Zune HD - yet another entry in the journal of Apple fans vs THE WORLD!!!!!

[Sheikah]

I'm not quite understanding...why would you need HD picture on a reasonably small device?

[Jon]

I'm not quite understanding...why would you need HD picture on a reasonably small device?

 

Give this man a medal. I still can't understand people who watch videos on iPods let alone HD videos. It kinda defeats the whole purpose. I've tried it and it is not enjoyable having to squint to see all that happening. There's a reason films are made for the big screen.

[Cube]

I'm not quite understanding...why would you need HD picture on a reasonably small device?

 

I doubt that the device itself can display HD (the screen resolution is likely too low), however the HD referrers to how it can play HD content on TVs.

[Guest Jordan]

Apparently the screen will have a high resolution and it will have a mini HDMI output jack on it...

[Jasper]

That's not very good, then. TV out should be a feature, not a main focus. Or, if they do make it the main focus this could be the iPod of the future...

[Wesley]

..I don't understand your post. You say that HDMI output isn't very good... and that it should be a feature not a main focus.... but if it is a main focus it could be the iPod of the future... surely meaning it's good? I don't understand. Maybe you're being sarcastic. I really can't tell.

[fex]

This certainly looks promising. I would never / very rarely use the HDMI output.

[Wesley]

Yeah I don't really have much use for that either. Seems like something that would add expense that would go unused for me... a bit like the idea of a <insert big number x big number> definition screen. It's in my pocket for most of the time... really not much use for that.

[Choze]

Apple will kill this.

 

The harware looks good, the specs are cracking (Tegra + OLED is pretty much a garauntee of class-leading picture quality) and all in all i'm very interested. Whether or not it will click with the wider market remains to be seen.

 

It misses the point. There are phones that will do this stuff no problem. Portable OLED screens are rubbish in many ways too. Try using one in sunlight. The specs arent good enough to get the high end crowd as its using standard mobile hardware. Software will be the usual painful MS mess.

[Jasper]

Apple will kill this.

 

It misses the point. There are phones that will do this stuff no problem. Portable OLED screens are rubbish in many ways too. Try using one in sunlight. The specs arent good enough to get the high end crowd as its using standard mobile hardware. Software will be the usual painful MS mess.

 

The Zune software has been acclaimed by the public and press as pretty good. I'm not sure Apple is interested in killing off a product that nobody except Apple-haters actually buy (I've heard some people on this forum proud on 'their' zunes, but I'm sure they bought them out of spite for Apple).

[Wesley]

Really? Maybe some people's "sprite" for Apple is just their dislike. I'm sure there are a lot more Apple fans that "spite" Micro$oft,lolol.

[RoadKill]

Software will be the usual painful MS mess.

 

I don't know, embedded Microsoft stuff of the last few years seems to be pretty solid, the xbox 360 software is excellent (the same can't be said of the hardware quality at times, but hey)

[Guest Jordan]

The Zune device software can be a tiny bit laggy when you have like 70GB of music on it, like i do... but the player on the Pc? Theres a reason i completely ditched Winamp for it. I LOVE the Zune app, its one of the best applications i've ever used. iTunes feels clunky, cluttered and old in comparison... Which is why i resent ever having to use it if i buy an iPhone later this year.

[Wesley]

Yeah I was about to say, I've had no problem with the Zune software on the PC. I don't use it over Winamp though, because despite working fine, it's just... a bit bloated. I like Winamp because it's simple and text based. I used to hate, with a passion, using iTunes when I had a Mac.

 

The software on the Zune itself, has been... okay. I'd say average. It's locked up around 5-7 times with the last big update; but thankfully was fixed in an update. But then there was the Y2K9 bug for mine... which locked it up for an entire day. So... patchy at times for me.

[Choze]

I don't know, embedded Microsoft stuff of the last few years seems to be pretty solid, the xbox 360 software is excellent (the same can't be said of the hardware quality at times, but hey)

 

Try using a PS3. Miles ahead interms of Usability and UI. Takes less than afew seconds to do something and isnt complicated.

 

MS's best piece of software is Office 2007. Thier phone, online, console and OS stuff need work. Havent tried Zune. The funny thing is they have huge potential but they squander it too easily with bugs or odd choices. My HTC Touch HD is great minus the MS stuff. Seems like everyone wants to hide windows mobile... Plus it seems like you are more likely to get really stubborn bugs on MS products.

[Guest Jordan]

Try using a PS3. Miles ahead interms of Usability and UI. Takes less than afew seconds to do something and isnt complicated.

 

MS's best piece of software is Office 2007. Thier phone, online, console and OS stuff need work. Havent tried Zune. The funny thing is they have huge potential but they squander it too easily with bugs or odd choices. My HTC Touch HD is great minus the MS stuff. Seems like everyone wants to hide windows mobile... Plus it seems like you are more likely to get really stubborn bugs on MS products.

 

Windows Mobile is completely arse from what i've used of it. Hopefully WM7 will finally sort it out.

 

As for the PS3 XMB vs the 360 Dash/NXE? Are you honestly being serious? Sure the XMB looks far more prettier, but functionality wise? The XMB has to have shit bolted onto it, nothing feels unified like the NXE does.

[Wesley]

Try using a PS3. Miles ahead interms of Usability and UI.

 

 

Some would disagree.

[Choze]

It may be late lol but its much nicer than the 360. 15 simultaneous people to chat with. Can have 3 rooms for 45. Not to mention much nicer to use thanks to the UI.

 

Sooner or later cross game voice chat. At that stage there isnt any feature 360 has over the PS3. In case you have not noticed.

 

I think he approach is justified rather than cramming in every feature, nook and cranny without much though. Look at the Iphone. Slowly the features are coming.

 

The XMB has to have shit bolted onto it, nothing feels unified like the NXE does.

 

lol. The XMB has no addons its all one clean standard. No double UI like 360, no snails pace browsing or adverts in the interface lol. Not to mention the speed, clean look, excellent HD usage and lack of bugs really make the difference.

 

Quite afew developers even comment on how PS3's UI is the best. Its definitely a strong point.

[Wesley]

Okay, this has actually turned into a 360 vs. PS3 UI arguement. I can't think of anything more boring. We get it, you think the Zune's software and UI will be shit because you think the 360's is. Based on your thinking most people could make up their minds based on if they like the 360's UI I guess.

 

Annnnyway, I hope they launch Live anywhere with this device.

[Choze]

Okay, this has actually turned into a 360 vs. PS3 UI arguement. I can't think of anything more boring. We get it, you think the Zune's software and UI will be shit because you think the 360's is. Based on your thinking most people could make up their minds based on if they like the 360's UI I guess.

 

Annnnyway, I hope they launch Live anywhere with this device.

 

I am sure Zune will impress in some ways its just that its hard to differentiate as a multimedia device. The Nvidia chip interests me the most. You can do some nice things with that. MS dont have the best rep for usability though. I am sure nearly everyone agrees with that. :p

[Guest Jordan]

lol. The XMB has no addons its all one clean standard. No double UI like 360, no snails pace browsing or adverts in the interface lol. Not to mention the speed, clean look, excellent HD usage and lack of bugs really make the difference.

 

Quite afew developers even comment on how PS3's UI is the best. Its definitely a strong point.

 

You are clearly on cocaine.

 

Addons:

Information Board (as theres no dedicated news feed, its a side plugin)

Life with Playstation

Playstation Store

Playstation Home

 

Lacking:

Cross game chat

Party features (multiple cross game chat, multi invite, auto party re-entry)

Any sort of messenger addon - No the PSN one doesn't count.

A unified service: Like when Metal Gear online required three fucking logins.

 

On the point of the double UI:

An in game NXE would be completely impossible, its also far easier and faster to access certain parts via the guide button.

 

The XMB is a cool looking interface, its true. But you sir, are a relentless fanboy.

[Choze]

You are clearly on cocaine.

 

Addons:

Information Board (as theres no dedicated news feed, its a side plugin)

Life with Playstation

Playstation Store

Playstation Home

 

Lacking:

Cross game chat

Party features (multiple cross game chat, multi invite, auto party re-entry)

Any sort of messenger addon - No the PSN one doesn't count.

A unified service: Like when Metal Gear online required three fucking logins.

 

On the point of the double UI:

An in game NXE would be completely impossible, its also far easier and faster to access certain parts via the guide button.

 

The XMB is a cool looking interface, its true. But you sir, are a relentless fanboy.

 

You are mentioning some live features for an argument about UI? You sound insane for trying to say 360 UI is nicer than PS3 XMB to use lol. Yes live has some nice stuff but they dont overwrite what unique features PSN has either. PSN is also more innovative than Live. Its not like you can say Live is better with a straight face anymore. Good times.

 

Even Live focused on features has issues against PSN. No internet browser, limited netcode, ads everywhere, slow to use, slow to navigate around, lack of guaranteed HDD, player count etc. Glad PSN added cross game chat last update with double the player count than Live (15). Once they add Voice, you will be paying for air lol and a worse UI to boot.

 

Having said that even with the minor flaws there is no comparison for overall UI, usability and features. PS3 wins hands down. Its a universal opinion for PS3 owners. It has the hardware and design advantage ground up. A clean and simple UI just amplifies that. You can do what you want easily and quickly.

 

Copying Xbox UI for Zune would be funny though. Two UI, ads, RROD, bad recovery etc. lol They should make sure the thing dont go wrong though. Seems like every MS product has glaring issues. I dont think they even sell them in the UK funnily enough lol. Only hardcore Ms fans would import :p

Edited April 25, 2009 by Choze

[Jasper]

Actually, the NXE looks pretty good, works pretty similar to XMB and is actually pretty nice to use.

 

I'm starting to find it weird that people who mention Apple when talking about the Zune are getting bashed in thread titles. How can you talk about an mP3 player without the iPod? I think sales numbers seem to prove everything... But hey, don't take my word for it!

[Wesley]

You are mentioning some live features for an argument about UI? You sound insane for trying to say 360 UI is nicer than PS3 XMB to use lol. Yes live has some nice stuff but they dont overwrite what unique features PSN has either. PSN is also more innovative than Live. Its not like you can say Live is better with a straight face anymore. Good times.

 

Even Live focused on features has issues against PSN. No internet browser, limited netcode, ads everywhere, slow to use, slow to navigate around, lack of guaranteed HDD, player count etc. Glad PSN added cross game chat last update with double the player count than Live (15). Once they add Voice, you will be paying for air lol and a worse UI to boot.

 

Having said that even with the minor flaws there is no comparison for overall UI, usability and features. PS3 wins hands down. Its a universal opinion for PS3 owners. It has the hardware and design advantage ground up. A clean and simple UI just amplifies that. You can do what you want easily and quickly.

 

Copying Xbox UI for Zune would be funny though. Two UI, ads, RROD, bad recovery etc. lol They should make sure the thing dont go wrong though. Seems like every MS product has glaring issues. I dont think they even sell them in the UK funnily enough lol. Only hardcore Ms fans would import :p

 

Jesus, I don't know how old you are, but you need to grow up. Seriously, for your own sake of getting through life without being ripped off all the time. You need to stand back and realise something: they're both shit, you just happen to like one for some reason. If you go through life realises that all the options are bullshit and you just put up with one, without singing songs about it, you'll be a lot better are.

[McPhee]

calm down dear, it's just a commercial!