Belkin announces TuneBase, TunePower, and slew of cases for Zune

While Griffin hems and haws about unleashing an expected bevy of accessories for Microsoft's forthcoming PMP, Belkin's not making any bones about its intentions to deliver a fleshed-out set of Zune-specific add-ons. Up first is the $79.99 TuneBase FM Transmitter, which doesn't stray too far from its iPod-friendly counterpart, and sports a (probably unnecessary) 3.5-millimeter line-out for times when those FM signals just aren't cutting it. It also touts a "flexible steel neck" for easy in-car positioning, large LCD display, and three memory presets. In case the 12-14 hours of audio playback isn't longevous enough for you, the TunePower will reportedly extend the playtime of your Zune "by up to six hours," and add an additional bulge on its rear as well. Additionally, the device acts as a kickstand for portable video viewing as well as a protective case, and the $59.99 pricetag also buys you a separate AC adapter for charging. Sure to be amongst the hoard of similar alternatives are a few uninspiring $29.99 case offerings, including an Acrylic flavor, "Folio Kickstand," Holster Case, Neoprene Armband / Case, Sports Jacket Armband / Case, and the obligatory $14.99 ClearScreen overlay to safeguard that scratch-prone LCD. Belkin's assortment of cases are slated to hit in "mid-November," while the FM transmitter and extended battery pack will land just before the month's end.

[z @ Nov 7th 2006 12:28PM]

I really wonder if those tons of money put into marketing of the japanese-designed Microsoft player will make it successful. It's does not look really better than some other alternatives, doesn't do much more either, but the outrageous load of money put into public relations, media coverage and viral marketing seems to at least bring the 'journalists' screaming for it... ;-)

[Matt @ Nov 7th 2006 12:44PM]

that thing is the size of the xbox 360 power brick

[boynamedsue @ Nov 7th 2006 12:44PM]

this is the lowest ranked comment.

[Jason @ Nov 7th 2006 12:45PM]

The key to the Zune will be 3rd Party accessory support... that is the ONLY big advantage Apple has going for it... go into any store that sells MP3 players... there is usually an entire WALL filled with iPod accessories... give people a choice and the Zune just might make up some ground!!

[BandB @ Nov 7th 2006 1:28PM]

I hope people buy zunes because big is the new small...?

[Jesse @ Nov 7th 2006 2:21PM]

ain't that the truth - I was an early purchaser of the Toshiba Gigabeat S (60GB) and have been rewarded an barren landscape of compatible accessories (there are exactly zero)!

[someToast @ Nov 7th 2006 10:46PM]

Really? Because the only third-party accessory I have for my iPod is a car charger.

Accessories have been a non-issue for every iPod I've ever gotten (especially the first one in 2002, when the accessory market was... slightly smaller).

[cbradleyrun @ Nov 7th 2006 12:46PM]

I stopped at BEST BUY last night to look at the YP T9 (which is amazing I have to say) and I saw a belkin ZUNE case. Turns out that Best Buy was supposed to get a shippment of Zunes in October... Is it possible we might see another Microsoft delay (VISTA)? Hope not.

[Gizmo @ Nov 7th 2006 1:06PM]

Dear Engadget, Please wipe your chin. I hope the Zune is as great as you seem to think because, honestly, your bias is showing.

[Otsego @ Nov 7th 2006 1:26PM]

Gizmo, i think your comment is way off target. if you read the site or even listen to the podcasts, you can see, if anything, they dont care for it. go back and do some reading before you start casting stones.
ANd last i checked, engadget is a, well, gadget site. that even includes this Zune thing.. its news about a gadget, that hasnt even been released yet. I go to say that i would be considered an iPod fanboy, but im very curious about the zune. I wont buy one, but its interesting to read about. Im pretty sure that most regulars to this site would agree.

[Wow. @ Nov 7th 2006 4:49PM]

Informative entry about cases and accessories? Check.

Bias? Check....oh wait, what?

You clearly don't read. Your idiocy is showing, and it's ugly.

[DM @ Nov 7th 2006 2:24PM]

Ok, if you really miss those ipod vs. pc commercials on the upper right corner of this site, don't worry, theres always youtube. Or better yet, go to the apple site where you see nothing but apple.

[Silver @ Nov 7th 2006 1:12PM]

Is Microsoft funding all this third-party accessory development? Because normally you don't see accessories for an unreleased, unproven device with questionable prospects. Seems to me someone is greasing the skids on this one. Hmm, shocking I know - it doesn't sound like something from Microsoft's playbook AT ALL.

[Dave95 @ Nov 7th 2006 1:27PM]

Very strange to see accessory makers lining up for an unproven product........But yes they are funding this, the only way they probably would get accessories before a product is release is by partnering and funding assosory makers.

Do you see the thickness on that thing!

[Rohit @ Nov 7th 2006 1:45PM]

I feel sorry for all the iPod fan boy. The moment you become a �fan boy� to a commercial product sold by a profit making entity (be it Apple or MS) , there is nothing but downhill from there.
I don�t care about brands. I will buy Zune because I like the way it looks, has more features (FM,WiFi and subscription music) than iPod. If not Zune then I would get a Gigabeat or Zen. All these are superior to iPod. iPod is good but it seels because of brand image. The revolutionized the PMP market but today there are much better products in market.

Hopefully someday people will wake up. But then again the way things work in 10 years we might have a church for Apple where people will worship their product.

Just a though.

[someToast @ Nov 7th 2006 10:53PM]

"I don�t care about brands. I will buy Zune because I like the way it looks, has more features (FM,WiFi and subscription music) than iPod."

I don�t care about brands. I buy the iPod because I like the way it looks and things that other players tout as features (FM, WiFi and subscription music) don't interest me.

[rodan32 @ Nov 7th 2006 9:16PM]

So I wonder since the Zune and the Gigabeat share so much hardware if any of these accessories will cross over. Anyone know if the dock port is the same?

[LittleJoe @ Nov 7th 2006 2:38PM]

wow... that cased Zune is about the size of a 1st gen iPod :0

[Matt @ Nov 7th 2006 2:48PM]

I don't understand the obsession over accessories, especially FM tuners and cases. FM is standard on pretty much every other DAP, and cases do nothing except add bulk. If you want a scratch free DAP, get an invisible shield...but don't fool yourself into thinking that a couple mm of silicon is going to save your DAP if you drop it.

[daddycool @ Nov 7th 2006 3:25PM]

Are these accessories compatible with the Gigabeat S? Is the connector the same?

MS is know to screw early adopters but this aint early. PMC platform has been out for years. Toshiba and MS turn all the attention to this new 30GB with wi-fi thing, and there has yet to be ONE, not ONE accessory for the S.

[zunester @ Nov 7th 2006 5:12PM]

MS Head of Product Design: "Hey, that iPod is really small..."

MS Product Designer: "Yup"

MS Head of Product Design: "What if we went the opposite way...and made a device with MORE plastic."

MS Product Designer: "Yeah"

..........

1st Belkin Designer: "Hey, let's make a case for that new Zune."

2nd Belkin Designer: "Yes, that just it! Let's add MORE plastic!"

[Eric @ Nov 7th 2006 5:41PM]

Wonder if the FM mod's output power will be neutered beyond usability (like the satellite radio car/home docks)? I sure hope so. Fair is far.

[xeper @ Nov 7th 2006 5:56PM]

I don't "get" all of this [seemingly manufactured] Zune-hype. Maybe if it ran Windows Mobile I'd care, but since it doesn't it's just another DAP i probably won't buy.

[D9 @ Nov 7th 2006 5:59PM]

Look, to each his/her own. If Zune seems worthy, then by all means go get one. iPods obviously appeal already to a lot of people. But in the end, it's about listening to music (mostly). The rest just seems to smell like MS Word where too many features start to impede on the overwhelming central task of the product.

For me, the thought of "renting" music and 3-day sleep-overs w/ someone else's music seems trivial and not worth the price & hassle. Movies on a 2.5" (or even 3") screen seems quite silly, too (and yes, I have an iPod video, so I know what it's like). The accessories are nice and add a bit of flavor but in the end, they're really about extending the listening experience.

So, let's not forget the central reason why this has become such a topic and success. These PMP have made music listening such a better experience that we can't live without them (ie - cell phones, calculators, etc). With that in mind, to each his/her own in achieving your best results!

[keith waddington @ Nov 7th 2006 10:20PM]

I only have one question: if i buy a zune will my plays for sure songs play for sure?

haha

time to wake up and smell the coffee.

[James Whited @ Nov 7th 2006 10:32PM]

That Belkin FM transmitter looks alot like the Griffin tunecast for the iPod nano (I think its Griffin, I may be wrong, don't flame for it if I am), But I hope someone knows what I'm talking about. Oh well, It looks like the TunePower has an iPod stuck on the back of it for when the Zune starts sucking, which is about right� now.

[tekdroid @ Nov 7th 2006 10:48PM]

As a young kid, I used to dream. Dream of:
1) sending my songs wirelessly to friends for 3 listens or 3 days (whichever comes first)
2) having me and my friends flag said expired songs for purchase at an online marketplace (the Zune marketplace!)
3) being tied to a company's operating system and Media Player and online store for new music! ...and at mercy of their 'updates' too. Because they are technically the bestest company that ever lived and they wouldn't dream of locking you in to their platform because they have no vested interests here
4) ignore the tens of alternatives out there simply because their names are not as "well known" as the superior big company. Ignore the fact they offer me true freedom with native USB Mass Storage to take songs off the device and put songs on the device on virtually any computer and operating system without any restriction (or added software) whatsoever.
5) Ignore the tens of products offering true open formats like FLAC and Ogg Vorbis that encourage independents to challenge the establishment in the new digital marketplace, shaping the things we hear, feel, see; our very cultures; royalty-free formats that anyone can take part in without payments to the corporations or manufacturer-exclusive online stores restricting self-expression and keeping artist royalties low, low, low
5) I used to dream of hyping a product beyond all merit on gadget sites online. Integrated FM radio! Such genius never offered before in any other product. Wi-Fi with heavy-handed restrictions! Superb!!!

That dream has now come true.
I am truly happy to be alive at at every mention of Zune and Zune-related accessories, for it is a revolution.

[qbix @ Nov 8th 2006 11:39AM]

Sadly, I purchased the Gigabeat S when it came out. Toshiba has left me with an accessory-less player and a firmware full of bugs. Now the Zune, a player which hasn't even come out is getting tons of accesories, and because MS has so much riding on it, I'm sure we'll see firmware updates which fix and enhance the player. I'm never buying anything by Toshiba. Not even the Zune.

[BandB @ Nov 8th 2006 4:57PM]

Engadget can offer their opinion just like anyone else, and there are usually funnier and well though out.

Talk about being a tool, "sharing your music", it's just free marketing for them.