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[Q] Zune HD interface VS WP7

Who believes that the Zune HD's interface is MUCH more polished than that of WP7? I mean it looks even more original and sexier in majority of places...

I do, Zune HD interface is obviously much much muich better then WP7, only a moron wud say no.

xyhchina said:
I do, Zune HD interface is obviously much much muich better then WP7, only a moron wud say no.
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great that someone agrees! I thought i was the weird one lol

100% agree, i love the pinned, new and history stuff on the left, and i love going back by touching the upper side of a screen (only wave app has something similar )

UI and UX are two different things. The UI of WP7 and ZuneHD are similar. WP7 is to ZuneHD what iPhone is to iPod Touch. The ZuneHD UI is mostly replicated in the Music & Videos Hub (like "iPod" on iPhone). I tend to think Metro is Godly for Media Player-type applications, but terrible for general end-user applications.
The panning isn't the issue, it's the user controls that are a problem for me, and the lack of Chrome and in many cases visual feedback when working with UI elements (i.e. Tapping a link and nothing visual to let you know you actually hit the link in many cases).
For Media Players, Zune > *
For General Applications, I tend to prefer iOS and WebOS to Android to everything else.
I do think they should have tried to replicate the ZuneHD interface 100% in the "ZuneHD Hub," though. They also should have given WP7 equivalent CODEC support.

Zune HD looks great.. Bt imagine placing calls etc on it will b difficult.. I like wp7 jst as it is :-D
Sent from my LG-E900

N8ter said:
UI and UX are two different things. The UI of WP7 and ZuneHD are similar. WP7 is to ZuneHD what iPhone is to iPod Touch. The ZuneHD UI is mostly replicated in the Music & Videos Hub (like "iPod" on iPhone). I tend to think Metro is Godly for Media Player-type applications, but terrible for general end-user applications.
The panning isn't the issue, it's the user controls that are a problem for me, and the lack of Chrome and in many cases visual feedback when working with UI elements (i.e. Tapping a link and nothing visual to let you know you actually hit the link in many cases).
For Media Players, Zune > *
For General Applications, I tend to prefer iOS and WebOS to Android to everything else.
I do think they should have tried to replicate the ZuneHD interface 100% in the "ZuneHD Hub," though. They also should have given WP7 equivalent CODEC support.
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interesting feedback which i agree with mostly but it has so much difference that I don't believe it can be called as iTouch of WP7. the differences may be subtle but that icing on the cake makes all the difference.

jay_993 said:
Who believes that the Zune HD's interface is MUCH more polished than that of WP7? I mean it looks even more original and sexier in majority of places...
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I think the Mango update did a lot to fix some of my major gripes inside the Music Hub - overall I prefer the Zune HD interface because it is much cleaner.
I would prefer to see the same time related switch to the artist/song player controls as seen in the Zune HD. The only time it shouldn't default back is when you are in the middle of using a plugged in app. Otherwise the media player controls should be considered the default screen. I want to temporarily look at the History, New, Apps or Zune screens not have it permanently display until I make some sort of switch.
I would also like to see the same screen saver options on WP7 and have it extended to the lock screen.

amlex said:
I think the Mango update did a lot to fix some of my major gripes inside the Music Hub - overall I prefer the Zune HD interface because it is much cleaner.
I would prefer to see the same time related switch to the artist/song player controls as seen in the Zune HD. The only time it shouldn't default back is when you are in the middle of using a plugged in app. Otherwise the media player controls should be considered the default screen. I want to temporarily look at the History, New, Apps or Zune screens not have it permanently display until I make some sort of switch.
I would also like to see the same screen saver options on WP7 and have it extended to the lock screen.
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Interesting feedback!

I sold my Zune HD because it seemed redundant with a Windows Phone but now I'm on the market for a new one as there's no phone with 32GB and the Zune hub isn't as slick as the whole Zune experience on the player.

1. WP7 zune interface needs a better seek feature aka let me drag it dammit. Sometimes I don't have time to hold down the >> button, like while I'm driving.
2. It also needs a queue as next song function. Sync a playlist, but sometimes I want to play a song thats halfway down the list first. I want to be able to hold down the song and give me the option to add as next song after current one is done.
3. Make the buttons bigger. The shuffle icon is so small.
OT
WP7 zune is good for occasional short listen and day to day use. On long trips, bring along your Zune HD. Good for your phone battery life anyway.

icecream sandwich and iOS 5 killer features comparison

I am tired of many of iOS’s issues (lack of flexibility, screensize) and want to get the new Nexus. However, there are many Key features of iOS that I use extensively. I’m looking for some informative insight on Android’s offering.
1.***** Airplay – wireless music/youtube w/e directly from my iPhone. I have no idea what android have in this department
2.***** Music – I use a Mac and I would like to keep itunes. Is there a easy way to sync? Especially wirelessly
3.***** Facetime – is there an equally simple solution? My long D gf uses iOS, so im looking for cross platform here.
4.***** Facebook – iOS facebook sucks, how far along is android now, app, integration etc?
5.***** Notes – syncs automatically with my Mac, I can access it offline after it synced. I tried evernote before but I don’t think it works offline.
Any exclusive ICS features that are used extensively?
Thanks

bennyx8903 said:
I am tired of many of iOS’s issues (lack of flexibility, screensize) and want to get the new Nexus. However, there are many Key features of iOS that I use extensively. I’m looking for some informative insight on Android’s offering.
1.***** Airplay – wireless music/youtube w/e directly from my iPhone. I have no idea what android have in this department
2.***** Music – I use a Mac and I would like to keep itunes. Is there a easy way to sync? Especially wirelessly
3.***** Facetime – is there an equally simple solution? My long D gf uses iOS, so im looking for cross platform here.
4.***** Facebook – iOS facebook sucks, how far along is android now, app, integration etc?
5.***** Notes – syncs automatically with my Mac, I can access it offline after it synced. I tried evernote before but I don’t think it works offline.
Any exclusive ICS features that are used extensively?
Thanks
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Click to collapse
Hey,
1. no idea, sorry
2. There are a few programs that manage sync with iTunes on a mac. Doubletwist (the paid version features wireless sync) might be a good solution for this: http://doubletwist.com/
3. What about Skype? =) I think iOS also has video call functionality https://market.android.com/details?id=com.skype.raider
4. Well facebook for Android also sucks :/ I'd go with the mobile website instead.
5. I'd say evernote is the way to go. It also works offline, at least on mobile.

1. Google music beta stores your music online .
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA App

Apple has a way of trapping you in their exclusive ecosystem of software and accessories. You can find alternative, open solutions, but you may have to purchase new accessories.
If I understand correctly, Airplay is an Apple proprietary solution. I know that DoubleTwist has an Airplay plugin, but I would imagine it only supports playing back audio, not YouTube, etc.
DLNA is the alternative, but is standardized and widely supported.

bennyx8903 said:
I am tired of many of iOS’s issues (lack of flexibility, screensize) and want to get the new Nexus. However, there are many Key features of iOS that I use extensively. I’m looking for some informative insight on Android’s offering.
1.***** Airplay – wireless music/youtube w/e directly from my iPhone. I have no idea what android have in this department
2.***** Music – I use a Mac and I would like to keep itunes. Is there a easy way to sync? Especially wirelessly
3.***** Facetime – is there an equally simple solution? My long D gf uses iOS, so im looking for cross platform here.
4.***** Facebook – iOS facebook sucks, how far along is android now, app, integration etc?
5.***** Notes – syncs automatically with my Mac, I can access it offline after it synced. I tried evernote before but I don’t think it works offline.
Any exclusive ICS features that are used extensively?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1 Airplay....There are applications in the Android Market that can handle this.
2 Music-Doubletwist and Airsync - both provided by the same company. They also sync with iTunes.
3 Factime - I use Gtalk application It works on WiFI as well as 3G/4G and hence you can always be in touch with your gf....lol
4 Notes- Gdocs...it syncs with Google and also Google DOcs which not only syncs your notes but all your docs.
5 Google music is very good since it stores all your music in cloud and also gives you flexibility to download, transfer or play from the cloud while on the move.

1. Nothing really like airplay
2. You can use itunes to organise your music and just drag and drip songs onto your sd card.
3. I use the Skype app for video calls
4. The Facebook app is terrible for Android but is integrated well into the os with full contact sync and sharing photos to facebook straight from the app.
5. There are so many great note taking apps on the Android Market there will definately be something you will like
The great thing about Android is that if you don't like the stock Android apps you can always find better alternatives to them on the market.

[Q] Video Streaming?

One thing i really miss from my time spent with iPhone is airplay, used it everyday.
Since jumping on to WP7 i have searched hi & low for a streaming solution and haven`t found one yet.
So my question, is there any video/music streaming option for Mac to WP7 out there?

That might actually be worth developing. Bear in mind that WP7 users who run OS X PCs are going to be an extremely niche market, though. There are two ways that I can see to do it, though:
* Write a WP7 app that acts as a client for a current streaming service on OS X / iTunes. Make sure the stream can be decoded on the phone and that the service recognizes the app, but neither should be too hard (WP7 already recognizes most of Apple's codecs).
* Write a WP7 app that acts as a client to a dedicated media server app. Write that dedicated media server app, for OS X and possibly other platforms. The server would take care of ensuring WP7 compatibility. You'd need Apple dev tools (which is expensive, for somebody who currently owns no Apple hardware) and knowledge of writing good server code, though.

For HTC phones, you can download "Connected Media" from the HTC section of marketplace. Although not the greatest player, it does allow you to play non-DRM music and videos stored in your library (no streaming) to DLNA receivers. I use it to play to my Linksys Extender of my Media Center every once in a while.

@spokanedj: I think the OP is looking for the other direction, streaming files from the PC (Mac, in this case) to the phone. I'm guessing the goal is working around the limited storage on the phone for people with a really big media library.

I enjoy watching tv-shows when laying in bed, so yes im only interested in streaming.
I saw on https://www.emitapp.com/ that wp7 app coming soon.
I used emit on android, it wasnt perfect but i did the job

Does windows rt operate like a tablet OS or regular windows?

By that I mean, can I just download media say from the browser on the SRT and browse it in a file explorer, and click to play?
Do I (will I?) have a choice of music/video player for that file?
also, since there is no outlook, can anyone tell me if they read about or tried how well does the calendar and email apps work? Most review sites are too excited about the OS and hardware they are neglecting talking about built in apps...
Also, are smartglass features within a contained app? Or is it more universal like AirPlay on iPad?
Thanks

More hands-on info on Windows RT in below link. Metro doesn't have a built-in file manager, and for now you'd need to drop to desktop mode to browse files/folders. A bit klunky. Despite all the hype about it, Metro still has many functionality holes to fill. Since file mgmt is a top need, I imagine there'll be 3rd-party solutions for Metro soon enough.
http://www.anandtech.com/show/6392/the-windows-rt-review
>Do I (will I?) have a choice of music/video player for that file?
I've not browsed the Windows store lately, but am not aware of any full-range 3rd-party media player, at least not the kind that can handle a wide range of codecs/formats that we've come to expect from Windows players like VLC. As with many needs, it'll be a waiting game for software to catch up.
Smartglass will be an app, although one would expect substantial integration to MS' existing services over time.
http://www.ibtimes.com/smartglass-r...it-help-boost-windows-phone-8s-success-854120

smart glass is still wp8 only?
I know ms is trying to use exclusivity to promote wp, but there are a few million people right now, that would buy this for iphone and android devices.

"Xbox SmartGlass for Android and iPhone coming early 2013, Windows 8 version here 26 October"
http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/48081/xbox-smartglass-iphone-android-early-2013

It's pretty much mixed, there are many settings that you have to use the desktop control panel. There is desktop paint, calculator, notepad and cammand line. The Office is on desktop. Eventhing metro is more convenient when operating with fingers though.

Playing Flac

Any ideas? I presume this would need an app.
Tim

My entire music collection is in FLAC format so if Windows RT cannot play it - at all - then that is a problem for me. Windows 8 Pro on the desktop doesn't properly play it(wthout additional third party filters or apps etc.) so I'm not expecting Windows RT to play nice.
Let's hope some good Windows RT apps come out soon for this purpose. My Android tablets and smartphones all play FLAC using the built in apps I just kindof expected it to be there.

Although popular in the Linux space (which Android is built on), FLAC gets relatively little attention from the commercial OS vendors. You *could* transcode it to WMA-Lossless if you don't mind storing each song twice, I guess...
Implementing an app to decode and play FLAC would be fairly easy, aside from the hassle of implementing a decent media player UI (not trivial, even for developers that supposedly know how to do GUIs). Better would be to just implement an installable codec, but I'm not sure if that's even possible on RT and it might not work in Store apps even on Win8.