The Zune HD has landed. That seemed like an odd thing to get excited about, but in the months leading up to its release the device managed to build up a lot of positive attention, especially combined with the generally positive vibe that Microsoft has created around Windows 7.
This is the sort of device that it will take some time to deliver judgment upon, as well as one that individual preference plays a large part in deciding how good of a choice it is. The Zune HD is still in its infancy and while the initial days were tough on the device, it has some serious potential. This review goes over what I’ve seen so far, but points will be subject to change as more apps are released and other aspects of the device progress.
The highs
•The hardware
The Zune HD come wrapped in excellent hardware. It has a sleek but sturdy design, a brushed metal back, and cool details like the “hello from seattle” tag line written on its side. At 4.08×2.1×0.35-inches and 2.6-ounces it is both smaller and lighter than the iPod touch (not quite as thin though). Its three buttons feel great and the headphone jack is located on the bottom so you can easily grabbing it from a pocket. The connector feel stiff on the device side, but it has wireless syncing so that’s not a big deal.
•The power
The Zune HD is the first device to use Nvidia’s Tegra platform. This probably isn’t something that most users care about, but what is means is that the Zune HD is a surprisingly capable device. It can out video through HDMI, plus it can save and then playback 720p video. The device itself is fast and responsive, and the controls feel totally fluid.
•The OLED display
The 3.3-inch display is the star on top of the Zune HD. It runs at 480×272, it’s touch sensitive, and it supports multi-touch. Plus, most importantly, its looking incredibly good. The size means it’s not quite at good on the web as the touch, but it’s great for media.
syncing
The Zune HD can sync with your computer over wireless b/g. It’s not super fast, but it’s generally better than plugging in. It had no problem connecting with my router and supports WPA2.
•Zune Pass
For $14.99 a month not everyone will want to buy in, but you get a lot of music available to you plus 10 free songs a month. It’s a good deal.
The lows
•Out of the box experience
The device has already been here panned for it’s out-of-the-box experience. In addition to not arriving as functional some people might like, Zune.net was down for a bit, delaying the setup for early buyers. The packaging is very nice and holding the device for the first time is exciting, but once you start it up the issues start. You need to connect it to your computer, get the Zune 4.0 software (a huge file), setup a Zune account, and so on. This hurts the initial impressions and dampens much of the excitement that you might have had. It’s not a catastrophe the the process could be streamlined.
•Setting it up with your content (and the software)
The Zune 4.0 software is a but convoluted and relies heavily on nested menus. If you have been using a Zune for some time, it’s probably second nature by this point, but if you are coming from iTunes, or something like it, it takes some time to get used to. It feels cumbersome to work with and setup. This is especially true if you have an existing music/video/podcast management system in place as it will basically have to piggyback on top of. It should be said that Microsoft does offer a lot of options so that the setup seems like a lot of take in, especially when you are working on your wireless syncing, Xbox 360 sharing, etc.
•Accessories
The Zune HD arrives with a USB connection cable, earbuds, and some colored earbud covers. If you want to do HD out, one of the device’s coolest features, you will want the Zune HD AV Dock. This will run you $90, about 40% of the price of the 16GB Zune HD. Buyers might also want a case (not included) and a way to charge through a power outlet. The Zune HD AV and Power Pack ($50) will handle the latter as well as HDMI/composite output, but you don’t get the dock.
•No speaker or camera
The lack of a camera only seems like a low point in light of the addition of a video camera to the iPod nano. The iPod touch still doesn’t have one, so you can see this a low point or not. The lack of a speaker also isn’t huge, but if you are gaming or want to show a video clip to someone it’s a useful thing to have. Given the Zune’s focus on features it seems that much worse when it’s missing something like this.
•Internet browsing
The browser probably isn’t as bad as you might have heard, but it’s not great. It’s pretty barebones, plus you have to click around a lot–for example the address bar cannot be accessed just by scrolling. Also the keyboard will not change orientation when it’s open, you need to close it and then open it back up. Going from portrait to landscape is very quick, but the landscape mode keyboard isn’t that much better and on both the backspace button it hard to hit (expect to see a lot of p’s). The browser is overly basic with almost no customization options, settings, or tools. It cannot currently handle YouTube either.
•Apps
Microsoft will not be allowing third-party apps on the device and the current lineup is woefully sad. This will get better and it’s too early to deliver judgment, but so far it is a weak point. This is a major departure from Micrososft’s “developers first” mantra, but we’ll have to sit tight and see what happens. Right now there are nine apps (seven games, a calculator, and a weather app which needs internet service to operate). Apps are currently free, but there are pre-roll ads before they play.
•Zune Marketplace
It’s no iTunes… but you do have a subscription service through Zune Pass, so this is another judgment call for users.
Something that I can’t help but be concerned about is Microsoft’s overall strategy for the Zune HD. Microsoft’s lack of a comprehensive mobile strategy could be enough scare people away from the device. For example, it uses Zune’s own software, not Windows Media Player. There also seems to be little crossover from the knowledge of the Windows Mobile team aside from a stripped-down version of Internet Explorer. These are easy enough to overlook but the Zune HD shipping with all sorts of setup needed (including an annoying computer reboot) is not. It’s also not yet clear what’s going to be happening with apps and games, but there better be some movement quickly. What the company has planned for the future of its mobile products divisions is anyone’s guess.
As excellent as certain aspects of the Zune HD are, the device has its shortcomings. On the hardware side Microsoft’s team did a fine job here–the use of Tegra makes this device a great choice for users who are looking for real power in portable media player. The display and outer case are both great as well, and even the UI has some good things about it. As for the rest–the apps, the Zune software, the setup–seriously call into question what Microsoft’s overall strategy for the device and its release was. At this point is has to be clear that great hardware isn’t enough considering the competition.
If you can take a step back from all this, and look at the Zune HD simply as a device that plays music, podcasts, videos, radio, and (potentially) games, it is undeniably solid. The hardware is great, the UI is quick and easy, and music sounds excellent. It plays back video quite well on a display that is a pleasure to use. The battery life even seems to be in keeping with the proposed numbers (further testing is required on this point). So once you take it out on the street and start listening to your music, a lot of the problems with the device fade away. In this respect Microsoft did a fine job and delivered an iPod touch competitor. Once you factor in everything else, things aren’t quite so simple, but the Zune HD remains one of the most capable portable media players on the market.
