Wed, 15 November 2006  This is a mini-OOBE (out of box experience) review of the Zune. It focuses on unpacking the device and using it for the first time. I will cover the Zune software installation in another post and on an upcoming podcast. My Zune Experience Tuesday I woke up early and headed to Target to wait in line for the Microsoft Zune player. (I figured if there was going to be a line my Target store would be out of the way and not have a long line.) I was running a little late and arrived five minutes after 8 AM and found the parking lot pretty empty. I walked in the store and only saw two other customers and an empty electronics counter. I asked if they had any Zunes and he had one in his hand for another customer and two more under the counter. It turns out this Target store only received eight white Zunes and they only had two left when I entered the store (5 minutes after they opened). I asked if they sold the five units before I arrived and never got a clear answer (maybe some Target employees are "happy" owners of a white Zune). From what I could tell there was never a line for the Zune but I'm sure others will be disappointed if they go in to pick up their own unit later. I took my Zume home to see for myself what the company from Redmond was shipping. Before I describe what I found let me tell you that I'm not an iPod user and that I use an iRiver MP3 player for my music and podcasts. I'm also a Windows XP user which is a good thing because it's one of the requirements mentioned on the Zune package (no support for the Apple Mac). I unpacked the unit and you can find my pictures here. The Zune was packaged in a nice cardboard box without any sign of the heavy plastic packaging that is so much the norm these days. Two things stood out as I unpacked the box. 1) There was no AC adapter and 2) No user manual. There was a Start guide that basically told you to insert the enclosed CD in a Windows XP machine and described the simple controls on the Zune. The Zune charges its internal battery using the supplied USB sync cable (an AC adapter can be purchased if you need to recharge the Zune and you don't have access to a computer with a USB port). I didn't have a chance to install the Zune software because I was working on an important project and wanted to wait until I finished before installing software that I heard could cause problems. The following are my observations from using the device right out of the box. Physically, the Zune is about the same size as a Video iPod with a larger screen. The Zune feels solid in my hand and looks like it's enclosed in a plastic case (which you can't open). The plastic case protects the Zune but I'm concerned about the control pad which looks like the scroll wheel on the iPod but is really five buttons that controls volume and media forward/rewind. There is a small gap around the round control pad that looks like it could trap food, dirt and other stuff. Time will tell if this is a problem. Here is what you find on the Zune case: Top: Lock button and 3.5 mm headphone jack Front: Back button, Pause/Play button, Control Pad with volume up/down, forward/reverse, and OK (center) Bottom: USB sync connector (power and computer sync) Back: "Hello From Seattle," "Assembled in China," model number (1090) and serial number. I did not find "Microsoft" anywhere on the device. One note about the battery -- there is no way to open the Zune which means the battery is not user replaceable. This means after two or three years (depending on use) the battery could fail to hold a charge and you will need to buy something new. Start me up Pressing any button powers up the Zune (the Start guide says you press the pause/play button for 3 seconds to turn it on). The home menu allows you to select music, videos, pictures, radio, and settings. I selected music and found 11 sample songs to choose from. I plugged in my own headphones (I don't do well with earbuds) and the music was loud and clear. When a song is played album art is displayed along with information about the song. Also displayed is a time line with the elapsed time and total time. A battery icon in the lower right corner indicates how much battery life remains. After a minute the display goes dark (to conserve the battery) but the music continues to play. Pressing any key brings it back. I later found that the display time is settable in the "settings" menu under "display->backlight." The default is 1 minute but can be changed from 1 second to always on. What is strange is calling this "backlight" because when it goes off the display goes completely dark. I'm use to Microsoft PDAs where the screen display is still readable when the backlight is off. This is not what I expected but I'm sure other (non-engineers) would not even question this. The main reason I was interested in the Zune was video. The Zune comes with 15 sample videos which gives you a good idea of what's possible. Up until now the Zune displays everything in portrait mode but when you start a video the display switches to landscape. What's nice is the control pad also switches so when you rotate the Zune to watch the video the up and down control pad still controls the volume and left and right control pads controls the forward/rewind functions. The video is displayed full screen and when you press the pause key the time line is displayed with the elapsed/remaining times. The back button backs you up one menu level or back to the main menu if you press and hold the button. The Zune comes with 28 sample pictures that you can view one-by-one or as a slide show. You can also make one of the pictures the background image that is displayed whenever you are not listening to music; viewing a video; or looking at pictures. The radio function was interesting for a couple reasons. The display is like a radio dial and can display radio station information (call letters and information about the song being played) if the radio station is sending it out over a subcarrier (I found a number of stations here in the San Francisco area that supported that feature). The Zune uses the headphone wires as an FM antenna so for weaker stations it was sensitive to how the wire was positioned. Looking at the settings I found you could select North America, Europe, and Japan which is great for international travelers. Storage 11 songs; 28 pictures; 15 videos 0.54 GB used 27.22 GB free Version 1.0 (193) Hardware 2.0 I thought it was odd that this is Hardware version 2.0 when the unit was just released. There are rumors that the Zune is made by Toshiba so this could be the second generation of the Toshiba hardware (with new software supplied by Microsoft). Documentation As I mentioned before there was very little document included with the Zune. That was a Start, Product Guide, and a postcard with the download code for the "14 day free trial of a Zune Pass." The Product Guide is really a safety and warranty guide and gives very little information about the Zune. The only value to the Start guide is the last page that describes the location and function of the buttons. In the descriptions of the Zune functions it mentions how to reset the device (press and hold the back button while pressing up on the control pad). I thought it was odd that it was given such high importance but based on my experiences with Microsoft WinCE and Pocket PCs maybe they expect the user to need this when all seems dead. (It also raises the question about what embedded OS is driving the Zune -- WinCE?) I went to the Zune website and found a place to download manuals but they were PDFs of what I already had. From what I can tell the User Manual in on the Zune.net website. That is where you find a troubleshooting guide and the accessories available. It also gives you information about the Zune Marketplace (for music) and Microsoft Points that you use to purchase music. (I'll have more on that in a future post.) Summary The Zune looks to be a nice device with support for the three things I'm looking for in a portable device: music player, video player, and a place to show off some pictures. The fact that it has a radio that displays radio station information (good when visiting new cities) and can be set for international travel, is an added bonus. I now need to now install the software and look at how that integrates with the Zune and if it gets in the way (more on that in a moment). What I don't like about the Zune is the lack of Macintosh support (currently it only supports Windows XP SP2 and newer). That seems like a slap in the face to Apple users. (I seem to recall that when the iPod was first released it didn't have Windows support.) I also don't care for DRM (Digital Rights Management) and at this point in time I don't plan to place any DRM media on my device. I don't believe I'm part of Microsoft's target audience for the Zune because of my age (baby boomer) and that I want to fill the Zune up with my own non-DRM media: podcasts, my music CDs, podsafe music, and videos I create or download (legally). What I would really like (but not expecting) is a Zune-like device that looks like a storage drive that I can plug into any computer and transfer whatever I want (and have it playable on the Zune). So far I would keep the device if I'm able to add my own content and DRM doesn't get in the way. I've heard rumors that I may run into problems so I'm going to try it and I'll let you know how it works out. (I purchased the Zune at Target because they do have a 90 day no-questions-asked return policy but I do plan to keep the Zune if all goes well.) After I install the Zune software I'll update this review and create a podcast talking about my experiences. Stay tuned. Tom [technorati tags: zune microsoft ipod] Category: Technology -- posted at: 10:42 PM |
Wed, 15 November 2006 I came across a new site for bloggers called ReviewMe. It's a site that bloggers can sign up for and get paid for writing reviews. You submit your blog and if you're accepted they email you offers from advertisers to review their site or product for a fee (the fee is determine by your blog traffic). What I like about the idea is they don't require you to write a positive review and they do require that you disclose that you are getting paid to write the review. You can also refuse to review a product if you don't feel like doing the review. There has been a lot of talk about other sites that paid bloggers to write reviews but don't require them to disclose that they are being paid for the reivew. I like the fact that this site is different. Advertisers can go to the site and enter tags and get a list of blogs that would be proper for their product. They can also see the cost and pick the site(s) they feel would best hit their target audience. After I signed up for the service the first review I signed up to do was their own site (ReviewMe). So here is the disclaimer that this review is being paid for by ReviewMe. I think it's a smart idea because it helps spread the word about the site. I don't have any history beyond looking at the website and signing up to do reviews so I'll let you know how it works out. I also promise to disclose if I'm getting paid to write about something you read or hear from me. Tom Category: Technology -- posted at: 9:53 PM |
Sun, 12 November 2006 After I recorded my last podcast (#14) and went to bed I realized I made a big mistake. I talked about lance Armstrong running the Boston Marathon when I meant the New York Marathon. I guess I had Boston Marathon on my mind (all those East Coast races are all the same :-). You would think a fellow runner wouldn't make such a stupid mistake. Have a great week and talk to you soon. Tom Category: Technology -- posted at: 1:15 PM |
Sat, 11 November 2006 Welcome to the Fogview Podcast In this show I talk about the Boston Marathon and more about Netcast vs. Podcast. I also talk about technical news along with some great podsafe music. The Fogview Podcast is part of the Blubrry network so please check it out. You can also find other fine podcasts at Blubrry. Online Meetings Made Easy with GoToMeeting Try it Free for 45 days use Promo Code: Podcast On Today's Show (length: 39:40)
Additional Links for Today's Show You can email me comments at MyFogView at Gmail.com. Please let me know why you listen to my podcast and what you enjoy or don't enjoy about the show. |
Thu, 19 October 2006 Today Apple announced that they discovered a Windows virus in a small number of Video iPods sold. The RavMon.exe virus came from a Windows machine used to manufacturer the iPods. On the Apple website they stated: "As you might imagine, we are upset at Windows for not being more hardy
against such viruses, and even more upset with ourselves for not
catching it." The idea that Apple is using a Windows machine in production raises an
interesting question: Why? Is it being used to validate that the iPods
worked on a Windows machine or is it a better machine to test and
program the iPods? (Maybe it's a money issue and they needed a machine
that didn't cost an arm and a leg.)I wonder if Bill Gates has "hardy" on his wish list for the upcoming Windows Vista? I'm thinking about buying an MacBook but I wish the MacBook was more "hardy" and didn't overheat and shutdown. I also wish Apple was more "hardy" and fessed up to the problem. Tonight I saw the Apple commercial with the Mac and PC guys. I expect in the next commercial the Mac guy will be begging the PC guy for help with virus and spyware protection. Do you see a Vista upgrade in Apple's future? Category: Technology -- posted at: 2:42 AM |
Sat, 7 October 2006 Welcome to the Fogview Podcast In this show I talk about my trip to the Portable Media and Podcasting Expo held in Ontario, California. I talk about recent news in the Podcasting world as well as some other technical news along with some great podsafe music. The Fogview Podcast is now part of the Blubrry network so please check it out. You can also find other fine podcasts at Blubrry. Online Meetings Made Easy with GoToMeeting Try it Free for 45 days use Promo Code: Podcast On Today's Show (length: 46:51)
Additional Links for Today's Show
You can email me comments at MyFogView at Gmail.com. Please let me know why you listen to my podcast and what you enjoy or don't enjoy about the show. Thanks, |
Sun, 24 September 2006 Welcome to the Fogview Podcast I’m getting ready for the Podcast Expo next week but wanted to get a podcast out before I left. Let me know if you’re going and we can try to get together. The Fogview Podcast is now part of the Blubrry network so please check it out. You can also find
other fine podcasts at Blubrry.
Additional Links for Today's Show
You can email me comments at MyFogView at Gmail.com. Please let me know why
you listen to my podcast and what you enjoy or don't enjoy about the
show. |
Sat, 12 August 2006 Welcome to the Fogview Podcast This show talks about my San Francisco Marathon race and technology news. I also play some great podsafe music and pass along a few tech tips.
Additional Links for Today's Show
You can email me comments at MyFogView at Gmail.com. Please let me know why you listen to my podcast and what you enjoy or don't enjoy about the show. |
Fri, 11 August 2006  Apple's announcements at last Monday's WWDC generated a lot of press about OS X 10.5 (Leopard) and Vista, and which one was better. I thought David Pogue's article in the NY Times times ("Getting Hung Up on the Apple-Microsoft War") did a good job summarizing the key points.+++++ "Followers of both camps, in other words, can save themselves a lot of ulcers if they just acknowledge a few facts: * Microsoft gets a lot of ideas from Apple; Apple also gets ideas from Microsoft. It doesn't matter; the most expensive lawyers in Silicon Valley have established that it's all perfectly legal. * Microsoft has won the market-share war, because it dominates in corporations. * Both companies are profitable and have very long futures ahead of them. * If market share were measured by individual buying decisions (rather than quantity of computers), Apple's rank would be much higher. * Even if the grand prize for the "war" is individuals, families and small businesses, the perception of a much bigger war is useful; Windows Vista and Mac OS X Leopard may in fact be on completely different playing fields, but they're both looking like the best versions ever." +++++ I'm a Windows XP user and have never used a Mac but after all the security issues I see on Windows I see myself thinking about the Mac more and more. I'm getting more into media and I know the Mac OS handles that must better than Windows. At lunch today I went to the bookstore and picked up a copy of "Switching to the Mac" so ... Stay tuned. Category: Technology -- posted at: 8:26 PM |
Sat, 22 July 2006 Welcome to the Fogview Podcast
This show talks about the famous Senator Ted Stevens speech and my experience with two new podcasting sites: Blubrry.com and Podshow.com. I also talk about Vox -- a new blogging site. I also play some great podsafe music and pass along a few tech tips. Check out the show and let me know what you think.
Music from the Podsafe Music Network. Thanks for listening and I hope you come back and listen to my next podcast. |
Wed, 19 July 2006 Just an update about the last podcast and leaving comments on this website. 1. Thanks to Jack for the correct link to the Daily Giz Wiz podcast that I mentioned in episode #9. 2. Jack and others also pointed out that there is a problems leaving comments on this site if you're using the Firefox browser (ver. 1.5). I found that you have to submit the comment twice (entering the security number both times) before it saves the comment. I've contacted Libsyn (the host of this site) and they are aware of the problem but don't have a solution yet. Update: I've joined the Blubrry ("e"-less fruit) network. Take a look at Blubrry.com to find great podcasts and interact with both podcasters and listeners. I'll talk more about Blubrry on my next podcast. Thanks and have a great week. Tom Category: general -- posted at: 2:56 AM |
Mon, 10 July 2006  Welcome to the Fogview Podcast
Additional Links for Today's Show Thanks for listening and I hope you come back and listen to my next podcast. |
Sun, 2 July 2006 Hi Everyone, It's been a while since I've done a podcast or even a blog post. I've been busy with work, vacation, and more work. This past weekend I attended the "geek fest" called Gnomedex in Seattle. I had a great time and plan to share a summary of the conference and my thoughts and views in upcoming blogs and podcasts. An interesting speaker that did make the front page of the Seattle PI newspaper was Senator John Edwards. He had some interesting things to say on both politics and technology. The Senator claims he came to listen to us and educate himself about issues surounding the internet. Stay tuned. I want to thank our conference hosts: Chris and Ponzi for putting on a great conference. I also want to give out special thanks to Jack B. and Janet. Talk to you soon. Tom Category: Technical -- posted at: 1:27 PM |
Sat, 6 May 2006  Welcome to the Fogview Podcast If you haven't already listened to the show you can click on the music player on the right side of the page or click on the Podcast Icon to download it to your computer. You can play the podcast on your computer or moved it to your portable music player. If you know how to subscribe to podcasts, you can use the RSS 2.0 link on this page. There is also a iTunes link that will allow you to subscribe directly in iTunes. If you are new to podcasting you might want to check out my very first podcast where I talk about the history of podcasting and what it's all about.
Links for Today's Show I created a FogView account on the Flickr.com web site for posting pictures and I'll be adding to that from time to time. Thanks for listening and I hope you come back and listen to my next podcast. Thanks, |
Thu, 4 May 2006 Hi Everyone, I just got back from a 10 day cruise and plan to do another podcast this weekend. I have pictures and cruise information to share as well as some great podsafe music. Talk to you soon. Tom Category: general -- posted at: 10:09 PM |
Sun, 16 April 2006 Welcome to the Fogview Podcast If you haven't already listened to the show you can click on the music player on the right side of the page or click on the Podcast Icon to download it to your computer. You can play the podcast on your computer or moved it to your portable music player. If you know how to subscribe to podcasts, you can use the RSS 2.0 link on this page. There is also a iTunes link that will allow you to subscribe directly in iTunes. If you are new to podcasting you might want to check out my very first podcast where I talk about the history of podcasting and what it's all about.
Links for Today's Show I created a FogView account on the Flickr.com web site for posting pictures and I'll be adding to that from time to time. Thanks for listening and I hope you come back and listen to my next podcast. Thanks, |
Tue, 4 April 2006 This is a 30 second promo that has been airing on a number of podcasts this past month. Feel free to play this on your podcast if you want. If you do play it on your podcast please send me an email and I'll try and return the favor. You can also find my promo and promos for other podcasts on Podcastpromos.com. You can email me at Myfogview at Gmail.com I hope to have show #7 posted in the next day or two. -Tom Comments[0] |
Thu, 30 March 2006 Welcome to the Fogview Podcast If you haven't already listened to the show you can click on the music player on the right side of the page or click on the Podcast Icon to download it to your computer. You can play the podcast on your computer or moved it to your portable music player. If you know how to subscribe to podcasts, you can use the RSS 2.0 link on this page. There is also a iTunes link that will allow you to subscribe directly in iTunes. I created a FogView account on the Flickr.com web site for posting pictures so you can check out the link in the show notes. On Today's Show (length: 31:13)
Links for Today's Show Thanks for listening and I hope
you come back and listen to my next podcast. |
Sun, 19 March 2006 Hi, This is a special edition of my Podcast (length 21:22) talking about RFID tags and viruses. This was a big news story late last week and I wanted to give my opinion of the information since I've worked with RFID tags. If you're not technical and get bored easy, this may not be a good podcast to listen too. You can listen to my latest podcast (show #5) or my first podcast if you are new to podcasting. Thanks for stopping by and please take a listen. Links mentioned in this show: RFID Viruses and Worms What's Lurking in That RFID Tag? Tom |
Sun, 19 March 2006 Welcome to the Fogview Podcast Today (Sunday) is a beautiful spring-like day. I know springÃÂ offically happens tomorrow butÃÂ they are forcasting rain so we need to enjoy it while we can. If you haven't already listened to the show you can click on the music player on the right side of the page or click on the Podcast Icon to download it to your computer. You can play the podcast on your computer or moved it to your portable music player. If you know how to subscribe to podcasts, you can use the RSS 2.0 link on this page. There is also a iTunes link that will allow you to subscribe directly in iTunes. I created a FogView account on the Flickr.com web site for posting pictures so you can check out the link in the show notes. On Today's Show (length: 43:18)
Links for Today's Show
You can email me comments at MyFogView at Gmail.com. Please tell me why you listen to my podcast. Tom |
Thu, 16 March 2006  I just thought I would update you with a few things happening this week. I mentioned in my last podcast that we had some strange weather here in the San Francisco Bay Area. The picture on the right is Mt. Diablo and was taken from my bedroom Monday morning. I know snow is not rare in the winter time but it is around here. Over the weekend they had snow on the Santa Cruz beach which I've never heard of before. Adam Curry played my audio feedback on this Daily Source Code #353. I sent him feedback about the Podshow Music Network. He played the audio clip near the end of his show (49:46). Speaking of Podshow, it sounds like they are getting ready to open the network for businesss and let podcasters and listeners into the network. This should happen next week and I hope they enable the purchasing of songs too (typicaly 99 cents and no DRM). Have a great week and I'll talk to you on my next podcast (this weekend). Tom Category: general -- posted at: 2:35 AM |
Sun, 12 March 2006 Welcome to the Fogview Podcast My name is Tom and this is show #4. If you haven't already listened to the show you can click on the music player on the right side of the page or click on the Podcast Icon to download it to your computer. You can play the podcast on your computer or moved it to your portable music player. If you know how to subscribe to podcasts, you can use the RSS 2.0 link on this page. New to this show is the iTunes link. My podcast is now available from the iTunes Music Store so you can click on the link and subscribe through iTunes. On Today's Show (length: 41:50)
Links for Today's Show Thanks for listening and I hope you come back and listen to my next podcast. You can email me comments at MyFogView at Gmail.com Tom |
Sun, 5 March 2006 Welcome to the Fogview Podcast My name is Tom and this is show #3. If you haven't already listened to the show you can click on the music player on the right side of the page or click on the Podcast Icon to download it to your computer. You can play the podcast on your computer or moved it to your portable music player. If you know how to subscribe to podcasts, you can use the RSS 2.0 link on this page. This show is mostly music from the Podsafe Music Network and some tech news. On Today's Show
Tom |
Sun, 26 February 2006 Welcome to the Fogview Podcast My name is Tom and this is show #2. If you haven't already listened to the show you can click on the music player on the right side of the page or click on the Podcast Icon to download it to your computer. You can play the podcast on your computer or moved it to your portable music player. If you know how to subscribe to podcasts, you can use the RSS 2.0 link on this page. On Today's Show
Music on Today's Show
Links for Today's Show
Thanks for listening and I hope you come back and listen to my next podcast. Tom |
Sun, 19 February 2006 Welcome to the Fogview Podcast My name is Tom and this is my very first podcast. If you haven't already listened to the show you can click on the music player on the right side of the page or click on the Podcast Icon to download it to your computer. You can play the podcast on your computer or moved it to your portable music player. If you know how to subscribe to podcasts, you can use the RSS 2.0 link on this page.
On today's show I talk about podcasting: What it is and how I got started listening to podcasts. I also play some music from the
Podsafe Music Network
Links for Today's Show
You can post comments about show here or email me at: myfogview @ gmail.com Thanks for listening and I hope you come back and listen to my next podcast. Tom |
Wed, 1 February 2006 Hi, I'm Tom and this is my new Podcast site. I plan to talk about technology, podcasting, and life in general.
I hope to do my very first podcast in the next couple of days and I hope you come back and take a listen and find it interesting enough to subscribe. "Podcasting by anyone who something or nothing to say." Cheers, Tom Category: general -- posted at: 8:34 PM |
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The FogView Podcast A podcast about technology, gadgets and the Internet
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