but its not here ??

look i am sorry also
i was too strong . i wish zune the best .

peace ok

Anyway it looks like the zune is HD. In most ways except it can't play full HD on its screen .It would burn out the battery anyway .
But since it can handle HD files. It will or maybe will be an incredible x-box link and or an x-box lite player . << if that is true i will buy 3 right now .>>. x box has powerful data streaming thru. Halo 3 and all that .

i wish they made more mac games .

Yeah, that's what the HD out is. Lots of people I talk to love the idea of being able to carry around an hd movie collection in a small device. It might not play in HD on the screen, but it will play in HD when connected to an HD tv. So you WILL be able to watch your movies in crisp detail on the screen while riding the subway, but what's even better is you'll be able to watch it in crisp detail on a large HD tv when you arrive to your destination.

I'm constantly bringing movies over to friend's houses. I would love it if I could bring a library of digital copies in a single device instead.

dude you posted this twice
below is what i wrote above
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>repost >>>>>
Dude maybe I was too strong I am sorry .It just seemed that you hate apple. I also wish zune the best . As you said its just a machine .

Also it is misleading to say zune hd , when it does not play hd on the zune itself .99 percent of the people will never get it . They will be fooled . Now hd out means what ??? I first put hd into the zune and then I play it on my tv ???

ya double post by me LOL

It's no uglier than the first gen Touch and certainly no worse than a white moused, black and silver, shiny screened, white wired iMac.

I was making a modest attempt at humor. I would have no use for the iPhone, nor the additional expense of being able to use it. While radio has changed for the worse, it would be nice if the iPods had a built-in tuner. So far it isn't a deal breaker for the 75% of people who have iPods over other portable media devices. Guess I could just buy an AM/FM radio, but for the most part, it will not include anything to play other music. I don't wish to return to the cassette days. So far I have only seen one portable device with AM and FM. So I guess that is the one I want. Don't even get me started on Sirius XM. I could get baseball there. An iPhone app is coming, but will it get all of Sirius and XM? I doubt it will get more than is available via the Internet. So probably no baseball or other sports. I suppose Steve doesn't do radio, so why put it in the iPod? I, on the other hand, cannot imagine renting a movie on iTunes and watching part of it on an iPod. Steve and I are almost the same age, and born in similar areas. But we have absolutely nothing in common. <Grin!>

ahhhsoooo
i see. I play alot of movies on the subway . my black macbook is great compared to the old mac laptops for movies . the glossy screen does it .. But now the OLED WILL BE the future so i will wait until a large tablet or laptop 8in plus gets the OLED screen .

I have a 1080p
Aquos 32in TV i have only twice seen real HD /. Most times the TV drops down to 780 or 720. Which is still great. or so . Oddly it was a bootleg of star trek that was in HD . It sent chills down my spine . I turned it off after 5 minutes . Better to see in the movie theatre big screen .

peace dude


9

Yeah the HD radio is another feature that caught my eye. The reason is because where I live, for whatever reason, NOTHING comes in clear over standard FM. When I bought my car radio, I made sure had bluetooth and started looking at HD radio kits. It just got too expensive. If the zune hd has bluetooth, that will be cool because it means I'll finally have clear radio just as I have clear music now with my phone via bluetooth. If it doesn't have bluetooth I'll just use the auxillary input, but thats more wires.

Either way, there ARE people who will make use of these things and enjoy them very much.

and here comes the trolling bag of $hit, right on cue. On Apple's behalf, allow me to apologize for their industrial design, which, despite award after award, obviously can't please everyone.

There are a couple of very small devices you can add to your ipod that play am/fm or maybe just fm i forgot . itrip is the name ??

You can play MLB over 3g on your itouch or iphone . Well that is what someone just said above us here. So read the whole topic pages 4,5,6 and you will see.

Also THERE is away to stream internet radio to your home p/c network .and then stream from there to your itouch/iphone .

Also you can D/L maybe great MUSIC shows as a podcast ,
hundreds and play them at your leisure on any ipod model at all . or the zune .

peace

9

Now you're making up kool-aid bullsheet. What multiple awards for that current iMac design?

hey man, no need for name calling. Don't let him get you mad like that.

As far as Apple's designs goes, to each his own, know what I'm sayin? I think the aluminum MBP looks cool, but someone else might think it looks incredibly homosexual, something only gay men would want, but who cares?

teckcrud obviously prefers this design -

http://blog.pcnews.ro/wp-content/pho...4_20070807.jpg

I was referring to apple's overall record of industrial design.

http://www.apple.com/pr/bios/ive.html

The "iLamp" iMac also won awards....and for some reason I doubt anything Dell or Microsoft has designed is sitting in the Museum of Modern Art in new york.

hey man, modify your posts all you want. You're entitled to not like the design of Apple's computers. Just recognize you're in the minority.

I think he was pointing out the first generations of those products weren't the best looking. I don't see where he mentioned he liked cables lol.

I've seen that image before, and it sparked a pretty ferocious conversation lol. You have to understand each one of those computers is a tool used for different things, and when you compare them, you see the toss up for having that compact design is a more expensive cost-to-performance ratio.

Besides that, you can buy wireless mouse and keyboard using a compact usb bluetooth transmitter, and monitors with built in web cams.

I dont see how that was ever an argument. We know that it can output 720p to an external device so it was a given that those 720p files would reside on the device and play, downgraded, to the built-in display.

We all know Apple's overall design is fantastic and award winning and there is no competition. But don't be spreading bullsheet and putting down something that is not an Apple product for that reason alone. That current mishmash of an iMac is not MOMA material by far.