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Nero 7 now available
Not to be outdone by Roxio's new, big, shiny number 8 release (known as "the ocho" around here), Nero 7 "Ultra Edition" is boasting a raft of similar features for the media center set... In fact, it looks like someone got a little carried away with the bulleted lists over at Nero. Some of the "new features" of Nero 7 include:- Rip tracks from audio CDs (SoundTrax)
- Intelligent size calculation will suggest a DVD if data will not fit on a CD
- Metallic skin (Nero ShowTime)
- Virus protection of backups
- New, easy-to-use GUI for Nero Express and Nero InCD
Now, I know I previously espoused my love for Roxio. Don't get me wrong, Nero does what it does well, that is, burn stuff Roxio won't. But I'll say any of these apps that are becoming "super" media apps are starting to look a little foolish. Take a look at the full feature list and you'll see what I mean. However, there are a few features to make note of.
First off, there's the whole "media center" thing. Like Roxio's offering, I have low expectations. It's like a scanner/fax/copier/printer. Probably won't do any of them exceptionally well, and will make compromises to accomodate all 4 functions. Nero 7 is boasting (in addition to burning and copying tools), audio creation apps, photo and video apps, DVD creation (start to finish), backup tools, and some sort of sharing mechanism. Sounds a lot like iLife and Roxio's stuff, don't it?
The only thing I can see of interest is the support for Blu-ray discs and some end-to-end support for HD content. Otherwise, this looks like another behemoth coming down the line. Whatever happened to simple, one-purpose apps? Looks like Roxio and Nero are caught up in that bullet-point war, which is ultimately a zero sum game. Give a cheer for bloatware.
Comments
5
Subscribe to commentsSteveOct 12th 2005 8:42AM
Pretty scathing review. Just curious have you tried the software?
boneyardOct 13th 2005 4:01AM
it's the same thing with many programs, the longer they are around the more pointless junk is added. what is wrong with just doing what the program was intented for and not turning everything is pieces of uber bloatware.
kbielOct 12th 2005 1:37PM
"Don't get me wrong, Nero does what it does well, that is, burn stuff Roxio won't."'
You forgot the other part of that sentence, "...and won't crash when Roxio will."
MarkFOct 13th 2005 10:37AM
In general I've been very happy with Nero6.x since it came out. The portions of it that I actually use do their respective jobs very well and I've never had it crash, or even hang. The only complaint I've had is that to get the two apps that I actually use, Nero Burning ROM and NeroVision Express, I have to buy the whole suite. I have plenty of other apps that already cover everything else crammed into this bloat pack of programs. At this point the only reason for me to upgrade is to something better integrated and with far fewer needless add-ons.
miekOct 12th 2005 10:25PM
Y'know Nero 7 has been available for quite some time via.. "other" sources..
And its great.
Much the same as every other version of Nero, really.
The Premium edition has a whole bunch of shit that I dont think most people would use.
I guess it must be pretty awesome, since all I can think to say about it is "It just works" and that should really be a big compliment to the Nero developers.