Zune8
Latest
All Zune models not named 'Zune HD' on the outs
Microsoft guru Paul Thurrott of SuperSite for Windows fame has read the writing on the wall. According to the reps he spoke with, production has ceased on all Zune models before the upcoming Zune HD. In other words, when supplies run out, Zune 4, 8, 16, 80, and 120 are as good as dead, with only this year's model left standing. Shed a tear for the old guard, and keep an eye out for what we're hoping will be some pretty sweet sales as everyone tries to clean out stock. [Via ZuneSpring]
Flash Zunes mysteriously disappear from Zune site
Looks like the rising tide of Zune HD news has taken some casualties along the way: Microsoft's official Zune store no longer lists any flash players at all, leaving just the Zune 80 and Zune 120 to hold things down while we wait for the next generation. Amazon and some others still have stock, so if you're looking to pick one up on the rebound you know what to do -- but we think you're better off holding out for a little Tegra action. [Thanks, Nathan]
Zune blue 8GB and 120GB unboxing
We just got ourselves blue 8GB and black 120GB Zunes, and naturally threw 'em on the table for an unboxing. With just capacity and color changes, there's not a lot to gawk at, but we've always had a soft spot for Microsoft's Zune packaging and "Welcome to the Social" greetings. In case you were wondering, they're still total smudge magnets, and they're still rocking 2.5 software -- 3.0 hits tomorrow.%Gallery-31939%
Zune to hit Canada in May with a smaller lineup?
Just hold on a little while longer, Canadian Zune-lovers -- it seems that your wait is almost over. A job listing just popped up on the Vancouver Craigslist, looking for a "Microsoft Zune Program Coordinator" who will "represent our client Microsoft on their launch of Zune in the Canadian marketplace." The job calls for applicants to be available between May 12 and June 20, so if it's legit -- and we hope it is, just because we prefer to believe no one is sad enough to fake this -- it looks like the Zune will finally roll into Canada in just a few weeks. It might be in a slightly smaller posse, though: the crew over at ClicZune recently took a gander at Microsoft's Canadian Zune promo page and noticed that the Zune 30 and the green flash Zunes are conspicuously absent. (Also missing is the recently released red Zune 80, but that was announced after the pages in question were made.) It's hard to tell what this means -- do Canadians hate green things? Are the 30 and green on their way out in the US as well? -- but hopefully we'll get some answers in just a couple weeks.[Via ClicZune, thx Penny]Read - Craigslist ad Read - Microsoft Canadian Zune promo page
8GB Zune now $179
It's been slowly spreading from one retailer to another today, but it looks like the Zune 8 is now officially just $179. No word on what spurred the $20 price drop -- hey, Microsoft is feeling rather generous today -- but if you were looking for 8GBs of the social, now seems like as good a time as any. Just don't spend the coin you save on a tattoo, okay? We'll cry.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Unboxing the 8GB Zune Original
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]
Zune 8 goes under the knife, bares all
We're actually kind of surprised it's taken this long for us to get a solid look at the guts of a new Zune 8, but we suppose it gets pretty distracting up in the social. Anyway, the fine folks at RapidRepair have done the honors, and there's not much hiding in there of note: the battery appears to be soldered in, and the Zune Pad appears to be sealed in and irreplaceable -- which is a shame, because we were anticipating some wicked squircle mods. Hit the read link for the rest of the gory pics.
The new Zune: better than before, but not quite good enough
We all cheered Microsoft on when learning that the same firmware powering its freshly announced second-generation hardware would also be made available as a free update to all first-gen Zune users. Not that we really need to explain this to Engadget readers, but early adopters are far from accustomed to the kindly occurrence of getting software and feature parity for free and without having to buy later hardware.Well, we've been playing with the new Zune hardware (as well as the software update to our first gen device), and there's no mistake about it: Microsoft's really put their nose to the grindstone, prettying it up and filling out essential features that should have been there on day one, like podcasting support and wireless syncing. But we also think Microsoft's invested so much time mastering the basics that technologically it's fallen even further behind the pack than before. Will this new hardware cure what ails the Zune? Read on for the full review.%Gallery-10215%
New Zunes get unboxed, reviewed, and Microsoft firms up plans
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 ThoughtsRead -- Zunerama: Full Zune 2 coverageRead -- Microsoft Unveils Device Customization via New Zune Originals Store, New Zune Players Available Tomorrow
Zune round-up: unboxing gallery, leaked units locked 'till launch, and customizable casing rumors
Ahead of the official launch of the updated Zune range on Tuesday, there's been a deluge of new information about the device and its new features. First up we have the inevitable unboxing photos, although there's an interesting surprise in store if you manage to get one before the official availability date: Microsoft has required that you go to a website to "activate" your new Zune, and that website ain't up yet. Bummer. If you do manage to pick one up before Tuesday like these unboxers, you can look forward to a $25 gift card with your purchase at Target. We're getting to like this Zune + discount habit.There's also rumors that Microsoft is planning to enable online purchasers of the Zune 80 to choose different case colors and four lines of text engraving. That's unconfirmed for now, but pretty good news if true. Microsoft kinda messed up the coloring deal last time around. Also, and straight from the horse's mouth, comes the news that the Zune's software won't require you to delete all your music if you want to sync to a second computer. How nice of them.Read - Zune 80 customizable casing? (ZuneScene) [Thanks, Kevin P. and Michael]Read - Zune v2 features rundown (ZuneBoards) [Thanks, Mike]Read - $25 gift card with Zune purchase [Thanks, Ryan][Thanks to Ed S. for the unboxing photos]%Gallery-10056%
Zune 4 / 8 won't include video out functionality
While we recently heard that the new Zunes would boast DVD quality video outputs, that will apparently not include the Zune 4 and Zune 8. Zune Insider now has it that only the flagship Zune 80 will boast outputs of 720x480 at 30fps or 720x576 at 25fps without transcoding, and the two flash-based siblings will be going sans TV out altogether. Tough break, but at least you've got one more tidbit to base your purchasing decision on, eh?[Via Zune Online]
Amazon reveals November 13th release date for new Zunes
While Microsoft wasn't willing to get any more specific than "November" for a release date for the new Zunes, Amazon seems to be far less mysterious about the situation, with it now pegging the launch for all three players right down to the day: November 13th. Of course, that's still somewhat up in the air pending Microsoft's official word, but those looking to put Amazon's prognostication to the test can pre-order your Zune of choice right now.[Via ClicZune]
Microsoft's new Zunes: officially in 80, 8, and 4GB sizes
We love a good non-mystery around here, and Microsoft's new Zunes are about as un-mysterious as they get. But we also love a good product refresh, and now that the cat's officially out of the bag we can really dig into the new Zunes, which definitely have a lot going for them. There's plenty to cover, so here's what you need to know.Hard drive Zunes It's called the Zune 80 and, shockingly enough, it has 80GB of storage. Uses the new Zune Pad -- four way touch-sensitive d-pad (with up, down, left, and right buttons). It will sell for $250 (with "premium" headphones). Available only in black (to start). Screen size has increased to 3.2-inches (from 3-inches). As far as we know the resolution is still QVGA. Dimensions are 61.1 x 108.2 x 12.9mm (2.4 x 4.25 x 0.5-inches), some 1/3rd smaller than the classic Zune. The classic Zune will now be known as the Zune 30 -- it's not going anywhere. More on that in a sec. New flash Zunes Zune 8 and Zune 4 are the names for the 8 and 4GB flash based models. Also uses the Zune Pad. These will sell for $200 and $150 respectively. Both will be available in pink, green, black, and red. It will feature a 1.8-inch screen (compare to the nano's 2-inch screen). Dimensions are 41.4 x 91.5 x 8.5mm (1.6 x 3.6 x 0.33-inches) -- compare to the new iPod nano, at 69.8 x 52.3 x 6.5mm (2.75 x 2.0 x 0.26-inches). Everything else New Zunes ship in November, date not yet announced. All Zunes (including the Zune 30) will have a new, redesigned interface and feature parity. In other words, early Zune 30 adopters will have all the same software features as new Zune 80, 8, and 4 users. Additional native video codecs for h.264 and MPEG-4 -- users no longer need transcode those file types to WMV. Zune can FINALLY sync video from your Media Center PC! Jeez, took you friggin long enough, guys! WiFi sync to host computer! Includes moving over music, movies, photos, podcasts, etc. Podcast support! (Sorry, no over the air downloads -- sync only.) Podcasts can also be shared via WiFi. The 3x3 song sharing DRM has had its three day restriction removed, but users can still only play files three times. There is still NO wireless music store. The Zune software is all new and rewritten, and is supposed to actually be more than a rebadge of WMP10 now. Friggin finally. The Zune music store is going DRM-free, with over 1m MP3 tracks being made available for download. Other details (like which labels, whether there is a DRM-free upgrade path is for users who've bought music with DRM, price differences, etc.) are not yet revealed. Accessories info after the break.%Gallery-8101%
