Genius IMO is a trimmed down version of Smart DJ. Let me break it down for you. Let's say your iPod just has 3 songs on it. A Coldplay song, a DMB, and a Maroon 5 song. If you ask the Genius, the Genius will just give you those three songs in varying order because they are all of the same genre. If you like this playlist, you can save it. The issue with this is of course you will continue to only listen to those 3 songs. Or say you just have 30, or 300, or 3000 songs. Your Genius playlist is contained within your own library so its potential is pretty limited without you constantly increasing your library size.
Now say you have the Zune Pass. You can then go to Dave Matthews Band then, ask the Smart DJ and it will realize that your 3 songs aren't at all that very close together. They are in the same genre, but their speed and mood is different so instead it will pull stuff from the Marketplace over the web and create you a good and sound playlist basing off of tempo(BPM), influencing artists, and yeah, genre. Then you can either add those songs to your cart to download them to your collection (otherwise they are just temporarily loaded) and also save and share your playlist among friends.
They are the same concept, just the Zune Marketplace has the Zune Pass and better linking between artists to help you find more music that you are looking for. The only concrete advantage that Genius has over Smart DJ though is that Genius is on the device itself right now where as the Smart DJ is coming soon to the device but it already working great on computers.
No those are channels. Channels are themed playlists that update every week. Smart DJ does everything dynamically. If I ask the Smart DJ to make me a playlist based off of Time Bomb by DMB, it gives a slightly varied one each time.
I simply describe it as "a feature that automatically creates a playlist from your library and the Marketplace from a song, artist, or album that you like."
I'm up to 4 Zune convertions so far, there should be some sort of MMO style get a month free for that. Zune pass and smart dj are both amazing features and it's a shame Microsoft doesn't have as much of a B+M marketshare with the Zune hd since all the people who have seen mine who own itouches have been really impressed.
No those are channels. Channels are themed playlists that update every week. Smart DJ does everything dynamically. If I ask the Smart DJ to make me a playlist based off of Time Bomb by DMB, it gives a slightly varied one each time.
Yep, but Smart DJ does it as well, when you create a new SDJ play list, you can tell it to periodically refresh.
And on the subject of conversions, My dad's got my old Zune 30 (still works great), and my sister's got my old 120, both love em, my dad especially likes the Zune pass. They really need to start marketing it, It just seems like they're sitting there, almost afraid to get into a declared battle with iPod, which, I will admit, may not be the best option, but they gotta do something...
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It's a really sexy device, if they could give it the proper marketing push and get some 3rd party apps coming it could really be a juggernaut. Microsoft proving once again that they may not get everything right the first time but eventually their offering will meet or exceed the competitions product.
The problem with a worldwide release is that so much of what makes Zune better than iPod is the Zunepass, and I'd imagine that's a HUGE legal bitch to get all the rights and everything...I'd imagine they're waiting till they've got some sway to make it work. iPod was big enough to force it though, but Zune's not yet.
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And start making the different colors of the ZuneHD available somewhere besides one website.
A humble request, I think. On a side note, I'm probably going to give it another go at ZuneStore, since now that these updates have hit, I'm itching to have one for myself.
so i've been trying to get all my music off my old zune30. it broke some time ago and it only stays on when plugged in. my main problem is when i try to sync songs off of it it shuts off after about 10-20 songs, and i have to resync over and over. i tried plugging it into a wall to wirelessly sync but it can't connect for some reason.
anyone know a better way to recover my music or am i fucked?
so i've been trying to get all my music off my old zune30. it broke some time ago and it only stays on when plugged in. my main problem is when i try to sync songs off of it it shuts off after about 10-20 songs, and i have to resync over and over. i tried plugging it into a wall to wirelessly sync but it can't connect for some reason.
anyone know a better way to recover my music or am i fucked?
I know there's some registry hacks out there to allow you to access the hard drive directly like any other storage device, dunno how well it works or if you could recover your music that way though.
Well, I was able to place an order on ZuneStore. Which is pretty awesome (especially compared to my previous disasters).
I look forward to my Zune HD 32GB, with a custom inscription. I'm not sure what I'll do with my Zune 80 (which has so dutifully served me all these years). Maybe turn it into a portable video platform?
Well, I was able to place an order on ZuneStore. Which is pretty awesome (especially compared to my previous disasters).
I look forward to my Zune HD 32GB, with a custom inscription. I'm not sure what I'll do with my Zune 80 (which has so dutifully served me all these years). Maybe turn it into a portable video platform?
I was just going to suggest that. Load the 32 with music and apps, load the 80 with videos.
Well, I was able to place an order on ZuneStore. Which is pretty awesome (especially compared to my previous disasters).
I look forward to my Zune HD 32GB, with a custom inscription. I'm not sure what I'll do with my Zune 80 (which has so dutifully served me all these years). Maybe turn it into a portable video platform?
I was just going to suggest that. Load the 32 with music and apps, load the 80 with videos.
About 80% of what I have on my 80 is video. I don't see myself plugging my Zune HD into anything video wise (not planning to get an HD AV dock currently), so that'll leave space for my converted videos. I can put the rest on my Zune 80, maybe.
I'd consider leaving it in my car (except for that, right now, the cold might drain the thing overnight), as a permanent audio device for my car. The touch screen on the ZuneHD'll make it harder to use while driving (unless I get a dock).
Also need to invest in a protective case. The Incipio case I got has served me very well these few years.
so i've been trying to get all my music off my old zune30. it broke some time ago and it only stays on when plugged in. my main problem is when i try to sync songs off of it it shuts off after about 10-20 songs, and i have to resync over and over. i tried plugging it into a wall to wirelessly sync but it can't connect for some reason.
anyone know a better way to recover my music or am i fucked?
This is how my Zune 120 got bricked, pretty much. It would sync maybe 10-15 songs, then freeze, then eventually give me an error saying the sync had failed or some such thing. There was absolutely nothing I could do to rehabilitate it, it was over a year old so it was out of warranty, and posting repeatedly asking for help on the official Zune forums got me absolutely nothing. Sorry, best of luck! =/
so i've been trying to get all my music off my old zune30. it broke some time ago and it only stays on when plugged in. my main problem is when i try to sync songs off of it it shuts off after about 10-20 songs, and i have to resync over and over. i tried plugging it into a wall to wirelessly sync but it can't connect for some reason.
anyone know a better way to recover my music or am i fucked?
This is how my Zune 120 got bricked, pretty much. It would sync maybe 10-15 songs, then freeze, then eventually give me an error saying the sync had failed or some such thing. There was absolutely nothing I could do to rehabilitate it, it was over a year old so it was out of warranty, and posting repeatedly asking for help on the official Zune forums got me absolutely nothing. Sorry, best of luck! =/
Yeah...hate to break this to you...uh, your hard drive is dead. DEAD!
I had this same problem with my Zune30, until I replaced the hard drive.
If you put your ear up to it while it syncs those 10 songs you'll hear the telltale signs. Unfortunately, your songs are almost certainly lost barring some kind of expensive data recovery service.
The Tegra 1 is already a very capable chip that is only expressed in some of the apps. It's a shame. It's like buying a Ferrari and only doing the speed limit. MS has put a lot of TLC into the platform though, the software, the store, the device itself; the Zune team is capable enough to keep things rolling.
The Tegra 1 is already a very capable chip that is only expressed in some of the apps. It's a shame. It's like buying a Ferrari and only doing the speed limit. MS has put a lot of TLC into the platform though, the software, the store, the device itself; the Zune team is capable enough to keep things rolling.
I agree--taking better advantage of the current Tegra chip is not only logistically possible, it behooves Microsoft in general.
Releasing a new ZuneHD designed around the Tegra 2 (whenever it becomes available?). Not so much. Microsoft's been dragging their feet when it comes to expanding storage, and I'd like to see them put energies into the aforementioned applications and maybe something like outside-US distribution.
The basic point I am trying to make is that it isn't the Tegra holding the device back. If you were to put up a huge list of the Zune HD's features, the Tegra chip would be one its stronger points and MS plans things well for the future. They rarely pick technology that will soon be outdated hence the OLED screen and HD radio and such.
Btw, from what I hear about the Tegra 2 is that it is going to be for slightly bigger devices. The Zune is a small nimble device so having something capable of doing ereader screen sized graphics would be nice, but I mean, come on.
Alright, so I'm seriously considering purchasing one of these things. Amazon has the 16gb for $189.99, which, combined with no tax, makes for a very tempting purchase.
I've tried reading through this thread as much as possible, but what are the main pros and cons for this player? I've had a ton of mp3 players throughout the years and I currently have a 2nd gen iPod Touch 8gb.
While I originally enjoyed putting tons of games on my Touch, I've quickly come to realize that I never actually play any of them, aside from the occasional tower defense game. Meanwhile, the Zune and Zune Pass are much more attractive options to me, especially since I can use the wi-fi in my office while I'm working.
Talk me out of it?
Edit: Too late, I ended up buying one 10 minutes after this post. I'm so weak.
Alright, so I'm seriously considering purchasing one of these things. Amazon has the 16gb for $189.99, which, combined with no tax, makes for a very tempting purchase.
I've tried reading through this thread as much as possible, but what are the main pros and cons for this player? I've had a ton of mp3 players throughout the years and I currently have a 2nd gen iPod Touch 8gb.
While I originally enjoyed putting tons of games on my Touch, I've quickly come to realize that I never actually play any of them, aside from the occasional tower defense game. Meanwhile, the Zune and Zune Pass are much more attractive options to me, especially since I can use the wi-fi in my office while I'm working.
Talk me out of it?
Edit: Too late, I ended up buying one 10 minutes after this post. I'm so weak.
Honestly, if you are buying the thing to listen to music the Zune is a much better purchase and an iPod or similar devices.
Alright, so I'm seriously considering purchasing one of these things. Amazon has the 16gb for $189.99, which, combined with no tax, makes for a very tempting purchase.
I've tried reading through this thread as much as possible, but what are the main pros and cons for this player? I've had a ton of mp3 players throughout the years and I currently have a 2nd gen iPod Touch 8gb.
While I originally enjoyed putting tons of games on my Touch, I've quickly come to realize that I never actually play any of them, aside from the occasional tower defense game. Meanwhile, the Zune and Zune Pass are much more attractive options to me, especially since I can use the wi-fi in my office while I'm working.
Talk me out of it?
Edit: Too late, I ended up buying one 10 minutes after this post. I'm so weak.
Honestly, if you are buying the thing to listen to music the Zune is a much better purchase and an iPod or similar devices.
This. Combined with a Zune Pass, Wifi, and the upcoming SmartDJ feature being available directly on the device with Wifi pulling songs you don't already have downloaded for the playlist? Nothing comes close to its musical experience.
I really wish MS would jump onto making other forms of media as good as how it treats music. I mean, I enjoy a lot of movies, but when I watch them, there are no DvD extras, there are no chapter points I can jump back and forward to and the interface for films and searching for them, while it works, it isn't as in depth.
I think the Zune software really could be the media player of choice if it started branching out and elaborating on other aspects because they have already done music so well.
One thing I wish though... I wish my Zune 30 wasn't broken. I wouldn't mind having the old companion resurrected. I always liked how the old zune 30s looked.
The audiobook version of iTunes. Audible's been around for a while, and they used to use the same encryption scheme that iTunes was using so that you could use Audible-purchased files within iTunes without any hassles. I think they use MP3 now though.
This. Combined with a Zune Pass, Wifi, and the upcoming SmartDJ feature being available directly on the device with Wifi pulling songs you don't already have downloaded for the playlist? Nothing comes close to its musical experience.
So the SmartDJ feature hasn't been enabled on the device itself yet? That's kind of disappointing. A quick google search shows it's part of the new update, so I guess I can wait on that.
Can the Zune software be used to manage Audible content like you can with iTunes?
You can get audible stuff on the zune but you have to use a program FROM audible to manage it. Zune.exe says you have audiobooks on the device, but you can't manage it from there.
This. Combined with a Zune Pass, Wifi, and the upcoming SmartDJ feature being available directly on the device with Wifi pulling songs you don't already have downloaded for the playlist? Nothing comes close to its musical experience.
So the SmartDJ feature hasn't been enabled on the device itself yet? That's kind of disappointing. A quick google search shows it's part of the new update, so I guess I can wait on that.
You can do it on the PC software and just create the playlist and sync it to your Zune. That works just fine.
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Now say you have the Zune Pass. You can then go to Dave Matthews Band then, ask the Smart DJ and it will realize that your 3 songs aren't at all that very close together. They are in the same genre, but their speed and mood is different so instead it will pull stuff from the Marketplace over the web and create you a good and sound playlist basing off of tempo(BPM), influencing artists, and yeah, genre. Then you can either add those songs to your cart to download them to your collection (otherwise they are just temporarily loaded) and also save and share your playlist among friends.
They are the same concept, just the Zune Marketplace has the Zune Pass and better linking between artists to help you find more music that you are looking for. The only concrete advantage that Genius has over Smart DJ though is that Genius is on the device itself right now where as the Smart DJ is coming soon to the device but it already working great on computers.
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I'd describe Smart DJ as Genius but way better. Turns out most people I've met don't know what Genius is either, though.
Yep, but Smart DJ does it as well, when you create a new SDJ play list, you can tell it to periodically refresh.
And on the subject of conversions, My dad's got my old Zune 30 (still works great), and my sister's got my old 120, both love em, my dad especially likes the Zune pass. They really need to start marketing it, It just seems like they're sitting there, almost afraid to get into a declared battle with iPod, which, I will admit, may not be the best option, but they gotta do something...
FTC: HONK.
PAX Prime 2014 Resistance Tournament Winner
whipped mine out on a group date over the weekend to calculate tip, and there were many impressed comments
FTC: HONK.
PAX Prime 2014 Resistance Tournament Winner
And start making the different colors of the ZuneHD available somewhere besides one website.
A humble request, I think. On a side note, I'm probably going to give it another go at ZuneStore, since now that these updates have hit, I'm itching to have one for myself.
anyone know a better way to recover my music or am i fucked?
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I know there's some registry hacks out there to allow you to access the hard drive directly like any other storage device, dunno how well it works or if you could recover your music that way though.
I look forward to my Zune HD 32GB, with a custom inscription. I'm not sure what I'll do with my Zune 80 (which has so dutifully served me all these years). Maybe turn it into a portable video platform?
I was just going to suggest that. Load the 32 with music and apps, load the 80 with videos.
About 80% of what I have on my 80 is video. I don't see myself plugging my Zune HD into anything video wise (not planning to get an HD AV dock currently), so that'll leave space for my converted videos. I can put the rest on my Zune 80, maybe.
I'd consider leaving it in my car (except for that, right now, the cold might drain the thing overnight), as a permanent audio device for my car. The touch screen on the ZuneHD'll make it harder to use while driving (unless I get a dock).
Also need to invest in a protective case. The Incipio case I got has served me very well these few years.
Yeah...hate to break this to you...uh, your hard drive is dead. DEAD!
I had this same problem with my Zune30, until I replaced the hard drive.
If you put your ear up to it while it syncs those 10 songs you'll hear the telltale signs. Unfortunately, your songs are almost certainly lost barring some kind of expensive data recovery service.
I've been saving for awhile to get a Zune HD & dock. But I can wait longer for that processor.
Nothing official.
I agree--taking better advantage of the current Tegra chip is not only logistically possible, it behooves Microsoft in general.
Releasing a new ZuneHD designed around the Tegra 2 (whenever it becomes available?). Not so much. Microsoft's been dragging their feet when it comes to expanding storage, and I'd like to see them put energies into the aforementioned applications and maybe something like outside-US distribution.
Btw, from what I hear about the Tegra 2 is that it is going to be for slightly bigger devices. The Zune is a small nimble device so having something capable of doing ereader screen sized graphics would be nice, but I mean, come on.
I've tried reading through this thread as much as possible, but what are the main pros and cons for this player? I've had a ton of mp3 players throughout the years and I currently have a 2nd gen iPod Touch 8gb.
While I originally enjoyed putting tons of games on my Touch, I've quickly come to realize that I never actually play any of them, aside from the occasional tower defense game. Meanwhile, the Zune and Zune Pass are much more attractive options to me, especially since I can use the wi-fi in my office while I'm working.
Talk me out of it?
Edit: Too late, I ended up buying one 10 minutes after this post. I'm so weak.
3DS / Pokemon XY: 0774-5590-9276
Honestly, if you are buying the thing to listen to music the Zune is a much better purchase and an iPod or similar devices.
This. Combined with a Zune Pass, Wifi, and the upcoming SmartDJ feature being available directly on the device with Wifi pulling songs you don't already have downloaded for the playlist? Nothing comes close to its musical experience.
I think the Zune software really could be the media player of choice if it started branching out and elaborating on other aspects because they have already done music so well.
One thing I wish though... I wish my Zune 30 wasn't broken. I wouldn't mind having the old companion resurrected. I always liked how the old zune 30s looked.
I KISS YOU!
So the SmartDJ feature hasn't been enabled on the device itself yet? That's kind of disappointing. A quick google search shows it's part of the new update, so I guess I can wait on that.
3DS / Pokemon XY: 0774-5590-9276
You can get audible stuff on the zune but you have to use a program FROM audible to manage it. Zune.exe says you have audiobooks on the device, but you can't manage it from there.
You can do it on the PC software and just create the playlist and sync it to your Zune. That works just fine.
I KISS YOU!
Nope.