You've seen
the PR, now check the videos. The
zunitedcommunity just posted four introductory videos straight outta Redmond -- three demonstrate the new WiFi Marketplace, buy from FM, and Channel features in the 3.0 firmware while the fourth demonstrates the updated desktop software with new Zune mix, improved Now Playing view, and new Picks view auto-populated to reflect your listening habits.
CNET News also had the chance to get some hands-on time courtesy of Zune's Joe Belfiore. Joe confirms that WiFi access to Marketplace only works from hotspots that don't require a browser-based login (duh) while once again hinting at future Xbox and Zune integration since "both stores are based on the same technology." He also confirms that the 3.0 firmware will work with all Zune devices as we expected. Curiously, when asked about accessing your Zune music collection from a phone, Joe responded by saying, "that's another really interesting device that you may someday see us do work on but nothing that we're announcing here today." Funny response since CNET asked him about
accessing Zune music from a phone
, not a Zune phone. See all five videos after the break.
[Via
Zunited, thanks Ryan and Milo]
posted Sep 9th 2008 1:32AM
Awesome. The Zune just keeps getting better and better.
I can't wait for September 16th.
Microsoft designing Windows mobile for a "zune phone" would definitely be as good a device as Apple's iphone.
One of Microsoft's biggest problems is that they don't design enough of their own hardware devices and tie it to their own software. Apple does this...that's their strength - the reason their software and hardware perform so perfectly together. If Microsoft built their own device from the ground up, it would be just as good as anything coming out of Apple.
XBOX360 is a perfect example.
Wow... I've never thought that I'd ever agree with you, Flashpoint, but I think you're right.
If MS can produce something so versatile such as the WM for so many phones and mostly works (if you don't install everything that's available out there), I'm sure a phone made by MS that is INTENDED to work a particular in collaboration with its software will be awesome.
Can't wait.
*INTENDED to work a particular way and in collaboration
I agree. It would be great to have Microsoft develop something from the ground up. Do you know how awesome that would be? And your right, the Xbox is an excellent example.
I can't seem to notice a ring with 4 leds on the Zune
Flashpoint, I'm quite proud of you. When you first started commenting here on engadget, you were a vicious automaton, defending apple to the very end, without thinking.
But now you're actually putting some thought into your comments, and I think we're all the better for it.
... Unless it's just someone who is using flashpoint's name, in which case, forget I said anything.
Microsoft obviously still don't believe in hiring a designer.
Honestly I don't understand what's this obsession with "if MS did the phone hw, it would be all roses". The problem of Windows Mobile isn't stability because of different hw (it's all mostly the same under the hood anyway), it's the fact the OS is stuck somewhere in 1990s (and I am saying it as current and past user of wm phones, not apple fan boy). If ms designed the hw, it wouldn't make that problem to go away automagically.
It is however true that if MS did they own phones, they might be pushed a bit more to pull their fingers out and upgrade the whole system, since they care more about success of their own hw. As a whole, it pisses me off that there were so many obvious problems with mobile phones' UI 5 years ago and no one cared, until Apple came and did something (typical problem would be calendars and alarms, which pretty much sucked on the different phones for years and years - it's like 90% of the features were/are there just to put a checkbox on the package, and no one really expects them to be used). Then again, I was working in the industry before and given most of the people involved, I shouldn't be all that surprised.
Actually, Apple doesn't design most of their hardware. They have design firms and tech companies contracted out to develop these things. Due to contractual agreements, Apple owns all the rights to the design and elements within the new hardware.
They are definitely designing a Zune phone, why do you think they bought Danger. Why else would they buy a phone designer.
The audio on the first video is the crappiest of crappy! Virtually unwatchable. I can't believe in this day and age that people still think that the VIDEO quality is more important than the audio quality.
Audio Craptasticness aside, I'm stoked for the FM music ID, very cool. I'm not a *-Pass $15/month fan, whether it be Real, Zune or Napster, and I buy my music from Russia DRM free, so the Marketplace improvements aren't exciting. Games could be cool, though depends how much disk space used and how much they will cost.
A simplistic web browser would have blown my socks off, though I realize the UI was never meant for the web, nor can I conceive how it would be best implemented. Typing would be supercraptastic! An addon wifi or plugin-to-dock keyboard would do it. They already have the Xbox360 mini keyboard, just do it for the Zune! Add a little tiny nub mouse like on those old IBM laptops.
I'm happy with my refurb $80 30GB v1.0 Zune -- it plays songs, the UI is fine, and it just works. I'd get the 120GB, but only when the price drops sub-$100, because I'm a cheapskate.
@ooglek: "I buy my music from Russia DRM free"
So essentially you pay Russian organized criminals for copies of music where none of the proceeds go to the artist? Why not just torrent them? It's no more of a copyright infringement and doesn't support organized crime.
his name is cromag aka cro-magnon man, he still has troubles creating fire and wheels.
if u ton on YouTube and type zinephone in and u fat a couple of 20 year old holding up a computer u found an even better video:)
Exactly.
Please go away. Your writing hurts my eyes.
What the fuck?
Zune phone? Zphone? Zone? Yep. I like Zone. Catchy.
Register the Domain ASAP so Microsoft can buy it from you for millions.
I would, but I'm too apathetic to become rich. :\
Also- zone.com goes to MSN. Who owns MSN? Yeah. It all comes together.
Naw, it'll totally be the Phune.
(Or maybe not: http://www.phune.com/ is taken.)
@BlissX
LOL- see what I posted at almost the same time you said that? Wow!
I like zPhone
please not zPhone, let's not stoop that low. I now make a point not to buy items with the prefix "i", unless it is a vacuum cleaner.
zPhone sounds french
-"Can you pass me zphone?"
-"No! Im le tired!"
-"Well, take a nap, THEN GIVE ME ZPHONE!"
I'll go with Zhone.
..now that sounds chinese ;)
The zune is getting better and better, saw these videos an hour or so ago on zollotech.com
http://zollotech.com/content/zune-30-update-videos-released
"You've seen the PR, not check the videos."
I've shown you your mistake, not fix it!
Holy crap that's awesome.
Am I the only one tired of your mindless comments littering the community?
It appears that the comments I was replying to (Intelligent and Open Minded) have been removed.
Ignore the above.
This needs mac software!
Everyone keeps talking about how the iPods will look, but to me that doesn't matter if the software is crap. Zune 3.0 software and zune pass sound like a awesome combo.
My 5th gen ipod feels really outdated.
I'm with you on this one.
I have an iPod classic, which I like very much. While it integrates beautifully with iTunes, I wish I had another choice, like the Zune. It can even be a hack so that iTunes can see it or whatever, I don't care.
It does Microsoft no good to limit their market like this.
michas_pi:
It does Microsoft no good limiting their market like this?
What are you smoking?
I have no comments as to the quality of the Zune (never used one; haven't bought a new PMP since the Zune was released anyway), but what would Microsoft gain from this? The Zune has a tiny fraction of the Windows-using PMP market. There's simply no way they will get anywhere near that percentage of Mac users who use PMPs. Why should Microsoft devote resources to catering to a few thousand potential customers, when they could devote those resources appealing to the broader market?
It's like the "why write software for the Mac" argument times 10, since Mac users likely are already pro-Apple, anti-Microsoft, or both.
Okay, so I love Apple. I'm going to admit that from the beginning. I am not a blind Apple fan though. I know the Apple Core gets a bit rotten from time to time. With that said....
I own a Zune. My biggest gripe is that I have to boot into windows just to sync it, so I never use it and Windows is an inferior operating system in my opinion and for my purposes. If I had a Mac Zune Player that would rock I would put the iPod Classic in a drawer instead. That is unless Apple has some incredible improvements with iTunes 8 and the new iPods.
A ton of my friends are Mac fans. Why are they all mac fans? It's not because it has an Apple logo on it, it's but because most of the time Apple has more technologically advanced and seamless devices with fewer issues and fewer stolen ideas. We're not stuck on Rotten Apples or Broken Windows. If there is a better technology elsewhere, that's what we'll get. Just not if that means we have to run on a buggy and inferior OS which currently is windows....or vista, or mojave, or whatever it is microsoft is calling it these days. So, give us a Mac Zune Player.
One last thing. The Zune culturally targets a younger demographic (Teens/College Students/etc.), with its "Welcome to the Social" type stuff. Guess what the platform of choice is for this demographic...Mac. (Don't believe it, go walk through any campus and pay attention)
Europe soon?
kthx
"fewer stolen ideas"
WhyTF does that have anything to do with it? If a device meets your needs, what the hell does it matter where the idea came from?
I call shenanigans.
@ UnixSystemsEngineer - You mean like how MS writes Office for Mac, and has for about 10 years now? The original agreement was for MS to do that for 5 years, but if it weren't lucrative, why are they still writing it?
I'm not saying that they should, or even would be a good move to support Zune on Mac, just pointing out that your opinion of "why wrote software for the Mac" is flawed to some degree.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=WRLRjKCGHek
LOL I love this vid
perfect example of what apple fan boys are. greasy, dirty, hairy, failure hippies who sit around together and touch each other. thanks for posting footage of them in the wild.
So, did the Zune team ever decide to put unicode on this thing? I'm so tired of seeing boxes in the place of the title of my japanese songs.
It doesn't sound like there's specific mention of it. The good news, if you put it into the "Wishlist" section of Zune.net it might end up there. A lot of the improvements seem to come directly from user suggestions.
I'd guess that they're not in a hurry to include it because they're only selling the Zune in North America now. Maybe we're the beta testers?
This looks so awesome
I'm gonna get this update as soon as it hits
Wow with this new update the zune just dommed the ipod. I wouldn't even think about getting an ipod now!
Zune has finally hit its prime.
the software is now actually quite good
it used to suck with importing music and editing info but now it works just fine sooooo yea
the zune 80 is fantastic and destroys ipods buddy
Judging by the supposed new iPod Nano design, the copycatting goes both ways...
Man, I was just about ready to purchase a Zune in hopes that the new software would make it compatible with Macs.
On one hand, I am depressed that I can't have a Zune. On the other, I am optimistic that one day, just one day, I will be able to use this wonderfully crafted PMP.
Just get VMWare Fusion or Parallels, and run Windows XP virtualized on your mac. Works just fine. Annoying, I realize, but at least you could have a Zune. I admit to being an Apple fan boi, well, ok I just like Apple's products, but I own a Zune because the iPod costs more because of features I don't care about, like iTunes OTA and iTunes DRM and iTunes TLA. Sure, the iPod lineup are (is?) sexxxy too, and the Touch is practically a MID which I would pay for since nothing else exists like it. But the plain iPod just doesn't do much more than a Zune when it comes to playing video, audio and pictures. The UI is better, but the UI isn't bad enough on the Zune to make me pay more.
When it comes to laptops though, yeah, I'm an AFB.
And by copying you mean the buy from FM feature, or would that be the wireless sync feature? Maybe your talking about the 720 dpi video output they are copying. I know, I know you believe Apple invented the PMP just like Al Gore invented the internet.
There is actually no "G" in front of Obama's name... Just thought I'd put that out there, wouldn't want you to look like (more of) an ass.
whats up with the new spinning logo thing?....
...becouse it rocks!
Ya that new logo is awesome, would be cool if that was on the device!
I doubt it could be implemented into the older models, but it would be a beautiful startup animation/sound.
It reminded me of the Xbox bootup animation. Epic (at the time, it gets old after awhile).
Nonetheless, I can't wait for Zune's to have that animation integrated!
speak for yourself. I would take the "Crappy" zune software over Itunes any day. it's just so much more clean. granted its missing a few things, but that will be fixed eventually.
Zune phone? Why would MS want to do that? They already have the software running on millions of 'smart phones' out there today. What they should focus on is bringing their improvements from the Zune 'operating system' and integrate them into the media player in Windows Mobile 7. Why reinvent the wheel?
That's probably what they are going to do.
After I read your comment, I thought about the Touch Diamond/Pro having both wifi and an FM radio built-in. They (and future high-end WM phones) would be a great means of delivery for a Zune infused mobile WMP. WM7 is just around the corner and I can imagine those phones would probably be well suited for an upgrade to it (with said software included).
@Josh
I would say there's a pretty good chance, especially given the relationship between HTC and Microsoft, that something like that is exactly what was discussed when designing those phones. There are some interesting things with the new phones (i.e. the entire surface being able to be touched though I don't think their initial software supports it, accelerometers, the FM, etc.) that all really aren't being used now and could very well be designed to work well when Windows Mobile 7 comes out and they update them, and serve as a base for the next-gen phone they release as a WM7 flagship. Good for Microsoft, good for HTC, and good for us. At least that's what I'm hoping for. Lol.
Hey, im not bashing WM, but i heard there are a ton of problems, so they dont really have that good of a wheel to reinvent, it is kinda an oval that they need to fix. But the "zone" will be sick-nasty (in a good way) and im gonna get it no matter what.
once again the zune team has come through for us zuners, once the software is ironed out then we'll see them start rolling out better and better hardware, i'm sure they have a touch device in the works.
can't wait to get this.
patriot, juts be glad he didn't say iBama and be done with it.
also, that guy is obviously a troll who posts just to get a rise out of people... or ryan block, getting engad an extra few hits a day, whichev.
Haha, the "?!" makes it look like you're waiting for confirmation from someone else before you make your decision.
I'm REALLY hoping the UTF8 and portable HDD functionality has been added. Been too long, couldn't care about all the other stuff (although it looks pretty cool).
Why can't I update my podcasts directly on my ipod touch? And why the lack of fm-radio?
The zune seems to be somthing worth considering in a few years!
shit... Apple better be doing something good tomorrow
you know what's really cool is that this level of integration actually makes me willing to buy music from the marketplace...
This level of integration makes ZunPass more worth it than it already was!
Zune pass for Canada? Plleeaassse?
so you all saying this is better then the iPod touch?... sofware wise...hardware wise????
Nobody said it was better than the touch, but it has just picked up one of the touches most popular features: Buying new music on the go. Add to that the direct Buy-from-FM and I'd say that beats the touch's WiFi music service. The touch obviously still has many features over the Zune, as it is not a direct competitor. It's ultimately up to what you want.
BTW, good job on the broken triple-post.
This is a competitor to the iPod classic, not the iPod touch.
they ALL compete with each other. people are looking for many different options for obtaining music, and these products and services like the zune, like the ipod *, like the sirius stiletto are looking for a spot in your pocket. a couple of minor features can't let you lose focus of the big picture - people want music delivery and these compete for their dollar.
so you're really sayin this is better then iPod touch? software wise...and hardware wise??
i'm saying you should check your email after the first time you don't see your post automatically show up. but the page already says that.
so ya sayin this is better than the iPod touch..software wise? hardware wise??
I'm saying that Apple needs to shape up on some of the most basic stuff. I'ts a bit like the iphone and it's crippling bluetooth and connectivity issues.
wake me up, when September... er, comes.
Wake up... September came... On your face...
I might sign up for the Zune Pass to try out all the new awesome things!
@who?
Conveniently forgetting the iPod Nano 2G? That would be the design Apple is going back to.
The flash-based Zune is a rip-off of the 1G Nano, released over 2 years before MS's clunker hit the market.
Don't worry Apple, the Zune phoine will come out later than 2010 and suck and have merely a laughable QVGA LCD.
Meanwhile the next generation iPhone will prolly have an HD (720p) or better resolution LCD or OLED.
This coming from a guy who is "talking" to a company.
No flac support, no zune for me. Please don't tell me it supports wma lossless. It wma lossless is not support on non-Windows machines, then it's useless for me.
Hilarious. iTunes is the primary reason I've never bought an iPod.
"Conveniently forgetting the iPod Nano 2G? That would be the design Apple is going back to."
You can't count that Nano, it had a tiny, almost square screen. The longer screen makes it a different design.
(it would be like saying the original zune took the iPod Classics's design)
The Dresden Dolls & Regina Spektor, my two favorite artists. Zune, my new favorite PMP.
Seriously, I wet myself when I saw the picture for this article.
I swear!
One of the best things about the zune has been their support of indie artists, by featuring them on the zune marketplace and also by helping them distribute their tracks for free sometimes as a promotion.
the zune rocks for sure!
The good thing is how the Social has actually worked out, the zune forums are very very active and quite a number of people from the zune team have an active presence in there.
Microsoft has been listening to zune users and that has made a difference, also they have managed to inculcate a sense of community.....and hence product loyalty.
I like this article very much. Please keep update me about this subject more.
:-)
Alex
@ travisvn1
No! Al Gore invented the Environment.
OMG im totally geekin out about this. always get overly excited about zune updates and start trying to recruit more zuners hahah, always successfully for at least one :). i always thought the fm tagger would be a great idea!
Please don't try and associate Obama with attention seeking "counterculture" (hint: You're not counterculture for like Apple, anymore!) hippies.
It is simply best!! I am using it...woa awesome!!
WTF?
Don't worry Apple, the Zune phone will come out later than 2010 and suck and have merely a laughable QVGA LCD.
Meanwhile the next generation iPhone will prolly have an HD (720p) or better resolution LCD or OLED.
@ everyone its tech, everyone rips each other off! thats how it works! people copy of each other. doesnt make them bad or good. just normal. Apple didnt invent the mp3 player, zune didnt invent widescreen video, apple didnt invent flash.... it goes on, they all copied "it" too. its all marketing, apple and microsoft are good at it, thats why they make money, not cause they invent stuff.
Would that be the crappy Mobile Me software?
Or the crappy 3G software/hardware?
Or the crappy software that allows bypass of an entry code?
Or the crappy software that deletes purchased App Store programs if you sync with more than one computer?
Or the crappy software that gives error 1603?
Or the crappy software that gives error -4?
Or the crappy software that gives error 1015?
Or the crappy software that gives error 3250?
Or the crappy software that gives error 9838?
Or the crappy software that gives error 5000?
Or the crappy software that gives error 1426?
Or the crappy software that gives error 302?
Or the crappy software that gives error 13?
Or the crappy software that gives error 1604?
Or the crappy software that gives error 1601?
Or the crappy software that gives error 36?
Or the crappy software that gives error 6971?
Or the crappy software that gives error 9?
Or the crappy software that gives e8000001?
Or the crappy software that forgets that you unplugged the headphones?
Or the crappy software that forgets to ring an alarm?
Or the crappy software that deletes mail messages?
Or the crappy software that does not sync every 15 minutes like advertised?
Or the crappy software that takes hours to sync if you don't use the correct USB port?
Or the crappy software that geniuses tell you to create a new user account (on both Windows and Mac)?
Or the crappy software that when you press the home button the screen flashes, then goes black and requires 3 or 4 presses of the standby button to get the screen to turn on again?
Or the crappy software that causes a reboot when trying to install apps from the App Store?
Or the crappy software that cannot find your location using the built-in GPS?
Or the crappy software that drops calls?
Or the crappy software that has a slow tap reaction?
Or the crappy software that gives the error message "Call Failed"
Or the crappy software that does not allow bluetooth headphones?
Or the crappy software that freezes at the Apple screen and will not boot?
Or the crappy software that spontaneously asks you for a password to get into voice mail - even though you never entered one?
Or the crappy software that does not offer MMS?
Or the crappy software that stopps giving caller ID?
Or the crappy software that freezes when receiving a call?
Or the crappy software that spontaneously freezes?
OK, I am done. That was just from 4 random pages of Apple's discussion forums, and there are 2394 pages left to go. But Apple software is absolutely perfect, and not one damn problem. Everybody is completely happy with Apple's software and do not have one single complaint. But you will not admit to any of these, because your precious Steve has not told you to admit to any problems.
You are such a F-ing tool, troll, or whatever. But whomever you are, humanity will be better off without you.
It would be nice to see MS integrate their hardware and software even half as well as Apple does, but that is not the only thing that makes Apples products better. Its true that the usability of the 360 is not bad, but I'd hardly say it is equal to Apple.
http://www.learnucd.com/kevlar/why-is-the-iphone-popular
Utterly pathetic. So many of these Zune fans believing this is all new. Its all just a variation of what already exist with the iTunes/iPod/iPhone ecosystem. Even taking a page from excellent free 3rd party Apps.
Thank goodness the Zune team has Apple for R&D. They can easily see the new cool stuff from Apple, create a variation of it, and sell it to its unsuspecting users as new for the Zune. A model that is obsolete by todays standards.
While Apple has moved on with cutting edge technological achievements with the iPhone & iPod touch, Zune is still relegated in competing with the disposable low end bottom of the bin devices among its Played Fer Sure partners. While even the cheapest super low end iPod easily outsells it by an unsurpassable margin.