ZuneOriginals
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Zune Originals shut down, humans revert to being average and uncreative
Hard to believe that Microsoft's been offering consumers the ability to customize their Zune purchases for the better part of four years now, but as they say, all unbelievable things must one day face reality. Er, something to that effect. Without so much as a heads-up, the designers in Redmond have apparently decided to shutter the Zune Originals storefront. As of this weekend, no new orders for highly personalized Zunes are being taken, with interested Earthlings encouraged to throw creativity to the wind and opt for a mass produced alternative within Best Buy or Walmart. So, you're looking at two tidbits of import: if you placed your Originals order at 5PM PT on July 1st, you likely have quite the coveted device headed your way, and if you ever needed evidence that Microsoft was making WP7 its next Zune, well... you're welcome. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Zune HD 64 goes on sale early
Well, it's not April 12th, but it looks like you can now order a Zune HD 64 nonetheless -- straight from the Zune Originals website, at least. As expected, the device runs $349.99, and the 16GB and 32GB models have now also been knocked down to $200 and $270, respectively -- all of which are naturally available in the usual range of different colors, and with custom designs for an extra $15. You'll also, of course, get the latest v4.5 firmware pre-loaded on the device, which packs new features like SmartDJ that Microsoft was recently kind enough to demonstrate for us. [Thanks, Henry and Jonathan] Update: Turns out the Zune HD 64 won't come pre-loaded with the v4.5 firmware -- you'll be prompted to download it when you connect the device.
64GB Zune HD launching April 12th for $350, current models reduced $20
Let's just be nice and feign surprise, okay? Good. With that out of the way, Microsoft has announced a 64GB version of Zune HD, due out April 12th via the Zune online store (and later via other retailers) with a handful of color options and a strapping $349.99 price tag. Not to be outdone, the 16GB and 32GB will each receive a $20 cut on the MSRP, to $200 and $270, respectively -- whatever Amazon and Newegg slash beyond that is up to them. It seems "as soon as possible" is the motto for when the price drop is taking place, so if your favorite online / brick-and-mortar retailer isn't yet honoring the extra Andrew Jackson in your pocket, have patience. So now we're left with a v4.5 firmware release date as the remaining piece in this puzzle, but Microsoft promises to solve that riddle wrapped in an enigma "in the coming days." Right. Press release after the break.
Semi-customizable Zune HDs now available at Zune Originals
It wasn't exactly a surprise, given that Microsoft told us last month exactly when they would be available, but sure enough you can now get yourself a Zune HD with some funky wallpaper on the front and a fresh etching on the back. The artistic designs are just as interesting as the earlier ones applied to the dearly departed models, and as before you can get custom inscriptions added to the top, like the example above we created to mark the budding romance between our own Joshua Topolsky and his Zune. Best of all, custom designs and inscriptions are totally free -- if you don't mind paying MSRP, of course.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Zune HD color options revealed in pre-order email
We already knew that the Zune HD would be available in five different colors, and a just sent out pre-order email has now given us our first (very small) glimpse of the options available. In addition to the standard black and silver (or platinum, as Microsoft calls it), it seems you'll also have your choice of blue, lime green, and a red / maroon color, each of which can also be adorned with your choice of 10 exclusive Zune Originals designs. From the looks of it, however, folks pre-ordering are limited to the two less colorful options.[Thanks, matthew]
Microsoft ushers in spring with new Zune Originals designs
How much Zune can you handle? It's a question few have asked, and even fewer have answered. Microsoft seems to be unafraid of such conundrums, however, and it has now fearlessly introduced a new collection of Zune Originals designs in a day filled with Zune rumors. Each of the new designs, appropriately, feature a spring theme from artists APAK, Carolina Melis, and Linn Olofsdotter, and include options like a "tree-like design," a "tapestry-like design," and a giant Queen Bee for those that really want to stand out. Best of all, as with other similar Zune Originals collections, each of these are available at no extra charge, and are ready to be etched into your future Zune right now.[Thanks, Mitchell]
Blue & red Zune 120s available just in time for the holidays
It looks like Microsoft's trying to reel in shoppers not only through price cuts this holiday season, but by introducing some new colors as well. The folks up in Redmond have just made blue and red versions of the socializing little PMP available on its Zune Originals site. Prices start at $249, and the company suggests placing orders by the 19th to ensure delivery by Christmas Eve. Sure, It may not be a Gears of War 2 special-edition, but it's definitely an alternative to black. So if you've been looking for something to give that special someone -- and nothing on our guide matches your style -- be sure to hit Microsoft's site to check out all your options.[Via zunerama]
Microsoft reveals 46 new Zune Originals designs -- how will you ever choose?
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]
New Zune 16GB colors, free McDonalds WiFi
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.
Microsoft taps Canadian artists for Zune Originals designs
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.
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.]
Zune Originals engravings still free, as in $10 to $15
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]
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 Originals engraving now available for 80GB models
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]
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]
Microsoft's new Zunes go live
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 DevicesRead - Zune Originals
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
Microsoft's Zune Originals customizations: free, starting 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)
