Dan’s Space on the Web

http://eminenceonline.com/passion/

“Performing in Sydney, Melbourne and Singapore, �Passion� is a concert series which combines talented musicians with powerful and evocative music from some of Japan�s most loved anime and video games.

Performed by a small ensemble, consisting of violins, percussion, guitar and piano, �Passion� will feature the unique and innovative arrangements of memorable themes from games such as Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross, Tsubasa Chronicle, Vagrant Story, Final Fantasy XII, Xenosaga, Haibane Renmei, Shadow of the Colossus, Super Mario Bros., .hack//Liminality and many more.”

w00t, there’s no way I’m missing this.

Click Image for Full-size (1280×1024)

VS: area o4 by *heylove
Geoshell Bars: [noir]
wallpaper: AquaFireing Mode 03 by ~donzee (cropped and resized)
winamp: Barracuda by ~sXnc
Rainlendar 2.0: Shadow4 (default skin)

Comments:
Menu in bottom-left is accessible by right-clicking anywhere on desktop.
My max window size is set such that I am left with desktop space to click on at the bottom of the screen, allowing for easy access to the right-click menu.

Icons under the glass in the center of the screen are the taskbar / system tray.

Colorful icons in right-click menu are from Textures icons by Dark Project

I still have my taskbar and tray at the bottom, but they’re usually hidden (fade-in on mouse over).
Click here if you’re interested to see them.

The Zune releases tomorrow, so there isn’t many full reviews of it out yet.

However, based on the bits of information currently available, I don’t think the Zune is going to kill the iPod that easily.

via dapreview.net ,

”

• - Doesn’t support Microsoft’s own WMA DRM – the format used by most online music stores and subscription services
• - WiFi function extremely limited – can only broadcast single pics and tracks that expire in 3 days or 3 plays, no web browser, email client, etc
• - No custom EQ

”

These are the 3 main things that struck me the most.

First of all, how can the “Microsoft iPod” not support Microsoft’s WMA DRM?

Second, the WiFi capabilities are one of it’s main points that give it that one-up over the iPod – too bad its capabilities are so limitied.

Thirdly, no custom equalizer? In my opinion, a custom EQ should be a standard for today’s digital audio player. A player without a custom EQ belongs back in the day when MD Players were able to provide superior audio quality.

Of course, it also comes jam packed with a lot of proprietary restrictions, but that’s expected with a big company like Microsoft.
I can understand why you would want to force users to use you products. However, first make sure your products work.

Engadget: Installing the Zune… sucked

Not only can the setup process not possibly get any longer, the instability of this proprietary software – that users are forced to use – is unforgivable.

image from Wikipedia

Ah yes, the beloved BSOD (Blue Screen of Death). Now you can have it as your screensaver!
BlueScreen Screen Saver