Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Zune Music Pass comes to the Land Down Under, you'll soon hear the thunder]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/zune-music-pass-comes-to-the-land-down-under-youll-soon-hear-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/zune-music-pass-comes-to-the-land-down-under-youll-soon-hear-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/zune-music-pass-comes-to-the-land-down-under-youll-soon-hear-t/#comments Yes, we're talking about Australia. Microsoft's Zune Music Pass is now available from coast to coast for 11.99 AUD (about $12.14) per month or 119.90 AUD (about $121.38) for a full year, with 14-day trials available for a cool 0.00 AUD. You'll have access to 11 million tracks from your Windows Phone, desktop Zune client or the web -- with Xbox 360 support on the way. So let the beer flow, but don't chunder.

Zune Music Pass comes to the Land Down Under, you'll soon hear the thunder originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftminipostmobilepostcrosswindows phonewindows phone 7WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7wp7zunezune marketplacezune music passzune passZuneMarketplaceZuneMusicPassZunePassTue, 15 Nov 2011 17:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Zune is dead, long live Zune]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/03/zune-is-dead-long-live-zune/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/03/zune-is-dead-long-live-zune/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/03/zune-is-dead-long-live-zune/#comments Like Zune's own Business Development Manager once said, all consumer electronics products have a lifespan, and today the (not so long) lineage of dedicated Zune hardware expires not with a roar, but with a promise to honor its warranties. Tucked away in the inner chambers of the Zune support site lies a page spelling out Microsoft's final words on the device, "Windows Phone will be the focus of our mobile music and video strategy," it says, "we will no longer be producing Zune players." The Zune HD is survived by the Zune music service, which will continue to function with straggling standalone media players, as well as the Windows desktop, Windows Phone and Xbox platforms.

Zune is dead, long live Zune originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 23:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deaddiscontinuedWindows PhoneWindowsPhonezunezune 30zune hdZune MarketplaceZune musiczune music servicezune passZune phoneZune playerZune30ZuneHdZuneMarketplaceZuneMusicZuneMusicServiceZunePassZunePhoneZunePlayerMon, 03 Oct 2011 23:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft announces new $10 Zune Music Pass, expands service to Canada]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/29/microsoft-announces-new-10-zune-music-pass-expands-service-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/29/microsoft-announces-new-10-zune-music-pass-expands-service-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/29/microsoft-announces-new-10-zune-music-pass-expands-service-to/#comments It may not enjoy quite the same level of buzz that the likes of Spotify, Rdio and MOG have been basking in lately, but Microsoft's Zune service is still kicking, and the company's now working to make it a bit more appealing and more widely available. For folks in the US, the big change today is a new $10 per month Zune Music Pass, which is identical to the existing $15 service with the notable exception that you no longer get to keep ten free MP3s each month (that $15 option remains available to existing subscribers, though). Elsewhere, Microsoft has also now finally brought the Zune Marketplace and Zune Pass to Canada -- it opens up on October 3rd, with the Zune Pass running the same $10/month (or $100 for a year of service).

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Microsoft announces new $10 Zune Music Pass, expands service to Canada originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadamicrosoftzunezune marketplacezune music passzune passZuneMarketplaceZuneMusicPassZunePassThu, 29 Sep 2011 16:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung High Fidelity Position app gives Mango GPS a Russian boost]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/08/samsung-high-fidelity-position-app-gives-mango-gps-a-russian-boo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/08/samsung-high-fidelity-position-app-gives-mango-gps-a-russian-boo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/08/samsung-high-fidelity-position-app-gives-mango-gps-a-russian-boo/#comments
Using your phone's GPS to guide you down city streets can sometimes be a harrowing experience, especially in signal blackspots (or when there's a mild breeze). Fortunately, there's a fancy new solution -- for some of you at least. High Fidelity Position is an app specifically for Samsung Mango phones that supercharges the GPS module with two upgrades to help positioning. The first leverages the on-board accelerometer and compass to help the Windows 7 device orient itself on congested city streets. Second is that it will now access GLONASS -- Russia's equivalent to GPS -- pinpointing your location to within a few feet. When installed, the app is only visible in the settings menu, where you will need to activate it. We can also expect to see more of GLONASS in the future, since Russia's imposing import taxes of about 25-percent on any device that's incompatible with the Soviet standard, and manufacturers won't want to take a hit of that magnitude on a feature they can use. Samsung WP7.5 owners who want every excuse to celebrate the triumphs of Gagarin, Sputnik and Laika can find the app available at the source link below.

Samsung High Fidelity Position app gives Mango GPS a Russian boost originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 21:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppApp StoreAppStoreGLONASSGLONASS-enabledGPS NavGPS NavigationGpsNavGpsNavigationMangoMarketplacemobilepostcrossNavNavigationRussiaRussianSamsungSamsung MangoSamsungMangoWindows 7Windows MangoWindows Phone 7Windows Phone 7.5Windows Phone 7.5 MangoWindows7WindowsMangoWindowsPhone7WindowsPhone7.5WindowsPhone7.5MangoZune MarketplaceZuneMarketplaceThu, 08 Sep 2011 21:06:00 EST<![CDATA[The Engadget app for Windows Phone is here]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/01/the-engadget-app-for-windows-phone-is-here/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/01/the-engadget-app-for-windows-phone-is-here/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/01/the-engadget-app-for-windows-phone-is-here/#comments The Engadget app for Windows Phone is here 25,000 apps? Make it 25,001. The Engadget app for Windows Phone is here. Finally. Now your HD7 or Surround or Trophy or Omnia can get some native news in a format that's so Metro it doesn't even have a driver's license. We know that it took awhile, but we needed it to be right, and now it is. On the app you can get all the posts from the main site as well as Mobile and HD, plus podcasts, videos, and all the content we pour our hearts in to every day, pushed right to your palm. If you have a Windows Phone device that can handle QR codes, there's an image waiting for you after the break. Or, you're welcome to click on the source link below, which should open the Zune app and make some magic happen. No Zune app installed? No magic, but maybe that just means you'd prefer our similarly enchanting iPad, iPhone, webOS, BlackBerry, or Android flavors?

Continue reading The Engadget app for Windows Phone is here

The Engadget app for Windows Phone is here originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appengadgetengadget appEngadgetAppmarketplacemicrosoftsoftwarewindows marketplacewindows phonewindows phone 7WindowsMarketplaceWindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7zunezune marketplaceZuneMarketplaceFri, 01 Jul 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft outlines new features for Windows Phone Mango's Music and Video Hubs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/04/microsoft-outlines-new-features-for-windows-phone-mangos-music/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/04/microsoft-outlines-new-features-for-windows-phone-mangos-music/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/04/microsoft-outlines-new-features-for-windows-phone-mangos-music/#comments When Microsoft unveiled Windows Phone Mango last month, the company spent a lot of time walking us through some of the 500-plus changes to the OS -- most notably, conversation threads, people groups, enhanced search functionality, Twitter and LinkedIn integration, IE9, and the instantly responsive Bing Vision. It's no wonder, then, that Redmond didn't have much time to talk multimedia. Well, the company just spilled the beans in a blog post, laying out a raft of new features that run the gamut from podcasts to improved playback controls. We've got a lot to recap, so join us past the break, won't you?

Gallery: New Music Hub features in Windows Phone Mango

Continue reading Microsoft outlines new features for Windows Phone Mango's Music and Video Hubs

Microsoft outlines new features for Windows Phone Mango's Music and Video Hubs originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Jun 2011 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HubHubsMangomarketplaceMicrosoftmusicmusic playerMusicPlayerpodcastssmart djSmartDjsmartphonesmartphonessoftware updatesoftware updatesSoftwareUpdateSoftwareUpdatesupdateupdatesVideo HubVideo PlayerVideoHubVideoPlayerWindows PhoneWindows Phone 7Windows Phone MangoWindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7WindowsPhoneMangoZune Marketplacezune passZuneMarketplaceZunePassSat, 04 Jun 2011 14:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Zune HD finally gets an e-mail application, still waiting on a future]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/02/zune-hd-finally-gets-an-e-mail-application-still-waiting-on-a-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/02/zune-hd-finally-gets-an-e-mail-application-still-waiting-on-a-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/02/zune-hd-finally-gets-an-e-mail-application-still-waiting-on-a-f/#commentsZune HD finally gets an e-mail application, still waiting on a futureThe future of the Zune as a standalone media player is still a little in doubt, but its future of being able to send crucially important e-mails and, in return, get a boatload of spam is now fully assured. A free e-mail app has been added to the Zune Marketplace supporting Gmail, Windows Live Mail, and of course good 'ol POP3 accounts. Unfortunately all we have to gaze upon is that tiny screenshot over on the right, but it certainly looks familiar enough to fit right into the Zune ecosphere without making any waves. Just make sure you don't go looking for your Steely Dan collection inside the unread folder.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Zune HD finally gets an e-mail application, still waiting on a future originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 02 Apr 2011 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appe-mailemailgmailmarketplacemicrosoftpop3softwarewindows live mailWindowsLiveMailzunezune app marketplacezune hdzune marketplaceZuneAppMarketplaceZuneHdZuneMarketplaceSat, 02 Apr 2011 18:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Zune Insider reminds that Zune isn't dead, announces Zune HD launch in Canada]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/21/zune-insider-reminds-that-zune-isnt-dead-announces-zune-hd-lau/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/21/zune-insider-reminds-that-zune-isnt-dead-announces-zune-hd-lau/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/21/zune-insider-reminds-that-zune-isnt-dead-announces-zune-hd-lau/#commentsZune Insider reminds that Zune isn't dead, announces Zune HD launch in Canada We still have only an official non-denial from Microsoft about the continued livelihood of the name "Zune" as a brand, but now we have Zune Insider saying "Zune is not dead." Indeed we already knew that, but the question is what's coming in the future with Windows Phone seemingly getting all the company's attention of late. The future we still don't know about, but we do have some news about the present for Canadians: the Zune HD! Yes, our friendly neighbors to the north need no longer look south to purchase Microsoft's latest entry to the Zune series -- though "latest" is a somewhat sad designation for hardware that was released in 2009. However, there's still no Marketplace available: it'll strictly be a BYO tunage affair for now.

Zune Insider reminds that Zune isn't dead, announces Zune HD launch in Canada originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 18:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadamarketplacemicrosoftpmpportableportable media playerPortableMediaPlayerzunezune hdzune marketplaceZuneHdZuneMarketplaceMon, 21 Feb 2011 18:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft rolls out Windows Live Messenger for Zune HD]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/01/microsoft-rolls-out-windows-live-messenger-for-zune-hd/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/01/microsoft-rolls-out-windows-live-messenger-for-zune-hd/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/01/microsoft-rolls-out-windows-live-messenger-for-zune-hd/#comments The Zune HD may not have seen quite the explosion of apps that many had hoped for, but it's just gotten a pretty big one: Windows Live Messenger. That will naturally give you much of the same functionality of its desktop counterpart (also receiving an update today), including the ability to keep watch on updates from various social networking sites, and even use Facebook Chat. It'll also display the music you have playing right in the app and, just like the desktop version, it's free. Look for it in the Zune Marketplace right now.

Microsoft rolls out Windows Live Messenger for Zune HD originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appIMlive messengerLiveMessengermessengermicrosoftwindows live messengerWindowsLiveMessengerzunezune hdzune marketplaceZuneHdZuneMarketplaceFri, 01 Oct 2010 16:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft expanding Zune internationally, Zune Pass coming to UK, France, Italy, and Spain]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/20/microsoft-expanding-zune-internationally-zune-pass-coming-to-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/20/microsoft-expanding-zune-internationally-zune-pass-coming-to-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/20/microsoft-expanding-zune-internationally-zune-pass-coming-to-to/#comments It's been years of waiting, but Microsoft is finally expanding the Zune service internationally -- a move that precedes the big Windows Phone 7 launch. Version 4.7 of the Zune software will be the desktop sync client for WP7 devices, and as such it'll be available in more than 20 countries. Don't get too excited, though -- Zune Marketplace is a much more complicated situation, since Microsoft has to hammer our agreements in every country, and it's not coming everywhere with every feature. Here's the breakdown:
  • The Zune Pass subscription service will hit the UK, France, Italy and Spain, offering unlimited streaming for £8.99 / €9.99 per month but no ability to keep 10 tracks a month as with the $14.99 US service.
  • Music purchases will arrive in the UK, France, Italy, Spain, and Germany, and the format will be unencumbered MP3.
  • Video purchases will come to the UK, France, Germany, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with playback support across the PC, Xbox Live, and Windows Phone 7.
  • Video rentals will hit the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Mexico, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and can be synced to the PC, Xbox Live, and Windows Phone 7.
Yep, it's a little complicated unless you live in the UK or France, but we're sure Redmond's working furiously to wrap up all the deals it can. We're also a little bummed that international Zune Pass subscribers won't be able to keep 10 tracks a month, but hey -- there's a reason why America is awesome, and it's not just football. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Microsoft expanding Zune internationally, Zune Pass coming to UK, France, Italy, and Spain

Microsoft expanding Zune internationally, Zune Pass coming to UK, France, Italy, and Spain originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>internationalmarketplacemicrosoftsubscriptionSubscription MusicSubscriptionMusiczuneZune Marketplacezune passZuneMarketplaceZunePassMon, 20 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bing Entertainment integrates Zune Marketplace purchases, improves Microsoft's media swagger]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/23/bing-entertainment-integrates-zune-marketplace-purchases-improv/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/23/bing-entertainment-integrates-zune-marketplace-purchases-improv/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/23/bing-entertainment-integrates-zune-marketplace-purchases-improv/#comments Bing, Microsoft's "decision engine," is wading into the entertainment realm today with the revelation that searches for music, lyrics, games, TV shows, and movies will get a new special sauce treatment from here on out. You'll now be able to play 100 basic games right in your search results, along with full-length streaming of songs (first time only, 30 seconds thereafter) from a 5 million-strong catalog. The latter is augmented with "one-click" purchases from the Zune Marketplace (directly through the web, no need to launch the app), Amazon, or iTunes music libraries. Movie tickets are promised to be similarly easy to buy, though the biggest new feature might well be the Bing.com/entertainment page, which acts as a portal into your media consumption with a selection of the most popular content in each category. It doesn't look terribly different from the iTunes storefront, but given its partnership with Apple's digital music shop, we doubt Bing's Entertainment section is perceived as much of a threat -- not yet, anyway. As to that other search giant, Google's been said to already be putting together a music store of its own. Man, all this integration and interconnectedness -- just where will it end?

Gallery: Bing Entertainment

Continue reading Bing Entertainment integrates Zune Marketplace purchases, improves Microsoft's media swagger

Bing Entertainment integrates Zune Marketplace purchases, improves Microsoft's media swagger originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 03:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon music storeAmazonMusicStorebingbing entertainmentBingEntertainmentdecision engineDecisionEngineentertainmentgamesituneslyricsmicrosoftmicrosoft bingMicrosoftBingmoviesmusicsearchsearch engineSearchEnginetvzunezune marketplacezune storeZuneMarketplaceZuneStoreWed, 23 Jun 2010 03:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Zune music heads to Xbox 360]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/zune-music-heads-to-xbox-360/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/zune-music-heads-to-xbox-360/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/zune-music-heads-to-xbox-360/#comments
It's not all games and motion control for Microsoft at E3 this year-- the company has just announced that the complete library of Zune music is joining the video options already available on the Xbox 360. Details are still a bit light otherwise, but you can rest assured that it's both Kinect and Bieber compatible.

Update: Microsoft has now at least revealed a few more details, confirming that Zune Pass subscribers will have on-demand, instant streaming access to a full seven million tracks, and that the service will "seamlessly" integrate with the 16,000 music videos already available on Xbox Live -- if you own a video, it'll automatically start playing during the corresponding song.

Zune music heads to Xbox 360 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2010E32010kinectmicrosoftxboxxbox 360Xbox360zunezune marketplacezune musicZuneMarketplaceZuneMusicMon, 14 Jun 2010 13:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Zune HD v4.5 firmware 'coming soon,' adds SmartDJ, new codecs, and Marketplace access via AV dock (update: video!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/29/zune-hd-v4-5-firmware-coming-soon-adds-smartdj-new-codecs-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/29/zune-hd-v4-5-firmware-coming-soon-adds-smartdj-new-codecs-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/29/zune-hd-v4-5-firmware-coming-soon-adds-smartdj-new-codecs-a/#comments We know you've been waiting at the edge of your seat for that added codec support and SmartDJ for Zune HD, patient ever since its CES unveiling, and now we're here to assure you that it's coming with the next firmware update, version 4.5. We had a chance to preview both SmartDJ and Marketplace access via the AV dock connection this afternoon (video coming soon) -- the former being very smooth and easy-to-use, the latter being convenient except for having to input text using the simple remote and an on-screen keyboard. According to Marketing Manager Michael Yaeger, there's nothing in the cards right now for a new, more text input-friendly remote. While we had his attention, we also asked him about Mac support and international Zune HD releases -- neither of which he could answer definitively, but it doesn't sound hopeful in the near future. As for release date, we couldn't get anything more specific than within the next few weeks, but at least it's next on the docket. Press release after the break; so with that out of the way, how about some answers on that 64GB model, eh Microsoft?

Update: Now with a video demonstration, after the break.

Gallery: Zune HD v4.5 firmware: SmartDJ and Marketplace access via AV dock

Continue reading Zune HD v4.5 firmware 'coming soon,' adds SmartDJ, new codecs, and Marketplace access via AV dock (update: video!)

Zune HD v4.5 firmware 'coming soon,' adds SmartDJ, new codecs, and Marketplace access via AV dock (update: video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4.5av dockAvDockdockfirmware 4.5Firmware4.5hands-onmarketplacemicrosoftmicrosoft zunemicrosoft zune hdMicrosoftZuneMicrosoftZuneHdsmart djSmartDjvideoxvidzunezune hdzune hd 4.5zune hd firmware 4.5zune marketplaceZuneHdZuneHd4.5ZuneHdFirmware4.5ZuneMarketplaceMon, 29 Mar 2010 19:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook app now available for Zune HD (update: it's also broken)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/01/facebook-app-now-available-for-zune-hd/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/01/facebook-app-now-available-for-zune-hd/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/01/facebook-app-now-available-for-zune-hd/#comments You've been up nights, we know, and now Microsoft has finally ended your torment: the long-promised Facebook application is now available for download to the Zune HD. Go wild, but not too wild, alright everybody?

Update: So we just got a chance to download and play with the app a little -- and just like the Twitter app, things don't seem to be quite fully baked at launch. We couldn't get anything of the tabs to load apart from our personal photos, and there wasn't any confirmation when we sent in a Zune music status update -- although it did show up on Facebook, so it obviously worked. The photo viewer lets you leave comments, but you can't pinch-to-zoom -- or zoom at all, actually. We're sure Zune HD owners will be happy -- it's free, after all -- but we're going to assume Microsoft and Facebook have something far better planned for Windows Phone 7 Series.

Update 2: It's not just us -- the official Zune Twitter account confirms that the Facebook app is "experiencing some issues accessing data." We'll let you kow if we hear anything else.

Gallery: Facebook app now available for Zune HD



[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Facebook app now available for Zune HD (update: it's also broken) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapplicationsbreaking newsBreakingNewsfacebookfacebook appFacebookAppmicrosoftzunezune hdzune marketplaceZuneHdZuneMarketplaceMon, 01 Mar 2010 22:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Zune HD getting Xvid, Smart DJ, ever more appealing]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/12/zune-hd-getting-xvid-smart-dj-ever-more-appealing/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/12/zune-hd-getting-xvid-smart-dj-ever-more-appealing/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/12/zune-hd-getting-xvid-smart-dj-ever-more-appealing/#commentsZune HD getting Xvid, Smart DJ, ever more appealing We know you were put off by the whole Twitter censorship debacle last month, but Microsoft and the Zune HD have moved past that (honest) and they want you to come along as well. They're enticing everyone to forget about that bone-headed move by, well, throwing everyone a bone and adding in Xvid support, part of full compatibility with MPEG-4 part 2 Advanced Simple Profile. DivX will not be coming out to play, but Smart DJ will be, a feature that isn't so much new but is newly portable, providing a counterpoint to the iPod's Genius and, since you can use it to stream content from the Zune Marketplace (when connected via WiFi) it begins to approach the functionality of apps like Pandora or Slacker Radio. Tasty, indeed, though at this point we're not sure when Microsoft will be throwing us this juicy firmware update.

Zune HD getting Xvid, Smart DJ, ever more appealing originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>divxfirmwarefirmware updateFirmwareUpdatemicrosoftsmart djSmartDjxvidzunezune hdzune marketplaceZuneHdZuneMarketplaceTue, 12 Jan 2010 09:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 Dashboard Update... updates: Preview program reopened, Sky TV due Oct. 27]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/14/xbox-360-dashboard-update-updates-preview-program-reopened/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/14/xbox-360-dashboard-update-updates-preview-program-reopened/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/14/xbox-360-dashboard-update-updates-preview-program-reopened/#comments
Just as it did earlier this year, Microsoft has opened the preview program to let the most hardcore of Xbox 360 owners poke around the updated dashboard -- presumably with access to all the 1080p instant-on streaming, Twitter, Facebook and Last.fm add-ons we've been expecting -- ahead of its official release in order to shake out any remaining bugs. While worldwide console owners should scrape together console IDs, make & model of your TV, router and more in hopes of receiving an invite next week, a little more concrete news is in order for the UK, with the console launch of Sky TV nailed down for October 27. You'll have to wait until then to find out exact pricing and channel line up availability, 'til then it's a matter of finding out who on your friends list is most suited for the inevitable football viewing party.

[Via Joystiq & NeoGAF]

Read - Xbox Live update Preview Program
Read - Xbox.com - Set a date for Sky Player!

Filed under:

Xbox 360 Dashboard Update... updates: Preview program reopened, Sky TV due Oct. 27 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>connectdashboard updateDashboardUpdatefacebookhdlast.fmmicrosoftother hardwareotherhardwarepreview programPreviewProgramsky playersky tvSkyPlayerSkyTvtwitterukxbox 360Xbox360zune marketplaceZuneMarketplaceWed, 14 Oct 2009 19:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 Dashboard Update... updates: Preview program reopened, Sky TV due Oct. 27]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/14/xbox-360-dashboard-update-updates-preview-program-reopened/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/14/xbox-360-dashboard-update-updates-preview-program-reopened/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/14/xbox-360-dashboard-update-updates-preview-program-reopened/#comments
Just as it did earlier this year, Microsoft has opened the preview program to let the most hardcore of Xbox 360 owners poke around the updated dashboard -- presumably with access to all the 1080p instant-on streaming, Twitter, Facebook and Last.fm add-ons we've been expecting -- ahead of its official release in order to shake out any remaining bugs. While worldwide console owners should scrape together console IDs, make & model of your TV, router and more in hopes of receiving an invite next week, a little more concrete news is in order for the UK, with the console launch of Sky TV nailed down for October 27. You'll have to wait until then to find out exact pricing and channel line up availability, 'til then it's a matter of finding out who on your friends list is most suited for the inevitable football viewing party.

[Via Joystiq & NeoGAF]

Read - Xbox Live update Preview Program
Read - Xbox.com - Set a date for Sky Player!

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Xbox 360 Dashboard Update... updates: Preview program reopened, Sky TV due Oct. 27 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>connectdashboard updateDashboardUpdatefacebookhdtvlast.fmmicrosoftpreview programPreviewProgramsky playersky tvSkyPlayerSkyTvtwitterukxbox 360Xbox360zune marketplaceZuneMarketplaceWed, 14 Oct 2009 19:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360's new Zune, Last.fm, Facebook and Twitter features detailed on video]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/07/xbox-360s-new-zune-last-fm-facebook-and-twitter-features-deta/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/07/xbox-360s-new-zune-last-fm-facebook-and-twitter-features-deta/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/07/xbox-360s-new-zune-last-fm-facebook-and-twitter-features-deta/#comments We just got a pretty detailed look at Microsoft's upcoming Dashboard update for the Xbox, which brings with it the Zune Video Marketplace and Last.fm music streaming, along with Facebook and Twitter social functionality. We were most impressed with Facebook, which includes a feature for spotting which of your Facebook friends have Xbox Live -- a great way to grow that friends list and bring a bit of "synergy" to your life. Last.fm was a bit of a downer, since you can't do anything else while listening to the music, but otherwise there weren't many minuses to the presentation other than the lack of a firm release date. Check out Joystiq's full impressions at the read link before, or watch the whole demo on mind-blowing video after the break.

Continue reading Xbox 360's new Zune, Last.fm, Facebook and Twitter features detailed on video

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Xbox 360's new Zune, Last.fm, Facebook and Twitter features detailed on video originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dashboardengadget videoEngadgetVideofacebookfeaturedvideofeatureshands-onlast.fmmicrosoftnxetwittervideoxboxxbox 360Xbox360zune marketplacezune video marketplaceZuneMarketplaceZuneVideoMarketplaceWed, 07 Oct 2009 14:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Sky TV arriving on Xbox 360 in mid-October according to SkyMag; Twitter, Facebook & Zune to follow?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/26/sky-tv-arriving-on-xbox-360-in-mid-october-according-to-skymag/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/26/sky-tv-arriving-on-xbox-360-in-mid-october-according-to-skymag/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/26/sky-tv-arriving-on-xbox-360-in-mid-october-according-to-skymag/#comments Live Sky TV viewing via Xbox 360 didn't make it into the most recent dashboard update, readers report page 17 of the network's most recent SkyMag indicates it will arrive around mid-October. Additional details flesh out what's available, while all Xbox Live Gold members (in the appropriate areas) will get access to the Sky Player similar to the PC implementation, you will need a Sky subscription with the appropriate channels to view sports and movie content. Look out for more updates at the skyplayer.com/xbox360 site, while those of us beyond the network's reach wonder whether we can expect other features like Twitter (you're following us, right?) Facebook and 1080p instant-on movie streaming to arrive at roughly the same time.

[Thanks, David]

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Sky TV arriving on Xbox 360 in mid-October according to SkyMag; Twitter, Facebook & Zune to follow? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolesdashboarddashboard-updatefacebookfalsegame consolesGameConsolesmicrosoftsky playersky tvSkyPlayerSkyTvtwitterukxboxxbox 360xbox liveXbox360XboxLivezune marketplaceZuneMarketplaceSat, 26 Sep 2009 19:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Sky TV arriving on Xbox 360 in mid-October according to SkyMag; Twitter, Facebook & Zune to follow?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/26/sky-tv-arriving-on-xbox-360-in-mid-october-according-to-skymag/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/26/sky-tv-arriving-on-xbox-360-in-mid-october-according-to-skymag/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/26/sky-tv-arriving-on-xbox-360-in-mid-october-according-to-skymag/#comments Live Sky TV viewing via Xbox 360 didn't make it into the most recent dashboard update, readers report page 17 of the network's most recent SkyMag indicates it will arrive around mid-October. Additional details flesh out what's available, while all Xbox Live Gold members (in the appropriate areas) will get access to the Sky Player similar to the PC implementation, you will need a Sky subscription with the appropriate channels to view sports and movie content. Look out for more updates at the skyplayer.com/xbox360 site, while those of us beyond the network's reach wonder whether we can expect other features like Twitter (you're following us, right?) Facebook and 1080p instant-on movie streaming to arrive at roughly the same time.

[Thanks, David]

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Sky TV arriving on Xbox 360 in mid-October according to SkyMag; Twitter, Facebook & Zune to follow? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolesdashboarddashboard-updatefacebookfalsegame consolesGameConsoleshdmicrosoftother hardwareotherhardwareotherssky playersky tvSkyPlayerSkyTvtwitterukxboxxbox 360xbox liveXbox360XboxLivezune marketplaceZuneMarketplaceSat, 26 Sep 2009 19:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Zune Marketplace HD videos will play on Extenders for Media Center]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/15/zune-marketplace-hd-videos-will-play-on-extenders-for-media-cent/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/15/zune-marketplace-hd-videos-will-play-on-extenders-for-media-cent/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/15/zune-marketplace-hd-videos-will-play-on-extenders-for-media-cent/#comments
It is actually very sad that this is even news. What we mean is that normally we'd expect that two products from the same manufacture would work together, but not when it comes to Microsoft. Either way, Media Center fans with Extenders like the Xbox 360 and the deceased Linksys DMA2100 will be happy to know that HD content from the Zune Marketplace looks great in Media Center. You can see from the screen shot that although it works, it is less than ideal. What we're saying is, would it be so hard to add a little metadata or even an episode number? The other thing is that the content doesn't show up automatically, we had to actually add the location of the content to the video library, which means the TV show we downloaded don't show up with the rest of our recorded TV shows. The good news though is it that playback works as expected, meaning that fast forward, rewind and resume are all there -- but there is that annoying "buffering" message when you skip forward or back. Who knows, maybe sometime between now and the official launch of Windows 7 further interoperability will be added -- doubtful.

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Zune Marketplace HD videos will play on Extenders for Media Center originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7MChdinternetMedia CenterMediaCenterWindows 7Windows 7 Media CenterWindows7Windows7MediaCenterZune HDzune marketplaceZuneHdZuneMarketplaceTue, 15 Sep 2009 18:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Zune portals close up shop for the day, should re-open with Zune HD launch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/14/zune-portals-close-up-shop-for-the-day-should-re-open-with-zune/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/14/zune-portals-close-up-shop-for-the-day-should-re-open-with-zune/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/14/zune-portals-close-up-shop-for-the-day-should-re-open-with-zune/#comments
No shock here, but it seems as if the Zune world as we know it has closed up for the day. The Zune homepage is currently displaying the banner shown above, while a good number of our tipsters and staffers have confirmed that signing into Zune Marketplace is impossible. Of course, it's not like a major new product (and software update, most probably) is slated to officially ship on September 15th or anything, so we'd say a little patience could go a long ways here.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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Zune portals close up shop for the day, should re-open with Zune HD launch originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downdowntimemaintenancemicrosoftpmpportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideosite downSiteDownsocialupdatezunezune hdzune marketplaceZuneHdZuneMarketplaceMon, 14 Sep 2009 14:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Zune HD promotional videos offer brief glimpse at 3D gaming]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/12/zune-hd-promotional-videos-offer-brief-glimpse-at-3d-gaming/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/12/zune-hd-promotional-videos-offer-brief-glimpse-at-3d-gaming/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/12/zune-hd-promotional-videos-offer-brief-glimpse-at-3d-gaming/#comments Zune HD may really be just around the corner -- this Tuesday, in fact -- but there's still a few things we don't know about. Enter a handful of promotional videos care of Buy TV to fill in some pieces. There's a couple of really nice overviews of the car dock, built-in radio, Xbox integration, Zune video, and AV dock (it outputs 720p video, just to clarify). More importantly, though, in the video entitled "Portable Perfection" around the 30-second mark, you catch a quick view of what appears to be a racing title as the narrator discusses the ability to "play games" on the device. For a company that's been about as coy as possible when it comes to the status of applications for its forthcoming Tegra-powered monster, this isn't exactly subtle. There's also what looks like some new Zune marketplace images in the Zune pass video around ten seconds in. Be honest, you had nothing else to do this Friday, and now you can at least watch some gadget noir. Check it out after the break and form your own wild opinions.

[Via Zunited, thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Continue reading Zune HD promotional videos offer brief glimpse at 3D gaming

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Zune HD promotional videos offer brief glimpse at 3D gaming originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 01:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dadgamingportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideopromotionalvideozunezune hdzune hd gamingzune marketplaceZuneHdZuneHdGamingZuneMarketplaceSat, 12 Sep 2009 01:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Zune software update coming September 15th alongside Zune HD launch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/zune-software-update-coming-september-15th-alongside-zune-hd-lau/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/zune-software-update-coming-september-15th-alongside-zune-hd-lau/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/zune-software-update-coming-september-15th-alongside-zune-hd-lau/#comments Unless Microsoft's playing a nasty trick on its loyal fanbase, the latest Zune newsletter confirms a feature-laden software update, very likely what we've been calling Zune 4.0, is due out on Tuesday, September 15th, the same day as Zune HD takes its place among its fading peers. "All-new Zune software packed with exciting new features," you say? We'll be looking forward to more HD video options and an apps marketplace, all the while bemoaning our cut in HDTV Media Center recording capabilities. As for any other surprises, looks like we'll just have to wait and see -- for now. Full Zune newsletter reprinted after the break.

[Thanks, Daren]

Continue reading Zune software update coming September 15th alongside Zune HD launch

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Zune software update coming September 15th alongside Zune HD launch originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>44.0portable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideozunezune 4zune 4.0zune marketplacezune softwarezune software updateZune4Zune4.0ZuneMarketplaceZuneSoftwareZuneSoftwareUpdateThu, 03 Sep 2009 16:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Zune HD pamphlet discloses HD movies coming to Zune marketplace]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/28/zune-hd-pamphlet-discloses-hd-movies-coming-to-zune-marketplace/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/28/zune-hd-pamphlet-discloses-hd-movies-coming-to-zune-marketplace/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/28/zune-hd-pamphlet-discloses-hd-movies-coming-to-zune-marketplace/#comments With TV shows, music video, and video podcasts already proliferating the Zune marketplace, it was really only a matter of time before Microsoft dipped its toes into HD movies -- not to mention kind of a logical step since Xbox Live was getting its movie section Zune-branded. BostonPocketPC writer Steven Hughes has uploaded pictures of an alleged pamphlet handed out at Best Buy's Zune HD showings that, among other things, make reference to finding Zune Marketplace content including HD movies. Ban on HDTV Media Center recordings notwithstanding, things are looking up for Zune 4.0 software. And here we thought Apple was late to the party with its movie service.

[Via Zunited]
Read - Pamphlet pics
Read - BostonPocketPC

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Zune HD pamphlet discloses HD movies coming to Zune marketplace originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 20:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hdhd moviehd moviesHdMovieHdMoviesmarketplacemoviemovie marketplaceMovieMarketplacemoviesportable videoportablevideozunezune hdzune marketplaceZuneHdZuneMarketplaceFri, 28 Aug 2009 20:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Zune HD's "Apps" menu item spotted in the Marketplace, still short on details]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/23/zune-hds-apps-menu-item-spotted-in-the-marketplace-still-sho/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/23/zune-hds-apps-menu-item-spotted-in-the-marketplace-still-sho/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/23/zune-hds-apps-menu-item-spotted-in-the-marketplace-still-sho/#comments At Best Buy's Zune HD preview today a certain Matthew Arkin on Qik was able to shoot footage of the "Apps" item that resides within the "Marketplace" section on the device. It's still incredibly unclear what Microsoft's plans are for that functionality -- they've long admitted its existence, but have waffled on the name and have been reticent to show it off in meetings with us. Microsoft so far has only promised to have applications on par with the games currently available for Zune, but there's obviously a lot of implied competition with Apple's App Store that the word "Apps" on a touchscreen device conjures up. On video (embedded after the break) the rep is asked if there's an SDK, and apparently Matthew got a "yes" offscreen, but we're not really sure of the veracity of that statement, or what it means for developers at the moment -- hopefully good, freedom-ey things.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Zune HD's "Apps" menu item spotted in the Marketplace, still short on details

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Zune HD's "Apps" menu item spotted in the Marketplace, still short on details originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 23 Aug 2009 02:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Now that everything Zune HD is official and available for pre-order, Microsoft has seen fit to loose official specs, putting to rest -- at least until we can do a full hands on -- questions about what to expect from the OLED touchscreen packing device. From dimensions (52.7 mm x 102.1 mm x 8.9 mm, 2.6 oz) to battery life (24 hours for music with wireless off, up to 4 hours of video) and charge time (3 hours, 2 hours to 90%.) While the official site (incorrectly) currently lists max video res at barely-better-than-DVD 720 x 480, we contacted Microsoft and received the official specs on video support, and if for some reason you needed to hear it again: the Tegra chip is a beast. Ready for HDTV playback when it's plugged into the AV dock, the Zune software supports up to 1280 x 720, 30 frames per second at a max 14 Mbps bitrate for WMV HD and h.264 sources. Confirmed still a bummer? No wireless video streaming from the Zune Video Marketplace, though the specs do indicate that purchases and rentals will work across all three screens, PC, Zune and Xbox 360. Check the corrected specs after the break, now all that's left is getting some alone time with one.

Update: Microsoft has hit us with the corrected & updated spec list with a slight change to battery and charge specs: 33 hours of life playing music with no wireless, up to 8.5 hours of video. 3 hours to charge from PC, 2 hours via AC adapter. Hopefully that's long enough to cover your one man rave in the woods far away from A/C outlets. Check the PDF for yourself, but beware, as Microsoft has informed us one typo remains, as the Zune HD can hold up to 22 / 48 hours (16GB / 32GB) of video optimized for the device, no matter what the official sheet says.

Continue reading Zune HD specs fill in the blanks on video format support, battery life and more

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Zune HD specs fill in the blanks on video format support, battery life and more originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>720pbattery lifeBatteryLifebitratechargingcodecsh.264hdhd wmvHdWmvmicrosoftother hardwareotherhardwareothersresolutionsmooth streamingSmoothStreamingspecszunezune hdzune marketplacezune video marketplaceZuneHdZuneMarketplaceZuneVideoMarketplaceThu, 13 Aug 2009 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Zune HD specs fill in the blanks on video format support, battery life and more - Update: now with more, better!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/13/zune-hd-specs-fill-in-the-blanks-on-video-format-support-batter/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/13/zune-hd-specs-fill-in-the-blanks-on-video-format-support-batter/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/13/zune-hd-specs-fill-in-the-blanks-on-video-format-support-batter/#comments
Now that everything Zune HD is official and available for pre-order, Microsoft has seen fit to loose official specs, putting to rest -- at least until we can do a full hands on -- questions about what to expect from the OLED touchscreen packing device. From dimensions (52.7 mm x 102.1 mm x 8.9 mm, 2.6 oz) to battery life (24 hours for music with wireless off, up to 4 hours of video) and charge time (3 hours, 2 hours to 90%.) While the offical site (incorrectly) currently lists max video res at barely-better-than-DVD 720 x 480, we contacted Microsoft and received the official specs on video support, and if for some reason you needed to hear it again: the Tegra chip is a beast. Ready for HDTV playback when it's plugged into the AV dock, the Zune software supports up to 1280 x 720, 30 frames per second at a max 14 Mbps bitrate for WMV HD and h.264 sources. Confirmed still a bummer? No wireless video streaming from the Zune Video Marketplace, though the specs do indicate that purchases and rentals will work across all three screens, PC, Zune and Xbox 360. Check the corrected specs after the break, now all that's left is getting some alone time with one.

Update: Microsoft has hit us with the corrected & updated spec list with a slight change to battery and charge specs: 33 hours of life playing music with no wireless, up to 8.5 hours of video. 3 hours to charge from PC, 2 hours via AC adapter. Hopefully that's long enough to cover your one man rave in the woods far away from A/C outlets. Check the PDF for yourself, but beware, as Microsoft has informed us one typo remains, as the Zune HD can hold up to 22 / 48 hours (16GB / 32GB) of video optimized for the device, no matter what the official sheet says.

Continue reading Zune HD specs fill in the blanks on video format support, battery life and more - Update: now with more, better!

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Zune HD specs fill in the blanks on video format support, battery life and more - Update: now with more, better! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>720pbattery lifeBatteryLifebitratechargingcodecsh.264hd wmvhdtvHdWmvmicrosoftresolutionsmooth streamingSmoothStreamingspecszunezune hdzune marketplacezune video marketplaceZuneHdZuneMarketplaceZuneVideoMarketplaceThu, 13 Aug 2009 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft to launch music streaming service "imminently," could tie-in with Xbox / Zune]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/#comments
While even bigwigs can fudge release numbers from time to time, the word "imminently" just carries a certain aura. Speaking with The Telegraph, executive producer of MSN Peter Bale confessed that Microsoft was "looking at launching a music streaming service imminently." As in, maybe before the dawn of August. Bale added that it would be "a similar principle to Spotify," but the outfit is still examining exactly how the business model would work. It's expected that the service would let users stream tunes for free so long as they listen to ads every half hour or so, but for those with too little time and too many jams, there could be a paid option that strips the plugs. What's unclear now, however, is exactly how this initiative will tie-in with the company's Xbox 360 and Zune. There's no doubt that Microsoft is aiming to make the former an all-encompassing multimedia box, but we're sure it'd rather not convolute things with Zune Pass all the same.

[Via Joystiq]

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Microsoft to launch music streaming service "imminently," could tie-in with Xbox / Zune originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiomicrosoftMSNmusicmusic streamingMusicStreamingportable audioportableaudiospotifystreamstreamingxboxxbox 360Xbox360zunezune hdzune marketplacezune passZuneHdZuneMarketplaceZunePassTue, 14 Jul 2009 12:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Image of Zune HD's marketplace surfaces, leaves much to the imagination]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/11/image-of-zune-hds-marketplace-surfaces-leaves-much-to-the-imag/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/11/image-of-zune-hds-marketplace-surfaces-leaves-much-to-the-imag/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/11/image-of-zune-hds-marketplace-surfaces-leaves-much-to-the-imag/#comments Clamoring for even the tiniest morsel of Zune HD news? This might just do the trick. Xbox 360 Program Manager "Fitret" has posted on Twitter a pic of his new Tegra-infused portable that happens to show a glimpse of the marketplace section, specifically an artist sub-menu for The Hold Steady. Like we said it isn't much, but it is a mighty attractive design, and certainly a menu we haven't played with yet. Now how about a firm release date and price, eh Steve?

[Thanks, Taylor]

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Image of Zune HD's marketplace surfaces, leaves much to the imagination originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marketplaceportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideozunezune hdzune hd marketplacezune marketplaceZuneHdZuneHdMarketplaceZuneMarketplaceSat, 11 Jul 2009 18:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live and Zune Marketplace both acting flaky right now]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/28/xbox-live-and-zune-marketplace-both-acting-flaky-right-now/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/28/xbox-live-and-zune-marketplace-both-acting-flaky-right-now/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/28/xbox-live-and-zune-marketplace-both-acting-flaky-right-now/#comments
We don't know exactly what's going on, but both Xbox Live and Zune Marketplace are apparently acting up right now -- we've gotten reports that the entire Zune user database is more or less MIA, while Xbox Live seems unable to process purchases reliably. If we had to guess, we'd say that Microsoft's free Thriller video giveaway is causing some pretty massive server strain, but that's just a shot in the dark. Keep us posted on how you're doing, and we'll let you know if we hear anything official.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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Xbox Live and Zune Marketplace both acting flaky right now originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Real simple question. Internet video delivery has been promising to kill disc for about as long as this site has been around, and Microsoft's E3 announcement of 1080p instant streaming with surround sound and even social watching features is merely the latest shot across the bow. So tell us, when it launches this fall will that be enough for you to consider internet video as an alternative to Blu-ray when deciding how to watch a new movie?

View Poll

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Poll: 1080p streaming video vs. Blu-ray originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 07 Jun 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080p1080p instant on1080pInstantOnblu rayblu-raybluraye3hdinternet videoInternetVideoother hardwareotherhardwarepollpollsxbox 360xbox live marketplaceXbox360XboxLiveMarketplacezune marketplaceZuneMarketplaceSun, 07 Jun 2009 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live gets 1080p Zune video store, Netflix browsing, Twitter and Facebook integration]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/xbox-live-gets-live-tv-streaming-netflix-browsing/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/xbox-live-gets-live-tv-streaming-netflix-browsing/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/xbox-live-gets-live-tv-streaming-netflix-browsing/#comments
Microsoft is busy announcing a slew of upgrades to Xbox Live, and the biggest news so far is relaunch of the video service, now Zune-branded with 1080p instant-on streaming content in 18 countries. XBL is also now integrated with Facebook -- your Facebook account can be linked to your Gamertag, and games will support Facebook Connect for sharing content online. That's pretty huge -- but if that wasn't enough, you're also getting Twitter and Last.fm in the deal. Want more? Netflix users will now be able to browse the entire catalog instead of simply loading their queue, and Microsoft has also gotten its Party Watch system in order, so you'll be able to heckle videos with your online friends. Last but not least, there's now live TV streaming for UK and Ireland gamers, who'll get Premier League soccer live from Sky. All in all, a solid set of updates for XBL -- but we'll wait and see how that "1080p" video looks before we pronounce Blu-ray dead. PR blurb after the break.

Continue reading Xbox Live gets 1080p Zune video store, Netflix browsing, Twitter and Facebook integration

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Xbox Live gets 1080p Zune video store, Netflix browsing, Twitter and Facebook integration originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft is busy announcing a slew of upgrades to Xbox Live, and the biggest news so far is relaunch of the video service, now Zune-branded with 1080p instant-on streaming content in 18 countries. XBL is also now integrated with Facebook -- your Facebook account can be linked to your Gamertag, and games will support Facebook Connect for sharing content online. That's pretty huge -- but if that wasn't enough, you're also getting Twitter and Last.fm in the deal. Want more? Netflix users will now be able to browse the entire catalog instead of simply loading their queue, and Microsoft has also gotten its Party Watch system in order, so you'll be able to heckle videos with your online friends. Last but not least, there's now live TV streaming for UK and Ireland gamers, who'll get Premier League soccer live from Sky. All in all, a solid set of updates for XBL -- but we'll wait and see how that "1080p" video looks before we pronounce Blu-ray dead. PR blurb after the break.

Continue reading Xbox Live gets 1080p Zune video store, Netflix browsing, Twitter and Facebook integration

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Xbox Live gets 1080p Zune video store, Netflix browsing, Twitter and Facebook integration originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360breaking newsBreakingNewse3e3 2009E32009facebookfacebook connectFacebookConnectiptvlsat.fmmicrosoftnetflixparty watchPartyWatchskytwitterxblxboxxbox 360xbox liveXbox360XboxLivezunezune marketplaceZuneMarketplaceMon, 01 Jun 2009 14:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Entelligence: Time for Microsoft to tell a better Zune tale]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/22/entelligence-time-for-microsoft-to-tell-a-better-zune-tale/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/22/entelligence-time-for-microsoft-to-tell-a-better-zune-tale/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/22/entelligence-time-for-microsoft-to-tell-a-better-zune-tale/#commentsEntelligence is a column by technology strategist and author Michael Gartenberg, a man whose desire for a delicious cup of coffee and a quality New York bagel is dwarfed only by his passion for tech. In these articles, he'll explore where our industry is and where it's going -- on both micro and macro levels -- with the unique wit and insight only he can provide.

A lot's been made of the new Zune commercial that Microsoft aired recently. If you have haven't seen it, take a look. Now don't get me wrong. I think there's a lot that Microsoft can do with Zune, but this ad doesn't quite do it for me. What's wrong? First, it took a shot at Apple that felt silly -- after all, most consumers don't spend $30,000 to fill up their iPod (how much did it cost to fill yours?). Even if that's the case, buying a Zune Pass won't fill up an iPod either. Second, it started to make a value play that's real, but stopped short of actually making it.

The ad was interesting as it begins the discussion of the value of the Zune Pass. That's important. The power of the Zune Pass lies at the core of the differentiation of their whole business model, subscription services vs. single song downloads. Microsoft needs to go further and explain how these two models can co-exist with each other. Up until now there were only two models for music, the free and ad supported stuff on radio, or music you bought or owned (or perhaps acquired elsewhere). Zune Pass and other similar services change all that. While consumers "rent" video content all the time from theaters, cable companies, Netflix etc, there's also a lot of other stuff sold on DVD. There's no reason for this to be binary -- rent or buy -- it's just never been applied to music and when it has, it's not been explained or marketed well at all.

Continue reading Entelligence: Time for Microsoft to tell a better Zune tale

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Entelligence: Time for Microsoft to tell a better Zune tale originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 May 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columncolumnseditorialentelligencefeaturedfeatureshttp:www.youtube.comwatchvB7m53R_cHjEipodipodsmichael gartenbergMichaelGartenbergmicrosoftportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideozunezune marketplacezune passZuneMarketplaceZunePassFri, 22 May 2009 15:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Zune HD render surfaces, fanboy specs too?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/15/another-zunehd-render-surfaces-fanboy-specs-too/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/15/another-zunehd-render-surfaces-fanboy-specs-too/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/15/another-zunehd-render-surfaces-fanboy-specs-too/#comments While we broke the news of the ZuneHD to the world as we did the original, we have no way to verify the authenticity of this new image originating at Windows Mobile Power User and now trotting itself around the Intersphere fueled by the adrenaline of fanboy fantasies. We've been skeptically going over it pixel-by-pixel (what is that on the back? A camera, a screw-hole?) as this is the notorious period that always follows a product leak when dubious PhotoShops and fanart begins flooding our tips box. Fortunately, Zunited's sources have stepped up with an assertion that the pic is in fact an authentic ZuneHD. So let's turn an eye to the specs, the glorious, almost absurdly high-end specs that accompany the picture. Zunited's sources won't touch these and we're keeping them at arm's length for now under the it's too-good-to-be-true heading. Click through to see what we mean.

[Via Zunited]

Continue reading Another Zune HD render surfaces, fanboy specs too?

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Another Zune HD render surfaces, fanboy specs too? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 06:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's an annual tradition, don't you know? Winter rolls around, the fires get going, the cocoa gets to cookin', and we get to thinking that the Zune and Xbox 360 just have to have some tighter integration in the not-too-distant future. This go 'round, we've got a suspicious job posting over at Microsoft that's stirring up a little speculation, and for good reason. In fact, the listing -- which seeks a particular User Experience Designer -- specifically mentions that the perfect candidate will be comfortable working closely with "creative directors to propose innovative designs and content solutions for the Zune Device UI, Zune Xbox and Zune PC Application." In case that wasn't definitive enough for you, it also mentions "embracing and extending" the Zune brand. Oh, and on another note, are any of you applying? Sounds like a pretty sweet gig.

[Via CNET]

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Microsoft job posting hints at Zune-Xbox integration originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 20 Dec 2008 05:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There's just nothing like the holiday season, folks. That warm, fuzzy feeling you get when spending your last dollar on a gift for someone you aren't even that fond of -- really, what else can compare? On second thought, maybe this can. Microsoft has just announced that, beginning today, Zune Pass users will be able to select ten tracks per month to keep forever (and ever, and ever), and the $14.99 monthly subscription rate isn't headed up. Agreements have been miraculously nailed down between Microsoft and EMI Music, Sony BMG Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, not to mention a number of independent distributors. We must say, we certainly appreciate the gesture here, but is it enough to make fencesitters buy in? What say you?

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Microsoft revamps Zune Pass: keep ten tracks per month forever and ever originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Simmer down folks -- everything is going to be a-okay. Yes, 'tis true -- Microsoft has indeed scheduled for Xbox Live service maintenance and Zune service tweakage to take place at the exact same time this coming Monday, but it's probably not worth losing your mind over. In fact, Major Nelson goes out of his way to affirm that "when [Xbox Live] service returns, you will not have any new features and you will not have the new Xbox experience update." Point being, your Zune Social, Zune.net forums, all of the Zune Marketplace and Xbox Live services will be offline for up to 24 hours (48 hours for the Zune suite) starting at 12:01 PST on September 29th, but don't expect a Zunephone to pop out of your now-forgotten HD DVD add-on when things come back on. Or you can, but we'd be prepared for unprecedented disappointment.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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Read - Zune services down time

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Microsoft's Xbox Live, Zune services to be down simultaneously this Monday originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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After a couple misstarts, we've finally got Zune 3.0 running on our computer and that shiny new blue Zune 8 we nabbed yesterday. We had problems with the straight installer, but updating from within Zune 2.5 worked quite well, and after a restart we were able to perform the same feat on the player. The software choked up on the first sync, but we canceled out and it twasn't a problem.

With 3.0 all ready to go, we wasted little time jumping onto Marketplace wirelessly, which felt especially delicious on a teensy little flash DAP. Naturally, we could've squandered all our Microsoft Points on song buys -- which are quite easy to accomplish, with a cart-based purchasing system -- but we're all about subscription music, and Zune Pass speaks our language. The browsing, selecting and downloading processing couldn't be much easier, and you can pick a song to play from right in the store while browsing other wares. There were a couple hiccups in playback when switching tasks, but they were always brief.

Gallery: Zune 3.0 hands-on

Continue reading Zune 3.0 hands-on

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Zune 3.0 hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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