First it was just new colors; now, it's just more Zune Originals designs to choose from. A half year after Microsoft tapped a gaggle of Canadian artists for a few more Originals designs, the suits up in Redmond have evidently deemed it suitable to give prospective Zune buyers another handful of choices. Or, you know, forty-six new choices. The new options include "exclusive artwork of Eastern and Western astrology from Catalina Estrada and Iosefatu Sua," all of which can be selected now from the online design studio. Unfortunately, you'll probably have to burn a vacation day just to sift through 'em all, but at least you'll be having fun. Maybe.

[Via Zunerama]

It all seems so socially apropos: the more pedestrian Zune is now to McDonalds what the oft pretentious iPhone is to Starbucks. Through a partnership with Wayport Inc., Zune users will now receive free wireless access to the Zune Marketplace (only, no browser remember?) from more than 9,800 McDonald's "restaurants" across the US. Also announced are new on-line exclusive colors to join the blue Zune 16GB -- red, pink, and green only through Microsoft's refreshed Zune Originals site.

Just in case you didn't really believe Microsoft was finally bringing the Zune to Canada, along comes a release to make it doubly official. Aside from reiterating the June 13th launch date -- not to mention the $249.99 CDN (Zune 80), $189.99 CDN (Zune 8) and $139.99 CDN (Zune 4) price points -- Microsoft is also announcing seven new designs for its Zune Originals artist series. Fittingly, the mega-corp has tapped actual Canadian artists in order to find said designs, and considering that all Zune Originals artwork / engraving will be offered up gratis for three months after the launch day, you might as well indulge.

Good news for all of you who missed the red Zune 80 during its short-lived (and somewhat delayed) Valentine's Day cameo -- Microsoft has decided to take your money after all. Yep, the red 80 is back, and it looks like it's a permanent engagement this time. The only catch is that you've got to do it up Zune Original style, which'll set you back another $10 - $15 on top of the usual $249, but that's the price you pay to have your player match your kicks, Dr. Hipster McHip.

Update: Apparently the Zune Originals site will sell you a custom Zune without any customizations (who knew?), so it looks like you can get crimson on the cheap if that's what you're after. Dollar dollar bill, y'all. [Thanks Micheal and Mark.]

It couldn't last forever. Now those free, laser-etched designs of the Zune Originals series will cost ya. Microsoft quietly made the switch sometime over the last few weeks (if not the weekend) according to forum jockeys riding the Zuneboards. The Tattoo Series is now $10 or $15 for the Artist Series. Custom engravings are still free. Of course, there's no better way to keep those Zunes original than to charge cold, cash money for off-the-shelf designs.

[Thanks, Mike]

It's not like we've never seen a Zune doused in red, but Microsoft is apparently hoping to milk the hue just a bit more by smothering a new Zune 80 in it. Supposedly created especially for Valentine's Day (T-minus one month, fellas), it won't differ from any other Zune 80 save for the color, but just in case that's not mushy enough, Redmond is offering up 20 new love-themed, laser-engraved designs at Zune Originals, but they'll all vanish after February 14th. Another Zune in another color -- undoubtedly the key to her heart.

Take note, Zune dudes and dudettes: the Zune Originals engraving -- which has heretofore been relegated to the 4GB and 8GB flash versions of Microsoft's new player -- is now available on the big daddy, the 80GB. That's right -- now text, wild graphics, and combinations of the two can be emblazoned upon your media player, serving as a testament to your original and inimitable personality till the end of time. Did we mention it's free? Motor over there and check it out, right this second.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

The 80GB Zune might be hard to come by, but the rest of the family is doing just fine -- and Zune.net user halfcirclepunch is here to unbox his fancy-pants 8GB Zune Original for your viewing pleasure. The device is obviously identical internally to the standard 8GB Zune, but the box contains a fullsize poster of the custom-engraved artwork, and a nice soft carrying case -- and the deep red Zune looks way better in these pics than we've ever seen it before. Peep all the rest of the shots at the read link.

[Thanks, Kevin]

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

Well Zuneinites, the new models are primed and ready for store shelves tomorrow, but we've got first looks and reviews today. As Microsoft's new media players make their way into the hands of eager beavers across the internets, we're here for you, picking up the pieces and putting it all together. As it stands right now, we've got videos and reviews from a number of sources, including (but not limited) to: CNET, Zune Thoughts, and Zunerama. All of the sites currently have unboxing videos and / or reviews of the new units, and Zune Thoughts even has an informative video on some firmware update problems they discovered with the Zune 80. Some interesting Zune Marketplace info has also come out, including details that the DRM-free track cost will be $.99, or 79 Microsoft Points (the same as pricing on protected tracks). Additionally, we've received the official word from Microsoft on the Zune Originals, as well as all the confirmation you'll ever need that the Zune-bomb really does drop tomorrow. Hold on to your hats folks, it's going to be an exciting week.

Read -- CNET First Look: Zune (second generation, 80GB, black)
Read -- Zune Thoughts
Read -- Zunerama: Full Zune 2 coverage
Read -- Microsoft Unveils Device Customization via New Zune Originals Store, New Zune Players Available Tomorrow

While we're waiting around for the official Zune launch, Cool Hunting has revealed Microsoft's latest effort to support emerging artists: Zune Originals. That's one rumor to tick-off the weekend's list. When the "Zune Originals" site launches on Tuesday the 13th, customers will be able to customize their 2nd generation Zune free of charge (at least initially) with choice of color, 4 lines of text, and up to 27 original illustrations from 18 international artists. Noice.

[Via Zune Life, thanks Harrison]

Read -- Cool Hunting
Read -- Microsoft's Zune Originals (launching November 13)