This is the first in a series I would like to call "2 Cent Suggestions" which I will take specific topics and suggest improvements to help make the Zune experience the best around.  Now that I have had some time to play with the Zune 2.5 Spring Update, it is a welcomed necessary update, yet there are many more features Microsoft needs to add.  There are other minor changes they did to the software, but I will focus on some of the bigger changes they did, followed by suggested software upgrades they should include in future updates.  I am happy to say that many of the features in the 2.5 spring update were originally on my suggestion list, and can now be listed as completed updates, though there could be a bit more tweaking to make them even better.

ZUNE 2.5 UPDATED SOFTWARE FEATURES

-Gap-less playback. This is essential for DJ mixes and many albums, yet there is still an ever so slight skip between the tracks so it is not completely seamless.
-MP3 Tag editing.  The previous tag editing in the Zune software was nearly unusable.  The editing in Windows Media Player is still better, but the tag editing update is a huge improvement over the previous Zune software.  The ability to drag and drop files between albums and genres is wonderful.
-Improved Social.  You can now see your and your friends Zune cards within the Zune software, as well as send short messages to each other.  Too bad I only have one other friend that has a Zune and our musical tastes are completely different.
-Auto Playlists.  I am glad to see the feature back and have it carry over to the Zune hardware, though it is lacking the ability to create an auto-playlist of recently played items.
-Browse by Genre.  Not much to say about this one, but I am glad this is here.

2 CENT ZUNE SOFTWARE SUGGESTIONS
-Background Podcast Downloading. Enable the Zune software to run as a service in the background downloading podcasts, so the program does not have to be open.
-Rating System. The "heart" rating system is lacking.  Bring back the 5 stars rating system.
-Twist Interface. The "twist" interface is great on the Zune hardware.  Why can't we have the "twist" interface for the Zune software?
-Easy Download Viewing. Add an icon in the lower-left hand side near the Zune and CD icon to display if downloads are occurring and the percentage done.  If one clicks on it, it will take them to what downloads are occurring.
-Custom Backgrounds. Make it mine?  Too bad I can only select a few backgrounds.  I want to select my own backgrounds.  Make it so when I change a background in in either my Zune Tag, Zune device or Zune software the picture is applied to the background for all.
-Past Album Art. The ability to paste album art with a right-click, not search for it on the hard drive to add it.  Windows Media Player does not have this problem.
-Automatic File Management. The ability for the software to automatically manage the library by renaming, and moving files into folders to keep things organized would be a nice optional feature.
-DivX support.  The Xbox 360 was recently updated to support DivX.  Also, the Zune software is very particular about what MP4 formats it will find and play.
-Pink Bar Fullscreen Annoyance.  When viewing video fullscreen, it always shows the bottom pink bar which is annoying and needs to be removed.
-Integration with Window Media Center. Make the Zune software sync with Windows Media Center (it claims it will in Microsoft advertising, but no one I have talked to at Microsoft knows how to do this), and make it be able to sync both standard def and high-def.  Most major shows are HDTV now, so make it sync them.  Have it auto-detect the presence of shows recorded in Windows Media Center.
-High Quality Ripping.  Ripping needs industry standard formats such as AAC and VBR MP3 with the LAME codec for high quality sound.
-Burning Data CDs with Folder Structure.  When I burn multiple podcasts/albums as a data CD, they should be burned into multiple folders.  Windows Media Player does this right.  Zune does not, it burns them all to the root directory and they are all mixed together.
-Frequent Updates.  Don't wait six months or more to release these updates, as they need to be released more frequently.

I will list suggestions on other topics such as the hardware, marketplace, social and other features in future posts.  How do you feel about the proposed software suggestions?  Do you have any suggestions for the software I may have missed that would help make the Zune software the best media player around?

Thanks to Sh0tD3aD42 for contributing some of his time to create some nice looking Car Backgrounds for your Zune!

In addition Rikostan added a couple today as well...

-{{ wetworker }}- from KMT Studios has submitted a few really nice backgrounds for your Zune...

Thanks -{{ wetworker }}-!

It appears that you can snag the preloaded content that is preloaded on the new Zunes over at Zune.net.

How can I restore the content that came preloaded on my Zune?

If you've deleted content that was preloaded on your Zune 4GB, Zune 8GB, or Zune 80GB, you can download it from Zune.net, add it to your collection, and re-sync it to your Zune.

Restore preloaded content to your Zune

1. Make sure you have at least 450 MB free storage space.
2. Right-click here, select Save Target As, and choose a folder in which to download the compressed WinZip file.
3. Double-click the downloaded file to open it.
4. Copy or move each of the main subfolders—Pictures, Podcasts, Videos, and Zune Gems (music)—to a folder that the Zune software monitors for each media format, adding the Pictures folder to a monitored folder for pictures, and so on.
   To view or update your monitored folders, go to the Zune software's collection settings.
5. Connect your Zune and sync your new content.

Souce: Zune.net via ZuneBoards

The fine folks over at ZuneBoards made a collection of great looking wallpapers for Pink Zuners.

Hope you like them!