From A Loyal Supporter From Day One - When Can We Expect A Statement?

 lilsalmon wrote:

That link is to the post that I made outlining what I had to do to downgrade.  I agree wholeheartedly with you!  It was only because I needed a way to vent my frustration with the "upgrades" that caused me to aggressively pursue a way to go back.  I should not have had to spend hours scouring the 'net and relying on the kindness of strangers to help put all the pieces together.

I appreciate the tiem you put into figuring that out. I didn't want to condemn you for it, just wanted to make it clear that it is unacceptable for the userbase to hae to find work-arounds for their mess-ups.

Thanks... I knew what you meant.... and I agree with you.

The issues with the new firm/soft-ware are only going to grow in the coming hours and days.  Initially people were hit with installation errors and errors in the software's retrieval and cataloging of metadata tags.  Once that hurdle is overcome, there are other issues that will be brought to light...

- Heavier resource requirements of the desktop software.
- Lack of organization options for videos and pictures
- Inability to drag-n-drop to add to library
- 33% slower syncing of files.
- Elimination of sync status details
- Lack of caching of thumbnails for videos
- heavy compression of album art (might be new firmware though)
- HUGE Playskool font for main menu.
- removal of auto/smart playlists.

Thank you for the converter information I will try them tonight on the home library and see how it works out. So much for this upgrade and making my zune work better........ I thought I would have to upgrade to vista for it to work properly but I see that it is not working much better on that platform......

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swazae A man that doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man. ~ Marlon Brando

 WillysJeepMan wrote:

Thanks... I knew what you meant.... and I agree with you.

The issues with the new firm/soft-ware are only going to grow in the coming hours and days.  Initially people were hit with installation errors and errors in the software's retrieval and cataloging of metadata tags.  Once that hurdle is overcome, there are other issues that will be brought to light...

- Heavier resource requirements of the desktop software.
- Lack of organization options for videos and pictures
- Inability to drag-n-drop to add to library
- 33% slower syncing of files.
- Elimination of sync status details
- Lack of caching of thumbnails for videos
- heavy compression of album art (might be new firmware though)
- HUGE Playskool font for main menu.
- removal of auto/smart playlists.

I couldn't agree with you more 'Willys'.... and the silence is becoming deafening. Given the fact that nothing was addressed last night and that they are on PST. I am sure they are aware of the issues at this point but seem to not care or at least care to do some damage control and inform the public and loyal supporters what they are doing to resolve this and when it can be expected to be resolved.

-Lil'

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You can't steal second with your foot on first.

I guess the group working on this upgrade never heard the saying "If it ain't broke don't fix it".... They seem to be trying to create job security with this supposed upgrade... Apple must be having a party at their offices.....

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swazae A man that doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man. ~ Marlon Brando

 WillysJeepMan wrote:

The issues with the new firm/soft-ware are only going to grow in the coming hours and days.  Initially people were hit with installation errors and errors in the software's retrieval and cataloging of metadata tags.  Once that hurdle is overcome, there are other issues that will be brought to light...

- Heavier resource requirements of the desktop software.
- Lack of organization options for videos and pictures
- Inability to drag-n-drop to add to library
- 33% slower syncing of files.
- Elimination of sync status details
- Lack of caching of thumbnails for videos
- heavy compression of album art (might be new firmware though)
- HUGE Playskool font for main menu.
- removal of auto/smart playlists.

I like your list, though I do question a bit of it. 

First off, in my case the resource usage is about the same as the old Zune with the graphic stuff all on. (looking at memory usage/occasional processor jumps)  Looks to be using about 100 MB of memory unless it is doing something, such as transcoding or downloading.  Is yours different?  Or did you have lower usage on the old Zune software?

My sync speed seems comparable as well with a full wipe and start over of my zune (I fill my 30 until it has about 700 MB free).  It may be a bit different, but in my case not 33%... Are you using wireless syncing?  I haven't really tried that feature much and would be interested to know if that is the speed difference I could expect.

Other than that, I agree with everything you have said.  Well put.

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Album Art fix: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=86b2a33d-9bf8-45f6-89ff-b9a6236aa37d&DisplayLang=en

I am almost ashamed to be in the same grouping "Zune user" as you. I could not believe what I just read. Your statement about being in the "technology industry" apparently does not cover software development. Apparently you did not read up on how the new software was made or why. Or even what the old one was. You were not using zune software 1.0. You were using Windows media player with a different UI. I love WMP but it was too freaking much sometimes. I too love all the features that you had mentioned, that are now missing. But they are nothing but features. Easily added later. The fact that they built the zune software to be what it is from absolutely nothing is amazing. It is amazingly fast and effective. That's something you can't add in later. 5 star ratings and auto playlists can be added.

To everyone who is having problems installing or syncing or whatever; if you think you don't have a chance of the same problems with another player/software your kidding yourself. There is always going to be hick ups with the billions of hardware/software configurations people have in the world. And with new software it is a learning and "bug fixing" at first. But that's the price you pay being getting the best first. (yes I realize that this was a mandatory update. But think about the effort and loss of switching now?

It is unfortunate that some people are having problems. But it's not the end of the world and certainly not a valid reason to sell your zune (or anything) and just buy the alternative. 

Let the Zune team concentrate or fixing the usual initial install problems people are having and then let them work on updating the requested features. Have some patience or stop calling yourself by whatever "loyal" titles you currently use. If this the loss of these features, which honestly don't prevent you watching watching the videos or playing the music is your definition of "nightmare" I fear something actually bad happening to you.

Suggestion: If you want to help make things better, try adding the one of the already started posts about the missing features instead of making new ones. Do some research and listen to what the Zune team has talked about and what other posters have said prior. Your answers might already be out there... I hope things turn around in your favor.

 crazed792 wrote:

 WillysJeepMan wrote:

The issues with the new firm/soft-ware are only going to grow in the coming hours and days.  Initially people were hit with installation errors and errors in the software's retrieval and cataloging of metadata tags.  Once that hurdle is overcome, there are other issues that will be brought to light...

- Heavier resource requirements of the desktop software.
- Lack of organization options for videos and pictures
- Inability to drag-n-drop to add to library
- 33% slower syncing of files.
- Elimination of sync status details
- Lack of caching of thumbnails for videos
- heavy compression of album art (might be new firmware though)
- HUGE Playskool font for main menu.
- removal of auto/smart playlists.

I like your list, though I do question a bit of it. 

First off, in my case the resource usage is about the same as the old Zune with the graphic stuff all on. (looking at memory usage/occasional processor jumps)  Looks to be using about 100 MB of memory unless it is doing something, such as transcoding or downloading.  Is yours different?  Or did you have lower usage on the old Zune software?

I find the original 1.x software to be extremely responsive without impacting the rest of the system.  The new software felt sluggish and seemed to put a drag on the rest of the system.

 crazed792 wrote:

My sync speed seems comparable as well with a full wipe and start over of my zune (I fill my 30 until it has about 700 MB free).  It may be a bit different, but in my case not 33%... Are you using wireless syncing?  I haven't really tried that feature much and would be interested to know if that is the speed difference I could expect.

I'm referring specifically to USB syncing of video.  The video files are wmv files that are 100% compliant with Zune standards.  No additional transcoding/converting is necessary.  Syncing a 2 hour movie would take about 50 seconds under 1.x, but under 2.x it takes a minimum of 70 seconds... sometimes more.  Again, just to sync... no conversion is going on.  Others are reporting far longer syncing times for video.  Syncing audio tracks are not as noticeable but do take longer.

 crazed792 wrote:

Other than that, I agree with everything you have said.  Well put.

Thanks.  I think that it is helpful to provide specifics so that they can be addressed.

 Daimwn wrote:

I am almost ashamed to be in the same grouping "Zune user" as you. I could not believe what I just read. Your statement about being in the "technology industry" apparently does not cover software development. Apparently you did not read up on how the new software was made or why. Or even what the old one was. You were not using zune software 1.0. You were using Windows media player with a different UI. I love WMP but it was too freaking much sometimes. I too love all the features that you had mentioned, that are now missing. But they are nothing but features. Easily added later. The fact that they built the zune software to be what it is from absolutely nothing is amazing. It is amazingly fast and effective. That's something you can't add in later. 5 star ratings and auto playlists can be added.

Here's some news for you... the new Zune desktop software is WMP also... but with the underlying details and settings hidden from the user.  It is significantly dumbed down, but it is still WMP.

I Completely agree with you..

Just give me the option to use the OLD On screen interface..that's all I ask

They could have just added the new features to that...it would have been

• Easier
• Less expensive
• and easy transition for users

Apple does that with Itunes... they just added new features to the software interface...so users didn't loose anything

 

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PepperEyes
http://www.peppereyes.com
<p>
Don't be their next victim

You may be right in some of what you have said, but and I do state BUT, if this was still a work in progress and not up to par with what was being offered previously then it should not have been a mandatory software update. They should have been upfront with the users as to what features they were going to missing, and that users should have done a backup of their library prior to installing this upgrade. There are a lot of people that work very hard on cataloguing their music and video library and to install a piece of software on your system that was positioned as an upgrade and find that all your hard work was stripped in a blink of an eye is cause to be angry. This software upgrade should have been made optional and users should have been advised that some features will not be available and future updates will be forth coming to allow you to enjoy the same features you previously enjoyed. But that did and is not happening, instead you call tech support (when you can get through) and they only say "that is no longer supported." Do you honestly believe that this is proper behavior? I am all about being the best, but not at the cost of taking one step forward two steps back. You should be ashamed not of being a Zune User but from being way too passive, I do not have all the apparent time you have to fix problems that should have never been there to begin with.

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swazae A man that doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man. ~ Marlon Brando

And with new software it is a learning and "bug fixing" at first. But that's the price you pay being getting the best first. (yes I realize that this was a mandatory update. But think about the effort and loss of switching now?

Here in lies the problem with your logic. I didn't buy a new product. PERIOD.  I am continuing to use a product that I loved for a year now. I have no option but to go along with the upgrade to continue using the product. PERIOD. For lack of a better term although a bit harsh, any Zune 30 owner is now being held hostage by his new software.

Had this software only been packaged with the new Zune 80 I wouldn't have a problem in the slightest, because purchasing bleeding edge technology comes with its bumps and that is a risk I can easily understand. However, I did not choose this update is has been forced.

And although this may come as a suprise to you its not my fault nor the fault of any other users the original software was built on WMP and now it had to be rebuilt from the ground up. There should have been better business planning from the start. Don't make users who forked out the money for the product suffer because of bad developement playform planning.

And as far as questioning my loyality... how many Zunes do you own? Do you own MS stock?

Me?... 4 Zunes and enough MS stock to be concerned when stuff like this happens.

Say what you want, but it is blatanly apparent by just the feedback on these forums that you are in the minority opinion and this whole software debacle is getting worse by the hour.

Still no statement from anyone at the Zune team. Cesar you have done a wonderful job in the past of keeping everyone in the loop... why the change in strategy?

You should be ashamed not of being a Zune User but from being way too passive, I do not have all the apparent time you have to fix problems that should have never been there to begin with.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

-Lil'

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You can't steal second with your foot on first.

I'm in the software industry..and I would like to know who design this software.  I did know that WMP was used as the basis for the Zune software 1.0..cause. it reduces the learning curve for previous users of WMP, and cost effective. So for those older users I would have atleast given them the option of using the classic interface (you know like windows and winzip and other GUI program do) to reduce the frustration level of the people who the manufacturer wants to purchase and keep their products. I know it crazy..but people like things that are familiar and easy to use.  Why REMOVE features that your clients have been used to having.  That's like putting out a new line of cars and oh removing the glove compartment, moving the gear shft above the steering wheel, having aweful colors for the interior (no I don't like the interface colors).  It good that they created NEW software,.but obviously they didn't do it with their current users in mind.  IMHO anyway.  There is this old business saying..If you don't make your customers happy, somebody else will.   Perhaps Microsoft should keep this in mind... and they would have thought twice about some of the options for Vista <G>

 

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PepperEyes
http://www.peppereyes.com
<p>
Don't be their next victim