Zune HD vs WP Zune?

[johnnyb]

I have never actually used a Windows Phone's music player, but I have owned many Zunes, and the Zune HD is my favorite music player ever. How do the two compare?

[Joe F.]

The music app on a Windows Phone is basically a clone of the Zune player. If you like Zune you'll love Windows Phone.

[johnnyb]

I know that there are a few differences, such as tapping on an artist gives you a link to buy their other music (right?). Do Zune Passes work with mobile internet (like can I download music while in my car?)?

Also, is the Smart DJ functionality the same?

[techblitz]

I have the Zune HD, and although I don't have a Windows Phone, the music experience is essentially the same. Stuff like Bios, related artists, etc. are missing from the phone, thought.

[johnnyb]

I have the Zune HD, and although I don't have a Windows Phone, the music experience is essentially the same. Stuff like Bios, related artists, etc. are missing from the phone, thought.

Man, I really like reading the Bios on my HD D:

[themizarkshow]

I never had the free cash to jump on the ZuneHD but I still carry my 16gb flash Zune with me just about everywhere.

[johnnyb]

I never had the free cash to jump on the ZuneHD but I still carry my 16gb flash Zune with me just about everywhere.

You could probably find a used one on eBay or something for fairly cheap. I've been considering trying to upgrade to a 64 GB HD from my 32, but they're a bit out of my poor college kid price range.

[Culat]

Do Zune Passes work with mobile internet (like can I download music while in my car?)?

Also, is the Smart DJ functionality the same?

Yes, you can download music to your phone while you're in your car, and it will sync to your collection when you connect your phone. I don't remember how smart dj worked with the zune hd, but it works the same way on the phone that it does with the zune pc software (it will find songs not in your collection that are related).

[johnnyb]

I don't remember how smart dj worked with the zune hd, but it works the same way on the phone that it does with the zune pc software (it will find songs not in your collection that are related).

The way I use it on my Zune is by long pressing on a song or artist and telling it to find similar music that you have (and some you don't) to create a playlist of about 30 songs. You can do this through WP as well, correct?

[techblitz]

The way I use it on my Zune is by long pressing on a song or artist and telling it to find similar music that you have (and some you don't) to create a playlist of about 30 songs. You can do this through WP as well, correct?

A quick Google search says yes, this is possible in Mango!

[achmeingott]

Watch some WP interface videos. Like the Zune HD it's incredibly fast and fluid. The interface was very much designed in the spirit of the HD with several vast improvements in workflow.

[achmeingott]

A quick Google search says yes, this is possible in Mango!

Yep SmartDJ is included in Mango. It's pretty fantastic, you can create a SmartDJ playlist, save it and name it anything.

[techblitz]

Yep SmartDJ is included in Mango. It's pretty fantastic, you can create a SmartDJ playlist, save it and name it anything.

Question: does that require Zune Pass or can it be used without a Zune Pass, as in Zune HD fashion?

[achmeingott]

Question: does that require Zune Pass or can it be used without a Zune Pass, as in Zune HD fashion?

I used it before I had Zune Pass and it worked as expected. Honestly though, the feature's usefulness is increased tenfold with Zune Pass as it's more likely to recommend music you haven't heard of. Another great feature with Mango is that Shazam/Soundhound like functionality is built directly into the phone. Hear a song on the radio, click the dedicated search button, click the music icon and it will identify the song in seconds and bring it up in the Zune marketplace. Which again is even more fantastic with Zune Pass.

[Handguns]

Anybody else use their Zune HD for music, and their Windows Phone for calls, texts, apps, etc?

It's becoming some what of a hassle but I get by.

[themizarkshow]

You could probably find a used one on eBay or something for fairly cheap. I've been considering trying to upgrade to a 64 GB HD from my 32, but they're a bit out of my poor college kid price range.

Except for the rare times that I am without wifi and 3/4G, I just use cloud services. I couldn't see it justfying the cash anymore.

[techblitz]

Anybody else use their Zune HD for music, and their Windows Phone for calls, texts, apps, etc?

It's becoming some what of a hassle but I get by.

It's kind of a necessary separation though, as apps and other items take up too much storage. Having 32 gigs would help, but that's not an option at the moment.

[techblitz]

Except for the rare times that I am without wifi and 3/4G, I just use cloud services. I couldn't see it justfying the cash anymore.

I don't know how I found new music without Spotify. I don't have premium, but my free trial hasn't ended yet! Their catalogue is amazing!

[johnnyb]

Hear a song on the radio, click the dedicated search button, click the music icon and it will identify the song in seconds and bring it up in the Zune marketplace. Which again is even more fantastic with Zune Pass.

This is an absolutely fantastic feature. It seems like Windows Phone has these little things all over the place.

I do not have a Zune Pass, but when I make the switch to Windows Phone (my contract is up this summer -- or possibly Lumia 900 before then ) I plan on getting one.

[mmgaa1]

Zune is the only reason why I want a Windows Phone. Love the software on PC + my ZuneHD.