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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]
The Bill Day giveaway (part 3) - Zune 80GB (black)
Hey, if Bill can give away tens of billions of dollars, the least we can do to celebrate his last day is to give away some Microsoft-powered gear, right? Next up: a black Zune 80GB. Leave a comment below. Tell us about your favorite Microsoft-powered product. Or your favorite Apple product, too, since Bill totally bailed those guys out back in '97. You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.) If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine. Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad. Winner will be chosen randomly. That winner will get a brand new black Zune 80GB. Approximate value is $250. Entries can be submitted until Sunday, June 29th, 11:59PM ET. Good luck! Full rules can be found here.
Red Zune 80 now available... but only with Zune Originals engraving
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.]
Red Zune 80, lovey-dovey Zune Originals artwork emerge for Valentine's Day
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.
Zune users complain of fast-draining battery with latest firmware
We've already had a few reports of some problems with the latest Zunes (and the latest firmware), and it now looks like there's another issue brewing, with a number of users complaining of battery problems with Zune 30s and 80s loaded with the most recent firmware. Apparently, the Zunes have the unfortunate tendency to rapidly drain their batteries, even when the player is not in use. Judging from the discussion on the Zune.net message boards, that particular issue seems to be due to some unknown difficulty the Zune has with entering hibernate mode which it, seemingly, doesn't do at all (at least among those who've reported problems). Those finding themselves plagued by similar battery issues can apparently "fix" the problem by holding back and down on the d-pad to shut the Zune off completely when its not in use, although we're guessing few will be completely satisfied until Microsoft chimes in on the matter.[Thanks, Jeff]Update: Zune-Online.com has gotten word of another fix that appears to solve the issue, at least on the Zune 30. To get things started, you'll have to first drain the Zune until you get the exclamation point, and then fully charge it again (leaving it overnight, if necessary). After that's done, you then reset the Zune by pressing up and back simultaneously, which should set things back on track . Not a perfect solution, obviously, but it seems to be the best option for now.
Microsoft clears up Zune 80 availability issues
Those of you searching in vain for a Zune 80 may not have longer to wait -- Cesar over at Zune Insider has just posted a note about the situation, saying that all the Zunes are ready and shipping, but the Zune 80 won't be widespread for the next 7-10 days. Apparently Microsoft's sales forecasts called for it to produce more flash Zunes, but the strong reaction from the press and consumers has led to increased interest in the Zune 80 instead -- which seems like the sort of thing you commission sales forecasts for, but hey, live and learn. Anyway, Microsoft's sorted things out and scaled up Zune 80 production, so all of you aching to get 80GBs deep into the social should be good by next week.[Via Got Zune?]
Are you having Zune problems?
While some sporadic problems with any new device are to be expected, we've had a few reports of problems with the latest Zunes (and the latest Zune software) and thought we'd open thing up and see just how widespread they might be. The most prevalent problem, such as it is, is an issue with the DRM that is apparently preventing folks from downloading songs from the Zune Marketplace, even though it seems to have no such problem taking your MS points. On a related front, ZuneBoards' lpxxfaintxx has posted instructions for downgrading your Zune software and firmware (see below), although it's not clear if that'll do anything to fix the DRM problem. We've also had a report of the Zune 80's hard drive causing some interference over the headphone jack, although that appears to be even more limited. So, any Zune users out there suffering from some similar (or altogether different) problems?Read - Zune.net, " Can't buy music on marketplace"Read - Zune Boards, "How To: Downgrade Software and Firmware"[Thanks to everyone who sent these in]
More on Zune 80 delays -- available December 12th?
We've got a bit more clarity on the Zune 80 shortages. According to the cats over at Zune Scene, The Zune 80 is 6 weeks behind schedule. That gels with a tip we just received from a supposed Best Buy employee. According to Mr. Tipster, Best Buy's system shows a December 12th in-stock date for the 80GB Zune. True or not, one thing is certain, the current top-o-the-line Zune is not to be found.Update: As tipster Derrick points out, the December availability matches the "early December" time frame of the 80's availability on the Zune Originals site.Update 2: Everybody hurry, tipster Ira just placed a single, Zune 80 onto a shelf at a Montana Wal-Mart! Picture after the break.[Thanks, Daniel C.]
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 80 passes FCC!
The new Zune 80 has hit and passed the FCC and its rigorous series of emissions tests. Unfortunately you won't see the usual slightly beat up shots in the documents this time: just a series of charts and plenty of data about "radiated emissions." Microsoft made sure to request that the FCC hold back from posting external / internal photos, the user manual, schematics, antenna specification, and well, anything interesting at all. At least any Zune fans out there can sleep safe at night knowing that when they pick up their own Zune 80, it won't burn their hand off in a blast of radiation.
Zune 2's user interface gets inspected
As we all twiddle our thumbs while waiting for the next-generation of Zunes to ship out, ZuneRama has pointed out a number of user interface changes to tide you over. Notable differences include the volume setting reaching 40 (versus 20 on the existing models), album artwork when browsing by Album looks bigger than on the current firmware and when advancing from one track to another, the album art for the new track slides in from the right in a "wipe" transition. Granted, most of these changes aren't apt to make or break your experience with the new players, but if you're interested in checking out the full list, the read link's got the goods.
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%
