"The blue Zune 16GB (not pictured) was said to be in stock as well."

This is a typo I think - there is no 16GB Blue. The blue Zune is available in 8GB capacity only.

I hope the streaming content gets enhanced so you can "skip the PC" and stream directly from iTunes Store.
Impressive review - nice work, Engadget.

It's a common tactic, to play down the aspirations of your product, so that you can express surprise later at its stronger-than-expected sales.
Bill's right, though, Zune can probably get to second place but it will be there for a while. iPod has lost a little momentum but it's got a strong lead.

Harvey
http://www.zunerama.com

The enGadget video review you mention is the most complete look yet at the Zune in operation.

FYI, Zunerama has posted a minute-by-minute index of the enGadget Zune walkthrough.

It lists each of the 40 features demonstrated in the video, with an index showing where in the 13-minute video the feature appears.

Just drag that video cursor to the feature you're curious about.

http://www.zunerama.com/#061104_zune3_story

Harvey
Editor, Zunerama
http://www.zunerama.com

Nice pics, can't wait for the engadget detailed review.
In the meantime, Gizmodo just completed their review.
We've summarized both at http://www.zunerama.com

So far it's been a day of positive reviews for Zune. As Gizmodo puts it: Zune is "pretty promising" and "very sexy".

Harvey
http://www.zunerama.com

The hack actually *adds* DRM to songs purchased through non-iTunes sites.

It's M.O. is to fool your iPod o/s into thinking that the song you're playing was downloaded from iTunes.

So this hack doesn't free up protected music, it just makes non-iTunes music playable on your iPod.

Also... the hacker plans to license it to music-sellers, who will then compete against iPod.

Sounds like this hacker is going establishment...

Harvey
http://www.zunerama.com

Great article, I missed the conf call so appreciate the play-by-play. I feel like I was there. :)

Re: "...And finally, the Zune! I love the Zune. It will be out soon... did she say November 4? I can't wait. Please send a brown one to this address ..."

You'll have to wait until Nov 14, which is when MSFT releases Zune in the U.S.

Harvey
http://www.zunerama.com

Thanks for a good story, Brad, and for Daniel's original story.

The first Zune player is a step in the right direction, and it will probably take several models (or perhaps firmware upgrades) for the wireless to catch on.

I had hoped for web browsing capabilities, because the 3" screen would accommodate a much more useful browser than my cell phone, or comparable mini-screens.

Microsoft also needs to come out with flash-memory, smaller models... but it's not clear if those will support wireless. This will make it a difficult sell to show value over Apple's nano and shuffle lineup.

- Harvey

Disclosure: Although I like iPod and Apple, I'm excited about the social aspects of Zune wireless, and run a Zune website (www.zunerama.com).

You should make note of the Wireless feature in Zune - it's a compelling feature (to many) that separates it immediately from iPod.

The name... I had the same eyeball-roll reaction at first. But it grows on you. :)

frabgod
http://www.Zunerama.com