More Zune beta WiFi download shots?

In case you're interested in yet another unsubstantiated image (e.g. ZOMG PHOTOSHOPPED / faaaake / etc.) of future Zune firmware builds, here's a couple more shots. Apparently WiFi syncing still isn't in the cards, but the source that sent these along notes that WiFi encryption will work, as will subscription, but you can't send it to another player until you sync back to your PC. Sounds kind of annoying -- so we're not ruling it out.

Update: According to Zune Insider (i.e. Cesar Menendez, from the Zune team), these shots ain't real. That that for what it's worth.

[Zeus the God @ May 11th 2007 2:10AM]

Yeah, I don't know why everyone else is saying it looks photo-shopped. Some guy in the last post said something about the text being clearer than the rest of the picture. Not really, not except the red text, but that's because the font size is bigger.

Anyway, as for me, I hope it's real, just so people will get off Microsoft with having shitty WiFi (not many PMPs have WiFi at all, so really, there is no need to complain). This might, though, make me use Zune marketplace more, which isn't a bad thing. :D

[JP @ May 11th 2007 3:09AM]

It wouldn't have to be Photoshopped. You could easily fake this by creating a JPG and viewing it on the Zune.

[Chris @ May 11th 2007 9:36AM]

creating a jpeg would classified as "photoshopped"

this one does look better than the last, but a movie is still needed here.

[Adam @ May 11th 2007 2:31AM]

I just wish whoever is testing this (if it is legit) would take a couple of snapshots if the PodCast feature is included in the beta!

[in2thesound @ May 11th 2007 2:39AM]

Why Engadget, why do you put so much coverage on this POS device, I see more Zune coverage on your site moreso than anywhere on the internet. I know I don't have to read it but it get's in there between your excellent coverage of other great stuff, it's like a speedbump in you flow of gadget goodness. The Zune was DBA (Dead Before Arrival).

[Chris @ May 11th 2007 2:44AM]

They cover it because it's entertaining to watch this Microsoft product crash and burn!

[Karl @ May 11th 2007 3:40AM]

They cover it because it's a gadget. And this is a gadget site.

It's not rocket science. And it's not bribery or any of that rubbish either. Microsoft is a big player in the technology industry, so when they move in to a new area and pump millions of dollars in a new product, people watch it with anticipation.

However much you hate the Zune/Windows/Microsoft, don't treat Microsoft as though everbody there is stupid. They know the challenges, and they do have some creativity/imagination to innovatively solve them.

[xxdesmus @ May 11th 2007 8:08AM]

"Why Engadget, why do you put so much coverage on this POS device, "

@in2thesound

That comment is funny because the EXACT same thing can be be said about the iPod.

[Long Zheng @ May 11th 2007 2:43AM]

Why can't anyone with access to the latest gadgets learn how to hold a camera?

[michael @ May 11th 2007 2:49AM]

I hope these screenshots are as real as they look. It would be awesome to buy my tracks on the go, when I'm going somewhere. I don't exactly see how it can currently work, but if it's real, they must have come up with something. I don't really use Zune Marketplace much, because I'm not so interested in their offerings too much, but if they can put it on the Zune via Wi-Fi, then I'll definitely be more interested in using it. I can't wait until June 1st to hear some more.

[Reese @ May 11th 2007 2:57AM]

well considering that the progress bar for the connection is in the exact same spot in both shots... i'm calling fake. With the delay saving the first pic before the 2nd, the progress bar should move some noticeable amount. It is right in line with the edge of the 'a' in "beta" in both shots...

[adrian @ May 11th 2007 3:45AM]

whoever was taking the picture, needs a camera with a macro mode - and fast.

[lolec @ May 11th 2007 4:19AM]

i love how this leaked picture have the 2.1.4 BETA in flourecent pink so no one can see it! new ways of adverticing ! i love it... just hope a new zune come out soon because i dont whant to spend money in an iphone when ill not be able to use most of the features :( ( touch screen ipod will be perfect though)

[Ryan @ May 11th 2007 4:25AM]

*wonders why the wifi symbol isn't in the bottom right corner like it is on his zune*

[Xander @ May 11th 2007 4:40AM]

If the two photographs weren't taken at exactly the same time, why hasn't the update bar moved along in the second photo? Adding support to the idea that it's just a static picture being displayed on the screen, rather than a legitimate update screen.

(Unless updating a Zune takes forever; I've never updated one as I'm in the UK, so I've never even seen a Zune)

[Rob @ May 11th 2007 5:08AM]

Does anyone know if they are ever gonna bring the zune to canada

[Deezee @ May 11th 2007 5:30AM]

The Zune is getting better and better by the decade.

[macrozoom @ May 11th 2007 6:23AM]

yep, macro is must have for such shots.. but the image looks real to me. go zune go!:) http://www.xgstation.com/

[Zach @ May 11th 2007 7:29AM]

Shoop da whoop.

[brutha-man @ May 11th 2007 8:16AM]

Oh....wow! This is real....yesss!!! songs on the go...damn Zune is getting sweet!

[tekdroid @ May 11th 2007 8:32AM]

I hear in 2017 the ZZzune will be able to store your documents/photos because of a new technology called http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_mass_storage_device_class

That's when it will work on virtually any operating system. And support popular video codecs natively. And remove 3-days-or-3plays Digital Rights Restricted sharing. It will also support superior patent-free, royalty-free audio codecs then, too.

Microsoft is hard at work developing these revolutionary technologies because they want you to have the utomost flexibility with your Zzzune. And they really don't care if you use Windows or Windows Media or something superior. They are user-driven and always have your best interests in mind.

I am looking forward to the new Zzzune.

[Poopyshooz4u @ May 11th 2007 9:21AM]

I thnk at this point MS is the only company that is close to getting it going in the right direction.

If they're smart they will do for the Zune 2 what they did for the Xbox 360. Let's face it, regardless of your opinions of MS in general, they did a pretty good job with the 360.

Wireless integration of the two would be awesome, if I D/L a show onto the 360 and I want to take it with me, just connect and copy it to the Zune.

It's nice that Jobs is trying to get the ball rolling against DRM. I am eternally frustrated with the non-sense you need to deal with just to get files onto the damned iPod (or any other convoluted media played). I think MS had a great idea with the limited use sharing feature. I would be a LOT more happy with my iPod if I could listen to a recommended album a few times. If I like music, I alway buy the CD anyway.

Well I don't care who gives it to me, Apple, Creative or MS. Screw DRM, I just want to drag and drop media files wirelessly from my system to my media player or DVR.

[angelsvairwaves1 @ May 11th 2007 9:21AM]

So this guy took the time to download the firmware, connect to marketplace, and still couldnt take a decent picture. Its not like its highly reflective like the PS3. just point and shoot. no reason at all for a grainy image if this is real. even from a camera phone

[Chris @ May 11th 2007 9:37AM]

my last phone's camera took worse pictures than that one at its best.

[suineg @ May 11th 2007 10:00AM]

The "progress bar" might not be moving but the dots that are a secondary "progress" indicator did.

I doubt a lot of people would have the intelligence to think that far ahead.

[NewAmericanClassic @ May 11th 2007 4:24PM]

Well, just look at the bottom right hand side of the Zune's display. You notice the puase button? Thats more than likely a video or picture slideshow.

[Adam @ May 12th 2007 10:34AM]

If it was showing a picture, the pause button would be in the (relative to portrait) lower-left corner of the screen, facing left (as pictures are viewed in landscape, with the control pad on the right). This isn't to say this isn't complete bullshit--it is, as the interface is only displayed when it's being interacted with. It was most likely not playing a song, and this is just a picture. It's really quite simple, and sad that engadget would even give this more than it deserves.

@ suineg: "I doubt a lot of people would have the intelligence to think that far ahead."

What makes you say that? I've seen a lot more convincing fakes than this, and I imagine that he was looking for someone to pick up on that. Even still, it doesn't look like it has moved much or at all.

[Dragod @ Jun 29th 2007 12:37AM]

I think it looks fake because he uses Capital letters. ;)

If you actually use the Zune, you'd know that it use Lower Case letters for everything, except for under the "about" section of settings, and when you change a title or something.