Zune v2: A Tale of Two Zunes

[onlygibsonsrock]

i had that 1 but it got deleted when i synced my zune were do i get it again

[onlygibsonsrock]

were did u get the background

[ThoughtsMedia]

The black background shown is one of the default backgrounds on the Zune.

- Jason

[as1rainbow]

or a tale of two ugly n bulky zunes lol : ())

[66Quotation99]

y u hating man? y u hating?

[state1alchemist]

cause he's an ipod lover.

[omgitsclassical]

wat r all the cons of the second generation zunes? thatll help a lot, thanks!

[ThoughtsMedia]

As compared to what, the first generation? The 2nd gen Zunes are better in every way...

- Jason

[raida089]

the zune 30 can play mp4 files thats the one i put on mine

[romaeshia]

im getting the 80 GB zune for ma bday nov 1 haters

[ThoughtsMedia]

Hopefully you're getting the Zune 120 instead since it's now the same price as the Zune 80. ;-)

- Jason

[xblakoutx]

zune 80 is 230 now ill probably get the 16gb its good enough for me

[bamedgar]

the 120 looks nicer than the 80, the 120 is shinny like a psp

[Atheismrulez]

No, it doesn't. It's less scratch resistant and looks less elegant because of the crappy glossy front and the plastic matte back, instead of aluminum like the 80GB.

Shiny≠better looking.

[HydrolicHoover]

Meh i got the halo 3 zune for 100 pounds i didn't really want a 80GB zune i needed a mp3 which is more superior to my 8GB nano and not have to much space

[xTartanTeamx]

I am getting a zune to the UK but i dont want to spend over 150 I could get a zune80 but then for £150 I could get a zune 30 and some over stuff what one do you recommend also If I get a zune 30 is there any accessories I should get?

[ThoughtsMedia]

I'd really recommend the Zune 80 over the Zune 30 - it's a generation of hardware newer, is slimmer, and has a nicer overall feeling.

- Jason

[xTartanTeamx]

Thanks will do

[RemoteMACE]

can you change the aspect ratio on the zune 80gb? and which do you prefer, the 80 or the 30gb zune because i am considering getting one.

[ThoughtsMedia]

No, unfortunately you can't change the aspect ratio of video playback - I'd really like to see them add this feature. I definitely prefer the Zune 80 to the Zune 30...I haven't touched my Zune 30 since getting the Zune 80.

- Jason

[RemoteMACE]

one last question, can you put upload music which wasn't downloaded on the official site?

[ThoughtsMedia]

Sure, you can put any MP3, WMA, or AAC file on the Zune, as long as it's not DRM-protected.

- Jason

[drafterdesigner]

there will be no zune touch in the future.

[ladymjackson001]

how do you use the podcast?

[ThoughtsMedia]

Download a podcast, put it on your Zune, go into the Podcast menu item, and press play.

- Jason

[techfreak243]

We need a zune touch along the lines in the near future

[ThoughtsMedia]

I agree - I'd love to see something like that...but only if Microsoft does it right - which will be a hard thing for them to do.

- Jason

[techfreak243]

it wouldn't because microsoft has its new OS Surface coming out soon with in the next few years so it may be shortly after that

[ThoughtsMedia]

Microsoft's Surface technology is based upon cameras detecting movement...it's designed for tables or someday wall-mounts - not small handheld devices. Trust me on this one. :-)

- Jason

[Deeku0]

I think it is bull that users of the first generation of Zunes get left out of all the good stuff.

[ZDoomCentral]

@Deeku0

How do you figure that? All First Gen Zunes run the same software as the new Zunes, they get all of the new features minus MP4 video due to a missing chip that was put into the new Zune. MS has done a fantastic job with updating the old Zune with new Zune features, I own both a 30GB and an 80, and the only big difference is the lack of an equalizer on the 80, and lack of touchpad on the 30.

[ThoughtsMedia]

What "good stuff" are you talking about - the touchpad? How would Microsoft give your Zune 30 a touchpad exactly?

- Jason

[mizikle101]

ipod does do lyrics u just have to do it manualyy, the only ipod i would recommend is the touch, the other ones do lagg and crash all the time,

[rpvee]

Floor models put any brand to shame. The poor Zune 30 on display at my local Best Buy is not only keeping the 80 from being displayed, but the poor thing has been on display since the Zune's release, according to an employee (one of the few people working at Best Buy who are pro-Zune). And now its center button is all messed up...

They're hoping to replace it with the 80 soon, so that the Zune name can be properly shown again at Best Buy. lol

[rpvee]

I'm pretty sure that the iPod has lyrics.

But today at Best Buy, I used the iPod Classic again, and its suddenly apparent lagging was a MAJOR turn-off. The store may have not updated the firmware that fixed the problem, but it doesn't matter, because an employee had a Zune 80, and he was kind enough to let me see it.

I am SO sold on the Zune! I'll probably be joining the Thoughts forum soon. :-)

[ThoughtsMedia]

Yeah, the iPods I've used lately haven't exactly been zippy...granted, it might not be fair to judge performance on the abused floor models, but hey.;-) Definitely stop by Zune Thoughts and join up!

- Jason

[rpvee]

For the past couple months, I've really been struggling over getting an iPod or Zune. If the Zune had lyrics and a widescreen/full screen option, I would be sold on it.

[ThoughtsMedia]

Does the iPod show lyrics and other song metadata? If so, that's cool. :-) I really want the Zune to display song metadata such as lyrics and song comments.

- Jason

[insanomonkey]

But doesn't the Zune software play mp4 files? My zune software does. I'm also pretty sure that the Zune software converts any .mp4 videos that are already in the software player to .wmv so that it will be able to play on the Zune device. Cool vids by the way, real informative :)

[ThoughtsMedia]

Yes, the Zune desktop software plays MPEG4 files, and it will convert them to WMV if need be, but the Zune 30 with the updated firmware can't play MPEG4 files directly - meaning you have to wait for the videos to convert. Glad you like the videos. :-)

-Jason

[mltk53]

hey i have one question about the difference between these. are the video-out to tv resolution the same or different?

[ThoughtsMedia]

I believe they're the same, but I'm not 100% sure.

- Jason

[mltk53]

Lmfao i love how u just kinda threw em around

[ThoughtsMedia]

Well, I didn't exactly throw them - the plastic table I shoot the videos on makes things sound louder than they really are. ;-)

- Jason

[Intec3]

zunes look a lot nicer in "person" then what they look in Tv, pictures youtube, etc, dont get confused. Microsoft did a very good job in the launch of their first mp3 player (or whatever zune is). Besides, the screen resolution is great and the sound is too.

[tanakax25]

agreed.

i walk around with my customized zune

and it gets A LOT of attention.

and everyone loves it

[xproxmetalxheadx]

i dont really like the new software... i use mp3 rocket(clone of limewire) and sometimes it will give me art work that is the same as the other artist... ex.. i downloaded a song off ozzy osbournes new album, and i downloaded a children of bodom song... it gave the ozzy song the children of bodom artwork... its happened to alot of my songs... another thing is that i cannot chang the song info as you could on the old software

[NoRogerNoFloyd]

ok, so I'm looking for some advice here; *objective* advice - not just tooting your own horn to defend what you own. 

I'm looking to buy my first player and I don't want to walk into the store and just get an ipod simply because it's what my friends and family own(continued next post)...

[NoRogerNoFloyd]

(continued)...I figure the primary reason Apple still dominates the market so much is because people do just that, not even realizing they have options. So I'm considering the Zune 30GB, but I've been reading some pretty horrible stuff about the new version 2 software - screwing up peoples' tags and album art and such. So my question is this: If I were to go out and buy the Zune right now, would it have the old software or the new software? (continued next post)...

[NoRogerNoFloyd]

(continued)...and if it has the old version, would I be better off leaving it that way, rather than updating it? I've also been reading good things about Creative Zen and Sansa, so feel free to comment on that. Thanks for taking the time to help me out.

[Headphoneguy92]

Im glad to see youre not that gullible

And, id say, that with the zune, they wish they had one...

Dunno much about creative or sansa

There is no installer CD with the zune (or so they say)

Youll have to download manually

You will NOT be able to use the old software with the zune, even if you found it...

I suggest you try the software yourself, you can download it on zune dot net

I personally have had very little trouble with it

[misteradamyoung]

the zune does come with an installer cd, i have one myself

[XcinderXblock]

i got a zune 30 for christmas and it came with an intaller cd and the old software. i don't remember if i had a choice of updating it to the new software but i think you do. i like it though. better than an ipod in my opinion. oh and i had an ipod mini, creative zen micro, AND a sansa and none of them lasted more that a year or two. maybe i just have bad luck but whatever.

[misteradamyoung]

if you buy a zune 30gb from the store it is going to have the old software, but you have to look and compare the old and new sofware to see witch you want, but you have to remember that once you upgrade you cant change it back

[kornholio360]

The Zune30 does come with a CD with the old version with the software on it (unless microsoft starts updating the CDs with the new software). You'll only have to upgrade it if you want to buy anything from the Zune Marketplace. If not, it'll be fine.

[cantstopthexbeat]

see this is why i looooove microsoft! because they offer an update FOR FREE! to allow their old hardware to still function, while with apple, if you want the newest program, you have to throw out your old ipod and buy a whole new one. thats how they (apple) get'cha. i am saving my money to get me one of these bad boys!

2:28 hahahahaha.

[soandsoproductions]

this guys stupid,, apple makes the best computers and zunes are tight...even tho apple sells waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more ipods then zunes theyre still probably cooler!!

[vtownhood]

sure apple makes the best computers but more stuff is compatible with windows

[soandsoproductions]

apple computers run both Mac OS X and Windows!

[vtownhood]

sorry i meant to say sure mac makes good software

[scottandtyler123]

i like microsoft PC's way better.... dont get all pissy or get mad at me, its just an opinion, and yes, i have used both, i guess i'm just used to windows.

[Spitfirerulzyou]

And that's why they control 10% of the computer market? There software is wretched. iPods are nice to have, but I prefer the Zune. I should know, I've owned both 80 & 30 GB video and 2GB nano. And they've all broken on me. And not because I dropped it, but due to SOFTWARE. Apple is horrible with software. The Zune is FAR more superior. It just needs to wade through the existing iPod fan boys.

[contraelgobierno]

well said

[FhireFalcon]

Zunes are hella tight!

[contraelgobierno]

me too!

[jclynch5]

how long does it take to sync it to your computer and do u have to have a certain computer?

[ThoughtsMedia]

It depends on how much content you're putting onto the Zune - the sync is quite fast over USB, it's slower over WiFi. If you're loading up a new Zune with 30 GB of content, expect it to take a while (30+ minutes).

- Jason

[vanm6n]

lol, alup62893.. no their not.. did the 3rd g nano get the new video playback the new nano has? NOPE.... thats what hes talking about, the old zune got all the new functionality that the zune 80 has.. for free.

[jclynch5]

can u text

[ThoughtsMedia]

No, the Zune is not a phone, you can't send SMS messages.

- Jason

[minh15]

You can with the iPod Touch. :D

[CDawg21]

you're so cool making an argument out of this video.

[wingscontrol]

Video will not load.

[ThoughtsMedia]

Loads ok here...?

- Jason

[misteradamyoung]

can you text with the zune80, or any of the zunes?

[ThoughtsMedia]

Text? As in, SMS messages? No, the Zune has no phone connectivity.

- Jason

[misteradamyoung]

thanx

[techfreak243]

no, u dumbass, the zune 80 is not a fucking phone, it is a fucking media player with no fucking clock, get that through ur fucking thick skull, einstein

[Alup62893]

Lies, Apples software updates are for all iPods

[ThoughtsMedia]

Really? You can take an original Nano and update the software to make it identical to the new Nano? First I've heard of it. :-)

- Jason

[Cholo005]

i saw those at best buy, THEY SUCK!!

[contraelgobierno]

hell yeah! i love my updated zune. fuck ipod, microsoft is actually considerate and giving!

[techfreak243]

u rok, microsoft owns apple and zune kix ipod ass!!!!!

[contraelgobierno]

agreed.

[sh3ikXI]

Very helpful , I was considering the old halo 3 zune,

[sk8ertic94]

when i tried updating the firmware it said i was up to date even though i have version 1.4 not 2.1 how come?

[kevnca]

It debuts Midnight Pacific Time.

[blakeschickenshack]

same thing here, only it is 12:54 PM central time on 11/13. it wont let me get the new software, and with that, the firmware. i called support but it was useless. someone help me resolve this.

[techfreak243]

if you have not installed the new software, you cannot update the firmware

[contraelgobierno]

im not sure,but u can download the new software off of the zune website.

[Travisfirepeck]

Thats the only way 2 get the software

[sk8ertic94]

u said that they are updating the old zune 30's for free..where do i do this i have the original

[ThoughtsMedia]

You'll get prompted for the firmware update...but not until tomorrow. :-)

- Jason

[sk8ertic94]

ok i tried it again today but i still dont get the prompt and when i click check for zune updates it says that i am up to date but i have version 1.4 not 2.1.

[a7xSkater456]

How long will they be letting us update the firmware?

[monkeybutler]

No mp4 support? Holy crap that ruins everything for me because i'm coming off an iPod with 100+GB of video that I don't feel like encoding to a limiting format like WMV.

[ThoughtsMedia]

If you're coming off an iPod, you'd be buying a new Zune, right? The Zune 4/8/80 all support MP4. It's just the last-generation Zune that won't support it even after the firmware upgrade.

- Jason

[Rakar]

Can you change the display aspect ratio on the Zune 80?

[ThoughtsMedia]

No, unfortunately not - I cover that in of of the other videos (can't remember which - so many!). Basically there's no zoom to fit or fit to screen function. You need to rip your DVDs with a crop/zome function before hand.

[rio2012]

Awesome. I'm going to upgrade my zune 30 with an 80gb hdd to match up with the new one.

[cellocello]

Auto-playlists? Are they supported?

[ThoughtsMedia]

Nope. That's my #1 complaint with the new desktop software. They've removed auto playlists - they were hard to use and confusing, but at least they allowed for automated sync of content.

- Jason

[BillyGun10]

Nice! I need a 160gb Zune :(

[ThoughtsMedia]

Yeah, I hope we'll see a Zune 160 sometime early next year - I think Microsoft needs to compete with Apple in that space and not let them have it.

- Jason