Hands-on with the Zune HD (Part 2)

We're at present a few days into the Zune HD (read Part i here) and we're more than certain of this than ever: It is not gunning for the iPod Affect. It is non a PDA. It is not a smartphone with the radio yanked out.

Information technology is, nevertheless, a boot-arse MP3 histrion, with potential on the software side for much more than.

Picket our brief hands-on video above, and join u.s.a. later the break for a wait at what Microsoft got right, and what leaves u.s.a. wanting.

This is non a smartphone-light

A reminder that we're looking at the Zune HD from the Windows Mobile perspective in hopes of getting a glimpse at what nosotros may see in a hereafter operating system. Only first, a few major items that are missing from the Zune that keep it far from the smartphone category:

• E-mail client: Nowhere to be found.
• Contact director: Nope.
• GPS: Can't find it.
• Bluetooth: Nada.
• Apps: OK, there are ix right now, all developed by Microsoft (and sporting pre-roll ad). Microsoft has opened things up a little, in the XNA-framework.
• Telephone radio: Yep, kinda important.

So, yeah. This is an MP3 player with a killer user interface.

What we're non crazy about

Look, people are griping nearly the lack of apps currently bachelor for the Zune Hard disk drive. And we experience their pain (but are enjoying Texas Hold 'Em). We're more concerned about load time. Ten to 15 seconds to load an app is not skillful, specially given the Tegra processor. Only we'd await things to get better in the coming months.

The browser, based on mobile IE6, is functional, but not great. The keyboard isn't terrible and will get better with use. Simply pages are slow to load.

While syncing media is easy to do (more than on that in a minute), podcasts tin only be moved to the device via the desktop software. That'due south no good. We need to exist able to do and so via WiFi, just like other media on the device.

Oh, and speaking of podcasts, you tin subscribe to the WMExperts Podcast with the Zune software by clicking this link. (We're still working on getting added to the Marketplace — experience complimentary to suggest united states!)

What'south done correct

Kickoff and foremost: The operating system is smooth as butter. We're that impressed with information technology. If this isn't what Windows Mobile 7 looks similar — no taskbars, seamless transitions — we're going to be very, very disappointed in you, Microsoft.

Media playback is as information technology should exist as well. There's no sign of the usual Windows Media Thespian clunkiness. Information technology just works.

Marketplace integration is very good. It'south artsy, and the music and selections aren't bad at all. Transferring material over WiFi isn't the quickest, though that'south that exist expected. Simply that leads us to ...

The desktop software is top-notch, as it has been for the Zune for some time now. Again, none of the usual headaches nosotros're used to with ActiveSync. It merely works.

These are the biggest things we hope to see make the bound to Windows Mobile in the adjacent year or so.

And not to be forgotten is the hardware quality. It's as good every bit whatsoever Windows phone we've had, and nosotros're excited about (and here nosotros are starting this flame war once again) getting to utilize capacitive screens, finally. And the OLED is to be written home about.

The bottom line

The Zune HD isn't a telephone. It isn't a PDA. And information technology's not trying to be either. Merely it is a killer MP3 player with a killer UI, and nosotros're chomping at the flake to get it and the multimedia playback in Windows Mobile.

It'southward time, Microsoft.

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Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/hands-zune-hd-part-2

Posted by: patelcomple.blogspot.com

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