Zune MP3 Player

Zune & Play.com's Music Download System

2008-02-19T08:51:00.002Z

Has anyone tried the new Play.com music download store where you can download tracks for just 65p???

From looking at their site the tracks will be compatible with the Zunes - cheap music here we come!

Ahhh A Red Zune For Valentines

2008-02-03T09:33:00.000Z

It takes me back to those days when you used to make a tape up of your favourite songs for your new girlfriend on Valentines Day.

Now you can simply give her a Red Zune (if you live in the States).

Doesn't it look cute? Especially when you can get it engraved with a loving message!

But if you're crap like me and have a decent music taste, and your other half likes soppy rubbish, then you can get them to add themes of tracks to it - quality!

iPod V Zune Sales Chart

2008-01-11T17:47:00.000Z

Google has launched a tool that shoes the sales volume for products for retailers that use Google Checkout.

From the data we can see that sales volumes for both iPods and Zune's since mid 2006.

You can see some nice peaks in September 06 and Christmas time 06 for the iPod and they really did blast the old Zune out of the water.

There were some nice summer sales for the iPod during 07 but the gap definitely closed during the later part of 07 and just after Christmas 07 it looked like the sales were pretty even - perhaps this was due to heavy Zune 2 discounting?

What are your thoughts on this sales data and does it match what the "industry analysts" have been saying?

Zune 8gb Review & Pics

2007-12-31T09:51:00.000Z

Wow, The Zune 8 gb looks like an impressive MP3 player - and its not looks over style either as it's functionality is superb.

The Zune 8 is a pocket-sized mp3 player designed to rival the iPod Nano. To me it certainly looks sexier - it all depends, though, if you prefer plastic to aluminium.

It's got fantastic scroll features too, it's highly sensitive so all you have to do is brush your fingers over it to move it through the menus.

The sound quality is good as well, it's no Bose, but it does the job.

There is only one slight downside - the screen is only 1.8inches wide so don't expect to watch a lot of videos on your next 8hour plane journey.

The Zune 8 also beats the Nano as it has a built-in FM radio - although it could be better.

It does have Wifi connectivity so you can share songs with upto three plays and sync your Zune to your PC - which is great if you're stuggling for USB space.

You can get the Zune 8 GB Digital Media Player for just $179.99 at Amazon and you can get them in Pink, Red, Green & Black.

Zune 8 Videos:

Zune 8 gb Unboxing:

Zune 8 gb Walkthrough Pt 1

Zune 8 gb Walkthrough Pt 2

Zune 3* More Popular This Year

2007-12-30T09:15:00.000Z

Well it looks like the Zune is starting to take a firmer hold on the US MP3 Player market as the traffic to it's Zune marketplace tripled over last year.

There has been a shortage of units in some locations, whilst some say it was because of excessive demand, iSuppli Corp. say it's because of a shortage in supply as a result of Microsoft's cautious approach to the number of units it manufactured.

I'd say that Microsoft's share of the market which now totals 6% which is up from 2% on November 2006 is one heck of an achievement considering Apple's entrenched position!

Hitwise states that Zune's share of all internet visits on Dec 25th was 1/7th of iTunes. But I'd be interested to see which exact sites they were tracking and if they'd sectioned off the different parts of the sites/offerings.

UK Zune Due Next Winter

2007-12-29T18:05:00.000Z

According to Web User magazine, Microsoft will launch the Zune over here next winter - "at last" she says.

They have the same opinion as myself when they say that "Microsoft ... wants to achieve certain sales goals (and profits) in the US before tacking other markets".

Source: Web User 3 - 16 January 2008, pg 27.

Labasted Over Battery Life

2007-12-11T19:21:00.000Z

CNET tested the battery live of the new 2nd Generation Zune Player and foudnd that it lasted between 22hours and 18.5 hours with wifi on and off. Apparently Microsoft say it'll last around 30 hours.

They then say that the iPod 80gb classci will last at least twice as long.

My view is that there's marginal benefit to having an extra hours of battery-life. Does having half the battery life mean that the iPod twice as good? If you double it's life to 90hours would it four times as good as the Zune 2?

People regulary plug it in when they go to sleep or when they're in the car - so bloody what!

The Zune Wouldn't Sell - My Arse!

2007-11-24T11:27:00.000Z

It's so funny when people just instinctively bash a product without actually looking at it and similarly say how great something is without the same sort of review.

You look at the iPhone, people went crazy over it because its from Apple and it looks nice. But I'm sorry, I put substance over appearance and are more than happy with my N95!

The same goes for the Zune, people said it was nowhere near as good as the iPod. But the new Zune 2 is fantastic and the sales "bell weather" of the Amazon charts suggest the same - the Zune briefly toppled the iPod on their best-sellers list. From being a woeful position where they wouldn't even get a medal in the Olympics to being in the top positions is a massive achievement!

Apple may have had 15 products in the top 25 list, but Microsoft are slowly catching up! Now, when can we have it in the UK?

What No 80gb Zunes?

2007-11-15T12:14:00.000Z

If you looked around the online gadget stores in the US, no-one has them in stock. The news flying around the blogosphere at the moment is that it's around 6 weeks behind schedule. From my calculations, it should be on the shelves the mid point of next month.

Check out Amazon though!

More Details About The New Zunes

2007-11-15T12:05:00.000Z

USA Today has a nice feature on the new Zune MP3 Players. It's an honest and open account of Edward C. Baig's impressions of the new additions and how they haven't completely solved many of the problems encountered in the previous version of the Zune.

It's well worth a read!

Unflattering Zune Flash Pics Must Be Fakes!

2007-11-10T19:20:00.000Z

Gizmodo has some pretty unflattering pics of what's supposed to be the new Flash Zune. I wouldn't be suprised if these pics were just some from the competition to "spoil" its launch!!

Quite often manufacturers will fake "exclusive" or "I shouldn't show you these" pics to highten buzz and excitement about a product launch. But why would Microsoft, or anyone contected with them want to offer those crappy images!

Unmask yourself!!

Wisin y Yandel Tie-In With Zune

2007-10-31T07:45:00.000Z

A week-or-so ago Microsoft announced that they'd be doing another release of the Zune, this time in collaboration with the Latin musicians Wisin y Yandel, Machete Music and Wal-Mart.

It's cool that they're looking at niche marketing and trying to get a handle on the long-tail of consumers. But where will it end? Will they be making a Zune for the pink pound (is it Pink Dollar in the states)?

But if you wanted the full details they are:

A black limited-edition 30GB Zune device in customized Wisin y Yandel packaging. The Zune player has a 3-inch color display and can hold up to 7,500 songs, 25,000 pictures or 100 hours of video.
Wisin y Yandel's 19-track new album, "Wisin vs. Yandel: Los Extraterrestres," videos and an exclusive new single comes pre-loaded on each device before the album is released to the general public for purchase.
Exclusive retail distribution at Wal-Mart through 330 locations nationwide
A comprehensive artist page on Zune.net
Exclusive Wisin y Yandel content promoted and made available through Zune Marketplace
An artist of the month feature with MSN(R) Latino, including an exclusive interview and site content
Game with Fame fan opportunity with Xbox LIVE(R), exclusive behind the scenes of the making of "Sexy Movimiento" and the "Sexy Movimiento" video

Universal Music, Sony BMG and Warner Music to take on iTunes?

2007-10-13T12:50:00.000+01:00

The news is that Microsoft have been approached by Universal Musci, Sony BMG and Warner Music about launcing a rival to iTunes by offering free music downloads if they're going onto authorised hardware such as the new Microsoft Zune MP3.

It recent moves, Universal Music, reportedly refused to renew a long-term agreement to offer their music via iTunes but now agree on a monthly basis. This smacks of a move away from iTunes as they wouldn't be able to guarentee the launch date of the new service, but would want to get away quickly.

It looks good for the Zune if they can get music that is avaliable through their Marketplace but isn't available through iTunes.

Why David Berlind is so wrong?

2007-10-13T12:39:00.000+01:00

Over at the ZDNet blog David Berlind is rightly saying that the Zune won't take the #2 spot in the pre-Christmas personal digital media player sales list. But he's being a bit stupid in his views of why Microsoft won't take him up on his bet.

Zune's Bill Wittress says that with Sandisk in #2 spot with ten percent of the market it would be difficult for them to over-take them as they're at different price-points. Sandisk offer cheaper MP3 Players, whereas the Zune is at the $149 mark.

It really is like comparing apples and oranges! But Berlind's ego gets in they - he couldn't backtrack and say he's wrong could he?

What's Great About Zune 2 & Why I'm still waiting!

2007-10-08T19:26:00.000+01:00

As many have said by now, the first Zune MP3 Player wasn't a world beater and certainly didn't break the guys at Apple into a cold sweat.

But the new Zune has some great features:

1) Wifi Syncing
We'd be stupid if we ignored this fantastic feature. Whenever the Zine is in it's doc and is within WiFi range it'll automatically sync with your music library. The Apple iPod Touch doesn't do this - come on guys!

2) Microsoft Gives You Something For Nothing
Not many companies do this, but Microsoft has. Owners of the first version of the Zune can get a free firmware upgrade to allow it have the same functionality as the new Zune. Now this is great in itself, but is fantastic customer service. They're beating Apple at their own game!

3) Social Networking
The first incarnation of the Zune had the strapline "Welcome to the social" and the second takes it to the next step. With the Zune Card you can show your post played tracks and allow others to play a sample of it. Simply awesome!

4) Windows Media Center Integration
I don't have much luck with recording progammes on my PC, but the new Zune integrates with Media Center to allow you to automatically record progammes and have them appear on your Zune.

5) Free audio / video podcasts
On the Zune Marketplace you can get free audio and video podcasts which is great too!

I'm so looking forward to the Zune launching in the UK!

New Zune Launched

2007-10-05T18:55:00.000+01:00

You can read more about the Zune 2 at the Zune Player website. But it's starting to look great - but don't expect to see it over here anytime soon!

New Boss At Zune Unit

2007-10-05T18:39:00.000+01:00

The new Zune 2 has only been released a couple of days and now Microsoft are announcing a new boss. Rick Thompson has been named VP of the Zune and will repport to the company's design chief - J Allard.

Before he started at Zune, Thompson was VP of Microsoft's hardware business for 11 years.

Zune 2 Product Details

2007-10-05T08:26:00.000+01:00

Here they are, the much awaited prodcut details for the Zune Mp3 Player. It's not available in the UK yet - pull your finger out!

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).
* 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.
* 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.

You can pre-order from:
* Amazon
* Advanced MP3 Players

Fantastic Features Around the Corner?

2007-09-22T17:19:00.000+01:00

A nice feature that they be including is a feature that learns the nature of your listening habits and also allows others to create a playlist for your Zune and when they update it, your Zune is also updated.

Looking at a Microsoft patent it says:

"wherein the triggering event comprises a recommendation of content by at least one of the music service, another subscriber approved by the user, a content editor approved by the user, and an automated process."

When a new song is released your playlist would also be automatically updated - how cool.

Just take a look at the patent and you'll be amazed as to what a future version of the Zune could do.

Zune 2 USA Launch Date 16th October

2007-09-21T10:49:00.000+01:00

The rumour mill is working overtime agian. It looks like the Zune 2 will be launched in the USA on 16th October.

Of course there's the flash Zune. But there will also be a big beasty 80gb version.

Bring it on!

Price Cut

2007-09-16T08:46:00.000+01:00

Microsoft have taken the decision to cut the price of their range of Zune MP3 Players to try and take on the new iPods in the short term. In the long term it'll be the launch of the Zune 2.

Zune 2 Pre-Order

2007-09-16T08:43:00.000+01:00

It won't be long before you can pre-order the new Zune 2 MP3 Player!

Leaks are bounding around the blogospher showing price lists for Zune 2 accessories. With the launch of the new iPod, MS need something kick-arse to take a decent market share this Christmas!

Let's hope it's sooner rather than later!

Zune Enters The Sims Virtual World

2007-09-16T08:31:00.000+01:00

I love virtual world product placement. The Sims may not be at the cutting edge of game development but they've still thought of interesting ways to boost the awareness of the Zune MP3 Player.

To get your virtual world, you need the University pack. So if you're a true Zune fan then start Simming.

Zune 2 and Zune Flash Photos

2007-09-05T19:45:00.000+01:00

So are the images published on Gizmodo the first real view of the new 80gb Zune 2 MP3 Players and the new 4gb and 8gb Zune Flash MP3 Players?

You can't argue with the looks on the photo, but the important factor is how it feels in your hand - that we won't know until its released.

You're not that daft are you? It's a butchered pic that has no relation to reality!

Army Halo 3 Version

2007-08-30T17:32:00.000+01:00

For those that are in the US military, those nice guys at Microsoft have issued a version of the Zune MP3 Player just for you.

The Halo 3 Zune is a fabulous looking piece of kit and is available at a discounted rate to them and their families.

But if you're interested in pre-ordering the Halo 3 game then get your credit cards out!