Zune Christmas Miracle?

With the Christmas sales still being tallied, it will be a time before we know how well this year's Zune sold.  While many of us are still rooting for the Zune, there are some factors working against it including less interest in pure players, Apple's continued dominance of this segment, and overall slowing of the economy.  On the flip side though, let's not forget that the Zune lineup, particularly it's flash offerings continue to offer good value, and overall the Zunes were the strongest players put out by Microsoft yet.

One hint that the Zune may have a had a strong showing comes from Google.  You see, all those Google searches get tabulated and analyzed.  It turns out that this past Christmas morn, search terms with the word Zune in them, including Zune.net and Zune.net/setup had an unusual spike, and even broke into the top 20 search terms, which apparently they are regularly not even in the top 100.

So, does this mean the Zune sold well, or just that lots of folks had trouble setting it up and sought assistance online?  Too early to say, but intriguing nonetheless!  I'm hoping the final sales numbers are as good as these search results might suggest...

Obama Zune Usage Still Unsettled

So, Obama gets spotted with a Zune, the blogosphere jumps all over it, and his administration denies it.  I thought this issue was all settled, and Obama was back to being an iPod sort of guy.  Even this article from today goes along with the theory that the original reporter didn't know what he was looking at, or that the Zune definitely was not Obama's.  Done deal?  Not by a longshot!

Apparently, during the Democratic National Convention, there was a giveaway of the Zune variety.  The Dem faithful not only got to promote their nominee to candidate, but they got some giveaways as well.  In their goody bag was a Zune of all things, loaded up with some exclusive content.  No word if "Happy Days Are Here Again," or "Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow" were among the preloaded tracks.  However, the latest theory is that Obama got the Zune, a special edition model no less, from this "un-conventional" source.

Is this now the final word?  Honestly, I don't know.  Every time I think this story is over, some other detail shakes out so stay tuned on this one.  I don't know about you, but getting a free Zune just might make sitting through one of those conventions worthwhile!

Obama Denies Zune Usage

Barack hasn't taken office yet, and is already in the middle of a scandal, of the mp3 variety.  While he apparently is an avid Mac fan, he was spotted yesterday with a Zune... reportedly.  For 24 hours, the blogosphere was lit up regarding the incoming President's music player choice.  After all, could the liberal Obama really use a corporate Microsoft product?  I hadn't really thought about it, but perhaps folks had been reading too much into the iPod choice, and now they were already disillusioned?  While it was hardly grounds for well, anything, this went so far as the Wall Street Journal calling the story ZuneGate.  Now maybe they just wanted to get everyone's minds off the lousy stock market, but an Obama spokesperson actually wanted to set the record straight, and let the American people that Obama uses an iPod.  Meanwhile, the reporter that broke the story is sticking to his guns, and suggests that perhaps Obama was borrowing the Zune from his entourage for the workout.

What does this mean for the future of this country?  Well, in all likelihood nothing either way, but I can't resist a president "Getting into the social," and enabling their wireless sharing at the inauguration.

President Elect Spotted With Zune

Regardless of who you voted for, the blogosphere is abuzz regarding a certain President Elect, and a piece of electronics.  Namely, the next President, Obama, was spotted in the city of brotherly love with a Zune.  What is even further intriguing is that reportedly this guy is a mac guy, and the Zune doesn't support the computers of the Macosphere, better known as OS X.  How he got the music on there remains a mystery, but rumors of dual booting abound.  Personally, I'd bet that if this guy gets his own chef, pilot, and security force, I'm sure someone can manage to load up his music player of choice for him.  Think really different?

No Place Like Zune For the Holidays

When it is time for some holiday shopping, most of us around here would much rather get some electronics rather than a necktie.  An audio player of some sort is a "must have" item for any gadget fan, and an up to date one with a really large capacity is my personal preference.  While it is hard to believe that I'm coming up on my year anniversary of owning a Zune 80 gig, I'm still intrigued to see what players are being recommended this year for music lovin' holiday shoppers.

I spotted this piece today in The Washington Times.  Topping their list, was, you guessed it, the Zune. They mention that there are both flash and hard drive models available, and that the Zune is "nice and affordable," which makes it kind of the girl next door that you don't think of while fawning after some cheerleader.  At least the paragraph does mention the Zune's strong points: WiFi music sharing (which they got wrong and characterized as streaming), and the all-you-can-eat music pass, which they are out of date and didn't mention the latest iteration to keep a generous 10 tracks a month.

While their details are a little less than accurate, I do agree that the Zune should top any holiday shopper's list.

Canada Gets Zune Originals

We knew this was coming, but details about the availability of Zune Originals in Canada will be announced tomorrow. A Microsoft Canada press release will give Canadians all the details on how and where to buy Zune Originals in Canada.

But don’t expect to see the same designs currently available on the US version of the Zune Originals store. Canucks will get their own designs made by Canadian artists. Artist names, designs, prices and availability will be revealed tomorrow morning.

That's cool! No? That means that we'll see more and more unique designs in the wild. The Canadian launch sketches how Zune will be launched throughout the world. Since the green Zune will be available only in the US, could we see colors only for the Canadian market?

A media event called “Zune Originals Media Tour” will be held tomorrow in Montreal. Cliczune will of course attend the event. Stay tuned!

Belkin introduced a Sports Armband for Zune 4GB/8GB and Zune 80GB

Here’s the last new Zune case from Belkin for tonight.

Belkin adapted its Sports armband for the second generation Zune players. The armband are still hand-washable and water-resistant (Be careful! It doesn’t make the Zune water-resistant!)

The case is made with a reflective material for use in the dark and has a useful key pocket.

Belkin offers a lifetime warranty with this product. Retail price is also $29.99.

A picture of the Zune 80 version is available after the jump.

Source

The "Zune a Day Giveaway" from Windows Live!

Do you feel like using Hotmail? No? Well, think about it twice because, until March 31st,  Windows Live-Hotmail is giving away a Zune 8 per day. That's it, one Zune 8 per day.

Here's how you can enter the contest:

1. Select "Hotmail" on your mobile phone menu, or to make it even easier, click here and enter your mobile number — we'll send you a text with the link.*
2. Sign in to Hotmail with your existing Passport or Windows Live ID.
3. Send an e-mail to WINAZUNE@live.com with "Go Zune" in the subject line.


Windows Live-Hotmail [via GotZune]

Introducing Zlive for Zune

Are you interested in a new Zune speaker system? I am! We don't know much about the upcoming puppy, but it looks great.  Digital Products International (DPI) is releasing a completely new brand called the Zlive. DPI is the company behind ilive, a maker of iPod accessories. ilive has 14 different speaker systems for the iPod.

Are we going to see them all made for the Zune? Probably not, but the picture above looks very similar to the ISPK2806BLK, made for iPod. And if the specs are going to be the same, well, the first Zune dock to be release by Zlive should look like the following:

• Charging, amplification & remote control of Zune player
• Built-In Zune Cradle
• Stereo Speakers
• Slim, Full-Function Remote Control
• Video Output/Auxiliary Input
• AC Power
• Accessories Included: Remote Control, Auxiliary Line-In Cord

The retail price should also be $69.99. To be followed!

Zune Product Giveaway Exclusively for RSS Subscribers

UPDATE: Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, we have a winner! Joel Dominie just won a Zune dock and charger from our RSS subscriber Exclusive giveaway.

Joel won this beautiful Zune dock because he's a Cliczune RSS subscriber. Congratulations to you Joel and have fun with the new dock! Thanks to everyone who sent an email!

It's still time to register in the RSS Subscriber Exclusive Giveaway. We still have a lot more to give away in the next few months.

Here's what Cliczune RSS subscribers could see before everyone else:

Hey guy, I know it's been a while since I gave something to the RSS readers. Here's something right away! A Zune 2 dock and charger.

Just send me an email at “zunedock (at) Cliczune.com” with the subject “I want a Zune dock from Cliczune” and you’re in. Simple as that!

You have until noon, December 10th, to enter the giveaway. The winner will be selected randomly.

You snooze, you lose! Get to it now!

Zune is still a US-only product, and you need to have a US shipping address to be the winner.

The Zune is Ready to Hit Canada

Dear Canadian Zune fans, it looks like everything is in place for a coast to coast Canadian Zune launch. Why do I say that? Well, when the new Zunes were announced last October, we snapped pictures of the Zune accessories showing  French and English packaging. This alone could be considered as a  good indication for a Canadian launch because Canada, is the only place in the world where French and English packaging is required by law.  But you’re right, that is still not enough to conclude that Canada is the next country to see the Zune on store shelves.

But keep reading folks; a few other indications that a Canadian launch is imminent were found this weekend… First of all, look at the scan above taken from the Zune 8 user manual.  The text is clearly written for the Canadian market with a full Canadian Warranty description.  We also learned from the same manual that the Zune device was approved by the Canadian authorities (left side picture).  Nothing less…

Wait, there's more; another piece of the puzzle comes from the Zune marketplace. Before the release of the new Marketplace last Tuesday, no French artists from the province of Quebec were available on the Marketplace. With the new version though, profiles and discographies have been included in the database. We can now find French artists like Pierre Lapointe, Ginette Reno or Loco Locas, mainly known in Quebec. We still can't buy the content, but that could be just a matter of flipping the switch to on.

Only missing piece of the puzzle? The launch date. Jason Dunn might hold that missing piece...

Zune 80 Production Problems? Try Ebay!

So...how badly do you want a Zune 80GB right now? Our report earlier today about it being hard to find may stem from a production shortage, as a story over at Zune Scene (thanks kevo777 for the mention) points out. A new production run is perhaps several weeks away.

In the meanwhile you could always try Ebay. A quick check there this afternoon revealed units were selling only about $50 to $75 over the MSRP of $249.99. That might of course change if the Zune 80 remains scarce and a run occurs on those left in stock. A run on the Zune...imagine that.

Zune 80 Out of Stock

Last year, I seriously thought that the original Zune needed a flash based entry level player to complete the line up.  After all, this way, folks could get into the Zune line, and then trade up to the fuller featured hard drive player.  That's been the marketing strategy for a certain competitor that makes products in white, and it has worked well.

I was kind of surprised when I saw this story on Ars Technica recently:

The new Zunes are out—mostly. While availability of the 4GB and 8GB flash models is excellent, the black 80GB hard drive model has been hard to find. Microsoft assures us that "high demand" is to blame.

Hard to find a Zune 80?  Apparently, these things must be selling like hotcakes!  The major retailers, including Amazon, Circuit City, and Best Buy all seem to be out of stock on them, and will be for a couple of weeks.  I'm guessing that at least some folks are not going to get theirs under the Christmas tree in time at the rate we're going, and we're only one week from Black Friday.

Were that many folks looking for an alternative to the iPod Classic white 80 GB player?  It seems that they were, and I'm pleased that Zune has designed a compelling product that has generated this much demand.  It's kind of unusual in that their most expensive product is selling the best.  Perhaps Carm's hair isn't as safe as she thought?

New Zune 80 and Zune 4 and 8 Cases from Incipio

Incipio released a new line of Zune cases for the Zune 80 and Zune 4 and 8.

The new Duke Wallet (picture above) is a slim minimalist case available for all three new Zune players. The Zune case is made of high-quality, raw natural leather and suede and you have an easy access to all ports and control buttons.

The case has a retail price of $29.99 for the Zune 80 and $19.99 for the Zune 4 and 8. The case is also available in other colors and available now.

But that’s not all. Incipio has something else for you, Zune 4 and Zune 8 owners.

The Incipio Flip (picture below) offers a classic design and excellent protection for your Zune 4 and 8.

The case is made of high-quality, premium top-grain leather and suede lining on the inside. Just like the Duke Wallet, you have an easy access to all buttons and features. The case has a retail price of $19.99 and is available in a selection of colors.

New Zune Promotional Video: Pretty Cool

Had a chance to check out the Zune promotional video loaded on the new players yet as part of all that pre-loaded content? If not you can take it for a spin above - it's actually pretty cool animation and music.

Zune Review: Can we Stop Comparing the Zune to the iPod?

Wall Street Journal technology guru, Walter Mossberg, published his review of the Zune. After usual Zune 30 extreme bashing, Mossberg had few goods words for the new Zune players:

“We’ve been testing these new Zunes and find them to be notably better than last year’s entry. They are smaller, lighter and more attractive, and they include three big improvements. First is a new controller, called a Zune Pad, that combines buttons with a touch pad for scrolling. Second is a completely overhauled, simpler PC-software program and online store, the Zune Marketplace. Third is expanded usability of the built-in Wi-Fi, which allows you to synchronize your Zune and your PC without plugging in a cable and makes sharing songs between Zunes — its only function last year — slightly better.”

But then the inevitable iPod comparison kicks in with this paragraph:

“Unfortunately for Microsoft, Apple hasn’t been standing still, either. It now has its own large-screen, wireless model, the iPod Touch, with a radical “multi-touch” interface like the iPhone’s. The screen on the Touch is larger than the one on the bigger Zunes and is much sharper. Its Wi-Fi allows you to browse the Web, watch YouTube videos and even buy music without a PC — none of which is possible on a Zune — though the Touch is $50 more and holds much less content than the new full-size Zune.”

If you have a few minutes, you should read Mossberg’s Zune review. He got it right on a few things, but I think that the comparisons with the iPod becomes less and less meaningful. The Zune is becoming a lot more than a mp3 player. The social aspect of the Zune brings something we’ve never seen before and the Zune music experience is becoming a product a platform on its own. A new product category will have to be created soon.

I’ve been using the ZuneSocial for less than 24 hours, and I already discovered new bands and the songs are already on my Zune 30, thanks to the Wifi Sync feature. That, is an experience. That, is something I could not have done before.

Zune Review from IWAPZ dot com

Zune biggest Zune fan (after Steven Smith of course), Stefan Shipman, posted is Zune 80 and Zune 8 review.

Enjoy the reviews.

Zune review: Unboxing the Zune 80 and Zune 8

New product unboxing is becoming an Internet classic for consumer electronic products. Zune MVPs, Zunerama and Zunethoughts received a pre-release of the new Zunes and you can see the unboxing in action in these three videos.

Enjoy the Zune unboxing!

New Zune Preloaded Content

Just like last year, the new Zunes are preloaded with music and videos. This year's line-up is quite interesting and it shows a shift in the Zune marketplace music philosophy. Barenaked Ladies, Avril Lavigne and Bebel Gilberto will attract many new Zune owners.

Even though most of us don't really give a lot of value to the preloaded content, do you think it gives a value to the Zune or you would prefer to have no content at all on you brand new Zune?

Watch the Easy video from the Barenaked Ladies. I like it a lot

Here's the listed published by Andrea from GenerationZune:

Microsoft Officially anounced Zune Customization

Microsoft has today announced that they will be customizing Zune's from the Zuneoriginals.net website, which will be up tomorrow. There will be 27 designs from 18 international artists, and you will also be able to get laser engraved text on the back of your Zune. Customizing the Zune from this website only works if you order your Zune from Microsoft, so this means you probably won't be getting your Zune tomorrow, the release day.  The press release also talks about the new Zune's coming out tomorrow, which we all can't wait for!

“We’re bringing the entire category to the next level by empowering consumers to play a role in redefining the digital music experience. Zune brings music discovery and acquisition into one simple, end-to-end solution, and the addition of unique customization options puts the originality back into portable entertainment.” said J Allard, corporate vice president for Zune.

Microsoft Anouncement

Zune Team Members Talk About the New Zunes

Do you want to know more about the philosophy behind the new Zunes? Well, have a look at this cool youtube video published by Zunethoughts. Zune team members are giving their take on the new Zune. Pretty cool!

Leo Laporte Likes the New Zune an its Podcast Capabilities

Leo Laporte was this morning keynote speaker at the BlogWorld conference I talked about yesterday, and he briefly talked about the Zune.

Leo said that the new Zune is a great product and the Podcast capabilities of the new Zune and Zune marketplace could give the podcast industry a boost. With his well known sense of humor, Leo also added that now Microsoft has to sell Zunes...

I can't wait to see his video review of the Zune(if he does one...) and compare it with his last year famous video.

New Zune's Seen on sale at Target

It seems that a Target in St. Lois has the new Zune models on display for sale along with the prices listed underneath. I called my local Target, and they said they didn't have any in stock (after the guy asked me what a Zune was and whether or not it's a game or an Mp3 player), so I don't know if they are actually for sale or if they are just on display. I also called the Target in St. Louis, Missouri, and they said that they come out on the 14th, so it looks like they aren't for sale. sigh.

Source

Multimillion Dollar Campaign Launched to support the Zune

Video: Zune TV Spot

Less than two weeks before Z-Day, Microsoft launched a multimillion dollar campaign to support the new Zune 80, Zune 4 and Zune 8. The new marketing campaign named “You Make it You”, will include print, TV, online banner ads, and a new teaser website called Zune Journey.

Basically, the new marketing tagline,”You Make it You”, means that the Zune is absolutely nothing without you, and it comes to life by what you put in it: your music, pictures, videos, etc.

Do you like the new concept?

When Zune was initially launched in November 2006, Microsoft had a $100 million budget for the marketing campaign. That means around $100 per Zune 30 sold. The exact budget for the new Zune marketing campaign has not been revealed, but we can probably expect something similar. Hopefully, the number of Zunes sold in the next 12 months will be much higher than a million. Any guess on that?

Enjoy the video!

New Zunes Kiosk seen at Walmart

It looks like Wal-Mart is continuing it's trend of selling products before their release date, which includes the new Zunes for this particular store. At least, that was what this guy and engadget had said, but apparently, it's not true.  I called my local Wal-Mart to see if they had any new Zunes, and unfortunately they didn't. I was going to go to the store A.S.A.P., but I have now found out that this is not true, and Wal-Mart is just rolling out new Zune kiosks.

Zune Dock V2 Opening

Guess the look on my face when I had stopped by Best Buy after work to buy the Simpsons Game and I happened to stop by the Zune accessories.  Right before me was the first piece of my complete Zune 80 collection, the new Zune dock! 

It was $99.99 or they had the dock by itself for $49.99, I of course bought the whole kit.  I was shocked when I turned it around and saw the composite cables still came bundled with it and a little disappointed.  Once I got it home I realized the back of the dock has a cover that had the output jacks for normal component cables!  Hello Monster Cables, lol. 

Two things that make me a little sad: One, the USB cable is built into the dock.  Two, the controller feels super cheap and the Zune pad isn't fully functional (probably needs the Nov update on the old Zune to work properly).  The good points of the new dock is that is small, has a rubber grip on the bottom and the new AC wall adapter has folding prongs.  Anyway, enjoy the 18 pics I took of it and if anyone has anymore questions about it just ask.

A Growing List of Zune Accessory Partners

A lot of people were disappointed about the limited number of Zune 30 accessories released last year. But this is about to change! With the new Zune 80 already a lot more popular than the Zune 30 ever was, accessory makers will now rush to release appealing Zune accessories.

Besides announcing the availability of the first wave of brand new Zune accessories, Microsoft revealed the list of Zune accessory partners that have already signed their licencing agreement. Here’s the list:

“Agent 18, Altec Lansing Technologies Inc., Belkin International Inc., Case-mate, Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO), Directed Electronics Inc. (Polk Audio), Digital Products International Inc., Dual Electronics Corp., GPX, Griffin Technology Inc., Golla, iHome, Incipio Technologies, Integrated Mobile Electronics Corp., JBL/Harman Kardon, Kicker, mStation Corp., Memorex Electronics, Monster Cable Products Inc., Skinit, Speck, Targus Group International Inc., VAF Research and Vaja Corp.”

Besides the Altec Lansing, VAF and iHome docks, we can expect a new dock from Kicker. Case-mate will also join the fun with a new Zune case line.

That’s Cooool!

Source

2nd Generation Zune Cases from Belkin

The new Zune 80, 4 and 8 won’t be available for another two weeks, but Microsoft announced the immediate availability of new Zune accessories to match your favorite mp3 player.

Today, Microsoft announced the availability of the new 1^st party Zune home AV pack and the Altec Lansing iM414 Speaker Dock for Zune. But Belkin also revealed their brand new Sport Armband for Zune 80, Zune 4 and Zune 8.

Priced at $29.99 these cases have a key or ear bud pocket.

The flash Zune looks really great in this armband. No?

Source

Double Shot 2.0 In New Zunes

There are still some details emerging on the new Zune players as we approach the November 13th introduction (I can't wait, can you?).  One relates to the double shot effect.  This is the cool lighter color that lights up along the border of the Zune 30 that's been posted about before here. 

For the new Zune 80, the double shot effect is to remain, but there's a serious reversal.  Somehow, the outer border will illuminate in a darker color.  The idea is to have a darker edge.  Also, the Zune 80 is to have a metal back to keep the overall thickness down.  It also seems that this darker double shot effect is also incorporated into the Zune 4 and 8 flash player line.  You can read the source material here.

The more I hear about this new implementation of the double shot effect, I can't wait to actually see it in action!  Just over two weeks to go...

Buy a Refurbished Zune for $79.99!

That's right folks, $79.99! At that price, you can still resell you Zune if don't like it and you will still probably making money with it.

These refurbished Zunes come with a full one year Microsoft warranty and the original packaging. Plus, you will get the Zune 2 new firmware in November, including the wireless sync!

On the bad side, you have to buy a brown Zune and everyone knows that green is the new brown. But hey, at $79.99, do you really expect to choose the color?

[Thanks Paul]

New Zune Kiosk Found at Target

These are some photos of what the new Zune kiosk will look like for Target stores. It looks pretty good, the only downside is that the Zune models aren't actual Zunes, just models for them. It would have been cooler if they had the kiosks out with the new Zunes out and working so that you can play around with them.

Leo Laporte: His take on the new Zunes

Check out youtube.com to see his video about that Zune.  That should help fill in anyone in on who didn't know who Leo Laporte is.  Well a while back I e-mailed him to see if he would answer some questions about the new Zunes and he agreed today.  I checked my e-mail and I got a response from his assistant she said she would get my questions to him.  So check back in a couple of days for his response.

p.s.

No I haven't gotten a hold of J Allard yet so don't waste my time or yours with those questions.

New Zune Accessory: The Zune Car Pack

With the new Zunes, there's some new accessories on the way as well.  Listening to a Zune is great, but those included earbuds aren't worth much when it comes time to listen to some music while driving along the road.  Hence, the new Zune Car Pack.

This is an FM transmitter straight from the Microsoft folks that promises to make it easy to use by finding a free station for you (I've recently had mixed results with this approach with a similar device from a different manufacturer see here for specifics).  Being a Zune product, it does have two innovative features.  The first is a magnetic clip to keep wires out of the way which is great as I often get tangled between the music, the GPS and the radar detector.  As my dashboard is plastic, I hope they took that into account.  The second is that a Zune can be charged from the cigarette lighter auxiliary power output so there's never an excuse to run out of power.  It does have presets for two stations, so you can keep the free ones locked in.

The Zune Car Pack will retail for $79.99, and will be available with the new Zune line on November 13th of this year

Jonas, Guest Blogger

TechNudge

More info here.

Zune 4 and 8 will apparently have no video out

According to Zuneinsider, the Zune 4 and 8 will not have video out. The 720x480 output is only for the Zune 80. Oh well, the Zune 4 and 8 probably wouldn't fit many DVD movies to output onto a lager screen anyways.

Pre-Order the new Zunes at Circuitcity.com!

I was surfing the web and looked on zune.net as though it might have updated info, and to my surprise it did!  In very small text near the bottom of the screen it said "pre-order your Zune at amazon.com or circuit city"

Here is the link to Circuitcity.com, it will get you right to the page you need to be at.

Be sure to check out the flash demo of the new Zunes, its very well done.

Zune 30 Owners: Will you Buy a New Zune?

Opinion Polls & Market Research

How do you know if a company is in a business for the long haul or not? Well, when you make sure that your old product stays up to date at the same time has you release a new product line; it’s a good indication that investment is not a problem and you’re in the market for good.

Apple reached the 100 million+ iPods sold by releasing new products every year and making sure that the previous iPod version was completely outdated. They might have sold more than 100 million iPods, but their customer base is much smaller than that number, because a lot of folks are simply buying the new model year after year.

As early adopters of the Zune, we appreciate that our Zune 30 will be upgraded with most of the benefits of the Zune 80, 4 and 8. But will it stop a lot of Zune owners from buying a brand new Zune? Certainly not me! I’m dying for the thinner Zune, the Zune Pad and the 640x480 TV out. But you, Zune 30 owners? What are you going to do? Are you going to buy a new Zune 80? Cast your vote now or enter your comment!

 

Do we say “Zune 80” or “Zune 80GB”?

It looks like there’s a bit of confusion on the web around the new Zune player names. Do we call them Zune 30, 80, 4 and 8 or Zune 30B, Zune 80GB, 4GB and 8GB?

If you read the official Microsoft press release, the official names seem to be the “GB” versions. But when we listen to interviews or read the Zuneinsider blog, for example, the “GB” is skipped.

Having to write for this blog, I wanted to know how I should write the product names! I contacted Kristin from the “Zune press team” and here’s the answer I had:

“Can totally understand the confusion, and actually, both are correct. In conversation, we only call the devices Zune 80, Zune 8 and Zune 4, but in print, you can choose to add the “GB” or not.”

Personally, I think that it sounds better without the “GB” and it gives the Zune more “personality”.  But from a mass market standpoint, adding the “GB” will help the customer to understand what he will get from a specific model.

Which one do you prefer? Do you like how they called the Zunes now?

Offical word from Cesar: No Clock

Before I go into what I think about his confession as to the missing clock on the new Zunes check out the video (Click Here).  Now lets the attacks on Zuneinsider.com begin.  Before anyone grabs a pitch fork and a torch think of it this way.  What would you want more: Wireless Syncing or a Clock?  Would you rather they work on making the device slimmer or a clock?

Why is a clock so important to so many?  Are you really that pressed for time that every device you own must tell you that its 6:44am?  If you do live by a clock why not invest in a nice Kenneth Cole, or a Seiko?  That is the job of those two devices is to tell people time, very accurately.  But being angry that an MP3 player doesn't also tell you time and cook you an omelet each and every morning seems like a waste of anger.   If you need a better reason to be angry just watch "My Super Sweet 16" but please leave Cesar and the rest of the Zune team alone on this one feature.  Come up with a better missing feature to be angry about.

*looks at his Timex watch*

Wow its getting late I have to get to work.

New Zune Players Release Date: November 13th, 2007!

Zuners, mark your calendars! Amazon takes pre-orders for the Zune 80GB, Zune 8GB and Zune 4Gb now and confirms that the release date for the Zune 2 is November 13^th, 2007. UPDATE: You heard it here first, but Microsoft confirmed the information to Gizmodo. Guys, you're getting a brand new Zune on November 13th!

The New Zunes are not Manufactured by Toshiba

According to Reuters, the new Zune is an end-to-end Microsoft design and Toshiba is no longer the Zune player manufacturer.

The new 80 GB Zune and the Flash Zune are both in-house designs and manufactured by Flextronics.

J Allard said, "To build this product, we really needed to think about it end-to-end,". He also added, "It also brings with it cost advantages."

 

Source. Image by Wired