Early video look at the Zune 2 interface, wireless syncing
It’s not that early since the new Zune launches tomorrow, but if you can’t wait to see it, you don’t have to. Jason Dunn offers up two brief videos showing both the hardware and software UI of the newest Zune on his 8 GB flash model. Part one is here and part two is here.I like the new dual-mode hardware button: you can press it like a directional pad or you can simply slide your finger across it for navigation. Anyone buying a new Zune or do you consider this just a feeble attempt to wrest away market share from the iPod juggernaut? Before you decide, you might want to get a look at how well the Wireless Sync feature works; Jason has video of that too! While it seems to work well, I agree with Jason: it would be nice to see a wireless sync progress meter on the Zune rather than on the host PC. Maybe something we’ll see in the next firmware upgrade?
Not really sure how useful the wireless sync feature is. You have to manually kick it off, it’s much slower than over USB, and you’ll burn through your battery. Plugging in to your USB cable is much faster, charges the battery, and can kick off an automatic sync. What’s the real benefit of a wireless sync that makes it better? Because you can?
Wireless downloads of your podcasts directly on your Zune over any WiFi connection would be a more appropriate use of WiFi.
Brian,
If you’re syncing up large quantities of music or videos, you’re absolutely right, but I suspect that many people tend to sync up their whole library only rarely and frequently sync a few songs or short videos here and there. When that is true, wireless sync is a really big convenience.
GoodThings2Life,
Here’s what comes in the box:
Included Accessories
* Earphones
* USB Cable
* Sleeve
I suspect most Zune owners charge their Zune at home on a fairly regular basis by plugging it into their computer using the included USB cable. Adding an AC adapter will cost you at least $30.
That means syncing over USB is just as convenient if you’re doing it every couple of days. Watching that video, you still have to *go to your computer* with your Zune library to drag & drop the songs or playlist to the Zune. If you’re adding new songs by ripping or buying, or downloading videos and adding them to your Zune library *on your computer*, why not just plug in your Zune via USB right then and there?
I don’t see any added convenience at all.
I mostly agree with you Brian but wireless sync could be useful if you keep your Zune charging in a different room to your PC – for instance HTPC in your lounge and Zune in your bedroom.
I really like the look of the new Zune and especially like the UI. The fact that it syncs with Media Center is a really cool feature but without XVid\DivX support I doubt I’d get much use out of the video features.
Still this is the first locked-down MP3 player that I’ve ever thought I’d like to own. I may consider it if it ever comes to the UK.
Another way that the wireless will be useful is for automatically downloaded things like podcasts. If there are downloaded and waiting on your pc (I believe the Zune software automatically downloads and adds podcasts to the list of items to be transfered during the next sync) then you can just “top off” your zune as you head out the door.