PETITION: Add WMP Support!

 st0icr4ven wrote:

Maybe you fail at reading as well and weren't a first gen adopter.  That's alright I will let you explain to me why it is necessery for MS and the Zune Team to give the Zune WMP11 support.  How does giving the Zune WMP11 support keep the device from getting lost in the massive library of PFS devices already on the market?  How does the product stand out, how does it become unique, how does it compete with Apple/iPod/iTunes if it's just another PFS device where there are already 70+ such devices on the market?  I'm open to suggestions if you actually want to tackle that problem.

Locking a device into a single piece of software is simply mimicking Apple's approach.  Microsoft is no Apple.  Apple could get away with locking iPod owners into iTunes because it didn't have the legacy of consumer multimedia that Microsoft does with things like Media Player and Media Center.

When Microsoft produces a consumer device that is extremely incompatible with their other multimedia services (PFS-based download services) and multimedia software (WMP, MCE) then it makes Microsoft appear to be incompetent at best, manipulative at worst.  Like it or not, consumers are going to compare the Zune against other multimedia offerings from Microsoft and logically conclude that there should be some synergy there.  Currently there is very, very little.

I know what Microsoft is trying to do... build up the Zune Marketplace.  They are trying to following Apple's blueprint of success, but what they really should be doing is a 2 prong approach.... provide interoperability with their other multimedia solutions, but offer the best and exclusive features solely via their software and marketplace. 

Allow the Zune to interoperate with WMP11... but only support wifi sync via the new software.  Only support podcasts via the new software too.  etc.  PMPs are luxury items and people have a choice.  The way to get them to buy into your device and vision is to convince them, not force them.

Microsoft ALREADY has a prodcut for WMP11 (a PFS device) called the i-river.  Again it's foolish sticking the Zune in with that library, the zune then just gets lost in the entire mess.  I'm just wondering when you guys are actually going to admit it, then i remembered the answer is never.  You all seem to be perfectly okay with the Zune not standing out from the mess of PFS devices.  You all harp and complain about the limitations of the zune software wise then you want to add support for another software system in WMP11 but then limit that as well which goes against what you want to begin with whether you want to admit it or not.

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Hold your breath someone is about to tell the greatest lie EVER!

 st0icr4ven wrote:

Maybe you fail at reading as well and weren't a first gen adopter.  That's alright I will let you explain to me why it is necessery for MS and the Zune Team to give the Zune WMP11 support.  How does giving the Zune WMP11 support keep the device from getting lost in the massive library of PFS devices already on the market?  How does the product stand out, how does it become unique, how does it compete with Apple/iPod/iTunes if it's just another PFS device where there are already 70+ such devices on the market?  I'm open to suggestions if you actually want to tackle that problem.  Ozzie I've only been able to conclude you know nothing.  So before you start throwing around fanboy words like "fanboy" at least know something about me.  So far from what I've been able to tell from your post you have nothing good to say about the software, hardware, or MS for that matter.  Again I don't need imps like you following me around in every thread I'm in simply to comment about me in one way or another.

Ok, first of all, The fact that other PFC devices have failed to gain the kind of momentum that the iPod has gained has nothing to do with them being PFS. Apple has a superior marketing strategy and brand recognition. Other companies have failed miserably at penetrating the US market with their devices because they refuse to MARKET the device the way Apple has. When the average non-techie Joe Schmoe walks into best buy, and sees the other brands he has never heard of them and will purchase the same iPod his friend has. As far as the average consumer is concerned, the Zune IS just one of the other devices. I might add that the average consumer does NOT KNOW WHAT A Playsforsure (PFS) device is. I do, because I used to own one, and it was great.

If the Zune is to be in the same leage as the iPod, it has to at least match it's functionality. Right now, the current iteration of the Zune software is about as useful as a knife in a gun fight. Itunes has done nothing but grow over the years. I have followed the iPod's growth closely. The Zune software, instead of taking a leap forward, took a step backward. Right now, WMP is great at what it does, and works seamlessly with PFS devices. We are asking for THAT SAME SEAMLESS interaction for the zune, the same functionality as the competion (The iPod). I suggested in another thread that in the next WMP update, there should be two versions. One for people with PFC devices and a Zune Edition for Zune users. The Zuneedition would have Market Place built in. What's wrong with that? That way, everyone is happy and we don't have to sacrifice functionality.

I want the Zune to compete with Apple and iTunes, but it can't do it with buggy software and buggy firmware. (PERIOD)

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"I have an appointment with eternity, and I don't want to be late" - Malcolm McDowell as Dr. Soran (Star Trek: Generations)

 st0icr4ven wrote:

Ozzie I've only been able to conclude you know nothing.  So before you start throwing around fanboy words like "fanboy" at least know something about me.  So far from what I've been able to tell from your post you have nothing good to say about the software, hardware, or MS for that matter.  Again I don't need imps like you following me around in every thread I'm in simply to comment about me in one way or another.

And you know nothing about me. The reason I got a Zune in the first place was because I fell in love with the software. In my opinion is much better than iTunes,  sadly it lacks a lot of features. Also it has a lot of problems and bugs. Should we ignore the problems and let them fly because they are Microsoft? No! And for your information I do like Microsoft, I just know when to say theres a problem, not like you that tries to cover up their errors...  you take them too personally. Anyway... good luck with your Zune problems and take it easy. Not everyone is a smart azz like you :). Happy holidays!

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Remember... just because you were taught one way doesn't necessarily mean it was the best way.

 st0icr4ven wrote:

Maybe you fail at reading as well and weren't a first gen adopter.  That's alright I will let you explain to me why it is necessery for MS and the Zune Team to give the Zune WMP11 support.  How does giving the Zune WMP11 support keep the device from getting lost in the massive library of PFS devices already on the market?  How does the product stand out, how does it become unique, how does it compete with Apple/iPod/iTunes if it's just another PFS device where there are already 70+ such devices on the market?  I'm open to suggestions if you actually want to tackle that problem.

OK, consider me ignorant. How would 'giving the Zune WMP11 support' result in the device 'getting lost in the massive library of PFS devices already on the market'? Are you saying that the Zune PC-based software is what makes the Zune hardware so unique and special? That the only way the Zune can 'stand out' and succeed is if it has PC-based software dedicated to it--like Apple has with iTunes? That seems like poor reasoning to me.

 

I don't have a Mac; on that platform, however, doesn't iTunes meet everyone's media playback needs--whether the user owns an iPod/iPhone or not? WMP *used* to meet everyone's needs on the Windows platform; that's no longer the case now that the Zune software has been released and that it is the only way to interact with the Zune hardware.

 

FYI: I got a Zune 8GB a few weeks ago and am very impressed with the hardware itself. My only complaint to this point is that I had to install yet-another-media-management-application (the Zune software), have it spend hours building yet-another-media-metabase, and, after that, find that I'm not all that impressed with the software after all. I *still* prefer to use WMP11 for audio and video playback as well as for streaming Internet radio. I miss WMP's EQ and SRS WOW enhancements, too. I *do* like the integrated podcast support that is integrated into the Zune software--podcast support is something that is sorely lacking in WMP11; there is no excuse for Microsoft not adding it when that product was released.

 

As the originator of this thread said, I want native Zune support in WMP11!

Just to be clear, the Zune Software is the only way to SYNC with the Zune Hardware.

You can certainly manage your PC collection/library using any tools you want, us any tagging utilities, use any organizational tools, use any ripping software, etc.

 

 SpryboyAustin wrote:

Just to be clear, the Zune Software is the only way to SYNC with the Zune Hardware.

You can certainly manage your PC collection/library using any tools you want, us any tagging utilities, use any organizational tools, use any ripping software, etc.

 

Although that is true, it contradicts the ecosystem approach that Microsoft is going for.  For many of us, the WMP11-based Zune software worked just fine as both a way to sync to our device and to manage our libraries.  The day that "sync with Zune software, use something to manage your library" becomes the official Microsoft reply, is the day that I downgrade my 2nd Zune back to 1.x and with that, the last possibility of Microsoft getting any of my money via the Zune Marketplace.   No emotional entanglement for me.  I love the Zune 30 hardware.  Love the 1.x software.  Am excited about the POTENTIAL of the new software.

With my previous players I was able to use WMP or Media Monkey to manage my library and sync to my device.  I've only needed to use one application for both purposes.  Using two apps is temporary workaround that I'm willing to deal with, but NOT the preferred way.  Factor in those of us who use Windows Media Center, and XBox360 and this tower of Babel becomes a mess best avoided.

WMP JUST DO IT! Yesterday! We know what you were going for with the 'upgrade' but you have failed. It's too hard and cumbersome for many neophytes and unacceptably basic for advanced users. It's impossible to make everyone happy Zune team, but with the exception of a few zealots and a few obliviots who don't know enough to know what should be possible you have pleased no one!

Get it together! Until you do, GIVE US BACK WMP SUPPORT!

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Zune 30gb? - Waste! iPod Classic, 160gb - Dusty. iPhone wife has it. iPhone 3g, posting from it. :) Suck it Zune!

LOL@the software is to hard! HAHAHAHAHA awesome best claim ever.

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Hold your breath someone is about to tell the greatest lie EVER!

 st0icr4ven wrote:

LOL@the software is to hard! HAHAHAHAHA awesome best claim ever.

Now, look up NEOPHYTE and then read the board p-tard. You'll find neophyte after neophyte asking, "How do I get music/video/photos onto my zune? Where is the 'any key.' You see, smartass, if the software was REMOTELY intuitive these types of posts, with which this board is REPLETE!!! [Look that up too.] would be UNECCESSARY!

Because it is not intuitive, it is too hard for 'many neophytes' to use as evidenced by their many posts asking: Why can't I download the software ,or why won't the software recognize my Zune, or why do my parents and/or Bill Gates hate me so much that they gave me this POS?

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Zune 30gb? - Waste! iPod Classic, 160gb - Dusty. iPhone wife has it. iPhone 3g, posting from it. :) Suck it Zune!

If you dislike it so much which you make it sound as if you do. Simply ebay the device and go away........problem solved, well at least your problem.  The software has a moderate learning curve but it is by no means "hard" or "difficult" to learn.

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Hold your breath someone is about to tell the greatest lie EVER!

 st0icr4ven wrote:

If you dislike it so much which you make it sound as if you do. Simply ebay the device and go away........problem solved, well at least your problem.  The software has a moderate learning curve but it is by no means "hard" or "difficult" to learn.

As you well know from my prior posts SR, I have no problem with my Zune as a device. I like it. The software is a DISATER. I don't like it. I runs just like it was designed to... POORLY! I've had no install issues, I've got this media management thing well under control. I've been using mp3 players more than ten years now. I LIVE on the bleeding edge of technology! And I'm not hurting for cash, I've got ACTUALL PAPEREWEIGHTS that cost more than my Zune.

So, no I won't be ebaying it and I won't be going away. I'll be here BITCHING until somebody on the Zune team pulls their head out and rectifies this debacle! As soon as I get a serviceable media manager or the ability to use WMP, I'm outta here for good.

Till then, I'll keep checking in. And when I come, I'll probably still be angry at how such a piece of crap piece of software could be released into the market place by such a mammoth corporation. Your constant excuse-making will infuriate me further and I will comment on that as well.

Get used to it. The beatings will continue until morale improves.

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Zune 30gb? - Waste! iPod Classic, 160gb - Dusty. iPhone wife has it. iPhone 3g, posting from it. :) Suck it Zune!