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Zune2 posts

Update party: Zune firmware 2.3, Nokia internet tablets get OS2008

by Joshua Topolsky posted Dec 18th 2007 at 6:32PM

Heads up, Zunesters. Prepare for improved device recognition and improved reliability during sync (though not much else, apparently), because your 2.3 firmware has arrived. This update also fixes battery issues that some 30 / 80 users have been having, improving battery life with more power efficient codecs, which should come as a big relief. Wipe the tears of joy away from your eyes and go get your little buddy Zuned, er, tuned up. Nokia fans, you also get a cookie today -- in the form of the first official update for your beloved internet tablet, the N810. Nokia hasn't forsaken early adopters either, as N800 and 770 users get to reap the benefits and bug fixes of the OS update, too.

[Thanks, Kevyn, Ryan]

Read - Zune Firmware Update 2.3
Read - N810 First official OS2008 update

How would you change Microsoft's flash Zune?

by Darren Murph posted Dec 14th 2007 at 6:34PM

Hey, we gave you the opportunity to voice your opinion on Microsoft's original Zune back in August, so it's only fair that the new kids on the block get their turn in the ring, too. This go 'round, however, we're adding a little twist -- focus your attention on the flash-based iterations only. The diminutive Zune 4 and Zune 8 were probably more highly anticipated than their HDD-based siblings, and considering that the rumors were literally all over the map leading up to the release, we can't say anything really shocked us when launch day came and went. Granted, we were a bit bummed to find that these wouldn't feature TV outputs, but hey, at least we got the option of adding more than just two lines of text to the thing's rear, right?

By now, you've had more than ample time to give the flash-based Zune of your choice some serious play, and we're sure you've logged a couple of complaints in your mind, so here's your chance to get it all out in the open. If given the keys to the Zune 4 / 8 design lab, what changes would you implement? Add in a few more pixels? How about a few more gigabytes? Melt the whole thing down and shape it like a discus? Or is your heart still longing for the oh-so-elusive Zune phone? Whatever your wish may be, feel free to let the whole world know in comments below -- you never know who'll tune in.

J Allard talks failure, hope, convergence of Zune and Xbox services

by Joshua Topolsky posted Nov 16th 2007 at 6:21PM

J Allard, the mysterious, bedreadlocked, Lex Luthor-ish cat behind the Xbox, Zune and Zune 2 (amongst others) sat down for a Q and A with the New York Times and revealed some deep feelings -- as well as future plans. Mainly, Mr. Allard talks about the hardships of dealing with record labels, the failure of the first Zune to penetrate the market, his hopes for the current generation of Redmond-anointed media players to kill, kill, kill, and the fact that a "Zune Phone" isn't anywhere close right now (though doesn't seem to be off the table). On the flip side, he hints at a future of merged Microsoft services, where you'll be able to order up music, games, and videos on demand -- all in one, centralized package. Says J, "Today we have Xbox live for $50 a year. We have Zune Pass at $15 a month. We don't have a rationalized premium version yet. Fast forward a little bit, and you can image a menu like DirecTV. There is basic, there is enhanced, there is movie pack and NFL Sunday ticket." Of course, right now it's just a crazy tripped-out dream floating around the mind of J Allard... let's hope it floats onto our screens soon.

Read - J Allard: Microsoft's Plan to Be King of All Media
Read - J Allard: The Failures of the Zune and the Record Labels
Read - J Allard: Dancing Around the Cellphone Question

Zune going easy on the launch, heavy on the ads

by Paul Miller posted Nov 13th 2007 at 9:59AM

Don't worry, you're not the only one 'round these parts that's wondering where all the fanfare went. Microsoft decided to do up the launch of its new Zunes without all the launch hullabaloo of the first time around, probably hoping the devices will speak for themselves -- which they seem to doing alright at so far. At the same time, the company is throwing three times the advertising dollars at the Zune this year according to the New York Post, to the tune of $27 million. Time will tell if this move pays off for Microsoft. Jason Reindorp, director of marketing for Zune, stated it most clearly: "Our No. 1 business priority this year is we want to be the clear alternative to the iPod."

Microsoft's new Zunes go live

by Paul Miller posted Nov 13th 2007 at 8:51AM

Nothing new to say about these things that you haven't heard a hundred times already, other than the fact that they've finally graced us with their presence. The Zune 4, Zune 8 and Zune 80 are now available at a wide assortment of online stores, or you can score one from Microsoft directly at the Zune Originals store with custom text and artwork engraving, but it'll mean waiting 5-7 business days for it to ship -- the price remains the same. Unfortunately, if you want an "Original" you're limited to the 4 and 8 at the moment, the Zune 80 will be available custom in December.

[Thanks, JoeP]

Read - Zune.net Compare Devices
Read - Zune Originals

Zune 2 in the wild, Wal-Mart style

by Paul Miller posted Nov 1st 2007 at 9:58AM

Say what you will about Wal-Mart (you hippie, you) but they've really been coming through with the broken street dates of late. This time it's Microsoft's new and improved Zune "2" lineup making an appearance, almost two whole weeks before the supposed November 13th ship date. These were spotted in a Saint Louis Wal-Mart, and are reportedly for sale, though only the original-flavor 30GB model has the pricetag. Anybody else got a Wal-Mart friendly enough to share the goods?

Zune gets a "Car Pack" for FM transmitting

by Joshua Topolsky posted Oct 8th 2007 at 3:41PM

Zune boys and Zune girls, it's time to get your collective underwear in a bunch over some hot new accessory action -- namely, the Zune Car Pack. The automotive add-on features an FM transmitter, plus a grip-pad and charger, so you can crank your lossless WMAs of Countdown to Extinction without having to take your eyes off the road... or suffer the embarrassment and danger of driving with earphones in. The transmitter stores your two favorite (read: least static-filled) stations, so you won't have to remember any complicated digits, and can be all yours on November 13th for $79.99.

[Via PMPToday]

Zune 2 bits and pieces, plus an in-depth interface video

by Joshua Topolsky posted Oct 3rd 2007 at 6:02PM

We know you've heard a lot of Zune 2 info today, but we've got the word on some other details and features that we thought our loyal, highly intelligent, and downright handsome readers would like to know. Also, the folks at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer have scored some quality hands-on time with the 80GB version, and you can see breathtaking video of the interface in action after the break. But first -- here's more goods on Microsoft's newest entry into the media player world:

The new players will support lossless audio of the Windows Media variety (don't go screaming FLAC just yet)
The WiFi is just b/g, so no n, a or x (the sexiest form of WiFi)
Microsoft is still in the testing phase for battery life and will have numbers "later"
You can manually sync up the player wirelessly on battery power, but you can't do auto-sync -- you'll need the dock for that action
All your old accessories are said to work with the new models
The screens are glass, not plastic
Green is the new brown... but brown is sticking around on the 30GB models
You can connect the Zune to an Xbox 360 to create "your own soundtrack"

[Thanks, Nikropht]

Continue reading Zune 2 bits and pieces, plus an in-depth interface video

Microsoft's new Zune 2 line: new details, due ever so soon

by Ryan Block posted Oct 2nd 2007 at 8:13PM

The official announcement is still pending, but at least one early AP report confirms tomorrow's (or tonight's) Zune 2 launch will include a slimmer, black 80GB player with a 3.2-inch screen, as well as 8 and 4GB flash players (duh), all apparently capable of WiFi sync of music, movies, and photos (something the iPhone and iPod touch still don't do). More as we get it. Of course, without a video store or the ability to play anything other than WMV, video on both new Zune 2 devices is still trivial, so we'll cross our fingers Microsoft gave their customers a hand here and put some decent codecs in this time around.

Also, on the more rumor side of the spectrum, Silicon Alley Insider has it that he 4GB will start at $150, with the 8GB at $200, and the 80GB at $250, and that Microsoft will also launch is overdue DRM-free music store (although we've no idea how that will play out for Zune to Zune song sharing).

Read - Zune announcement pending
Read - Pricing and DRM-free rumor

Microsoft's 4GB / 8GB flash-based Zunes revealed by FCC

by Darren Murph posted Oct 2nd 2007 at 2:04PM

Well, would you look at this. Thanks to the oh-so-disclosing FCC website, we're now seeing drawings of what looks to be 4GB and 8GB versions of Microsoft's forthcoming flash-based Zunes. Sure enough, the pictures match the leaked photos from yesterday to a T, so it shouldn't be long before these things get officially official. Additionally, the documentation includes what appears to be a matching Zune FM transmitter module and dock, which is pictured after the jump for your enjoyment. Hold tight kids, the new Zunes are nearly here.

UPDATE: Looks like these bad boys should also have built-in WiFi (likely 802.11b/g enabled) courtesy of a Marvel 88W8686 chipset.

[Via Technabob, thanks Daniel G.]
Read - Flash-based Zunes in FCC
Read - Zune FM Transmitter in FCC

Continue reading Microsoft's 4GB / 8GB flash-based Zunes revealed by FCC

Zune 1 running firmware 2.1, Zune 2 coming Wednesday

by Nilay Patel posted Oct 1st 2007 at 7:28PM

Here it is, direct from a trusted source close to the situation -- a Zune 1 running firmware 2.1, which will bring all the Zune 2 software goodies and UI tweaks with it when those bad boys are announced on Wednesday. That's right, we also have confirmation that Microsoft will be making the Zune 2 announcement on Wednesday, which should give the Zune tattoo guy plenty of time to get some new ink before the holidays.

Update: We're now being told that while Microsoft will announce and discuss the Zune 1 firmware update on Wednesday, it won't be available until sometime later -- presumably when the Zune 2s hit the market.

Zune 2 leaks out in three flavors

by Nilay Patel posted Oct 1st 2007 at 6:53PM

Well, we'd heard new Zunes were coming tomorrow (or maybe October 16th) and it looks like retailers are starting to receive display units -- everyone, say hello to the new Zunes. Barring some Photoshop trickeration, it looks like we're getting two flash models and a slimmed-down hard drive edition, but we'll leave it to you to figure what this all means in the comments.

Update: We're also hearing that a Zune 1 firmware update rolled out today -- interesting. We'll dig out our Zunes and let you know what (if anything) got updated ASAP.

Update 2: False alarm on the firmware update -- but we do know that we'll be hearing about one when the new Zunes are announced Wednesday.

[Thanks, Nate]

Microsoft's Zune 2 just around the corner?

by Darren Murph posted Oct 1st 2007 at 4:39PM

Don't go betting the farm or anything, but "according to sources close to the situation," Microsoft will be unveiling the second-generation of Zune players come Tuesday. Apparently, Mr. Gates and J Allard will be attending the shindig, and it sounds like both the "thinner" HDD-based Zune and the flash-based Zune will indeed be launched. The overall design of the HDD Zune isn't set to change all that much, but the 3- x 1.25-inch flash Zunes "are said to look much like the iPod nano," and they should include video playback capabilities and larger storage capacities than "competing products." As expected, Redmond wouldn't respond to the hunches, but if these rumors prove true, we could see the new flock of Zunes hit shelves "this November."

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Zune 2 "source" leaks launch date and specs

by Joshua Topolsky posted Sep 19th 2007 at 9:01AM

Heads up, Zune fans -- some new product is heading your way sooner rather than later, and we suspect there's more than a couple of things to get jazzed about. According to reports from a "source" inside Microsoft, a new batch of Zunes (AKA Zune 2, Draco, Scorpio, etc.) are due out on October 16th (just in time for the holidays), in both flash memory- and hard drive-based forms. The new, smaller, flash Zune (the Draco) will be hitting shelves in pink, red, black, or army green colors, will have a 4GB or 8GB capacity, and will feature a "squircle" (the source's term, not ours) for navigation, which won't have a center button but can be pushed, "From any side." The hard drive-based player (the Scorpio) will be available in 80GB, sports the soon-to-be infamous "squircle," and touts a screen which the source claims is "awesome" for video. We can safely say that there is at least one man out there who is going to be very, very excited about this.

[Thanks, Tyler]