Microsoft planning new Zunes and webcams on September 9th?
By Nilay Patel 
posted September 4th 2008 3:24PM
posted September 4th 2008 3:24PM
So we know that Microsoft is gearing up to launch those new "Blue Track" mice on September 9th, but Ars Technica says that there's a good chance we'll be getting new webcams and -- surprise! -- Zunes as well. Sadly, the new mice might still be the most exciting things on the ticket -- the LifeCam VX-5500 and LifeCam Show NX-8000 are pretty much just webcams, and we're not expecting anything Zune hardware-related beyond bumps to 120GB and 16GB and perhaps that blue flash number. Still, there's a chance we could be surprised by those rumored new software and service announcements, but Microsoft's going to have to reach deep into the wow box to steal attention from a certain black-turtlenecked raconteur who'll be taking the stage in Cupertino to announce some minor new PMPs that day as well. Let the games begin!
So they need to double the flash memory, add an app store, touch and iTunes support?
They did that back in 2000 with the Pocket PC.
Can we start rating articles now? Starting with this one...
Wasnt this date set a month or two before apple sent out that stuff stating their events dates?
I remember seing an article about it on here or gizmodo .
Just had lunch on Microsoft campus in building 86, and saw two guys wearing navy blue shirts with Zune 3.0 on the back, near the neck. My guess is slightly bumped up hardware, but Zune 3.0 software is the big deal. Hopefully it's finally Mac compatible. There sure are a lot of Apple machines in the buildings around this part of campus.
And I thought hell would never freeze over... Or has it?
The Raconteurs are playing Cupertino???
In black turtlenecks, no less!
First Off M$'s Zune does compete with the Ipod, maybe not at the same levels but it is a competing product. Second off MS mice and web cams are top notch hardware. They have always been. Besides M$ is trying to create a new UI experience. I can't think of a better way to recoup some losses on the r&d, and to prefect the UI experience then selling it. Everyone acts like this is the only product in history that hasn't gotten it right the first time. Disclaimer I don't own an Ipod or a Zune.
I'm looking forward to the new iPod Touch as a nice little note taking device and and some mild distractions via the applications. But when it comes to playing my large library videos and music plus podcasts I love my Zune (2.0). If they dropped touch screen Zunes, it'd be cool but I'm not running out and buying one.
My biggest beef with the touch is it's inability to support 802.1x connectivity at my school (UT Dallas).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPod_Touch
"The iPod Touch is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11b/g, and, like the iPhone, includes the Safari browser and a viewing client for YouTube. The device's Wi-Fi capabilities can also be used to buy music from the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store. The iPod Touch 2.0 Software Update supports WPA2 Enterprise with 802.1X authentication.[11]"
Hope that helps, I don't have a Touch, so I am not sure.
And another thing you ons of bitches you can take that damn mp3 blah, blah blah blah J/K LOL
Just ANOTHER argument I see...people grow up for goddamnsonofafuckingbitchessake, it's personal preference!!! Do any of you think YOU will change the mind of everyone in the world VS iPod, iPhone, Mac PC, Nokia, China, Janka, Kimbo, Kraco, Danka, Donka, Sony, Sany, Voio, Vaio, blah blah, blah.....once again goddamnsonofafuckingbitchessake, it's personal preference!
It's too bad stupidity isn't painful.
Some dude over at gizmodo has just bought an 120GB Zune so 120GB confirmed.
can someone explain why this article isn't about ti-83's being a massive ripoff and how MS should compete with TI calculators because it seems far more up their alley. They can't, because I just blew their minds. Welcome to the future of engadget, which is ruled by fear, and the everlasting gobstopper with chickens and handhelds and burners and wireless cellphone plans and jesus and 2.0's and projectors and Zombocom and and and and and......
OMG IPWNS?
pass the dutchie on the left hand side
My prediction is that the zunes will get full Xbox integration. I hope they will allow the zune to play my Xbox arcade games. That would be cool.
If MS announces XNA and LIPS for the Zune with backwards support for the 80GB, then this will beat Apple.
yeah whoever uses their LIPS better will win
wait where are we?
Hey! This is the same day as Apple's "Let's Rock" event.... hmmm.
is there something special about sept. 9th that i should know about???
We will find out if there is soon enough.
I don't understand all the Apple/iPod/iPhone hate...
I love my iPod and I think it beats the pants off the Zune anyday? Why? Because it looks better, has a better UI and ultimately I get more joy from it.
Obviously a lot more people feel the same way about the iPod as opposed to the Zune?
I'm not saying Zune sucks but it really isn't that great when compared to an iPod in my opinion.
So sorry you can argue that whole "holier than thou" argument about how the masses are fooled and just bought the iPod because of so and so but bottom line is that if this Zune was so GREAT as all the MS fanboys downvoting anyone who supports Apple claim it is then it would be selling just as well as the iPod.
I'll give both an equal look and make my decision but right now I'm leaning towards the iTouch.
Why would Microsoft announce anything major about the Zune at an event that is being hyped up as the launch of a new set of mice? Surely it'd be more sensible to hold a seperate even for launching the 3.0 software and any major new hardware changes. For the record, I don't think increasing the memory counts as a major hardware change.
If Microsoft had a reputation for exciting and innovative products this might be a compelling ad, but they don't, and it's not.