So we dropped by our old friend Peter Rojas's place (you know, the guy who started this site) -- turns out that since he's a
music executive and stuff now, he got himself hooked up with a prototype limited edition Joy Division Zune. (Yeah, the irony in that isn't lost on us.) From the absurdly elaborate pivoting, platform-raising box, to the black fabric wrap (which looked blue to our camera), to the faux-LP liner, to Peter Saville's signature etched in foam, they clearly did Joy Division justice on this one. Which they damn well should have, because in case you couldn't already tell, we're all
Joy Division fans around these parts -- which means we'd have the music to load this Zune up, being that the only thing it doesn't have is the back-catalog.
[Thanks,
Peter!]
posted Jun 26th 2008 12:21PM
Lookin' good.
I'm sure selling an obscure mp3 player, with an even more obscure band is going to sell like HOT CAKES!!! ;)
Did it come pre-loaded with any Joy Division albums or B-Sides?
Looks pretty cool.
+1
I actually got mine the other day. I found out it doesn't come with anything extra other than a low-res copy of the documentary. No B-sides, no remastered recordings. And I also didn't like that the design is not from the original cover, its modified somewhat. The packaging and leather case are nice, but is it worth the $150 premium over the regular black zune? I couldn't justify the cost. I ended up ebaying it to a guy in the UK.
Seems not.
"...the only thing it doesn't have is the back-catalog."
I hear this site called Mininova has it though.
@Pochi
I saw what you did there and it brought a smile to my face.
Ian Curtis called and wants his royalty check, or his bands integrity back, which ever is easier.
yea because Ian Curtis would have wanted some anonymous guy on the internet to speak on behalf of his artistic integrity, right?
so if this makes Joy Division "sellouts," then doesn't that make Coldplay and U2... oh wait.
Coldplay have a player?
Coldplay and U2 are definitely sellouts. As if there were any question.
You're right Sinai, Ian Curtis would have totally allowed Microsoft to pimp their shitty MP3 player with his work on it because some other anonymous guy from the Internet ( You ) said it's OK. Curtis, Hook, they have always done so many other product endorsements...oh wait. From the 2006 Engadet awards...
Worst Gadget of the Year: Microsoft Zune
http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/11/the-winners-of-the-2006-engadget-awards/
LOL, Coldplay. I remember reading that whey wouldn't let their songs be used for commercials because they're oh-so-pure. Then I see the iTunes commercial on TV where they're hawking their whored wares. It promotes the album but it also promotes iTunes.
I don't like or have ever liked Coldplay, but it's still funny as fuck.
@Todd:
That shit isn't going to fly, buddy. Logical probability will tell you that because it exists, then Ian Curtis is likely to be in agreement. The burden of proof lies with you to prove otherwise. And since the only turd nugget you can manage to pull out of your ass is immaterial disparaging of the product itself, it is apparent that you have no proof of that but can only speculate. I will therefore join in the speculation and speculate that you're a moron. Amirite? Am I in the ballpark here?
@the dude
" Logical probability will tell you that because it exists, then Ian Curtis is likely to be in agreement."
ian curtis has been dead for 28 years
@Todd - your argument is wrong predominantly because the Zune commemorates the DOCUMENTARY made about Joy Division.
The Zune artwork was also done by Peter Saville - a GRAPHIC ARTIST - that is, one who makes COMMERCIAL ART. He endorses it proudly.
And lastly, many professional critics and writers have tried to analyze Ian Curtis' motivations and have failed. You are an internet troll. Your opinion on what Ian Curtis might think is irrelevant.
Therefore, my argument of YOUR OPINION OF IAN CURTIS DOESN'T MATTER still stands.
The "Hello from Seattle" ruins the whole thing. It should say "Hello from Warsaw."
clak....why does each of your stupid posts end with a stupid quote? Did you actually design a program that automatically inserts stupid quotes into engadget posts because it makes you feel more important on the internet?
No shock here, I've known you all have terrible taste in music for quite some time. :)
Fail #1
Fake, it's not blurry.
I'd say this tie-in is working promotion wise as the first time I heard of Joy Division was when this themed Zune was first mentioned. Do they have any songs that I would recognize?
They have several good songs, but their only one that non-fans would recognize would be "Love Will Tear Us Apart Again". And if it sounds goth, that's cause it is.
Fail #2
The already mentioned "Love Will Tear Us Apart" is their most well known.
Well known covers of Joy Division songs include the Nine Inch Nails version of "Dead Souls" from The Crow soundtrack, and "Shadowplay" as revised (poorly) by The Killers has gotten some airplay on some of the XM channels I listen to.
the only songs i know are the ones that play at starbucks.
"the only songs i know are the ones that play at starbucks."
You mean like, in general? Because you really oughta get out more.
I miss Pete's cool blogs from Engadget when this site started (spring 04?)...now he gets all the cool gadjets for free? Lucky bastard.... Does anyone know if he still writes or contributes to Joystiq, Gizmodo, or Hack-A-Day???
Cheers
whoa whoa whoa...$399? 150 more than normal? You're having a giraffe.
"...turns out that since he's a music executive and stuff now, he got himself hooked up with a prototype limited edition Joy Division Zune. (Yeah, the irony in that isn't lost on us.)"
What's ironic about that?
It's like rain on your wedding day.
Consumer products, consumer products will tear us apart, again.
clever play on that song "love will keep us together" - captain and tenille.
Could you please remove your salute to the murderer of Cuba from your avatar!
Does anyone know anyone who actually owns a Zune?
Not a one.
Well... there is this one girl on a forum I'm on but I think she only got it to feel different. And because she's never touched an iPod.
Zune pretty much = FAIL. Although I give MS a C+ for effort.
Actually, I own *this* Zune. I finally ran out of space on my 60gb iPod. I honestly can not find ANY faults with this thing, including the Zune software. Little things like the ability to take my 320kbs files and re-encode them at 256kbps for my Zune player are unexpected bonuses that I wasn't expecting... but everything I *did* expect is here. Granted, that "3 plays" limitation is unfortunate, but I doubt there's any other way to do it without getting a ton of lawsuits. I never had anything *but* problems with iTunes (podcast files vanishing mysteriously in between syncs was my favorite)...
As for the documentary that's on it... I started to watch it on my TV (32" Sharp Aquos), and was pretty impressed at the quality... I figured it would be super compressed for the Zune, but it wasn't.
I know a lot of people who own a zune. But if you can't afford it you can always buy an iPod. I know, it sucks, but life's not fair all the time.
I for the umpteenth time, repeat...I OWN ONE!!
Right, here buddy. And I don't regret it for one second.
My Zune actually got stolen last week.
I'm pretty bummed about that.
Myself and five other people, and not even on my recommendation.
The amplifier is badass in the thing, and after version 2.5, the software is right.
The only thing I feel is missing is FLAC support. WMA Lossless is just as good, and I do use it, but it's annoying having to have different lossless files for my zune and for Ableton Live.
I did manage to break my zune; I called up, they overnighted me a box for it, I sent it to them, and I got it back in less than a week, with a microsuede bag.
Plus m$ doesn't stick U2, Coldplay, Feist, or the Black Eyed Peas in my face every five seconds. It's pretty much a given that if a band is used in an iPod commercial, I'm probably not a fan.
But staying on subject... over priced Joy Division Zune? Yeah, I'll pass.
@ Todd.
When playing video out the Zune is 720x576 Resolution. Full standard def as opposed to the 640x480 you get from that other product.
I owned one, it got left in a rental car when I was rushing to catch a flight. So now I guess somebody "owns" mine, as it was never recovered by the rental car company.
I own an 80GB and never looked back. Not a single problem with it. Never had the chance to try wireless sharing since nobody I know has one, but I don't like sharing, so there. No regrets. Zune software is excellent, and is particularly good for podcast support. If you diss the Zune without having tried it, I'm sorry if you are just now discovering that you are a douche.
I have had my Zune 30 for over a year (since Dec '06) and it's still working great. Not a single noticeable scratch, no bugs, and it's rock solid.
I also have noticed at least 7 (yes, seven) other Zune users besides myself, at my HS. Really. Sounds so hard to believe, but it's quite true. I even know most of them, and have never even recommend buying a Zune. Being curious, I asked what got them to buy a Zune, and here's what I recall:
1. Big screen for watching videos
2. Better quality than most typical non-iPod players.
3. Tired of iPods breaking down from time to time. Wanted something different
4. Hated iTunes
5. More affordable, considering the storage space, and more bang for your buck.
No joke. If people would stop having the fear that seeing nobody with a Zune, means it's bad and uncool, then maybe that'd change. I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't see a Zune over in California, considering the prominent "Apple culture" that lies among the youth there.
Sorry, I wrote that comment last week, for a completely different review - it just now popped up here????
gophigure!
(db)
Schizo?
I'm glad Engadget continues to report on the Zune and its continuing innovative deviations of this stillborn product. For some reason, I believe these type of news are posted to abate the rabid fan-base who are grasping for any news regarding their much maligned product.
You're my new hero. Zune. Heh.
You mean like the MBA and AppleTV?
Ironic from the people that despised all comments from people who hated the excessive coverage of the iPhone, comes criticism for one story about the Zune.
I mean, what ever happened to "well if you dont like it, just scroll to the next story"? Oh silly me, I forgot that Apple fanatics are known for consistency and honesty.
MBA and ATV are very successful products. In fact they perform exceptionally well as they are very high quality products. From fit and finish to the OS that drives these products. To compare it to the Zune is like comparing an Ameba (Zune) to you (human) for measuring intelligence. Yes I'm being generous by applying you as an example of a fairly normal homosapien.
@ Jubei
Did you use the powerful spell checker on your Mac to come up with Ameba?
The Zune is a very successful product. In fact it performs exceptionally well as it is a very high quality product. From fit and finish to the software that drives this product.
c wut I did thar?
By the way, if you're going to be 'generous' about 'applying' someone as an example of a member of our species, you might want to make sure you are in fact a member of our species. The last time I checked, a douchebag was not human.
My my my, some angry Apple-haters on here. For crying out loud, just buy a damn iPod touch, don't tell anyone, and calm down. Hey man, we've read about the Zune, we feel your pain.
Tell you what, you by yourself that iPod (or ask you Mom for one for Christmas), and you can still come on here and yell about Mac's and Apple fanboys. Deal?
Hehe, 'Apple Hater'. I don't hate Apple's products. They're quality, they're well designed, and they do what they're supposed to do. They don't meet my needs, though, so I don't use them.
What I 'hate' is when misinformed ass-tards spew garbage about products they have never seen or used. It can turn people away from new gadgets that they might otherwise try out and love.
And why the hell would I want an iPod touch? I barely have any music, and yet it would still nearly fill one of those things. Videos? Forget it. iTunes? I really don't care for that software, especially now that it tries to push Safari on me.
I'd hang myself to get one of these!!
Oohhh, too soon?
I have yet to see one of these "popular" microsoft machines in public.... FAIL
Well unless you have been deemed the holy god of tech statistics, why on Earth is you lack of seeing any product of any relevance to how many people own it or not?
And I have yet to see a significant number of post zune ipods compared to zunes were I live.
Fail.
Matter of fact I did graduate from the University of Reality with a major in Holy God of Tech Statistics back in 2002. Our mascot was a White Elephant, and our cheer was. Seriously, WTF? Ah, the good ol days.
So the Zune has sold over 2 mill so far, and i have yet to see one in the hands of the public. Litterally. Not joking. I've seen them at Toys R Us, i've seen them at Target, but not on the streets. In the first week of iPhone sales I saw them EVERYWHERE ( sorry, my caps keep got stuck ). So where are these things being sold Indonesia? I swear bill must be selling them to china as land fill.
Now, to help my post rating I will just like to take this opportunity to say " I love Microsoft" and "Bill Gates is awesome!".
Well, I mean clearly he is in all places at all times, eyes roving and hands counting off the visible marketshare of each tech device.
In all seriousness, you probably don't see a lot of Zunes in the wild because the player's in our pockets or our bags, and our headphones (either stock or replacement) are a standard black. I would spend most of my day with the iPod in hand, changing ratings or adjusting the volume or whatever.With the manual feedback control, I don't have to pull the player out of my pocket everytime I want to adjust the volume or scan through a podcast.Smaller marketshare aside, you don't see as many Zunes out there because we simply don't need to pull them out as often.
I've had a 30 for a while, and while this would be the kind of SE device I'd be interested in, I'm going to wait for the new generation of hardware.
Well, I mean clearly he is in all places at all times, eyes roving and hands counting off the visible marketshare of each tech device.
In all seriousness, you probably don't see a lot of Zunes in the wild because the player's in our pockets or our bags, and our headphones (either stock or replacement) are a standard black. I would spend most of my day with the iPod in hand, changing ratings or adjusting the volume or whatever.With the manual feedback control, I don't have to pull the player out of my pocket everytime I want to adjust the volume or scan through a podcast.Smaller marketshare aside, you don't see as many Zunes out there because we simply don't need to pull them out as often.
I've had a 30 for a while, and while this would be the kind of SE device I'd be interested in, I'm going to wait for the new generation of hardware.
I have a first gen zune bought it the week it came out. Other than the fact that the shuffle algorithm was crap for the first few months and the new version of the software got off to a bumpy start I have been totally happy with it.
Now all this band themed music device crap is just a gimmick and mp3 player commercials are totally lame as well. Ironic that despite their awesome video and audio editing software Apple still makes a shitty music video commercial.
Matter of fact I did graduate from the University of Reality with a major in Holy God of Tech Statistics back in 2002. Our mascot was a White Elephant, and our cheer was. Seriously, WTF? Ah, the good ol days.
So the Zune has sold over 2 mill so far, and i have yet to see one in the hands of the public. Litterally. Not joking. I've seen them at Toys R Us, i've seen them at Target, but not on the streets. In the first week of iPhone sales I saw them EVERYWHERE ( sorry, my caps keep got stuck ). So where are these things being sold Indonesia? I swear bill must be selling them to china as land fill.
Now, to help my post rating I will just like to take this opportunity to say " I love Microsoft" and "Bill Gates is awesome!".
Oops "Tee Hee"!
Maybe you didn't read what Steve said above...I guess I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.
You don't see Zunes because they don't need to be seen to be operational. It's not like an iPhone where you're always browsing the web or talking (or showing off). It's not like an iPod where you might have to take the thing out of your pocket or backpack to see WTF you're doing (or to show how cool you are because you have an iPod). The headphones aren't 'Apple White', so people assume we aren't 'cool' or 'hip' (because we aren't using an iPod).
When I travel I *always* have my Zune with me, yet rarely does it leave my pocket. That makes me happy.
I'll be honest, by saying I've at least seen 6 other people in my area (besides myself) carry Zunes before. I know these people somewhat from my high school, and I didn't even persuade them to buy one. Some were the old ones, some were new. I was curious at what got them to purchase a Zune. Here were some reasons I recall asking:
1. The quality is better than most other typical non-iPod players.
2. The bigger screen (great for videos)
3. They were more affordable, and seemed to give more bang for it's buck
4. They were tired of iPods breaking down from time to time (a lot of people do)
5. They had absolutely no problems with not going with the general "norm" in buying an iPod just like every other person.
Of course, the iPod to Zune ratio is much larger at my HS, just like anywhere else.
I myself, keep my Zune around. 50% of the times in my pocket, 50% out.
I even showed my Zune before to iPod owners, and guess what? They didn't laugh at me, make rude comments, or any such retort. They were interested in seeing what the Zune could do, and what reason I got one instead of an iPod. I told them some more other reasons, and they were pretty impressed. I remember a girl who was interested in buying one ask me, and she even said she really might actually buy one sometime soon.
So people can really buzz off, about the Zune not being seen anywhere. I'm thinking most of these people who claim this live in California. Where the Apple culture seems more prominent, and the more Apple products you own, the "higher your social status". I could be wrong of course, but judging by things I've known, I wouldn't be surprised if it were true. I live in Houston, TX, and we're more laid back here.
I don't see a lot of Macs in most places, except on TV and in movies (product placement?). So does that mean Macs are inferior as well? No. Macs are great computers, just like several PC's can make the claim to be great.
Why do people care so much anyway? It's just a gadget. :)
"Why do people care so much anyway? It's just a gadget. :)"
Because it is a gadget born out of arrogance and designed to disrupt the market in order to dominate another industry. A product designed to stab their own partners. What other purpose would this abomination of a players real reason to exist?
Zune = Awesome.
Naysayers are nothing more than Apple fanboys and/or Microsoft haters. It's a free market, and everyone is free to spend their money however they damn well please. Don't like it? Go spend your own money on something else. Fuck you if you got a problem with the purchases I make. It's my money, what's it to you?
I got no problem with Mac's, Ipods, Iphones, or even the Itoilet. But fanboys gotta be the most annoying little shits to troll the internet. Go ahead and flame me and lay down 5 million excuses on how Apple pwnz my face and MS should burn in hell, yadda yadda yadda. In the end, I purchased a device that meets my needs for $100 less than an Ipod and I couldn't be happier. :)
If I was ever gonna buy a Zune (and I'm not), this would be it.
Having gotten a JD Zune myself, I'm interested to know what other serial numbers people got. 3/500 here, but I didn't order until after a long day at work.
More tragic about the documentary: you can't even read the damn text on the Zune screen.
That limited edition artwork would be even better if the big 'Assembled in China' labeling was somewhere else - you stay classy Zune!
39/500 here, Araeris.
Hook the Zune up to an Xbox and you will have high quality playback of the documentary if you have either RGB or HDMI connections out of the xbox.
Happy with my JD edition.
Despite the worries of all of those people out there that I must be suffering because it's a Zune, I am fine, and happy to see a product that does homage to the band.
Zune Marketplace Launches Exclusive Joy Division Content
In follow up to the release of a custom Zune digital media player commemorating the ‘Joy Division’ documentary DVD, Zune Marketplace is now featuring exclusive Joy Division content including a 3-part video podcast that is available for free download. In an exclusive interview, the band’s former bassist Peter Hook talks about Joy Division’s tremendous influence on modern music and youth movements in addition to offering some very personal reflections about moving on without Ian Curtis.
As companion elements to the video podcasts, Zune Marketplace is also featuring the full Joy Division catalogue, as well as two unique Peter Hook curated Guestlist features. The Guestlists contain music handpicked by Peter himself, and reveal songs that inspired the original Joy Division recordings as well as modern music that inspires him today from bands like LCD Soundsystem, Perry Farrell's Satellite Party, and Peter Bjorn and John.
To check out the Exclusive Peter Hook Interview, click here:
http://social.zune.net/my/ContentRedirect.ashx?mtype=Podcast&mid=11a6c3e9-1fa4-4ea9-9621-0d7ee6156cc4
For the Peter Hook Guest Lists, click here:
http://social.zune.net/my/ContentRedirect.ashx?mtype=Playlist&mid=3a747351-6135-4b64-abd1-d87209b58a84
http://social.zune.net/my/ContentRedirect.ashx?mtype=Playlist&mid=d3983301-5b4f-4d78-ac29-8692821366c4