Wired News Praise for Zune

[Aaron Roma]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.wired.com/news/columns/0,72281-0.html?tw=wn_technology_2' target='_blank'>http://www.wired.com/news/columns/0,72281-0.html?tw=wn_technology_2</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>&quot;It's not perfect, but the Zune is a well-designed and well-made alternative to the iPod... I even like the brown color. Don't laugh, it actually looks pretty cool... I've been playing with a Zune for a couple of weeks, and I like it. I like it a lot.&quot;</em> </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Wired News offers a pretty up-beat Zune review which got me thinking. One of the highlights in almost every Zune review I've read has been the interface. I've seen an almost consensus that the Zune interface is simple, yet sleek, fast, and good looking; a nice improvement over the iPod. It's ironic that user interfaces has been one area that Microsoft historically get trashed. For most, the Zune interface seems to be a welcome change from a Microsoft team. Maybe this is evidence of the freedom the Zune team has been given. Just like the Xbox 360, the interface is definitely a strong point for Zune.</p>

[Sage]

I'm a big fan of UIs being designed to fit their purpose. One of my biggest problems with Windows Mobile is that it tries to take desktop concepts and shrink them to fit devices on which they aren't suited. Functionality gets changed and concepts get convoluted and it just ends up being a confusing mess (such as the whole X to close apps issue).

I'm glad the Zune UI looks like a PMP UI, rather than a Windows UI. The same can be said with the Xbox 360 UI. Good job, Microsoft!

[williamc]

I've found it interesting that the reviews for the clunkier Gigabeat design that heavily inspired the Zune's sleeker look got more positive reviews for interface and sound quality than the Zune receives for its improved interface, identical sound, and sleeker controls. See Cnet's take on each for a good example.

Is it a bias against MS, or just frustration with the more restrictive DRM?

[Aaron Roma]

Is it a bias against MS

That's my guess.

[Kicks]

I think the one thing that upsets most reviewers is the lack of playforsure compatibility. Since I never purchased any music that route it didn't matter to me.

One other drawback is the lack of a clock/sleep timer. If it had that I'd be happy. I used to put earbuds in with my ipod, set the timer to 15-30 minutes and fall asleep to music. Now with the Zune I'd have to make a playlist that would only last about that long and fall asleep that way. Perhaps that can be patched in