Zune Review after 6 Months

I’ve had my Zune now for just over 6 months and I want to know, what is the deal with updates?

While my Zune still has all of the original goodness as when I first got it at Christmas – Microsoft has yet to really roll out anything worthwhile in terms of updates to the service or product.

Yes there have been a number of firmware updates. These have been purely bug fixes with NO new features or functionality. Sweet! Where is my Social? Why can’t I connect to my 802.11 network with the wi-fi yet? Why aren’t their even simple updates like file storage?

What about the Zune media software? Why, Update Not Needed! I want to know with a company as large as Microsoft is there a disconnect between the media teams? Why is the Zune stuck in a version 1.0 in bugs and features, when Media Player is at version 11 with numerous improvements and slick features?

I look at Apple, and while their systems are not as familiar with me as Windows or the Zune in general, I have to say they are definitely keeping on top of their products. I think the fact that we have red and pink Zunes instead of actual features to improve the core system just proves that Microsoft is not interested in the customer after the sale! iPods have calendars, contacts, games (solitaire anyone?) – And the Zune can’t play an hour long video without loosing sync with the audio.

So why am I complaining about this? The Zune was supposed to be the iPod killer. While many of the features are there, and the big screen is definitely a plus, it’s as though the Zune is an aborted fetus. I want more from my Zune, nay I expect more from Microsoft’s iPod killer after 6 months. My biggest gripe is with the Zune software.

The Zune software has to be the most hacked together copy of software I’ve ever used. The inconsistent user interface (UI) coupled with the complete lack of functions to manage my files stored on my device make it a HORROR to work with.

Microsoft Zune team listen up!

Here are couple of things that are FUBAR in the Zune software – that everyone else can already do, even Windows Media Player.

1. Manage Meta Data – I want to change names of videos and songs. I want to manage the data as I see fit. Why are you hamstringing me??
2. User Interface – Why is the familiar UI from all other types of Windows applications missing? WEEE I can skin an application – and hit functionality all over the place. What is with the Icons all over the place? Why 3 menus for media? Who came up with this – did anyone even test this with someone who has used anything other than iTunes??
3. Options. When I change the options of my program, I want to be able to change all of the settings. I don’t want to have to hunt around for the settings for my Zune on the right or ripping in a tab.
4. Photos. Why can’t I rotate and crop images? Or take the red eye out? Even these two things would be a HUGE improvement. When I have an image that is tall instead of wide, if the Zune isn’t smart enough to rotate it – at least let me do it in the tools!
5. Play lists – This is my favorite. Create a playlist then rename it. It just doesn’t work. Some places it has the new name and other it has the old. Awesome.

So what is the fix? Merge Windows Media Player 12 and the Zune software. Take the Zune team of H-1B and overseas talent and give it over to some who has experience with UI and usability. Instead of trying to BE Apple, why not look around? WinAmp for example is superior in a lot of ways. If you are going to roll out a new system separate from your existing system at least make it as good as what you have. Better yet, give us a SDK for developing for the Zune!

I think Tommy Boy said it best “Because they know all they sold ya was a guaranteed piece of shit. That's all it is. Hey, if you want me to take a dump in a box and mark it guaranteed, I will. I got spare time. But for right now, for your sake, for your daughter's sake, ya might wanna think about buying a quality item from me.” Have some respect for your brand and for your users and get an update out that will actually address the shortcomings of the product!

Steve Jobs isn't a genious - he just calls it the way he sees it and after the Zune, I have to say those Apple commercials really hit home with me.