you have to browse to the marketplace with the Zune software.

http://www.zune.net/en-us/products/learningcenter/zuneplayers/whattodo/hdapps.htm

[Edited on December 28, 2009 at 2:27 PM. Reason : .]

12/28/2009 2:25:36 PM

Just got mine for Xmas. I'm loving it so far. Integration with the 360 is slick. And Zune pass is really cool. Wish it worked with video.

12/28/2009 3:48:22 PM

^^ I didn't mean where can I find them, I meant why aren't there more of them yet.

12/29/2009 5:09:48 PM

does the integration with the xbox360 also have a feature like the Remote app on iPhone/iPod touches? That would be awesome if it did. My xbox is behind my TV so i don't have line of site so my media remote is rendered useless...would be nice to use something else other than the controller.

12/29/2009 5:19:39 PM

Picked a 32GB up yesterday. I wish it recorded FM like my crummy old Sansas did

1/1/2010 12:29:26 PM

Already won't power on
It's been in my possession 48 hours, wtf?

1/2/2010 7:05:22 PM

fl33twud?

1/2/2010 7:16:08 PM

Killed an 8GB Sansa earlier last week, not a good look. Wonder if one of those 64GB iTouch things has a radio yet?

1/2/2010 7:24:25 PM

how did you manage to kill the zune?

i love the zune artwork, thats my theme on win7 right now

1/2/2010 7:37:10 PM

Last it ran was Wifi from Concord Mills Mall (Charlotte). No hacks, no tricks, just disappointment.

1/2/2010 9:00:32 PM

Quote :

"does the integration with the xbox360 also have a feature like the Remote app on iPhone/iPod touches? That would be awesome if it did. My xbox is behind my TV so i don't have line of site so my media remote is rendered useless...would be nice to use something else other than the controller."

The integration with 360 is simply with my catalog and wireless sync. It was neat sitting on my couch, tagging a song for download, and then playing it from my 360 w/o getting up from the couch.

-----
Are you supposed to be able to play and sync videos that you've downloaded from the 360? I've tried deleting them and re-downloading them or browsing directly to them in the Zune Marketplace but I can't figure this out. I've already bought some episodes of South Park from the 360 marketplace before I got the Zune and would like to put them in my collection.

1/4/2010 11:55:34 AM

Zune Pass has me a little confused.

I bought an album using Microsoft Points, I get that, it's mine.

But I also downloaded way more than 10 already this month without paying anything per song. How do I know which are mine and which are not? If I cancel my Zune Pass, the next time that I sync they'll just disappear?

1/8/2010 8:33:24 AM

I don't know if there's a way to tell through Zune Player but in the Zune directory, they are stored in a different spot.

Your songs won't vanish either, they'll just be unplayable when your subscription time runs out.

1/8/2010 10:23:12 AM

FYI, Zune is getting xvid support and Smart DJ (aka Genius) that works locally and from the cloud.

http://gizmodo.com/5446191/zune-hd-firmware-update-bringing-xvid-and-streaming-playlists-in-spring

1/13/2010 4:32:38 AM

^I thought it always had Smart DJ?

1/13/2010 10:49:46 AM

Zune PC player does, the ZuneHD didn't.

1/13/2010 10:53:42 AM

http://www.naughtyspawn.com/index.php/2010/01/03/zune-hd-left-out-in-the-cold-this-holiday-season

2/4/2010 1:08:45 PM

^Doesn't seem like much of a surprise to me.

2/4/2010 1:22:37 PM

I thought people were craving more specialized devices with unique subset of features?

Zune HD was designed to be a PMP
iPod touch was designed to do it all (granted not everything great, just well)

I think it's clear people want to do more with their devices. People want email, calendar support, a good web surfing experience, apps support, etc. on their mp3 player. The Zune has less than 10 apps, barely any games that take advantage of what it COULD do, no email, no calendar support. Not a great web surfing experience. I could go on.

Of course there's also the, "because my friend" has it affect. Which I think people drastically underestimate.

Again, the only reason why I didn't buy a Zune HD is because I am probably getting a smartphone and granted the unique subset of features are cool for the Zune, I really don't want another device. I'd rather have a device that does everything well.

^^also that article is misleading to some degree. if you narrow it to mp3 players:
#14 & #21 are hardly the "bottom"
http://bit.ly/dC8vbm

[Edited on February 4, 2010 at 2:04 PM. Reason : m]

2/4/2010 1:59:31 PM

yes the Clip Plus 4 GB MP3 Player (Black), SanDisk(R) Sansa(R) Clip+ 8GB MP3 Player (Black), SanDisk Sansa Fuze 8 GB Video MP3 Player (Silver), and 8 GB MP4/MP3 Player with FM Radio, Camera, Voice Recorder, USB Portable, and 2.8-inch Touchscreen are all such powerhouses in the mp3 market.

this is even after a price cut...

2/4/2010 2:35:30 PM

goes back to my point that it doesn't do enough for the price, people would rather:

a) buy a device that does more.
b) buy a cheaper device that just plays music.

out of 2,000 mp3 players on amazon, 2 devices in top 25 is hardly the bottom. granted the #'s for the top 10 probably outsell the remaining 1,990 devices listed...

[Edited on February 4, 2010 at 2:43 PM. Reason : .]

2/4/2010 2:42:38 PM

ZunePass was the clincher for me. I don't care how well it sells. The marketplace will be there as long as Microsoft exists. 15 bucks a month for unlimited music+10 songs to keep is pretty tight.

Not enough people know about it.

2/4/2010 3:49:09 PM

^ what he said.

2/4/2010 5:10:22 PM

^^ and ^ doesn't that model already existed that plenty of people are aware of? Subscription services aren't new by any means.

I remember back in the day how hard Best Buy was pushing free trial accounts for customers to Rhapsody, etc.

[Edited on February 4, 2010 at 5:17 PM. Reason : .]

2/4/2010 5:16:46 PM

Quote :

"I thought people were craving more specialized devices with unique subset of features? Zune HD was designed to be a PMP iPod touch was designed to do it all (granted not everything great, just well) I think it's clear people want to do more with their devices. People want email, calendar support, a good web surfing experience, apps support, etc. on their mp3 player. The Zune has less than 10 apps, barely any games that take advantage of what it COULD do, no email, no calendar support. Not a great web surfing experience. I could go on."

The difference (so far) is the marketplace. the iPod has a rich app marketplace, the Zune doesn't. That has nothing to do with specialized devices arguments. The iPod touch and the Zune are the same class of devices. Neither is more or less generalized. The difference is the content availability. Hence why it's not surprising to me that the Zune has slipped. There still isn't a healthy marketplace.

Quote :

"^^ and ^ doesn't that model already existed that plenty of people are aware of? Subscription services aren't new by any means. I remember back in the day how hard Best Buy was pushing free trial accounts for customers to Rhapsody, etc."

There has never been another subscribe+keep model that I'm aware of, and Rhapsody (and Napster and the rest) were bound to software. You could only use them on laptop/desktops, not portable, not transferrable. Big difference

2/4/2010 6:03:32 PM

Quote :

"There has never been another subscribe+keep model that I'm aware of, and Rhapsody (and Napster and the rest) were bound to software. You could only use them on laptop/desktops, not portable, not transferrable. Big difference"

You could legally and without hoop jumping transfer your music from Rhapsody to Rhapsody friendly MP3 players.

The keep model isn't a big deal, its the subscription itself that sells. The +keep model is like the 'buy this bag of chips with an extra 25% chips' when really its an extra 25% of air filling the bag.

Quote :

"The iPod touch and the Zune are the same class of devices. Neither is more or less generalized. The difference is the content availability. Hence why it's not surprising to me that the Zune has slipped."

Does the Zune have native exchange support, email client etc? I don't know the answer to that so I'm just asking.

[Edited on February 4, 2010 at 6:08 PM. Reason : .]

2/4/2010 6:07:44 PM

Quote :

"Does the Zune have native exchange support, email client etc? I don't know the answer to that so I'm just asking."

No email. (except via browser) No calendar. No maps. No address book. 3 apps. 13 games.

Quote :

"The iPod touch and the Zune are the same class of devices. "

I know that's the point, they are both touchscreen music/video players. One has a unique subset of features catering to HD video, hooking it up to an HDTV, HD radio, OLED screen, 720p support, tegra chipset for higher quality gaming. It's clear it's aimed to be a PMP device. The iPod touch has email, exchange support, calendar, contacts, maps, 140,000+ apps. It's clear it's more multi-purpose for the general consumer, an all-in-one device.

I agree with you at that the MAIN difference is content. I'd argue that people though would rather have basic features like email, calendar, & contact support before they'd want 720p support to stream to their HDTV, or HD radio ability. It's too narrow.

2/4/2010 6:28:32 PM

^ and ^^

There's nothing stopping someone from creating Mail, Calendar et al integration with a Zune app. It just hasn't happened yet. Unlike the iPhone, there's almost nothing in terms of platform limitations on the zune. Background processes are possible, native API access is possible.

Just without a distribution mechanism, and without a monetary incentive, it's not really a viable ecosystem yet.

Once (if?) the doors open to creating Zune apps, I'd imagine Outlook/Exchange will be one of the first big waves of content developed.

2/4/2010 7:13:50 PM

I'm considering upgrading my Zune to the HD but I was wondering what's the chance that websites will make apps for the Zune similar to what's available for the iPod these days? My friend was showing me some of the apps she uses on her iPod (allrecipes.com, document reader, theknot.com, blah blah blah) and I have to admit it got me interested in having those sorts of programs. But so far it looks like not much is going on development-wise for Zune apps. Does Microsoft have a plan for changing this?

Also, what are the chances of Microsoft having an Outlook lite for the Zune? I'm guessing pretty slim but I'd love a way to upload a basic version of my Outlook calendar onto my Zune

2/11/2010 4:08:24 AM

If you're banking on the Zune coming anywhere close the level of app support that the iPhone/Android/WebOS phones have ... then go perform a withdrawal and spend your money elsewhere.

2/11/2010 6:47:44 AM

That's what I was afraid of I really like my current Zune a lot more than similar iPods but the apps are probably enough to have me switch to Apple.

2/11/2010 8:58:40 PM

I'd give it a little more time

2/11/2010 9:53:52 PM

the screen on this thing is awesome...but i've only seen it over other people's shoulder while theyre using it

i still want to play with one

2/11/2010 10:02:23 PM

^^ How much time are we talking? I'm not really willing to wait a couple years to upgrade my player. More like in July I'll make the decision

2/11/2010 10:58:28 PM

^If I was a betting man I'd say at the very least a couple of years for it to become remotely a popular platform for developers and easy for distribution.

2/12/2010 10:09:37 AM

^^^
Bring your own headphones (don't want to stick other peoples grungy earbuds in your ear) and ask them if you can play Audiosurf. Pick a song that doesn't suck. Enjoy.

[Edited on February 12, 2010 at 10:14 AM. Reason : .]

2/12/2010 10:10:47 AM

^^I'd take that bet. I don't think two ears is remotely accurate

2/12/2010 11:55:20 AM

Well I automatically win that bet because I said years not ears

also it depends...if MS releases a Zune Phone then that changes the playing field but if things remain constant as they are now then two years is not that inaccurate.

[Edited on February 12, 2010 at 12:01 PM. Reason : .]

2/12/2010 12:00:47 PM

I guess we'll find out one way or another on Monday

2/12/2010 1:37:38 PM

other than it's not a zune......

it still has zune disease

even "If they can deliver on the promises of 7 Series"

good luck with that, this is more of a blackberry 'threat' than a Iphone 'threat'

2/18/2010 2:28:57 PM

Quote :

"also it depends...if MS releases a Zune Phone then that changes the playing field but if things remain constant as they are now then two years is not that inaccurate."

Well so much for hopes of a Zune Phone...sigh

2/18/2010 3:07:10 PM

uhhh, it is a zune phone. Lord you guys are dense.

2/18/2010 6:09:43 PM

Samsung Zune Phone?

Interesting...I thought Zune was a Microsoft only product *shrug*

2/18/2010 6:55:43 PM

Golovko

Quote :

"If I was a betting man I'd say at the very least a couple of years for it to become remotely a popular platform for developers and easy for distribution."

Your original bet was in regards to the platform, not in regards to a device. The Windows Phone OS 7 is the Zune UI on a phone platform.

Quote :

"Microsoft is set to officially release most of these details at the Mix 2010 developers conference (March 15-17)"

In March we'll see the platform dev details released and see how "popular" it will become. Considering these devices won't even hit the market until holiday of 2010, Golovko might be close to the 2 years it'll take to gain momentum.

[Edited on February 18, 2010 at 7:10 PM. Reason : .]

2/18/2010 7:07:46 PM

Quote :

"Well so much for hopes of a Zune Phone...sigh"

This is not a "Zune Phone"

While my comment 'if i was a betting man...' was indeed the platform. An actual piece of hardware called a Zune Phone does not exist and was not announced. Hence my comment above. Read. Comprehend. Respond.

If I put Mac OS X on a PC laptop it does not become a Macbook Pro.

[Edited on February 18, 2010 at 7:11 PM. Reason : .]

2/18/2010 7:10:43 PM

Yes the name is not "Zune Phone".

Microsoft comes out with the platform, they require strict hardware requirements, MULTIPLE manufacturers create the hardware. Guess what, the Google Nexus One is NOT MADE BY GOOGLE.

Only Apple & Palm were dumb enough to limit their platform to "their" hardware, which is essentially the same model only sole-sourced so they can put their name on it.

I don't really see why the fact that it's not sole-sourced "Zune Phone" has ANYTHING to do with your original point about content delivery on a platform. This is still a game changer.

[Edited on February 18, 2010 at 7:18 PM. Reason : .]

2/18/2010 7:16:53 PM

Quote :

"Microsoft comes out with the platform, they require strict hardware requirements, MULTIPLE manufacturers create the hardware. Guess what, the Google Nexus One is NOT MADE BY GOOGLE. Only Apple & Palm were dumb enough to limit their platform to "their" hardware, which is essentially the same model only sole-sourced so they can put their name on it."

Thank you captain obvious! Did you just now discover this fact about the Nexus One?

Also on your 'strict hardware requirements'. While I, too, blow a load on knowing how uber the hardware is UNDER the hood of my mobile phone like the next geek. I also care about the quality and aesthetics/design on the outside just as much. While I had faith in Microsoft to create such a thing...I do not carry the same faith in these other manufacturers since they've yet to create anything note worthy inside and out.

Also...LOL @ this

Quote :

"Only Apple & Palm were dumb enough to limit their platform to "their" hardware"

I agree 100% with you on Palm being dumb. But we'll just let Apple's success with the iPhone (and notebooks, and iPods) speak for their 'stupidity' and let Google Fail and Windows Blows Mobile (pre 7) speak for themselves...k?

Also, why are you bringing Apple and Palm into this thread anyway? There is a place for that...Zune HD is not it.

Quote :

"I don't really see why the fact that it's not sole-sourced "Zune Phone" has ANYTHING to do with your original point about content delivery on a platform. This is still a game changer."

Before you hurt yourself....it has NOTHING to do with it. One comment has nothing to do with the other... /facepalm

When I say "Zune Phone" it means a Zune HD that makes phone calls NOT the platform Windows POS 7 or whatever its dubbed.

[Edited on February 18, 2010 at 7:28 PM. Reason : .]

2/18/2010 7:21:53 PM

Quote :

"While I had faith in Microsoft to create such a thing...I do not carry the same faith in these other manufacturers since they've yet to create anything note worthy inside and out."

In the other thread, you said you liked the demo unit which was made by one of those very manufacturers. Also, I'm not sure it's fair to compare the units developed for phone operating systems that had primitive-at-best touchscreens to something designed to be primarily driven by touching a screen like almost all previous Windows Mobile devices.

Like, the HTC Touch Pro 2 looks pretty sweet, but it's not going to be as sleek as an iPhone because of the keyboard.

2/18/2010 7:35:05 PM

Quote :

"In the other thread, you said you liked the demo unit which was made by one of those very manufacturers. Also, I'm not sure it's fair to compare the units developed for phone operating systems that had primitive-at-best touchscreens to something designed to be primarily driven by touching a screen like almost all previous Windows Mobile devices. Like, the HTC Touch Pro 2 looks pretty sweet, but it's not going to be as sleek as an iPhone because of the keyboard."

I've seen other touch screen phones, OS aside...the phone itself is hideous. I wasn't implying that Windows POS 7 sucks in anyway...like i said previously it looks awesome. My comment in THIS thread is that I didn't get a Zune branded phone, an additional member to the Zune family which this OS is not. Its just an OS.

There is nothing to read into or discuss about my comment...I wanted a Zune phone...I did not get it. case closed.

[Edited on February 18, 2010 at 7:39 PM. Reason : .]

2/18/2010 7:38:34 PM

Just for the record, there's nothing that says you aren't yet. For all we know, MS could come out and brand one at launch as their flagship phone.

I don't particularly think they will, but who knows.

2/18/2010 7:45:02 PM