iPod touch First impressions of Zune HD

[Jodiuh]

I did a quick shot of the Super Speedway movie w/ my Canon Powershot. The moire's caused by differing resolution apparently (you tuber commented on it), but it's quite clear how special the viewing angles are.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncSep4-XoM8

I do notice however after a certain point all white background goes all bluish/greenish white. It really only happens on a web page and even then never in a proper viewing angle. It's sort of jarring at first though.

AFA audio quality, here's what I wrote down for head-fi...

"Just watched a little Ironman clip one of the guys at [H]ardforum made for me. It's...open. It's very wide and wait...what's that I hear...bass? Out of my piddly Ety 6i's...freaky.

Listening to some Oakenfold Tranceport Words (For Love) now...I'm not great w/ words like some of you guys. (maybe I should read that glossary) Of course w/ my new Zune HD, I'll get invited to all the cool kids Head-Fi meets and hopefully get learned.

Compared to my Sony NWZ-S616F it feels more controlled and tight. The Sony has a tendency to get a bit sloppy, this does not. I think it suits the Ety's better, they feel more balanced. I can't put my finger on it, but the sound's not as jarring, it's just very neutral, but in a good way. Everything's here, fast, low beats...airy cymbals. This is VERY nice player and will definitely replace my Sony as the primary go to guy for SQ. I wonder how this would do hooked up to the PIMETA and Senns w/ that new Angels and Demons album? Gah, time to rerip everything all over again. Why can't it just play FLAC.

Closed eye test is good. I fall back a little, that's a good sign.

Cafe Del Mar (Three 'n One Remix) starts out w/ a low bass and bounce @ the tail end of it. I don't remember hearing that so complete before. It trails off subtly, but...Oh wow, I completely lost my train of thought and starting fading off to the music. Of course, it could be the lack of sleep in over 24 hrs...freakin' midnight release..."

FWIW, I found the 2G iPod touch boring in sq and actually fell back on a $50 Sony NWZ-S616F for it's more musical signature. Although I always found it a bit muddy. The Zune pounds tight and it's fast. If I can just get this browser snafu worked out, I may pair up some Grado SR-80's.

I spent a little more time last night listening to it amped out of a PIMETA and to my 580's and 770's. It really gets better the more you feed it. It's wrong to have such good sonics in a little device!

 

[cenetti]

I'm afraid to start listening to it again or watching a movie...I won't wanna take it back.

Take it back?! Hellz Naw! It's a gorgeous piece of gadget. Why would you even think about returning it? tsk tsk tsk....

Go sync a movie and I think you'll fall in love.... Look at the viewing angle and rich blacks..... then go watch the same movie on a ipod touch..or iphone.... see the difference!

I gave my touch to my dog.... I have to keep iphone though.... it's my only phone and all.... haha

 

[Jodiuh]

LMFAO!

I don't have an iPhone though...or an iPod touch. I have a netbook though...and really, I go to that for browsing. Hmm....

 

[chris975d]

chris, I haven't synced that much, but mine did get hung up for quite some time trying to convert something. As for speed, I think I did a Gig in a minute or two? That would about 10 to 20 minutes for your 1 hr and something...yeah, not right bud.
.........

I'm mixed at this point. How bout you? It sure sounds great. And audiosurf alone would be fantastic on this device. I'm still amazed at how many times I confuse the bezel for the screen and vice versa. It's like a mini plasma.

I can't try anything right now....it's still freaking syncing! (hey...up to 46% though..jeez). Maybe it's the fact that I sync everything in the highest bitrate possible.
I have played with it most of the day, and I do like it. I don't know if I want to return it or not. Like I said before, I'd like to keep it, just because it's such a great output quality music player (and I love my music), and the fact that I'd like the little fella to do well on the market, but the browsing and the current state of the apps for it make it hard to. Microsoft is so far behind in the app store concept that they (or anyone) may never catch Apple, but on the other hand, this IS Microsoft, and they've been known to throw money at stuff until they become successful (xBox vs. Sony again). I think they, way more so than Palm or Blackberry, have the resources to develop a good app store, but they have such a diversified install base to do that for...the Zune HD, all the different Windows Mobile handhelds...just seems like it'd be a nightmare for developers to code for, with all the different manufacturers hardware, unlike the Apple side, where you have fairly standardized device specs. This is an area where Apple's control of both the hardware and software helps out greatly.
I don't know what I'm going to do with it, honestly. May just play with it another week or so, and if I'm still on the fence about it, just take it back. I did buy it at Wal-Mart, and you can return just about anything there. Basically, I'm not going to keep it if I can't fit it seemlessly into my daily life somehow...there's no point to keep it if I'm not going to be using it every day. And I'm afraid that this device just isn't able to do that. The iPhone slips into every part of your everyday life so well that you just about can't leave home without it once you have one for a while. THIS is what Microsoft needs to figure out how to do with their devices..make them seem impossible to live without once you've used them.

 

[Jodiuh]

Let me ask you guys this then...since I don't have an iPhone (ATT blows out here, I'm with the red devils). If you 2 didn't have your iPhones or an iPod touch...and you had a choice between the Zune HD or the 3G iPod touch 32GB. Well what would you do? I mean, since the iPhone won't be coming out for Verizon until the year 2018.

 

[Consultant]

I did a quick shot ...

How come none of the real publications were able to actually review the thing, while a newbie who ONLY posted about the zune has positive reviews.

How come the video is shot in the dark?

 

[chris975d]

I did a quick shot of the Super Speedway movie w/ my Canon Powershot. The moire's caused by differing resolution apparently (you tuber commented on it), but it's quite clear how special the viewing angles are.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncSep4-XoM8

I do notice however after a certain point all white background goes all bluish/greenish white. It really only happens on a web page and even then never in a proper viewing angle. It's sort of jarring at first though.

AFA audio quality, here's what I wrote down for head-fi...

"Just watched a little Ironman clip one of the guys at [H]ardforum made for me. It's...open. It's very wide and wait...what's that I hear...bass? Out of my piddly Ety 6i's...freaky.

Listening to some Oakenfold Tranceport Words (For Love) now...I'm not great w/ words like some of you guys. (maybe I should read that glossary) Of course w/ my new Zune HD, I'll get invited to all the cool kids Head-Fi meets and hopefully get learned.

Compared to my Sony NWZ-S616F it feels more controlled and tight. The Sony has a tendency to get a bit sloppy, this does not. I think it suits the Ety's better, they feel more balanced. I can't put my finger on it, but the sound's not as jarring, it's just very neutral, but in a good way. Everything's here, fast, low beats...airy cymbals. This is VERY nice player and will definitely replace my Sony as the primary go to guy for SQ. I wonder how this would do hooked up to the PIMETA and Senns w/ that new Angels and Demons album? Gah, time to rerip everything all over again. Why can't it just play FLAC.

Closed eye test is good. I fall back a little, that's a good sign.

Cafe Del Mar (Three 'n One Remix) starts out w/ a low bass and bounce @ the tail end of it. I don't remember hearing that so complete before. It trails off subtly, but...Oh wow, I completely lost my train of thought and starting fading off to the music. Of course, it could be the lack of sleep in over 24 hrs...freakin' midnight release..."

FWIW, I found the 2G iPod touch boring in sq and actually fell back on a $50 Sony NWZ-S616F for it's more musical signature. Although I always found it a bit muddy. The Zune pounds tight and it's fast. If I can just get this browser snafu worked out, I may pair up some Grado SR-80's.

I spent a little more time last night listening to it amped out of a PIMETA and to my 580's and 770's. It really gets better the more you feed it. It's wrong to have such good sonics in a little device!

Gee...thanks Jodiuh, for reminding me just how damn good the audio sounds out of this little sucker! I keep trying to "forget" about that in deciding if I want to keep it. It does have amazing sound quality. You should try it with a pair of Senn IE8's or Westone ES3X customs....WOW. It's this alone that honestly makes me want to keep it. I'm gonna run it though some listening tests tonight with the ES3X's and my homemade amp tonight...or maybe I shouldn't!

 

[PeterQVenkman]

How come none of the real publications were able to actually review the thing, while a newbie who ONLY posted about the zune has positive reviews.

Because the software to work them just came out today. Pre-release units didn't have it and wouldn't work fully without it.

Odd to release like that.

 

[chris975d]

Let me ask you guys this then...since I don't have an iPhone (ATT blows out here, I'm with the red devils). If you 2 didn't have your iPhones or an iPod touch...and you had a choice between the Zune HD or the 3G iPod touch 32GB. Well what would you do? I mean, since the iPhone won't be coming out for Verizon until the year 2018.

What's your primary usage going to be? This is the way I personally would recommend them: If you are an audiophile looking for a feature rich player, and have some high quality headphones (which you do in the ones you listed), the Zune hands down for sound quality. If you are looking for a "jack of all trades" device that can browse the web, do multitudes of other apps, and has...meh... sound quality, the Touch 32Gb (newest version). If the browsing capabilities of the Zune can be enhanced in future software updates, then the recommending of the Touch becomes harder for me to do.

 

[Jodiuh]

How come none of the real publications were able to actually review the thing, while a newbie who ONLY posted about the zune has positive reviews.

How come the video is shot in the dark?

Here's a fuzzy cam unboxing just for you!

As for the dark video it was so you could get the best look @ the screen. Did you want me to put a spotlight on it? Are people lining up at the beach to watch movies on their little 3 in screens? I don't understand this.

Chris:
That's the problem. I DO so badly want a little safari browser, not sure about the apps, haven't used them. But I did have a 2G touch and only listened to it on my Ety 6i's. Whatever bass they don't have got stripped out even further on that thing. Sound was boring...BORING! I'm sure w/ the right cans that could improve, but I'm on a budget and the Zune has given new life to my Etys. They've never been so detailed and forceful before. I tapped my foot! That never happened w/ the touch. God, I hate my ears. They're going to get me in big trouble one of these days. If I keep the Zune, there's room for some Grado SR 80's and I've wanted to try those out for a LONG time...but never had the player for it. I'm just drilling myself into a hole, aren't I.

I really don't think I care about the apps. Knowing audiosurf's coming to the Zune this year's enough to even that out. It means they're serious about leveling that playing field. The thing is, I already have a browser...the netbook. I don't already have another super top notch audo DAP. I just don't. The Zune offers up something else new and fresh. And I really do like the software for the desktop. It's much better than iTunes....ack, ugh....YUCK!

 

[Zimmy68]

"HD" Radio doesn't mean much. The "HD" originally stood for "hybrid digital". Now it stands for... nothing. The only difference between the Zune's HD Radio and the Nano's FM is that an HD Radio signal is digital and an FM signal is analog.

Good review though. Glad to have some feedback on the Zune.

A little fast and loose with your facts.

HD Radio uses a different signal then FM.
Saying the only difference is digital and analog is like saying the only difference between a DVD and VHS is analog and digital.
Plus, with HD Radio you get some great sub stations.
It really shines for me with AM radio but something tells me the Zune doesn't support it.

For a product that was released today, I am amazed at the lack of real reviews.
Nothing yet from Engadget, Anythingbutipod, or Gizmodo.

Waiting to hear if my features I want are there like crossfading, line-out audio, and AM HD radio.

Saw one at Best Buy and was a little shocked at how small it looked compared to my iPhone. Not sure it would have been my choice of design change.

 

[Jodiuh]

I don't see anything in here about crossfading. Oooh, that would be nice.

It is tiny. It gets pretty warm when browsing too. Really, that is the main weak point. If you can get past that...and the apps, I see no reason to get an iPod touch, although I have not used the latest one or a 3GS (for long).

The lack of reviews is...odd. I believe arstechnica said they'd have one out later this evening.

 

[chris975d]

Chris:
That's the problem. I DO so badly want a little safari browser, not sure about the apps, haven't used them. But I did have a 2G touch and only listened to it on my Ety 6i's. Whatever bass they don't have got stripped out even further on that thing. Sound was boring...BORING! I'm sure w/ the right cans that could improve, but I'm on a budget and the Zune has given new life to my Etys. They've never been so detailed and forceful before. I tapped my foot! That never happened w/ the touch. God, I hate my ears. They're going to get me in big trouble one of these days. If I keep the Zune, there's room for some Grado SR 80's and I've wanted to try those out for a LONG time...but never had the player for it. I'm just drilling myself into a hole, aren't I.

I really don't think I care about the apps. Knowing audiosurf's coming to the Zune this year's enough to even that out. It means they're serious about leveling that playing field. The thing is, I already have a browser...the netbook. I don't already have another super top notch audo DAP. I just don't. The Zune offers up something else new and fresh. And I really do like the software for the desktop. It's much better than iTunes....ack, ugh....YUCK!

If you're wanting a mobile browser that badly...I hate to say it, but I'd get the Touch. I wouldn't wait on Microsoft to make a GOOD mobile browser....how long have they made a crap one now?? How old is Mobile IE and it STILL sucks? Now..if someone could port Skyfire to this thing....

But...you're like me, and I can obviously tell that the audio quality of a DAP is of utmost importance to you, and you appreciate high quality...and that is where I'm stuck hard on this thing. And I agree with you on the apps thing concerning the Apple touch platform...you can live without them, most are crap anyway, and games aren't really good on a touch only platform anyway. I love the sound signature of this player. If my Westones can make an iPod touch sound amazing, imagine how the Zune makes them sound! I'm in a different situation than you..I have the iPhone and can delegate all Apple touch related apps/stuff to it, and use the Zune for all audio/video if I keep it.

And you reminded me of my Grado SR60s... I need to try those on this as well. Only thing audio-wise that I wish this had is a dedicated line out, to really maximize an external amp. I think someone on head-fi makes a line out dock adapter for the Zune, wonder if it'll work on here?

 

[MVApple]

A little fast and loose with your facts.

HD Radio uses a different signal then FM.
Saying the only difference is digital and analog is like saying the only difference between a DVD and VHS is analog and digital.
Plus, with HD Radio you get some great sub stations.
It really shines for me with AM radio but something tells me the Zune doesn't support it.

For a product that was released today, I am amazed at the lack of real reviews.
Nothing yet from Engadget, Anythingbutipod, or Gizmodo.

Waiting to hear if my features I want are there like crossfading, line-out audio, and AM HD radio.

Saw one at Best Buy and was a little shocked at how small it looked compared to my iPhone. Not sure it would have been my choice of design change.

I think the lack of reviews has to do with the fact that the Zune software was just released today and the device was useless without it. I checked it out at best buy and it was a waste of time. I got to look at the screen, see the size, and see a few transitions and thats it. Not even the radio worked! But whatever.

I think I'm going to go to walmart and pick this thing up and return it if the audio quality improvement isn't big enough over an ipod touch 3g. But I'm still mad Apple didn't release a $200 16GB version. Grrrr

I bet that'll be in about a month though, but I seriously miss my apps and safari.

 

[Jodiuh]

I will use this browser on the Zune HD. I won't fall in love w/ it, but I will use it.

I would put on a sad face when it came to listening to the touch. I've made that mistake once w/ the Nano 1G and went through 2 long boring DAP years of which I will never repeat.

I have a Forte in the PC, so there's a way out there. But there's just something about a comfy bed, canalphones, and a good dap. OH and a righteous pillow of course.

 

[chris975d]

I will use this browser on the Zune HD. I won't fall in love w/ it, but I will use it.

I would put on a sad face when it came to listening to the touch. I've made that mistake once w/ the Nano 1G and went through 2 long boring DAP years of which I will never repeat.

I have a Forte in the PC, so there's a way out there. But there's just something about a comfy bed, canalphones, and a good dap. OH and a righteous pillow of course.

Ha! you've gone from wanting to return it, to going to keep it in a span of 3 pages of posts! I love how we get talked into needing gadgets so easily!

On another note...I'm now at 68% completed on that 9Gb sync I started so long ago....holy crap. It's like the more I praise the dang thing, the more it drags! When I get done, I'll pop the SR60's in there and tell you how they sound!

 

[Jodiuh]

MVApple:
So you have a 3G touch then? 32 or 64? Does it indeed have better audio quality than the 2G? It will be nice to hear your comparison.

chris:
I'm like a wave dude...just blowing in the wind. I've also not slept in over 45 hrs. !!! wooo

Dude, that sync's borked. I've charged my Zune in that time already. Is it possible it got snagged on power @ the usb port and wound up connecting at 1.1 power/speed? Haha, that would suck. I'm just saying.

 

[clevin]

I will use this browser on the Zune HD. I won't fall in love w/ it, but I will use it.

Im hoping an Opera Mobile on it, ASAP

 

[Consultant]

Can someone describe all the apps? Anything besides these?

Calculator
Weather
Media player
Browser
Settings

Im hoping an Opera Mobile on it, ASAP

Hum if it's anyone else I would say don't hold your breath... =p

 

[clevin]

Hum if it's anyone else I would say don't hold your breath... =p

I guess if I can use mobile safari on my Pre, I should be able to use IE on my Zune too.

But if (big if here) zune os shares any core with winmo, I think an OM is possible.

 

[MVApple]

MVApple:
So you have a 3G touch then? 32 or 64? Does it indeed have better audio quality than the 2G? It will be nice to hear your comparison.

No I just ordered the 3G I won't get it till next week. That $20 price drop on amazon made up my mind about not waiting for a $200 16gb.

I'm going to buy a zune hd at walmart, maybe tommorrow but I won't be able to do a real comparison for another week or so. If the Zune HD sound quality impresses me I'll keep it for simply audio, if not I'll just stick to the iPod. Gotta love that walmart return policy.

 

[PDFierro]

Can one put Xbox Live purchased videos on this thing, or only from the Zune Marketplace? Was wondering about that before this thing came out. The library of videos on Zune Marketplace isn't that strong.

 

[chris975d]

MVApple:
chris:
I'm like a wave dude...just blowing in the wind. I've also not slept in over 45 hrs. !!! wooo

Dude, that sync's borked. I've charged my Zune in that time already. Is it possible it got snagged on power @ the usb port and wound up connecting at 1.1 power/speed? Haha, that would suck. I'm just saying.

Yeah, I stopped the sync. Screw it. I'll restart it overnight. I wanted to try the SR60's since you peaked my curiosity mentioning Grados. Umm...if I were you, and you're on a budget like you say....DO NOT ever listen to any Grados on the Zune...your wallet won't be safe. WOW...that's all I'm gonna say..

 

[Godzilla71]

Can one put Xbox Live purchased videos on this thing, or only from the Zune Marketplace? Was wondering about that before this thing came out. The library of videos on Zune Marketplace isn't that strong.

the new updates will add zune video but it does not go into specifics.

Dashboard updates

New Experiences Coming
And we have new experiences coming all the time. This fall, Xbox LIVE will see the addition of the following new features as well:

* Facebook
* Twitter
* Last.fm
* Zune Video

by the sounds of it it seems just like you'll be able to access zune marketplace videos on the 360.

 

[cenetti]

here some more cloudy day - outside shots..... both at medium brighthness
no worse than iphone or touch.....
So you guys should stop listening to FANBOYS!