Zune / ZuneHD - Downloads, Wallpapers, Info, Mods, & Hacks

Samsung Galaxy S vs. HD2 vs. Zune HD

2010-07-15T06:58:00.000-05:00

As we learned at Samsung's Galaxy S event in New York City last night, Samsung is very proud of their Super AMOLED screen. We took it for a spin and compared it with the old HTC HD2 and the Zune HD. The contrast and black blacks are comparable to the Zune's regular AMOLED screen, but the Samsung Super AMOLED screen seems much nicer under the lights. It looks to have deeper contrast as well.

Source:
http://pocketnow.com/hardware-1/samsung-galaxy-s-vs-hd2-vs-zune-hd

Zune HD gets a price drop

2010-02-02T20:39:00.001-05:00

While operating system updates for the iPhone and the Nexus One take the cake today, there are some other developments of which you should be aware of.

Microsoft’s Zune HD which debuted all the way back in September got a price drop today at Amazon and Newegg which might only be a temporary drop. It's hard to say.

The prices right now are the lowest yet for the Zune HD and the details break down like so. A black 16GB Zune HD is going to run you $189.99 which is a $30 drop in price while 32GB Platinum Zune HD is now listed at $249.99 which is $40 drop.

SOURCE:
http://www.examiner.com/x-8134-SF-Gadgets-Examiner~y2010m2d2-Zune-HD-gets-a-price-drop

Twiter application updated

2009-12-21T07:47:00.003-05:00

A big story has been the release of a twitter applicaiton for the Zune HD was that the timeline on the device would filter and curse words that would would say. For example it would look like, F***. Microsoft has decided to change this because of people complaining and version 1.1 was released and there are no filters. It doesn't matter to me, but I guess your better off making everyone happy.

Zune HD Handy Tips

2009-12-15T08:02:00.001-05:00

Use these handy tips to get the most from your Zune:

To restart a crashed or frozen Zune, press and hold the On/Off button for 10 seconds.
If you want to completely erase all content from your Zune, press and hold the Home and Media buttons until it restarts.
To add a favorite item to the main menu (up to 10), press and hold on an item and then select Pin to Quickplay.
To quickly shuffle all music, simply press play beside the Music icon on the Home screen.

Click here for more power user tips.

Zune HD Gaming

2009-12-01T08:03:00.003-05:00

That Tegra chip is no joke -- the graphics in PGR: Ferrari Edition are easily on par with the PSP and quite possibly better, with intricate textures, high-quality reflections, and smooth framerates. The other games aren't nearly as intense, but they're just as smooth. Best of all? They're free -- although you will have to look at a Zune ad while they load. Not the worst tradeoff in the world, but we'd love to see what paid app developers could do if Microsoft would open this beast up. Check the video after the break.

Read more @ engadget.com:
http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/zune-hd-3d-games-video-hands-on/

Xbox Live Zune HD Video

2009-11-25T08:03:00.000-05:00

The new capabilities are available to Xbox Live Gold members—although Xbox Live Silver member can use the new services for free from November 20 to until November 23, just to see what they might be missing. Xbox Live Gold memberships start at $50 per year, which works out to a little over $4 per month; other pricing plans include $7.99 for one month and $19.99 for three months.

Integrating popular social networking services gives the already-successful Xbox Live service another edge on its competitors…however, don’t expect Sony to rest on its laurels: all indications are that rudimentary Facebook support is coming to the PlayStation 3 any day now.

Source:
http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/xbox-360-adds-facebook-twitter-last-fm/

Zune HD Waterfield Designs Suede Jacket

2009-11-02T11:26:00.001-05:00

If you have a Zune HD then you will want to pay attention. The made in the USA Suede Jacket is a perfect match for the Zune HD. Check out the video for all the details.

ZuneHD Photos

2009-09-28T08:45:00.000-05:00

Project Pink renderings were leaked this week by Gizmodo. They were however not related to the Zune Phone. Now we have concept artwork of the actual Zune 3G along with the specifications leaked from an industry analyst who remains unnamed.

The device will run Windows Mobile 7 and will feature the Zune Marketplace with not just music but also Windows Mobile applications specifically made for the Zune phone. Notable is however that through the Zune Marketplace it will also be possible to go into the Windows Mobile App Store. The store will however be branded as Zune.

Read more:
http://www.buyzunephone.com/zune-phone-photos/

Zune HD accessory roundup

2009-09-24T08:40:00.002-05:00

The Zune HD represents a big step forward in Microsoft's war against the iPod, but when it comes to accessories, there's just no catching up to Apple. Step inside any local electronics store and you'll find yourself wading through a swamp of speaker docks, cases, cables, chargers, in-car FM transmitters, and alarm clocks, all made for the iPod. Try looking for the Zune section, though, and you'll be sorely disappointed.

Fortunately, the handful of accessories made for the Zune are all surprisingly high in quality. The iHome ZN9 alarm clock, for instance, is one of the better bedside speaker systems we've tested, regardless of what MP3 player you plug into it. Same goes for the Kicker ZK500--the thing is a first-rate, floor-shaking speaker dock that any Zune owner should count themselves lucky to have.

Some accessories are uniquely Zune, though. The HD AV dock, for example, has no equal in the iPod world. With it, you can output 720p video from your Zune HD to your TV, as well as show off your music collection, flip through photos, and tune in to HD Radio channels.

Read the rest of the article here:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10358097-1.html

Zune HD brings new experiences

2009-09-23T08:46:00.000-05:00

Microsoft’s new touch screen portable media player is the new kid on the block of the ever popular touch screen based PMPs. But what makes the Zune HD stand out and what are its shortcomings? Check out this thorough startBlue review.

The first thing one notices is the design. Extremely industrial, it is available in either Black 16GB or Platinum 32GB which consists of a brushed metal back and a glass OLED touch screen. The second thing that catches your eye is the clarity, detail, and colour of the OLED screen. Unlike many of its competitors, the Zune HD innovates with the newest in screen technology. Unlike traditional displays that have one light bulb that is filtered by a liquid crystal display, the Zune HD contains thousands of light emitting diodes or tiny light bulbs. The result is a stunning display.

Beneath the outer hardware exists some impressive internals. It is the first PMP to have HD Radio. HD Radio allows you to not only listen to FM radio but also HD stations, giving you a larger selection and higher clarity. Bringing it all together is the 8 core NVIDIA Tegra Processor which allows for handling of HD Video, a slick graphical UI and games all together with powerful battery savings. Each core has a unique purpose so by selectively turning them on and off, the Zune increases your ability to save energy.

Read full article here:
http://www.startblue.net/technology/reviews/zune-hd-brings-new-experiences.htm

Zune HD Review: The PMP, Evolved - Gizmodo

2009-09-17T12:28:00.000-05:00

The gorgeous 3.3-inch capacitive OLED touchscreen takes up the majority of the device's face. More on that below. It's surrounded by three hardware buttons: Underneath the screen on the face is the home button, on the top edge is the power/hold button, and in lieu of a volume rocker the Zune HD has a button on the left side that brings up Quickplay options. These options drift onto the screen and offer volume, track forward/back and play/pause. Quickplay can be enabled to work even while the player is locked.

On the bottom of the device is the proprietary Zune port (the Zune HD will work with all of the surprisingly easy-to-find existing Zune accessories) and the headphone jack. It's rated for 33 hours of audio and 8.5 of video, which is very strong if it's true (especially since previous Zunes were lacking in battery life, to say the least). The Zune HD lacks both a speaker and a camera, though neither is necessarily a mark against it. Still, both options would be welcome.

Source:

http://gizmodo.com/5360126/zune-hd-review-the-pmp-evolved

Zune HD gaming and app downloads confirmed: Twitter, Facebook, and 3D games on the way

2009-09-16T10:19:00.002-05:00

The promotional video and leaked shots already made it clear but now it's official: the Zune HD will be a gaming and application platform. In addition to a few casual games, calculator and MSN Weather apps pre-loaded onto the Zune HD, the official Microsoft press release touting the launch contains this little nugget of gaming gold:

"Later this year, Zune plans to release free applications such as Twitter for Zune and Facebook for Zune, in addition to fun 3-D games such as "Project Gotham Racing: Ferrari Edition," "Vans Sk8: Pool Service" and "Audiosurf(TM) Tilt." Games can be added to Zune HD via Zune Marketplace over the Wi-Fi connection or when connected to the Zune PC software."

Hear that Nintendo, Sony, and Apple? There's a new handheld gaming platform in town. All that remains to be seen is how it will integrate with the Xbox 360.

Source:
http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/15/zune-hd-3d-gaming-and-app-downloads-confirmed/

Lucky Zune fan gets his Zune HD early

2009-09-14T10:14:00.001-05:00

Loveandhatejw over at ZuneBoards posted a picture of himself (that haircut is a mess lol) and the black Zune HD he grabbed at Best Buy. Unfortunately the player his unusable without the Zune 4.0 software which is supposed to unlock the device.

Yea well I picked mine up from a buddy at best buy today. It’s useless
out of the box but here is my pic with it from webcam. Sorry for crappyy q
uality in advance. I may or may not upload more pics.

Got the software?
Out of the box no software is included.

Two days is a long wait, how’d you get yours?
There’s was someone I new at best buy, they have helped me before.

Source:
http://www.mobiletechworld.com/2009/09/14/lucky-zune-fan-gets-his-zune-hd-early/

Zund HD is Born - CNN

2009-09-10T10:58:00.000-05:00

After three years, Microsoft (NSDQ:MSFT)'s Zune music player will no longer be available to be purchased once current stock is depleted. Fortunately, Redmond already has a successor in place to take up the slack, the Zune HD, according to a report from The SuperSite Blog.

The current crop of Zune hardware -- the Flash Zune 4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB, as well as the model with hard drives of 80 GB and 120 GB -- start around $80 and will be sold until there are no more left in stock. The Zune HD will be available on Sept. 15 and start at $220.

The Zune HD 16-GB model will offer up to five hours of hi-def video and 22 hours of standard video. The 32-GB model ups the HD playback to 10 hours. To further round out its video capabilities, the Zune HD is able to support HD video playback through an HDMI docking station.

And of course the Zune HD has a 3.3-inch OLED touch screen with a 16:9 wide-screen format display and 480 x 272 pixel resolution.

Read more:
http://www.crn.com/retail/219501176;jsessionid=JNMAH3RTKSBY5QE1GHOSKH4ATMY32JVN

Zune HD Pamphlet Explored

2009-09-03T07:52:00.002-05:00

One thing I noticed was how similar the pamphlet size was to the box on the demo table and just assume it is one that will be included in the box as an accessory up-sell to inform users of the available accessories and services available to the Zune HD. A video and few pictures on the internet have confirmed this.

Source:
http://www.bostonpocketpc.com/Zune+HD+Pamphlet.aspx

Xbox Zune Video Marketplace demo

2009-08-31T12:35:00.001-05:00

The team from Xbox Australia yesterday showed off the upcoming Zune Video marketplace to Aussie tech journos.

Microsoft Upcoming Apps

2009-08-25T07:55:00.002-05:00

First, let’s start with quote directly from Microsoft from CNET:

"We have games on the Zune today and those will carry forward to Zune HD, but that's not where we'll necessarily stop."

Looking good, looking good.

Another quote:

“Games came pre-loaded on the current version of the device, but we made a decision to take them out of the firmware update and let people choose what games they want to have for themselves--and it made sense to do this via Marketplace. As before, games are free; the only difference is that people get to choose. Right now, we don't have anything further to say regarding Apps functionality beyond what we've already shared.”

Can you feel your face twisting into puzzlement?

To recap this past weekend, the Zune HD was out in the wild at select Best Buy’s and the rumor mill began churning at an intense rate when the Marketplace revealed an inaccessible Apps function that left pretty much everyone bewildered. Throw in an apparent confirmation that the Zune will be getting an SDK (Software Development Kit) and you have a punch bowl full of craziness.

Today, Microsoft acknowledged what people had found and went above and beyond, stating that the Apps section will contain games found on the past Zunes. Can you sense the sarcasm?

However, that first quote definitely shouts out “yes, something else beyond games is coming” and the suspense has started to become unreal. In all honesty, it is really hard to imagine that they would be keeping this a secret so close to the launch date in September if they planned on rolling out an SDK with full-on applications from the start. Maybe they don't want Apple to take the wind out of their sales?

http://www.examiner.com/x-8134-SF-Gadgets-Examiner~y2009m8d25-Microsoft-mum-about-apps-for-upcoming-Zune-HD

ZuneHD on HDTV

2009-08-20T09:42:00.000-05:00

The price for 16GB will be 219.99 and The price for 32GB will 289.99.. im getting one. The price is from Microsoft Store, Amazon, and BestBuy. Plus watch on HDTV

Zune HD lands September 15th, up for pre-order today

2009-08-14T09:31:00.000-05:00

Do you want a Zune HD real bad? Well you're in luck, because the wait is nearly over. Microsoft announced today that the heavily hyped media player will be making its way into retail channels come September 15th, and will be up for pre-order at select spots (Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and the Microsoft Store) today. That's right... today. The Tegra-packing, HD Radio-playing, 720p-outputting device will come in a black, 16GB flavor for $219.99, or a beefier, "platinum" finish 32GB version clocking in at $289.99 (apparently the player will come in five additional colors, but no word on which ones, exactly). If you're super impatient and in select markets (Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis / St. Paul, New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C.) you can head into a Best Buy on August 22nd and 23rd to play with a device and drop $25 on a pre-order. Otherwise, you'll just have to sit tight till the ZHD makes its way into the wide world... which is actually pretty soon. Check out more info about the player at our Zune HD hub, and after the break you can enjoy a recent video we shot of the device in action and the official PR.

Source:
http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/13/zune-hd-lands-september-15th-up-for-pre-order-today/

Hands On with the Zune HD, Plus Video

2009-08-13T09:25:00.001-05:00

Earlier today, José Piñero, Zune's new senior director of marketing, swung by the PCMag.com Labs to preview the brand-new Zune HD for us. And we really liked what we saw.

While there are still lots of unanswered questions (Piñero wouldn't confirm pricing or capacities, for instance, but Amazon.com leaks suggest a 16-Gbyte player for $219.99 and a 32-GB version for $289.99), our first in-depth look at the device was impressive. The multi-touch OLED screen works very much like the iPod touch's, and it plays back both HD video as well as HD radio broadcasts. To cap it all off, the device is incredibly thin.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2351459,00.asp

Zune HD's Bing-powered Web browser

2009-08-11T09:08:00.002-05:00

Last Tuesday, I shared my positive impressions of the mobile Web browser Microsoft is including in its upcoming Zune HD portable media player. What I didn't share (not because I didn't want to) were the photos I took of the Zune HD browser in action.

The following photo gallery includes four shots of the Zune HD browser doing its thing. The first shot shows the browser in portrait mode, the second shot shows how bookmarking is handled, the third shot shows Facebook in landscape view, and the final shot demonstrates the keyboard in landscape mode.

That last shot shows off another feature Microsoft has been keeping under wraps--Bing. Yep, the Zune HD's Web browser includes a search button for instant queries using the Bing search engine. Granted, it's not an earth-shattering or completely unexpected announcement, but it's one more detail for all the Zune fans and haters to sink their teeth into.

Checkout the gallery @ CNET:
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12519_7-10306769-49.html

ZuneHD from Wired.com

2009-08-10T08:19:00.001-05:00

The upcoming Zune HD was the talk of the GDGT launch event in San Francisco last night, and we got a look at the device. First impressions: It’s compact, lightweight, good-looking and has a very slick interface.

Microsoft’s newest media player has a bright, crisp OLED display that the dark lighting of the nightclub showed off to very good effect. It’s fast and responsive: Video looked great on it. Its 480 x 272 pixels are a far cry from HD, but they present a 16:9 aspect ration and they’re bright and contrasty, with deep, rich blacks, so you won’t mind much. Also, we could zoom and swipe between photos with great speed; the screen never stuttered or paused no matter how quickly we zipped and zoomed the images around. The source of that visual oomph? The Nvidia Tegra chip inside. (”I know it’s not the Microsoft software,” quipped one bystander.)

Read more:
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/08/hands-on-with-the-zune-hd/

Cnet: Hands on with ZuneHD

2009-08-06T09:22:00.002-05:00

I'll admit right off the bat that I've been a pretty big fan of the Zune ever since I bought my first one back in 2007. I've also had some disappointments, which I haven't been shy about sharing--and last year's half-hearted Zune hardware refresh had me losing faith that Microsoft would be able to steer this one out of the ditch.

Well, having just geeked-out with a pair of Zune HDs for about an hour, I am tentatively reaffirming my faith in Microsoft. This thing was worth the wait, folks. Mind you, it's not going to crush the iPod Touch--a product that for all intents and purposes is more mobile computer than media player--but it's safe to say that the Zune finally has the power to make good on the promise of delivering one of the richest music experiences on a portable device.

Read more:
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12519_7-10303243-49.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=Crave

New Zund HD Photos

2009-08-05T07:39:00.001-05:00

We're sure you have seen the Zune HD by now, but this new gallery of pictures is quite nice.

The shots are a little small, but they give you a nice taste as to what the device will look like and some more looks at the new UI and marketplace.

View full gallery here:
http://t03.us/2009/08/new-zune-hd-pictures-surface/

Microsoft, Apple and 21 More Companies Sued for Touch Screen Patent Violation

2009-07-23T08:22:00.002-05:00

Tsera has sued 23 electronics companies in federal court in eastern Texas for violating a patent on touchscreens.
The suit, filed on July 15, cites Apple’s iPod Classic and Nano products, Microsoft’s Zune digital media player, and 21 other popular devices as violating a patent, “Methods and Apparatus for Controlling a Portable Electronic Device Using a Touchpad,” granted in 2003.
The patent proposes a general description of how a user would input commands on a touchscreen “by tracing patterns with his finger on a surface of the touchpad. No immediate visual feedback is provided as a command pattern is traced, and the user does not need to view the device to enter commands.”

“A microcontroller within the device matches the pattern traced by the user against a plurality of preset patterns, each of which corresponds to a predefined function or command of the device. If the pattern traced by the user is a reasonably close match to any of the preset patterns, the device performs the predefined function corresponding to the matched pattern. The touchpad replaces the numerous buttons that are typically used to control portable electronic devices, thereby enhancing usability and reducing manufacturing costs.”

Source:
http://windows7full.com/w7/2009/07/22/microsoft-apple-and-21-more-companies-sued-for-touch-screen-patent-violation/

Price set for ZuneHD: $249

2009-07-22T07:58:00.002-05:00

The Zune HD is on the way, we know that much. But other than that there isn’t a whole lot known about the new Zune, other than Microsoft has big plans for it. A Microsoft insider has spilled some beans to the blogs about what we can expect with the new Zune HD. The insider claims that the new Zune HD will sell for about $249 to $280 for the base 16GB model, they didn’t give any specific price points for the larger Zune HD models however. They did indicate that Microsoft is considering a 64GB model and a 32GB model as well down the line after the product is released. Also rumored is that the new Zune HD will fully support for 720p movies and will even feature HDMI out. There is no official word as to when the Zune HD will be released by Microsoft, but rumors are that it will launch sometime in early September.

http://www.zuneagent.com/zune-hd/zune-hd-to-sell-for-249/

Zune Headphone Y Splitter

2009-07-21T08:13:00.000-05:00

A headphone y splitter is the most common of audio splitters. The goal of the device is simply to plugin to your audio device’s headphone jack(MP3 player, Ipod, Zune, ect) and split the audio so that two pairs of headphones are now able to listen on one device. They call it a headphone y splitter because it looks very much like the letter “Y”. These wires are very affordable, i recommend that you order the Apple Ipod speaker headphone splitter, it’s cheap, it works on all mp3 players and it’s from Amazon.

Microsoft App Store? “OneApp”

2009-07-15T07:57:00.002-05:00

Whilst attention has shifted towards Windows 7 and Office 2010 for the time being, Microsoft’s other major product launch up for this holiday season, the Zune HD, is always at the back of our heads. On one hand, the unceremonious announcement of the Zune HD late May helped confirm many of the rumored technical specifications of the device, but at the same time there is still a lining of mystery over how its browser works and what other capabilities the device may have.

A trademark application by Microsoft early last week could be an indication of what more the Zune HD might do, applications.

Trademark application 77775625 for the trademark “ONEAPP”, or alternatively pseudo-marked “One Application”, is classified as a trademark for “online retail store services facilitating the download of computer software for use on mobile phones, media players and other portable electronic devices”.

Source:
http://www.istartedsomething.com/20090714/microsoft-oneapp-possible-app-store-zune-hd/

Microsoft and a Music Streaming Service

2009-07-14T07:45:00.001-05:00

Microsoft plans to launch a music streaming service with a "similar principle to Spotify," according to a report by the U.K.'s Daily Telegraph.

"Music is an important area for Microsoft. We are looking at launching a music streaming service imminently. It will be a similar principle to Spotify but we are still examining how the business model will work," Peter Bale, executive producer of the company's news and entertainment arm, MSN, told the Telegraph.

The service could arrive as soon as the end of July, and is likely to offer free streaming, subscription-based streaming and paid downloads.

Bale added that he is looking at other business models to help figure out "what will work best for both consumer and Microsoft." The company's entrance into the music streaming market would bring, he says, "scale and a quality of product."

The service would be owned and operated by Microsoft, and be promoted through MSN and other Microsoft network portals. There is also the possibility such a service could link in with the company's Xbox gaming console, though Bale would not reveal exact details.

The service is apparently designed to boost appeal of Microsoft's music player Zune, which has so far struggled to gain a foothold in the iPod-dominated field. A high definition version of the player has recently been announced for the U.S.

Read more:
http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3ia62deb261008854a6747c36e7e6478e7

Zune HD Marketplace Images Surfaces

2009-07-13T07:49:00.001-05:00

An XBOX 360 program manager "Fitret” has posted on Twitter a photo of the Zune HD showing the Zune Marketplace selection, specifically an artist sub-menu for The Hold Steady. It does not show much but it does look nice. We just hope there is an app store.

Source:
http://theunofficialwindowsblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/image-of-zune-hd-marketplace-surfaces.html

How to Stream Your Zune Tracks to Your iPhone

2009-07-09T08:01:00.002-05:00

It’s no secret, we are big fans of Microsoft’s Zune - both the service, and the device. I’ve had a Zune Pass since the service launched, and use it daily (my Zune Pass profile.) If you aren’t sure what that is, it’s an unlimited music streaming and download service. You can listen to as much as you want for just $15 a month. In addition, you get to keep any 10 tracks of your choosing each month as well. Yours to keep, forever. Did you know, though, that you can stream any of your downloaded Zune tracks to your iPhone? Yeah, that’s one of the best parts. When you start connecting the dots, you soon realize that you have the potential of having an entire catalogue of music available to you, on your iPhone, regardless of the amount of storage you’ve got.

But, wait…how do you stream Windows Media Audio files to the iPhone, which doesn’t support that format? Furthermore, Zune tracks that aren’t downloaded as part of your 10 free keepers per month are riddled with DRM. Yeah, we hear you. There is no Zune app available for the iPhone itself. What you need is to install a piece of software on your PC, along with downloading an app on your iPhone. Join us, as we open up the musical floodgates.

Full article:
http://www.gearlive.com/news/article/q309-stream-zune-tracks-to-iphone/

ZuneHD competes with iPod Touch

2009-07-08T08:58:00.001-05:00

The iPod Touch owners may no long feel the superior feeling because here comes a new more vibrant music gadget called the Zune HD! This is the latest gadget from Microsoft who had demonstrated the features of the music device live and already generated buzz that it is going to be a better gadget than the iPod Touch.

The private demo of Microsoft's first touch screen player at the D7 technology has indeed created a kind of buzz around that its distinctiveness are very much imposing and they have the quality to pose threat to the sophistication level of iPod Touch in lots of features. Some of the features of the Zune HD seem enhanced than TOUCH. Dissimilar to Windows Mobile phones, which are usually come with inaccurate and sluggish resistive touch-screen, the Zune HD has a capacitive touchscreen like the iPod touch and responds both swiftly and precisely to finger input. These and the construction distinction were enough to immediately surprise spectators.

Full article here:
http://www.gadgetsmantra.com/2009/06/zune-hd-is-it-next-competitor-of-ipod.html

Xbox LIVE: 1 vs. 100 offering Zune 120GB as prizes

2009-07-07T07:41:00.002-05:00

Throughout the "prize-less" portion of the beta there has been a long running sweepstakes in place, allowing gamers with the random possibility of winning a Samsung 52” plasma HDTV, Acer Aspire laptop, Microsoft Zune 120GB, or Xbox Live Arcade Game for every question they answer in both “1 vs. 100 Live” and “1 vs. 100 Extended Play”. It's interesting to note that these sweepstake prizes appear to be set as a regular feature for 1 vs. 100, and may continue upon the full release of the game with perhaps various new prizes being offered at different times. Think of it as a "thanks for playing" chance of winning something even if the questions were a bit too hard.

Now, however, the stakes have been raised and the full prize scheme of 1 vs. 100 is slowly coming into play, and that means that Microsoft Points are now on the line. The "skill-based" prize system is tiered, meaning that a set of questions must be answered correctly in order to win the corresponding prize. Three prize structures exist, the first for "The One" who is placed in the hot seat, and another for "The Mob" who is trying to eliminate him, and the third for "The Crowd" who didn't get selected as either of the other two.

Full article:

http://www.examiner.com/x-15094-Sacramento-Xbox-Examiner~y2009m7d7-Xbox-LIVE-1-vs-100-finally-offering-real-prizes-for-Beta-players

Pink smartphone rumours

2009-07-02T07:34:00.002-05:00

Although, not Zune related, the much-rumoured Microsoft Pink smartphone will be branded as Microsoft devices

Microsoft is rumoured to be releasing the new Pink smartphone under its own in-house branding.

Until now Microsoft has maintained that it is “committed to the licensing model”, but according to comments on CNET.com the device will actually be branded as a Microsoft handset.

We would expect the handset to be running the newest version of Microsoft's Windows Mobile operating system, which depending on release will probably be Windows 7.

If the rumours are to be believed then the handset will be reserving a custom UI to sit atop the OS, one which will presumably remain unique to Microsoft's own-branded handsets, rather than those running the re-sold Windows 7 OS.

Last we heard of the Pink project, the handset was being designed by Microsoft, with manufacture going to a third-party; this latest rumour flies in the face of official comments regarding an own-branded Microsoft handset and no doubt places Microsoft as a direct competitor of other handsets that will be running the Windows 7 system.

There's no specs to report just yet, but we'd expect some serious touchscreen real-estate on board as well as the other usual suspects amongst the high-end feature set.

Source:
http://www.knowyourmobile.com/blog/279502/microsoft_pink_smartphone_rumours.html

ZuneHD vs iPod Touch 2g

2009-07-01T07:42:00.003-05:00

Nearly two years after Apple took off with its iPod Touch device, Microsoft has decided to release its Zune HD into the mix.

Surprisingly it has some impressive specs, and this coming from an iPhone fanboy.

So lets jump into the break down.

Read full story from Joe here:

http://www.iphonespies.com/apple-news/ipod-review/zune-hd-vs-ipod-touch-2g/

The Zune HD to start at $249?

2009-06-30T08:08:00.001-05:00

When it ships later this year, the Zune HD could cost as much or more than the iPod touch by the time both updates are released this year, an additional leak said Thursday. An interview with a previous source on Neowin cautions that prices aren't "set in stone" but has the base 16GB model costing between $249 and $279, or at least as much as the Zune 120 does today. A current 16GB clickpad Zune costs $179.

The insider also supports notions of a 32GB version and adds that a 64GB model is possible later in the Zune HD's life cycle, though he doesn't say what the larger-capacity model might cost.

Such a price could potentially hurt the Zune HD, as Apple is widely assumed to be lowering the price on its 16GB iPod touch from its current $299 for its next revision. The Microsoft player is likely to cost more through its use of a multi-touch OLED screen, which should produce more accurate colors than Apple's LCD, as well as the NVIDIA Tegra chip that supports decoding 720p video.

Read more here:
http://www.electronista.com/articles/09/06/26/zune.hd.price.leak/

Zune Source Interview from Neowin

2009-06-29T07:48:00.001-05:00

The official confirmation was more or less a "let's get this out of the way for E3" move. Microsoft wanted to be sure the Xbox 360 and its Natal controller would be the star of the show.

Like all journalists, I tend to be wary of news tips from people I don't know. Such was the case when I was contacted way back in March by someone claiming to have inside info on upcoming Zune hardware. The tipster told me that the new Zune would be a full touch screen device. I thought this was interesting, so I passed it along on to Twitter much to the delight of my followers.

So to clear up any lagging questions about the Zune HD , I sat down with my source -- we'll call him "TK" -- to get him to answer a few more questions.

RR: What is your title at Microsoft?
TK: Software Engineer

RR: How long have you worked for Microsoft?
TK: 2 years.

RR: What kind of projects do you work on for Microsoft?
TK: Windows Kernel

RR: Why did you decide to talk about the Zune HD?
TK: Because I love Zune...It's just an all around better product then the iPod & I wanted it do better in the marketplace.

RR: Was it approved by execs higher up, or did you just go ahead without Microsoft approval?
TK: I went ahead without any approval from any of the higher ups.

View Full interview here:
http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/06/25/interview-with-the-zune-source

New Zune Cache Injection Technique

2009-06-26T08:16:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Zune ninja:

He has a PDF you can download here:
http://www.zuneboards.com/forums/zune-hacks-mods/43561-you-guys-going-love-zune-cache-injection-3-1-a.html

But I have converted it to HTML for easy viewing below:

How to place any file on a Zune by dressing it up as a video

(Only tested on a Zune 30GB – running the latest firmware and Zune software as of 25th of June)

What can be gained from doing this:

1. Skip the ridiculously long video transcoding process for a much faster sync

2. Save any file to the Zune - retrieved using the Zune software and then changing the file name back (or maybe not if you hide a .zip within a .wmv?)

3. Sync video to the Zune that is not compliant with the Zune software's strict format -
Could it be used to play higher resolution video on a TV via the AV out leads? Maybe something with a higher frame rate?

How to do this:

1. Prepare a very small .wmv file (something in the range of 20 seconds will do just fine)

2. Prepare your other file to be placed on the Zune (If you plan to use a video file, makeit a .wmv as these seem to play on the device, .mp4 files will not)

3. Open this folder in windows explorer: "C:\Documents and Settings\##YOURUSERNAME##\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Zune\Transcoded Files Cache" and delete any
files within, keep the window open

4. Run the Zune software and connect your Zune

5. Drag and drop your small .wmv onto the Zune device icon to sync it to your player, wait for this to finish, do not close the program

6. Return to the Zune cache folder, take note of the new file that will have appeared (in my experience it will be formatted like this: asdFG.tmp)

7. Copy the file to be injected to the cache directory, swap it for the .tmp file you found in step 6 by deleting the .tmp and then applying it's name and extension to the new file (you will not be able to delete the temp file because it is currently in use by the Zune software, this is easily fixed using a program like Unlocker - http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/)

8. Go back to your Zune software and navigate to your device, delete the small video from your Zune

9. Drag and drop your small .wmv onto the Zune device icon to sync it to your player again, wait for this to finish, do not close the program if you wish to override this file again, but feel free to disconnect/reconnect the Zune

10. That is it, your file is now accessible from your device's video menu

Step 2 - Experiment with file types/video formats and come up with your own applications for this

Step 4 - You will need to keep your Zune software running after the sync so the cache does not become irrelevant when your open it again

Step 10 - Something you will notice when you open your videos is that the injected file will have the thumbnail of the small .wmv file you replaced as well as the file name and apparent duration (e.g. it will say 20 seconds but when you play the video it will not be limited to this length)

This appears to be a sign that the Zune software sends over the video's information separately to the file. I personally use a small .wmv file who's thumbnail is white text on black saying "Injected File" because I got sick of looking at that guy from the TopGear video I had chopped up

And if you're thinking this is a bit of a pain to use, this is my plan for an command line application to speed this all up/make it easer to inject multiple videos at once:

Put all the files (videos?) you would like injected into a folder somewhere (these would be .wmv files in a format that has been tested to work by injection)

Type into the command line: injector.exe -t -##FOLDER DIRECTORY## (will generate a small base file for every video you placed in the folder you pointed to)

You would then run the Zune software and sync these base files, leaving the window open

Type into the command line: injector.exe -m -##FOLDER DIRECTORY## (will move the
files to be injected into the cache, overwriting the transcoded base files)

You would then move back to the Zune software, delete the videos from your device, then re-sync the base files

If you want this to work, someone other than me should probably write this heh.

−

zuneninja // www.zuneboards.com/forums

(PS. Redmond, please don't patch this - you really piss off your biggest
supporters

sometimes)

Rumor: ZuneHD to ship with 16 & 32 GB

2009-06-25T07:45:00.002-05:00

A tipster just dropped off a few internal Microsoft docs that point to a September 8 launch of the Zune HD. In addition to that, the tipster says it's coming in 16GB and 32GB versions. All pretty logical.

We already knew that the HD has Nvidia's Tegra inside, which makes it a high powered, high performance device that can handle HD output and possibly some nice gaming. What we don't know is what the cost of the OLED screen and the cost of Tegra will make the final price. No word on that yet from the tipster.

Gizmodo:
http://gizmodo.com/5302077/rumor-zune-hd-comes-in-1632gb-sizes-launches-september-8

ZuneHD: Wireless & Web Browser Technology

2009-06-23T08:04:00.003-05:00

Wireless and web browser technology are one of the greatest achievements that have been made when it comes to communication technology. This has paved a way for easier access to communication channels and faster response time in transmitting messages received through these communication medium. As a result of this technological advancement a lot of us have established access points in different spots where information and communication takes at a rapid phase in the modern world. It has taken people at greater heights and has increased convenience in dealing with personal tasks and corporate solutions. So far, communication technology has never been this mobile with the use of wireless and web browser technology.

Gone where the days when you need to stay in one place and move around with limitations with cable wires or telephone wires. The most important contribution wireless technology has brought us is the convenience this offers when we don’t have to worry going out and getting in touch with people that we know. Cell phones, PDA’s and wireless phones provide access to us wherever we may be. This can help us stay connected to the people for business functions too. Today, millions of people have adopted the wireless and web browser technology making it easier for us to get in touch wherever we are in the world. This has enhanced the way security is handled and allowed us to get in touch with most people. It won’t be a big problem to receive and send data wirelessly as communication gadgets and other devices allow us to access this in a few minutes or even seconds time.

Today wireless and web browser technologies are applied in different areas for home and corporate use. In security systems this is a convenient way in getting response during emergencies and other activities. Cellular phones and mobile devices have also applied wireless and web application technology in their applications to in order to make phone calls. Wi-Fi is also a wireless application which allows us to get connected to the web and browse pages even if you are using you phone or portable communication devices which can give you access to wireless connection. You don’t anymore have to use plugs and wires to become connected in the internet. It makes it easier for WI-Fi or Bluetooth devices to do this one.

With the use of wireless and web browser technology, it’s so easy to get in touch and connected. It paves a way for a lot of people to make use of the convenience that this has to offer to us thus leading for a lot of people to improve their lives and communicate more with the use of the state of the art devices powered by wireless and web browser technology.

ZuneHD Radio - What are the advantages?

2009-06-22T07:53:00.002-05:00

The ZuneHD will also include HD Radio, many wonder what are the advantages of upgrading to HD Radio rather than standard AM/FM signals?

In the quest to transmit digital signals at a higher quality technology made an adaptation and technological advancement known to many as HD Radio. Back then reception that was transmitted in radios and other forms of digital music have some distortions making the sound quality quite bad. Analog broadcasts have defined the kind of technology that was used back then but HD Radio has made a significant lead in providing the most modern and high quality radio broadcasting for most AM and FM stations.

What is HD Radio and how does this work? Back then radio signals were transmitted through analog sounds. Although this is the form of transmission used for decades, the quality of the sound is not that good with some static and fades that may be experienced. As technology has paved a way for more convenience and quality when it comes to sound, HD Radio technology was introduced to basically improve and add quality to the way signals are transmitted. This has paved a way for radio technology to follow from analog to digital quality sound. If consumers are interested to make an upgrade to HD Radio technology, the signals being transmitted from analog would now be compressed from digital signal making the quality even better as compared to only getting the analog sound. Digital radio will now be able to surpass the interference caused and experienced commonly by analog signals and now would be easily intercepted and replaced with the digital radio.

The advantage of upgrading into HD radio quality is the way your signals are being transmitted. Whether you are using FM or AM, you can ensure that you can experience high quality sound that is as good as an FM stereo of you tune in to AM and you will be not be able to experience anymore less fades and static. When you also have HD radio you also get to receive from the radio’s signal additional information aside from the music signal itself that will be shown on your receiver’s display. Depending on what information the station can offer you may also be able to receive information such as weather news, traffic updates and etc.

With more programming choices and better audio quality you can make sure that once you upgrade to HD Radio this can basically offer you some new and better ways to make your listening experience a more enjoyable one. With the way HD Radio technology works, it’s easier and more convenient to enjoy your leisure time while getting some important information through the radio. This is the way radio broadcasting technology has made an impeccable mark in making our lives easier with the use of entertainment technology.

ZuneHD: The Overview

2009-06-19T08:47:00.001-05:00

Zune has made extensions on its capability as a device as they launch the Zune HD equipped with Touchscreen 16:9 OLED display with multitouch functionality. As Microsoft’s response to iPod Touch Zune HS has a 3.3 inch with a Touchscreen 16:9 OLED display with multitouch functionality that can indeed make a difference to your audio and video experience. As an additional feature Zune HD will also be integrated with Microsoft’s Xbox Live which they claim will entirely create a new gaming experience for the consumers. This by far makes Zune HD the portable media player which has an HD radio receiver with supreme video capabilities and Wi-Fi enabling capabilities.

As Zune HD will team up with Xbox Live to expand its platform this will also bring an advantage over the availability of choices on a large number of music and video files including shows and television that can change the way consumers will be able to get a good multi media experience. As Zune HD expands to the Zune HD portable media player this not only showcases an impressive Touchscreen 16:9 OLED display with multitouch functionality but this so far goes a lot more better also when it comes with High Definition Multi Media Interface that works as an audio visual docking station but is sold separately.

If you are looking for an amazing viewing experience you should try Zune HD as it promises to provide you with this feature on Touchscreen 16:9 OLED display with multitouch functionality. This is just one of the new features that are integrated on this site along also with a built in HD Radio receiver which gives you the comfort of listening to high quality sound with additional channels that are offered in radio stations that are multi casted in HD. With a highly compatible output this also brings and supports HD movies and other shows with convenience. Aside from this you can get a full screen internet browsing capability which is built in to cater its multi touch functionality. With its integration to Zune HD, video services will be extending its service to Xbox live where game lovers will also be able to get a hand of the offerings for Zune HD.

With Zune HD’s Touchscreen 16:9 OLED display with multitouch functionality thus allowing the users to navigate with ease at the contents. This has definitely brought a new change in the entertainment aspect with these new functionalities. As these becomes an integral part in the creation of one of the best portable media player device with multi media functions, it will become easier for consumers to navigate the other features and get access to a lot other offerings and services that are offered in Zune HD as well as in Xbox Live.

Zune HD with Xbox Live

2009-06-18T07:57:00.003-05:00

Zune HD with Xbox Live features some HD related features both for video and audio and can enable an Xbox live user to focus on the video content once it also gets integrated with Zune. Zune HD has an HD radio receiver built within it that gives an advantage because of its high quality audio and a more precise tuning ability. This is to ensure that the user will experience a more convenient audio and video experience when using Zune HD with Xbox Live. The integration of these two technologies will indeed create a great impact on the users over all experience with the following multimedia devices.

While this is a major leap in terms of the integration of Zune HD with Xbox live giving it a boost for users who not only tune in to music all the time but are also video game fanatics. This portable media player can just be the right thing that users would want to get to experience total entertainment in audio and video phase. So how exactly does the Zune HD integration with Xbox live differs from what we have been used to?

The Zune HD with its multitouch functionality has a full screen internet browser. It also Wi-Fi enabled which gives the user the opportunity to stream using the device with its millions of sound tracks straight from the Zune music store. Because it is now integrated with Xbox Live, not only are music and videos available in the marketplace for Xbox, it will give the opportunity for more games and movies to be downloaded straight from this site. The Zune HD has an OLED touch screen interface with a 480x272 resolution format display and a 16:9 widescreen.
Zune HD carries a high definition output when the Zune is connected to an HD television and this also carries out the ability to get into HD radio stations at a better quality than standard ones. With this kind of set up, you can finally get an overall device which offers video with HD radio and internet browser connectivity.

This certainly is a more improved version of the original Zune that was released in the market. With accessible applications over the Xbox Live Video Marketplace this will definitely cater to the needs of consumer who are both into music and video games. This is also a boost for the gaming market as more people are looking for accessibility in this field. With a touch based device that promises comfort and convenience. With Zune’s makeover this can more likely attract the consumers using its improved design and functionality. This portable media player thus by far will create a new user gaming and music experience for entertainment purposes.

Confirmed: ZuneHD to use NVIDIA Tegra processor

2009-06-17T08:09:00.002-05:00

There is a lot of news circulating today about some rumors of the new Zune HD using the NVIDIA Tegra processor. Several websites have been following the rumor, that started at donanimhaber.com, but apparently no one can confirm whether or not Microsoft's latest portable media player does indeed use NVIDIA's system-on-a-chip design.

Well PC Perspective can: the Zune HD does in fact use NVIDIA's Tegra processor. I actually learned this fact from some NVIDIA staffers over at Computex in early June but I guess I just didn't realize how "news worthy" the information was. No longer do you have to worry about "rumors" on the subject - Tegra has its first major design win.

NVIDIA Tegra likely won the design with impressive statistics like its ability to decode a video stream using just 150 mWatts of power and output audio at only 20 mWatts.

The Zune HD features a stunning 3.3-in OLED touch screen display with a resolution of 480x272 and can playback just about any video including high quality H.264 content. While the resolution on the screen is somewhat limiting, the Zune HD has an HDMI output that will support HD video up to 720p - thus the need for a powerful graphics-based processor like NVIDIA's Tegra. The device also includes an HD radio receiver, IE-based web browser, Wi-Fi and accelerometers for rotation support. Overall I think it will make a great competitor to Apple's iPod touch line up when it comes out later this year.

Read full article here:
http://www.pcper.com/comments.php?nid=7345

ZuneHD, HD Video Output (720p)

2009-06-15T08:14:00.004-05:00

If you are looking for a higher resolution other that the standard video that you have HD video is one of the best alternatives that you may want to consider. This is mostly adapted right now to different technologies such as computer monitors, television monitors, projectors, internet pages and even video game consoles. Usually the display resolutions for HD videos are 1280x720 pixels or it can be 1920x1080 pixels. For years the application of HD video output has been considerably helpful in the implementation in television broadcasts and for other recording videos. This has taken a major leap in the communication technology which has grown and enhanced for personal or commercial purposes.

There have been a lot of applications that make use of HD video output in image sources which can go as far as in terrestrial and direct broadcasts with internet downloads including video games and latest technologies applied right now in mobile phones. For computers right now they are already capable of handling HD video output for faster and more accurate images that are shown. In video games also although there are few games which can give a 1080p the good thins is these video games can actually be upscale to a higher resolution than this. It’s not difficult to understand why today there a number of devices that are implementing the HD video output especially for the ZuneHD.

Today more and more websites are adapting to HD Video Output, such as the ZuneHD, which can also help in the user experience and quality of the site that is being watched by visitors. This is in response to getting the most high definition quality outputs in terms of videos being shown in these sites. It is also thus important to consider how well still and motion pictures collaborate with HD video output. Video technologies have actually come a long way since the implementation and adoption of HD Video Output. While the use of HD video output has been in demand, it has also made a big impact in the film and video industry. The better the screen display is the more it will enhance the quality of the film or videos that are being shown.

There are different uses with regard to the implementation of HD video output. But as this is widely and commonly used for viewing and entertainment purposes, there are also instances wherein HD video outputs are extremely necessary factors as an added security features for those who are using HD. This has basically made an indelible mark in creating greater heights for the entertainment industry and in the improvement of display images that we usually make use of whenever we get to go online or use digital devices which also make use of HD video outputs. This is just one of many feature the ZundHD will come standard.

Check out TestFreaks, they have many reviews of HD video and HD audio devices.

ZuneHD Release Date, Fall 2009

2009-06-10T07:51:00.003-05:00

Although its still not clear on the exact release date on the ZuneHD, there has been rumers that it will release in the USA on Sept. 5 2009. It will most likely be released this fall or before christmas of this year. I will monitor any news/information I hear and post onthe official release date. Until then if anyone else hears anything please email us: zunemediaplayer@gmail.com

Microsoft has not yet released pricing details or storage capacity, but we do know that the new Zune HD will use flash memory. Cnet Reviews also informs us that the software giant will give more details of a new Zune-branded video service for the Xbox at the E3 trade show in Los Angeles; this will replace the current Xbox Live marketplace for TV and movies.

Unicode support for ZuneHD

2009-06-09T09:06:00.003-05:00

When ZuneHD is released it will feature Unicode support.

Wikipedia: Unicode
"Unicode is a computing industry standard allowing computers to consistently represent and manipulate text expressed in most of the world's writing systems."

For anyone who listen to music with a lot of non-English text which is better for albums and track listings. This will be nice because there won't be a bunch of unknown characters on their player.

Zune HD reviewed by AssociatedContent.com

2009-06-08T08:04:00.001-05:00

When did Microsoft start gaining sympathy from users? It seems to have taken us by surprise but Microsoft just is not up to the standards it used to be. Microsoft's search engine is not producing well, they do not have a strong
hold in the market share regarding operating systems or browsers and even Microsoft Office has intense competition with applications from Google and Zoho.

Microsoft may be taking yet another hit with the release of the ZuneHD because we are approaching the 2 year anniversary of the iPod Touch. Today Microsoft finally released their version, a product meant to measure up to the iPod Touch.

Read more on the review of Zune HD
Some real competition for the Ipod Touch.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1800746/review_zune_hd.html

Top 10 things I look forward to with the Zune HD

2009-06-06T08:39:00.004-05:00

Here is my list of the top 10 things I look forward to with the ZuneHD:

Browsing the Web

HD Radio

OLED Touch Screen

Integration with Xbox Live

720p HD Video output

Sleek looks and style

Flash memory

The built in accelerometer (Games please?)

Customizeing the Zune

Multi-touch capability

What are you guys looking forward to?

Will the Zune HD compete with the iPod touch?

2009-06-05T07:30:00.002-05:00

The Zune HD portable media player, announced last week, will feature an HD Radio tuner and an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) touch screen. It will use flash memory and a version of Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser. It will feature an HDMI connection for streaming video to HDTVs, Wi-Fi connectivity, HD video support, and a built-in accelerometer.

I think that Microsoft's Zune HD, if as advertised, could supply some real competition for my iPod Touch.

The iPod Touch is no slouch. It sports up to 32GB of flash memory, a beautiful touch screen, Wi-Fi connectivity, a Web browser, direct access to the iTunes Store, and much more. It's a great device, but in some respects, the Zune HD may be just a little better.

Zune advantages
Some might scoff at the Zune HD's high-definition radio. But when we consider the fact that a major selling point of the current Zune is its FM radio, it might not seem like such a bad idea to bring in HD. And having the option of listening to a high-quality transmission of songs ranging from Britney Spears to Frank Sinatra for free isn't so bad, either. Granted, you can't pick those songs, and you'll need to listen to commercials, but I think that's a small price to pay.

Touch advantages
The iPod Touch, of course, has some advantages of its own.

Apple's iTunes Store is one of the most important reasons behind the iPod's success. It offers a simple, end-to-end experience that's unparalleled in the business. And as the largest music retailer in the United States, it carries some clout.

Read the rest of the article here:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-10254062-17.html

First on hands video of the Zune HD

2009-06-04T08:20:00.001-05:00

The Zune HD is out and about, strutting its stuff in the wild already, and the first video of the iPod touch toppler is already here. Come take a look!

Microsoft’s OLED PMP, the Zune HD, has been rumoured for a while, but Redmond finally pulled the trigger and made it official earlier this week. Now though it’s broke free of the labs and made it in to the open. Eyeing it up close, it’s surprising how much the Zune HD looks like a HTC Touch Diamond2, although it’s definitely thinner.

Zune HD Video Hands On from Gizmodo on Vimeo.

Read the rest of the article on here:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/technology/2009/05/29/zune-hd-first-video-115875-21399109/

Zune HD is up on Amazon.com

2009-06-03T08:33:00.002-05:00

Amazon.com has put up the Zune HD on their website but you cannot purchase it, only "Sign up to be notified when this item becomes available."

Here are the amazon technical details:

Bright 3.3-inch OLED touch screen with (480 x 272 resolution) 16:9 widescreen format display
Integration with the Xbox LIVE network gives you access to millions of videos, TV shows, and games from Xbox LIVE720p HD video output to your HDTV with optional docking station
720p HD video output to your HDTV with optional docking station
Full-screen Internet browser with multitouch functionality
Built-in HD Radio receiver; Wi-Fi enabled so you can instantly stream millions of music tracks from the Zune music store

View Product:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001FA1O2C

Microsoft Confirms Zune HD with XBox Live Tie-In

2009-06-02T15:24:00.000-05:00

Microsoft is to launch the Zune HD this autumn and the device will have access to TV, movies and games through the Xbox Live Video Marketplace.

Essentially being lined up as a rival to Apple's iPod Touch, the new PMP will have a built-in HD Radio receiver, an OLED touch screen interface, wi-fi, a multi-touch UI for Internet Explorer.

The new Zune will feature a 16:9 widescreen format display (480 x 272 resolution) and have HD video output to allow video to be played on an HDTV.

While the new features are certainly an improvement on the original Zune, it will be interesting to see whether consumers like the fact a Zune dock has also to be bought for outputting HD video.

Read more here:
http://hdtv.biz-news.com/news/en_US/2009/05/28/0007/microsoft-confirms-zune-hd-with-xbox-live-tie-in

Microsoft intros Zune HD with OLED touchscreen

2009-06-01T10:34:00.003-05:00

Microsoft has launched the most-rumored protable music player, Zune HD. The tech-giant has also increased the Zune video services to the Xbox LIVE subscribers with Zune HD.

The Zune HD, an enhanced and advanced version of the Zune devices, claims to provide a premium listening and viewing experience. The device has a HD Radio receiver,allowing users augmented quality of sound and extra programs. The PMP (portable media player) is will be introduced in the US market during his fall.

Read more here:
http://techywacky.com/microsoft-intros-zune-hd-with-oled-touchscreen/

Zune HD is official, heading your way this Fall

2009-05-28T10:46:00.002-05:00

That's right folks, the Zune HD is real, and it's coming this Fall. Microsoft officially announced the next iteration in their Zune line today, making it less of a tripped out pipe dream, and more of a totally tubular reality. The specs, which look exactly like that leak we saw, go like this: 3.3-inch, 480 x 272 OLED capacitive touchscreen display, built-in HD Radio receiver, HD output (utilizing a new dock -- not on-board), and... not much more right now. Microsoft is doing away with the famed squircle in favor a full multitouch device, and they seemed to indicate that some new touch-friendly apps and games would be headed our way, though they were fairly mum when it came to details. The device will boast an IE-based, customized browser, but little else was said in the way of software.

Read more here:
http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/26/zune-hd-is-official-heading-your-way-this-fall/

Car Kit Review

2009-01-20T14:18:00.005-05:00

Read a review by ronaldroberts.net on the Zune car kit for anyone interested in getting this for their player:

"Just a short note on an addition I made to the Bazaar this morning… I received a Zune music playerfor Christmas this year and am really quite impressed by it all. I had a few difficulties in the beginning finding my way around. But now I really grok the whole thing and am using 100% of the features and loving it. This morning I tried out the car kit for the Zune which is a combination charger and FM transmitter. I have used FM transmitters before and have always found them sadly lacking. They just don’t seem to have enough power and tend to have a lot of noise and static."

Full review here:
http://www.ronaldroberts.net/2009/01/zune-car-kit-impressive-no-really/

Microsoft Zune "Gaming" Phone Coming to CES 2009?

2008-12-11T14:44:00.001-05:00

Its been a while for an update, sorry.

CES 2009 could see the pre-release of Microsoft's much needed answer to Google's Android and the Apple iPhone according to various sources on the Internet.

According to Trip Chowdhry from Global Equities Research, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer could take the centre stage at CES to unveil a device that will combine features from the Zune music players and Danger's Sidekick handhelds.

But Zune's Group Manager, Brian Seitz, has already said "No Zune phone at CES" but Project Pink, which is the name given to a group of services that Microsoft aims to deploy on mobile platforms could well be on the agenda.

Games and applications

2008-07-03T14:37:00.001-05:00

It's been almost 2 months since XNA 3.0 CTP was released. Can you believe it? Time goes by so fast when exciting things are up and about. In the 2 months, ZuneBoards has seen huge activity in Game and Application Development. In fact, it was the fastest growing board we've ever seen! So what's all this excitement about? Hit the jump and I will fill you in with the latest games and applications.

Applications

Although applications aren't technically "games," they were inevitable. So far only a handful of applications are released, due to Microsoft's XNA limitations. However, there are a few nifty apps that I'm sure you'll love.

Find out more at Zuneboards.com
http://www.zuneboards.com/editorials/developers-developers-developers.html

Kicker ZK500 Zune Speaker Dock (Black)

2008-06-24T08:04:00.003-05:00

For nearly 30 years, KICKER has set the standard as the dominant car audio brand by producing high-performance equipment that guarantees unbeatable sound quality and hard-hitting bass. Now, KICKER busts out of the car and into the home with the KICKER ZK500 Stereo System for Zune. Designed to be the loudest docking station on the market, the ZK500 lets you get more out of your Zune than ever before. Bass and treble adjustments allow you to enjoy your music the way you want. The big five-inch woofers, 19mm tweeters and 40-watt stereo amplifiers deliver the kind of crisp, powerful sound you expect from a KICKER product. KICKER's patent-pending six-inch square reflex subwoofer delivers a dynamic bass response unmatched by other docking stations. Equipped for any setting, the ZK500 includes a credit-card-size infrared remote, allowing you to navigate with ease through your Zune's entire menu. The innovative remote lets you adjust the ZK500's bass, treble, and auxiliary-in options, as well as the Zune menu directories. Select standby mode to continue charging your Zune even when it's powered down. A 1/8-inch minijack input also lets you connect additional media to the ZK500, including other MP3 and compact-disc players, as well as desktop and laptop computers, or satellite radio. With adapters fit for all Zune models, the ZK500 delivers a complete entertainment experience. KICKER virtually invented high-performance audio in cars with the introduction of The Original Kicker in 1980 and now it is once again paving the way with its breakthrough MP3 technology. KICKER products are all about Livin' Loud and having passion for the way you choose to live your life. The "zKICK" just made Livin' Loud a reality in any setting.

Product Description
powered speaker system for Zune MP3 player * 40 watts total power (20 watts x 2) * two speakers with 5" woofers and 3/4" tweeters * back-firing 6" square passive radiator to enhance bass * remote control *

Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Kicker-ZK500-Zune-Speaker-Black/dp/B0019DKOVW/ref=pe_9460780_txt_1/

Transfer iPod media to Zune

2008-06-18T13:08:00.003-05:00

I found a guide that allows you to transfer all your iPod music, movies, and pictures to the Zune. May be helpful for some people. Here goes...

This is a step by step guide to tell you how to get all songs, pictures and videos from iPod, iPhone to computer (includeing windows PC and Mac OS X) for free. And then you can put these songs, pictures and videos to Zune , PSP, Sandisk, Pocket PC, PowerPoint, Cell phone, Creative Zen, PDA, Archos, iRiver, Apple TV, Xbox 360, PS3 and other MP4 player. If you want to put the iTunes videos to Zune and other mp4 players, You can transfer itunes videos to iPod touch, iPod classic, the lastest iPod nano and iPhone firstly.

Continue here...
http://www.iskysoft.com/article/video-from-ipod-to-computer.html

Zune 80 and Zune 2.5 review

2008-06-17T13:03:00.000-05:00

In the past several months since the second generation of Zunes went on sale, Microsoft has been busy addressing longstanding complaints about the Zune and its software: version 2.5 adds auto playlists, gapless playback, and other features that the iPod (and several other players) have had for awhile. With that in mind, we take a quick look at the Zune 80 and the new software not only to see whether they've truly caught up to iPods, but also to find out whether this Zune truly stands up against its smaller Zune 4 and 8 cousins.
Read more:
http://macnn.com/rd/103418==http://www.electronista.com/reviews/zune-80-and-zune-2.5-software.html

Source:
http://www.electronista.com

After abandoning iTunes, NBC shows up on Zune

2008-05-06T09:20:00.001-05:00

After a pricing spat with Apple led NBC to pull its video content

from iTunes, the broadcaster has struck a deal with Microsoft's Zune online store.

On Tuesday, as part of an announcement about new Zune features, Microsoft planned to say that it will start selling television programs at the Zune store for viewing on its portable music player. NBC is among the broadcasters supplying videos for the service.

The videos, which also come from Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Turner Broadcasting and VH1, will cost $1.99 each. Users will be able to choose from 800 episodes.

Read more on the article here:
http://www.macworld.com/article/133305/2008/05/zune.html

Red Zune 80 Gen2

2008-04-30T15:47:00.002-05:00

Not unlike the early colorized versions of the original Zune before it, the red Zune 80 looks like it should finally be ready to make its un-tattooed retail sales debut . If you’ve been considering getting loud and/or proud with your next Zune, call ahead to your local gadget stock keeper and see if they’re in.

http://www.inspiretech.com/blog/?p=112

Microsoft readies Joy Division edition of Zune

2008-04-18T14:50:00.001-05:00

The folks at Microsoft is prepping the Joy Division edition of its Zune portable media player to coincide with the June 10 release of an eponymous DVD about the band. This special edition Zune will boast an adaptation of the cover art from the band’s 1979 debut called Unknown Pleasures, where artist Peter Saville created using a graph of one hundred pulses from pulsar CP 1919.

There is no official images of the Joy Division Zune at this point on time, but what you see above is a semblance of the original pattern. I wonder whether this version will sell well though, after all - it is a Zune.

Source:
http://www.hifigadget.com/other/microsoft-readies-joy-division-edition-of-zune.htm

Zune Guy's name change endeavor is back on

2008-04-10T15:01:00.002-05:00

We can't say we'd follow in this guy's footsteps for any amount of money, but boy, does it make for fantastic drama. Shortly after the famed Zune Guy (you know, that cat with a trio of Zune-inspired tattoos?) decided to legally change his name to "Microsoft Zune," the plan was put on hiatus after hearing that it cost a whopping $500 to get a name swap. After getting curious, investigating and discovering that he only needed $150 to have it done, he put the mission squarely back on the front burner. Unfortunately, there still stands a chance of the aforesaid name being denied, so he's posted up a poll in order to let the general public give him a list of backups.

Source:
http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/10/zune-guys-name-change-endeavor-is-back-on/

Video, XNA Game Studio on Zune

2008-03-24T21:07:00.001-05:00

Video: XNA Game Running on a Zune

Zune Equalizer

2008-03-12T12:03:00.002-05:00

How to Adjust the Sound Equalizer on a Zune

Things You'll Need:

* Zune

Step 1:
Turn on your Zune. Once you have powered it up, begin to play music or a video.

Step 2:
Adjust the volume. To do this, while the track or video is playing, hold the control pad up or down to adjust the volume to a good listening level. If a track or video is not playing, then simply turn the audio up or down.

Step 3:
Set the volume low. When adjusting the equalizer, you may receive loud blasts of sound in an instant. Keep the volume lower while adjusting this so you do not damage your hearing.

Step 4:
Go to the Main Menu. Once you are here, select Settings. This will give you many options to choose from to adjust various settings for your Zune.

Step 5:
Select Music. Once you have chosen Music, select Equalizer. Once you have selected Equalizer, it will go through the various equalizer settings.

Step 6:
Make your selection. Once you have heard each equalizer setting, select the one you wish to listen through and save that setting.

http://www.squidoo.com/zuneequalizer

Zune Game Development

2008-02-29T11:09:00.001-05:00

Developers will now have the capability to develop once for all three platforms: the Xbox 360, Windows, and Zune. While developers can write one game and target any platform, cross-platform networking between all three platforms is not supported.

FAQ: http://forums.xna.com/ShowThread.aspx?PostID=46553
Forum: http://forums.xna.com/46557/ShowThread.aspx

Games for Zune!@#

2008-02-21T08:56:00.002-05:00

Looks like games are coming for the Zune after all! Microsoft just announced XNA Studio developers will be able to use the Zune as a multiplayer wireless mobile gaming platform. Details are sparse at this point, but it looks like it's going to be second gen Zunes only, since it was specifically mentioned that it'd take advantage of the touchpad controls.

Source:
http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/20/

Hack your Zune to use it as an external USB drive

2008-02-14T10:39:00.003-05:00

One of the pitfalls of the Zune is that you have to access it through the Zune software. The windows operating system does not see it as an external USB drive. We thought this would be useful. Well, if it is something useful you can bet that there is a hack for it. We searched and sure enough there was a hack for the Zune to make it accessible as an external USB drive.

Source:
http://www.your-gadget.com/2008/02/13/

1st Gen Zune A/V Dock with 2nd Gen Zune

2008-02-05T16:09:00.001-05:00

Since the v2 dock came out which supports the Zune30/80/8/4 via removable face plates, the v1 dock has been on clearance (Originally $99, now $25!) at places like buy.com. So since we had 2 Zune30's in the family, and love having the Zune hooked up to the living room TV for media enjoyment, I thought it was a good idea to pick up another one for the TV upstairs.

Read more...

Source:
http://jeftek.com/media/zune/use-v1-zune-a-v-dock-with-v2-zunes/

Zune Software v2.3 update

2008-01-24T09:05:00.000-05:00

A new Zune Software v2.3 (to match the currect Firmware version) was released today. The new software won't have any new features but only contains performance enhancements for set-up, sync and general reliability...

Read more here:
http://www.zune-online.com/news/zune/zune-software-v2.3-update-is-out.html

Zune headed to Canada (Spring)

2008-01-07T16:49:00.001-05:00

Somewhere, in the wide-open plains to the North, there's a man who, unbeknownst to his family and perhaps even himself, is destined for something greater. Somewhere, there's a Canadian counterpart to our Zune Guy who has yet to fulfill his fate ... but not for long. Microsoft announced today that the Zune won't be confined to the borders of the US any longer, as its forthcoming release in Canada is marking the infant music player's first big trip outside the US. Welcome to the Social, Canada -- unfortunately, we've no clue when you'll receive the official invite.

More info:
http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/06/finally-zune-headed-to-canada/

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune (2nd Gen)

2008-01-03T14:00:00.001-05:00

The second-generation Microsoft Zune media player is that company's answer to the various iPods Apple has put on the market with at least video and MP3 capability. As a general-purpose media player, the Zune is more than serviceable. It's not spectacular, but the Zune does just what you'd expect--plays music and videos, displays pictures, and manages your media library. But the question remains: what the heck is inside?

Read more here:
http://www.news.com/2300-1041_3-6223395-1.html

According to google, Zune is the Most Popular Christmas Gifts in the US

2007-12-27T14:44:00.000-05:00

Google Hot Trends is a great way to see what are the most popular Christmas presents, at least in the US. You only need to look at the URLs entered in Google's search box (people still haven't discovered the address bar):

4. www.zune.net/setup
7. itunes.com
11. www.myepets.com
16. www.shiningstars.com
29. webkinz.com
34. att.com/activations
41. virginmobileusa.com/activate
45. www.apple.com/support/manuals/ipod
52. apple.com/ipod/start
65. www.tracfone.com

Source:
http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/2007/12/popular-christmas-gifts-in-us.html

Zune v2.3 Firmware released

2007-12-18T13:51:00.000-05:00

Download it now! You can now update your Zune to Firmware v2.3 .

Open the Zune software while the Zune device is still connected to the computer. The Zune software searches the Internet for the latest version of the firmware. If a newer version of the Zune firmware is available than the version that you have installed, a notice to update your device appears. You can also manually check for new device updates by clicking Settings, by clicking device, and then by clicking Device Update. If an update is available, click Install.

Workaround found for three-play rule on Zune

2007-12-12T11:29:00.001-05:00

Been a while since a last posted...found this on Engadget:

Finding yourself unhealthily frustrated by that annoying "three-play rule" still included in the latest firmware update for the Zune? Fret not, as a solution easier than easy has been discovered. Apparently, users can simply accept a shared track, go into Windows and switch the genre to "Podcast," and play the tune over as many times as they'd like. Granted, any files which this trick is used for will show up in the Podcast section, but hey, you can't get everything, right?

Source:
http://www.engadget.com/

Four secret button tricks for your Zune player

2007-11-21T12:30:00.000-05:00

by Harvey Chute

Special button combinations can be used to execute Zune player functions. These button tricks - not widely known - are sure to amuse and delight your friends.

And yes, they work with the new players as well as the updated 30GB.

By default, Zune goes to "sleep" after a few minutes of inactivity, and then turns itself off. You can save a few millijoules of battery life by turning your player completely off when you're finished with it. How? Press and hold "down" on the Zune Pad, and press and hold the Back button.

No matter what player function you're using, you can always quickly go back to the main menu. Just press and hold the Back button.

To reset your player - also known as a "reboot" - press and hold the Back button, while pressing "up" on the Zune Pad.

To reformat your player's drive, reset it as noted above. When it starts to reset, hold down the Back button, Center button, and Play button at the same time. Your player will inform you that it is deleting all media on device, and your Zune should revert to the "way it was" when you first pulled it out of the box. Careful! This will erase your player contents and you should rarely if ever need to do it.

Get more of these parlor tricks in our Zune tips page.

Source:
http://www.zunerama.com/articles_024.php#071121_zune_story

Complete Guide to Zune 2's Software and Firmware

2007-11-13T09:32:00.001-05:00

Zune 2 and its batch of new features are finally upon us, bringing new players and an entirely new experience. On the device side, there's 4/8GB flash-based and 80GB hard drive-based Zune with fancy form factors and increased storage, as well as new firmware for your old first-gen 30GB players. On the software side, the functionally rich (but somewhat clumsy to use) Zune suite is gone and is replaced by a beautiful, but hollow successor. Read on to find out how Microsoft has managed to change a lot on the one hand, and very little on the other—then see how the Zune stacks up against iTunes and iPod.

Source:
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/microsoft-zune/

First 6 Takes on Zune 80 (Verdict: Better Than iPod Classic?)

2007-11-12T16:59:00.001-05:00

The $249 Zune 80 is Microsoft's latest attempt to kick the iPod in the nuts, praying to crack Jobs' titanium-diamond alloy cup through Wi-Fi features and a touch of divine intervention. CNET, Wired, Dean Takahashi, PCWorld and YahooTech struck first with reviews on the new device. Their verdicts? The cup has not yet been breeched, but Microsoft is making very solid improvements on the brand.

Source:
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/frankenreview/

The second, Zune 80, TV commercial

2007-11-07T09:51:00.000-05:00

Zune team has a second TV ad coming, similar to the first, showing a guy in a bus holding a Zune 80 instead of a Zune 8 in the first one. He also dives into his player, in a fantasy world, views his photos and does some amazing stuff with friends. Watch the video below...

Zune 2 Details

2007-10-04T08:07:00.000-05:00

From Gizmodo:

• The Zune and Zune Software now supports lossless audio. Windows Media Lossless.
• Microsoft claims that the Zune is now a much superior option compared to the iPod.
• Launch date, according to Amazon, is November 13.

• Zune Pass (the monthly subscription scheme) work with the 1 million DRM free songs, but all songs you download with the Zune Pass will still be wrapped in DRM to be recognized as a rental.
• Wireless syncing will automatically sync one minute after activity is stopped as long as you're in Wi-Fi range and attached to a power source (dock, AC adapter). You can manually trigger the Wi-Fi sync as well even without being connected to power.
• Syncing will interrupt any activity you're currently doing.
• All the old accessories are compatible with the new devices (there may be some problems with a dock, but they'll get back to us)
• Screens are now made of glass as opposed to plastic in the 30GB
• The Flash Zunes, even though smaller, have the same resolution as the 80GB Zune.
• Zune Social, the social networking site, will launch in beta.
• You won't be able to send songs through Zune Social, just pointers to 30 second clips of what you're listening to
• The brown isn't discontinued (it's still in the 30GB models), but they say green is the new fashionable color, so they're going with that in the Flash models
• No battery life details yet
• No sound quality comparisons vs. the iPod yet either

Update:
• The new Zune dock offers component out with the 80GB, composite out with the 30GB, and no video out for the 4/8.

Source:
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/zune/

First-Gen Zune Getting All The New Features: This is How You Treat Your Customers

2007-10-03T10:20:00.000-05:00

The first generation 30GB Zune—which 1.2 million of you already purchased—is getting all the new Zune's features. All. Sure, the new Zune is more of a half step forward than a completely new design. But Microsoft's done something fantastic here by rewarding first gen buyers with cool new stuff that also happens to be free by software upgrade. And talk about spin— Microsoft just took a middling jump in hardware and turned it into a genuinely good move for loyalists (as well as a PR miracle). Are you paying attention Apple?

Contrast this to what Apple did between the iPhone and the iPod Touch. The iPod Touch is running the same OS as the iPhone, but it's artificially gimped. There's no email. There's no weather or stocks. No notes. No adding events to the Calendar. When old hardware can't support new features, that's not anyone's fault. But all this stuff that's right there in the software and costs nothing for Apple to put in, and they leave it out to artificially differentiate the product line.

Read more from the source here:
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/zune/

Zune 1 running firmware 2.1, Zune 2 coming Wednesday

2007-10-02T08:18:00.001-05:00

Here it is, direct from a trusted source close to the situation -- a Zune 1 running firmware 2.1, which will bring all the Zune 2 software goodies and UI tweaks with it when those bad boys are announced on Wednesday. That's right, we also have confirmation that Microsoft will be making the Zune 2 announcement on Wednesday, which should give the Zune tattoo guy plenty of time to get some new ink before the holidays.

Source:
http://www.engadget.com/

Microsoft to Debut Zune 2 on Tuesday

2007-10-01T14:25:00.000-05:00

Microsoft will hold a event on Tuesday in Redmond to herald the second generation of Zune music players, BetaNews has learned.

According to sources close to the situation, both Microsoft chairman Bill Gates and Design and Development chief J Allard will be on hand for the event. The main part of the announcement will center around the players, which will include the first flash memory based Zunes.

Entering the flash-based device market is very important for Microsoft, as the category is by far the most popular. While the Zune has managed to grab a 10 percent share of the HDD player segment, overall that has amounted to about a 3 percent share of the market in general.

Not much change in the Zune's design will accompany the new HDD players, which would look similar but thinner. The flash based players will measure 3-inches by 1.25-inches and are said to look much like the iPod nano. The smaller Zunes will be video capable, and are rumored to include Wi-Fi and higher storage than competing products.

About 2.4 million next-generation Zunes will be manufactured during the 2007 holiday season, according to reports. Two-thirds of these players are expected to be flash-based, showing that Microsoft is indeed aware of the much higher popularity of flash players, which are cheaper.

The new players are expected to be available beginning in November. The company is also expected to give details at the event of a new Zune community site that will launch in beta, and Microsoft's own line of first party accessories, although not many details are currently available.

Gates and Allard will likely touch on the company's long term commitment to the platform. While many analysts have considered the Zune a flop so far -- the company is only selling 1 Zune for every 25 or so iPods sold -- Microsoft is determined to make its mark in the industry.

Microsoft did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the news.

Source:
http://www.betanews.com/

Zune 2 "source" leaks launch date and specs

2007-09-20T11:40:00.000-05:00

Heads up, Zune fans -- some new product is heading your way sooner rather than later, and we suspect there's more than a couple of things to get jazzed about. According to reports from a "source" inside Microsoft, a new batch of Zunes (AKA Zune 2, Draco, Scorpio, etc.) are due out on October 16th (just in time for the holidays), in both flash memory- and hard drive-based forms. The new, smaller, flash Zune (the Draco) will be hitting shelves in pink, red, black, or army green colors, will have a 4GB or 8GB capacity, and will feature a "squircle" (the source's term, not ours) for navigation, which won't have a center button but can be pushed, "From any side." The hard drive-based player (the Scorpio) will be available in 80GB, sports the soon-to-be infamous "squircle," and touts a screen which the source claims is "awesome" for video. We can safely say that there is at least one man out there who is going to be very, very excited about this.

Source:
http://www.engadget.com/

Zune Monster clip honored by AICP

2007-09-07T08:28:00.000-05:00

AICP (Association of Independent Commercial Producers) honored the creators of the Zune "Monster" video clip produced for Zune-Arts, including it in their annual show "The Art & Technique of the American Commercial" in the Animation category. The "Monster" video is the one where two Monsters eat some humans as fast-food if you remember! ...

Credits:
Production Company: The Ebeling Group
Director: Bitstate
Executive Producers: Mick Ebeling, Dex Deboree
Producer: Julie Shevach
Advertising Agency: 72andSunny
Agency Creative Directors: Glenn Cole, John Boiler
Agency Copywriters: Pete Circuitt, Jason Norcross
Agency Producer: Sam Baerwald
Agency Interactive Producer: Rebekah Mateu
Animator/Editor: Pete Circuitt, The Ebeling Group
Music: Lily Allen

Links:
AICP Website
2007 Tour Dates for the Sixteenth Annual AICP Show
AICP Show Website

Source:
http://www.zune-online.com/news/zune/zune-monster-clip-honored-by-aicp.html

Microsoft slashes Zune pricing ahead of Apple iPod event

2007-09-05T15:04:00.000-05:00

Hours before Apple Inc. is expected to introduce new iPods at a special event in San Francisco, rival Microsoft Corp. has announced that it is dropping the retail price of its 30GB Zune music player to $200.

Electronista points to a posting on Microsoft's Zune Insider blog making note of the $50 cost reduction:

"It's part of the normal product lifecycle, something we’ve had on the books for months," wrote Microsoft's Cesar Menendez. "We just got some research back and customer satisfaction with the 30GB device is really high (around 94 percent) and we expect even more consumers will now want to discover the Zune experience at the new lower price."

The price drop comes shortly after Mindy Mount, the corporate vice president and CFO of Microsoft's entertainment and device division, said that she grades the Zune a "B-" in its current state, noting that the player is doing well, saleswise, for "a product out in less than a year and a half," but that the company is still developing the brand and trying to expand its identity.

It's widely expected that Apple will use its "Beat Goes On" media event later this afternoon to usher in a new breed of Mac OS X-based iPods that with again broaden the gap between the Apple and Microsoft players.

Source:
http://www.appleinsider.com/

First Zune 2 and Zune Flash Shots

2007-08-30T15:48:00.001-05:00

Here are the first shots of the Zune 2 and Zune Flash. The images reveal an 80GB version and a 4GB and 8GB flash model.

Not sure what's going on with that interesting controller, but it looks like a real button, but is just wide enough that it may have touch-sensitive properties. These photos came from a source who cites marketing materials, likely from the retail channel, but were confirmed by a second source as well. Does that mean they're final? I don't know. If I were Microsoft, I might seed the internet with mockups as to confuse. Oh, how I love counterintelligence measures. So take them with a grain of salt, confirmed as something, but still unofficial. [Thanks Tipsters]

Source:
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/portable-media/

Zune: Dinosaur Edition

2007-08-21T19:26:00.001-05:00

A new Limited Edition, chances are only for internal use, showing a dinosaur or something similar holding some brain balloons. Definitely the Zune-Arts style because I find it difficult to describe what I see!

It looks blue but I believe the photo is just blue-shifted and the real color could be just black or brown. A forum moderator of MSZune.nl spotted it on flickr and there are no more info about it.

Source:
http://www.zune-online.com/

$100.00 Zune from Dell?

2007-08-14T14:38:00.001-05:00

A few websites have been reporting of buying a Zune for about $100.00, checkout what Audio Junkies had to say:

I highly suggest not waiting around for this deal, as it probably will not last very long.

LINK

- Go to the link above.
- Click on the "MP3s" Box
- Click Microsoft under "Shop By Brand" on the left side
- Click on the Pink Zune and add it to your cart.
- Now you will be at a screen that says the Pink Zune has been added to your cart. Check the box beside the black Zune under "Related Products" on this page.
- Click "Proceed to cart and checkout" under the black Zune check box.
- Remove the Pink Zune from your cart.
- The black Zune should now be in your cart for $109.
- Pay with Paypal and receive an additional 10% off.
- At least one person has reported having theirs shipped for $104 with tax and shipping.

Source:
http://www.audiojunkies.com/blog/469

U.S. Soldiers Get Halo 3 Military Edition Zune

2007-08-08T09:54:00.000-05:00

Microsoft announced today a new brown version of the Halo-themed Zune player for U.S. soldiers. Below is the press release with the announcement:

Microsoft Brings Zune - Halo 3 Military Edition to Service Men and Women

On the heels of the popular black Zune – Halo 3 Edition, Microsoft is introducing a new brown version of the Halo-themed player for military service members. After receiving feedback on the popularity of the Zune players from U.S. soldiers, teams from Microsoft Zune and Microsoft’s U.S. Federal business joined together to develop a special Zune – Halo 3 Military Edition, which will be available exclusively at military retail stores in August. The new version of the Zune – Halo 3 Edition player will be packaged in a collectible Halo 3 box, and will come pre-loaded with artwork, trailers, and music from all three Halo games.

A group of soldiers leaving for active duty from the Baltimore Washington International airport on August 6th will be the first to receive the new Halo Zune devices. Working closely with the USO, a non-profit organization focused on improving the quality of life of service members, Microsoft contributed 300 of the new Zune players to the USO of Metropolitan Washington to be part of a special USO care package the soldiers will receive. While visiting the USO lounge at BWI, soldiers can use the Windows PCs at the lounge and a special Zune listening station to load their devices with additional content before their departure.

“Microsoft has been a great partner to the USO of Metropolitan Washington for several years, supporting both our U.S. soldiers and the USO’s mission,” says Elaine Rogers, president of the USO of Metropolitan Washington. “ From Zune devices and Xbox 360 gaming consoles to new computers with the latest Windows Vista and Office software, Microsoft’s technology has helped service members stay connected and entertained.”

Microsoft is offering the Zune – Halo 3 Military Edition to military personnel and their families at discounted rates through military retailers, including AAFES, and Navy and Marine Corps commissaries, beginning in early August. All versions of the Zune device have 30GB storage, a 3-inch screen that displays content in portrait or landscape mode, a built-in FM tuner, rugged exterior, and wireless capabilities that provide Zune-to-Zune sharing so users can exchange songs, playlists and photos with the click of a button.

Source: TeamXbox

Staple Design Turns 10, Special Edition Zune Appears

2007-08-03T14:25:00.001-05:00

Staple Design celebrated their 10th birthday last night in NYC at The XChange and CrunchGear was there to soak it all up. If you’re unfamiliar with Staple Designs then I’ll give you the quick and dirty. Designer Jeff Ng accidentally started Staple Clothing in ’97 when he and a friend would sneak into the silk screening lab at Parsons School of Design and print up a couple t-shirts. 10 years later Jeff and Co. are still designing clothes, but now they’re helping companies reach out to their target audience as a top visual communications agency. Clothing and design, how does that fit into CrunchGear’s daily rotation? That’s pretty simple. The Zune team was there to celebrate and I got my grubby paws on a special 10th anniversary Staple designed white Zune. Hit the jump for the exclusive.

Source:
http://crunchgear.com/...special-edition-zune-appears/

FairUse4WM v1.3 Fix 2 promises Vista, Zune DRM stripping

2007-07-16T08:31:00.001-05:00

Oh, IT'S ON. After months of eager anticipation, it looks like either Viodentia has finally come out of hiding, or s/he's passed the torch on to another (Doom9 forum user Divine Tao?) -- but either way it looks like MS DRM IBX components up to version 11.0.6000.6324 are good to go with the latest version of FairUse4WM, v1.3 Fix 2 (read: this is the update we know you've all been waiting for). We haven't yet confirmed ourselves, but feel free to tell us whether you got a sweet taste of DRM freedom without having to continue using XP and Windows Media Player 10 with that subscription music service.

[Thanks, Abdul and Adam]

Source:
http://www.engadget.com

ZUNE Presents "Live At The BBQ" Series

2007-07-03T13:06:00.001-05:00

Zune will be putting together a special series of 3 summer performance events in LA, Chicago and NYC celebrating hip-hop. "Live at the BBQ" will feature performances by top hip-hop artists such as Common, Mos Def, Lil Jon, Clipse, Lupe Fiasco, Cham, David Banner, UGK, Large Professor, Collie Buddz, E-40 and Joell Ortiz. Additional artists will be confirmed closer to date. Invitations will be sent to fans from the Zune and hip-hop communities, and more information can be found on www.Zune.net closer to the event dates.

"Live at the BBQ is helping to bring hip-hop back to a golden age where records were produced and iconic artists rose directly out of their local communities," said Bun B. "It's a chance to put singles, ring tones, and industry hype aside and just get a bunch of our friends together for some great music and BBQ - Let's eat."

LIVE AT THE BBQ Cities:
Los Angeles, CA
Chicago, IL
NY, NY

http://www.hhnlive.com/news/more/1497

Zune Key Combos

2007-06-12T09:25:00.000-05:00

Andyhas created a jpeg, showing different key combos for the Zune (click photo to enlarge). Scaled it to 1024 x 768.

He wanted to give something to the zune community. It is all original, created in photoshop by him.

Zune Tattoo

2007-06-12T07:53:00.001-05:00

Although I really like the Zune and all it has to offer, I highly doubt I will get a Tatto like this guy over here <--

From the picture it looks like hes regretting it already...

-Engadget

Zune Firmware Update 1.4 Improves Shuffle

2007-06-04T15:17:00.000-05:00

The folks at Microsoft have a quick update for your Zune today that will improve your "shuffle experience" when playing back tracks. If you remember, the iPod had some complaints about its shuffle algorithm and they had to release an updated version that customized shuffle even further (like not having the same artist/album anywhere near each other). No idea if this is like that, since we haven't noticed any weirdness with shuffle on our Zunes.

http://gizmodo.com/gadge...roves-shuffle-264873.php

A Watermelon Red Zune on eBay?

2007-05-25T13:36:00.001-05:00

A few days ago I saw a Red Zune auction on eBay. After contacting the seller and asking for some photos he, kindly sent me two photos of the box, but not of the player. I can't verify this is the box of the Watermelon Red Zune, as I haven't seen it before, but it sure looks like the Pink Zune box. The box has a more vivid red than the photos of the player we have seen. High detail photos to the left...

http://cgi.ebay.com/Limited-Edition-RED-ZUNE-30gb-B...rdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Custom Zune colors arrive

2007-05-21T09:27:00.001-05:00

Got $74 to blow on a Zune that isn't watermelon, brown, blue, pink, etc.? Well c'mon in, the fine proprietors of Colorware are now processing new colors for Zunes, and will redo-ify your current player for $74, or send you a new one all done up for $325. (Note: new Zunes cost under $200 at some online retailers, so if you're thinking over a new device we suggest you buy one yourself, send it in, and save the extra dough.) Now you'll double the surprise when showing off your portable to your more uninformed friends: "Microsoft makes an MP3 player? And it comes in fuchsia??"

Source: Engadget