黑米帕．HEMiPOD

對於微軟所力推的 SlideShow 而言，我們依然必須將它視為一個整體概念、一個品牌名稱、一個具有服務導向的平台，它是基於「Windows Vista + SlideShow Platform + 開發工具」三者組合而成的應用； SlideShow 對於 Windows Vista 來說，應該早已讓許多廠商認定為是「殺手級應用」，只待軟硬體到位後開始起跑，甚至狂奔；以後這個位置說不定是一支 3.5G、4G 手機讓你可以直接無線上網，可能是上課使用的 PocketPC，當然，如果是 Zune 的話，你等於是帶了一台電腦的小分身。對技術內容有興趣的人，還可以去看看 MSDN 中的說明文件。

In recent years, Microsoft tried to use the same approach with consumer technologies. It developed music and video software and invited gadget-makers to build hardware around it, and other firms to build compatible online stores to sell content. This “flat out didn't work,” says Matt Rosoff of Directions on Microsoft, a specialist research firm. In the case of music, Microsoft's PlaysForSure software proved flaky: not all music from all stores would play for sure on all players, and the iPod remained unchallenged.

I do like the hardware, it is the software that is a real pain for me. Maybe it is because I am so comfortable with the iTunes and iPod integration, but it just doesn’t speak to me. Having to log into all those damn Microsoft accounts just to purchase Zune Points is really something that I am not interested in. It is so clear to me now just how much of an advantage Apple has when it comes to the user experience related to the software/hardware integration. I wonder how someone who doesn’t like Apple feels?

Myth 4: The Zune will do most everything else the iPod does at the same price Well no, Microsoft isn't supporting Audible audiobooks, nor providing any support for podcasting, nor has it announced any support for notes, tasks, calendars, contacts, or games. So all it does is play music.

Podcast applications typically store downloaded podcasts in a default Windows folder (for instance, C:\Podcasts). Many also allow you to change the storage directory to the folder of your choice. Just like with other audio content, podcast content must be stored in a folder monitored by Zune if you want to automatically import it to the Zune library

Zune will play podcasts. I'm actually listenting to a podcast right now. If you bring the audio file into the software (like a wma or mp3 file), you can play it on your Zune. Beyond that, there will be other options for podcasting support for future releases.