Zune Stuck In 2008?

After an unexpected "Zune Bug" reared its ugly head yesterday, the original Zune, not in the spotlight for some time, has been front and center.  While Microsoft reassured users that "All would be well, and to all a good night," it appears that statement may have been a vision of sugar plum fairies.  It would appear that at least some users are not back to normal, and the original Zune is in a state of SNAFU.

While there are some workarounds, they appear to be homesprung remedies with varying results so far.  For the time being, the safest route is to simply leave the Zune disconnected from the computer for the next few days while this all gets worked out.  I'm confident that the Zune team will be back on the job next week, and someone has gotta work on this, right?

In the meantime, here are Microsoft's official recommendations on the issue.

All 30 GB Zunes Expired at the same time!

Are you Zune 30GB owner? If yes, December 31st is not your lucky day. Tons of Zune owners are reporting that their Zune froze at the Zune logo screen when they turned on their device this morning.

The normal reboot trick doesn’t solve the problem and Microsoft hasn’t responded to this yet. This can’t happen at a worst time for the Zune support team, as the technical staff is probably all gone for the New year’s eve party.

We never now, if this is a date related problem(and it does look like it), January 1st might solve the problem. Can this be caused by the clock recently implemented?

Let us know if you find something to reboot the device…

UPDATE: The Zune team acknowledged the problem by posting this on Zune.net:

"Customers with 30gb Zune devices may experience issues when booting their Zune hardware.  We’re aware of the problem and are working to correct it.  Sorry for the inconvenience, and thanks for your patience!"

UPDATE 2 - "FIX IT YOURSELF": Isaac is suggesting that if you unplug the battery of the Zune, you should be able to restart the device. This should normally void your warranty, but most of the Zune 30GB out there are well over the one year warranty period. The detailed instructions are available here. I will personally wait until Microsoft provides a fix for this...

Zune "Not the Endgame?"

Hmm.  I always thought that that the point of designing, manufacturing, marketing, and selling any product, was to well, sell the err, product, right?  Well, apparently I missed that day in business school, because that may not always be the case. 

Take the Zune for example.  One analysis is viewing the physical Zune player as merely a way for Microsoft to promote their sales of entertainment via the Zune Marketplace.  Their analysis focuses on how Microsoft is focusing on promoting their latest Zune software rather than the player itself.  This also has implications on where content will come from for both the Xbox platform, and Windows Media Player.

While it brings up an interesting point, I think we should remember that it took quite a while before folks were loading up their iPods from the iTunes store.  In other words, the player sales need to come first before the content sales.  IMHO, Microsoft should focus on moving the Zune units first, and then, now that the Zune Marketplace is offering such an enticing deal, I have no doubt that the sales will follow.

Time to update; Zune 3.1 is now available

If you have not already updated, now may be a good time as Zune 3.1 is now available. The new update includes a few time wasters that come in the form of games -- an update to Texas Hold 'Em along with three new ones which include Checkers, Sudoku and Space Battle.

Of course there are more important items than just playing games, and 3.1 also includes some "incremental improvements to the software" which include an increase in overall stability and performance on both the PC software and device. Additionally, some navigation improvements were made to the Zune Social and a new feature called “like minded listeners” was added.

As always, to get the update, launch your Zune software on your PC and under the Settings category simply click Check for Updates.

[Zune Insider]

Zune 3.0, now with Audible.com support, free book and 30-day trial available

Another feature that came along with the Zune 3.0 software update was the addition of Audible.com support. While maybe not the most advanced of the new features, its one that I am personally excited to see, in fact I would say that this addition was long overdue.

Aside from the support, Audible is also offering a few freebies. The first is a 30-day trial to test out the Audible service, of course this offer is valid only for new customers. The second offer is a free book, and this one is available for everyone. The freebie book is Black River by Dean Koontz and can be downloaded by any Zune owner.

To claim your 30-day free trial or your copy of Black River just head on over to www.audible.com/zune.

[MSN Money via Zune Insider]

Microsoft offering free McDonalds Wi-Fi for Zune owners

In addition to the recently released Zune 3.0 software, Microsoft has announced that Zune owners will also be able to get free Wi-Fi at McDonalds restaurants across the US.

“Wayport is pleased to be working with Microsoft to make it easier for Zune users to access music on the go,” said Dan Lowden, vice president of business development and marketing for Wayport.

Now, assuming you have already updated to the latest software you will be able to take advantage of all the new features the next time you get that fast food craving. Which means that in addition to downloading music from the Marketplace you can also tag and purchase from the FM radio, and also take advantage of the recommendations and programming features. As of the current announcement, the wireless access is available at more than 9,800 McDonalds locations.

[Microsoft]

Zune 3.0 software now available

In short...the Zune 3.0 software update is now available. You can grab the new software by launching your current version and heading to Settings -> Software -> General -> Check for update. Also if you do not already have the Zune software installed you can download it directly by clicking here. Mine is downloading as I write this post, can't wait to begin playing.

Microsoft officially lets the new Zune details out

I suppose this post comes as a little bit of bittersweet news considering we have already seen the details, but that said, Microsoft has chosen to officially unveil the details for the new Zune hardware and software.

So just for a quick recap, the new model of the Zune will be the black 120GB hard drive based model which will retail for $249 along with a 16GB flash based model which will retail for $199. Additionally the Zune 16 will also be available in blue. The Zune 8 will be priced at $149, and Microsoft also plans to lower the prices on some of the older models.

As for the software side, it looks like software version 3 will be available with those features that we mentioned earlier, which include Buy from FM, Device to Cloud, Channels and Games. Currently nothing was mentioned about when the new software will be made available for current Zune owners. Personally although I like the blue Zune 16 and the black backing on the Zune 120 I am more excited by the new software features and hope that will be ready soon.

If nothing else, I guess Amazon can go ahead and add that Zune 120 listing back to their website now.

[CNET]

Frys leaks new Blue Zune 8 along with new features

Well, one can only speculate that Frys will either be in some big trouble with Microsoft, or perhaps Microsoft is trying something new to get a little attention and decided to allow them to intentionally leak, and in at least one instance sell the new Zunes to built up some excitement prior to the official release.

Of course the model that we saw sold, and later unboxed was the Zune 120, however the latest Frys leaks comes in the form of that rumored Zune 8 in Blue along with some previously unannounced new features. At least we can confirm that the Blue Zune rumor was indeed accurate, and furthermore its retailing for the $149.99 that we expected.

But perhaps a little more exciting than the Zune 8 in Blue, which personally I am digging the color is the newly listed features that it will come along with. Some of the leaked features include:

 

• Buy from FM which allows you to mark a song that you hear on the regular radio for later purchase.
• Device to Cloud which lets you use wireless hotspots to "update your collection, browse Zune Marketplace, refresh Channels, exchange favorites with friends, or buy songs you've tagged from your FM radio."
• Channels which allows you to create "custom programming stations that deliver personalized playlists to your Zune from a variety of sources."
• Games which seems to have come out of beta and become official. So far they have listed Texas Hold'em, Hexic as pre-loaded titles.

Now its seems we are just waiting for Microsoft to make this all 'official' but judging from what we have already seen I am not sure what else they could have in store for us.

[Frys] via Zunerama

Windows Update for Vista Improves the Zune Software

I was checking for a windows update on my main Vista box, and I found one update installing itself already, wondering what it did, so I clicked the more info link, which took me to the official description on Microsoft's windows update page, and I was surprised to see what it also did: it states: This application is updated to improve functionality.  Microsoft Zune Software.

So if you're running a Vista machine with the Zune software, then you may want to get this update, labeled KB947562. I have no idea what it has done to benefit my Zune software as of yet, as it requires a reboot and I have not done so yet. I also am not sure if there is a similar update for XP, as I don't have any machines running XP to check that either. Enjoy the update and feel free to post your results in the comments.

Zune Software 2.5 Available Now!

The Zune software also gets improvements and new features! My favorite ones? You can sync multiple players at once and the return of autoplaylists!

Here are short descriptions of what you will find in Zune software 2.5:

• Auto playlists. Users can create an auto playlist that updates itself automatically as new music is added.
• Browsing videos. Consumers can browse their video collection by genre and series, plus they can preview videos before they play them on full screen.
• Editing album and track information. Users are able to edit track or album information (metadata) quickly via multi-select and drag-and-drop. The advanced metadata editing features make it easy to edit multiple tracks or survey albums and artist information.
• Organizing collections. In addition to sorting by artist or album, consumers can now sort by genre. While browsing by genre they can further sort music by artist, album or release year.
• Gapless playback. Consumers will now be able to listen to an album without the brief gap between tracks, both on their Zune and in the Zune software. This is a must-have for live-concert recordings and compilation albums.
• Syncing groups. Zune software now syncs to multiple Zune players simultaneously. Users can prepare which content on their computer to sync even when their Zune isn’t connected. Consumers can create custom sync groups for music, pictures and videos.
• Zune reminders. Experience is improved when a Zune player’s memory is nearing capacity, via an easy-to-use tool.

Microsoft Posts Zune Diagnostic Tool

For those that find their Zune is having USB and wireless sync connection problems, Microsoft looks to have just posted a tool to gather data on those errors. It's free, downloadable and called the Zune Device Diagnostic Tool.

The Zune Device Diagnostic Tool is designed to collect relevant data related to the previously mentioned errors so that Product Support Services can better diagnose potential Zune issues. It's a small download - only 250KB - and executes from the one file. You must of course have your Zune connected to collect the data.

Microsoft notes in the program description on how to use it. You essentially connect the device and wait for any errors to be displayed. After the data has been collected you can view the report, save it and send it off to Product Support Services for analysis.

Zune Firmware Update on the Way: A Christmas gift From the Zune Team?

According to feedback received from Zune owners since the November upgrade, the Zuneinsider says that the new software has improved the battery life of the Zune 30. This has apparently been achieved by introducing more power-efficient codecs in the Zune software. That’s good news for many folks out there, but Microsoft admitted at the same time that the new software also causes battery life problems to a limited number of Zune owners. This problem occurs when users suspend their Zune hard drives by holding down the play/pause button – in some cases the battery continues to drain.

Microsoft will respond to the problem with a Zune firmware update that should be available before the end of December. No words on the release of new features, but let us all wish for a sweet Christmas gift from the Zune team...(Don't hold your breath to hard on this one though...Cesar also said on his blog that the firmware update is going to be similar to the bug-fix-only update we had last December).

Problems with you Metatags? Here's the "Zune Media Collection Reset Tool"

For those of you out there who had a hard time with their meta tags after the v1 to v2 migration of the Zune software, Microsoft just released a tool to clean-up the mess automatically.

What problem am I talking about?  If after you upgrade the Zune software on your computer, you notice that music in your collection that was previously categorized correctly is now associated with incorrect album titles, you've got the bug!

According to Microsoft, this problem occurs when music files become associated with the incorrect album art or with other metadata information during the upgrade process from an earlier version of the Zune software.

 

New Zune Software HAS Dynamic Search!

It appears that the new Zune software doesn't have dynamic search when you type in an artist in the search box, correct?? No, because now in the new Zune software, if you don't select anything, and you start typing your artist's name, you will automatically be brought the search results. The only thing I didn't like about it was that if you clicked the search bar before, and you go to your collection, I couldn't figure out how to un-select anything so that it could work, so I restarted the software.

Another thing about this new search capability: it only works in your collection, not in the Marketplace. Overall, though, I like the look of the huge text, it's a little easier than the old Dynamic search.

 

Zunethoughts via  Zuneboards

New Zune Site is Up

The software is also up too! Downloading it right now!

http://www.zune.net/en-US/default.htm

Luckily, I live on the other side of the planet (Philippines). I'm still awake when web software or product launches are made and be the first one to catch the news. Still, it's a bit disappointing that Zunes are still USA-only. What about us loyal international zune users?... sigh..

The Zune had Podcast Support all Along

Even though with the announcement of the Zune software now supporting its own podcasting and that I can finally be 100% rid of iTunes, I noticed how I have yet seen anyone talk about something you could do on your Zune since day one.  Play audio/video podcasts on it.  The Zune 30 can load and play Apple iTunes video/audio podcasts.

Here's how....install iTunes (vomits a bit in his mouth) and find your podcasts for me its anything to deal with Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator.  Then download them like normal, after the files are all downloaded locate your iTunes folder.  Its generally in your My Music folder unless you changed that in the settings.  You can then locate the video and audio podcasts you just downloaded and drag them into the Zune software or you can have your Zune software auto update from that folder so is that everything your iTunes software downloads a new podcasts your Zune software will pick it up too.  Sync the files and vola you are done.

Or you can just wait until Nov 13th, 2007 when iTunes will never again be installed on my computer.

Flash Zune and 80Gb Zune Available Next November!

Journalists were invited to a press event today at the Zune Team campus in Redmond. The new Zune players we’re revealed to the attendees, but an embargo stops them from publishing the information until midnight, tonight. Nevertheless, King 5 station in Seattle leaked some (unconfirmed) precious information ahead of time. According to the station, Microsoft will release a new Flash based Zune player (4Gb and 8GB) available in black, pink, green and red. A new black 80GB Zune player (hard disc based), thinner than the 30GB Zune player and equipped with a 3.2 LCD screen, will also be released by the same token. All models will carry an FM radio tuner.

And guys, we’ve been expecting new Wi-Fi scenarios and they're on their way! The new Zune 2 firmware will sync music, videos and photos wirelessly from with your computer! Pretty cool! Isn’t it?

Prices? These are easy to guess as they match iPod prices… Flash Zune models will be priced at $149 and $199 for the 4GB and 8Gb respectively. The new 80GB Zune player will carry a retail price of $249. The new devices will be available mid-November. We still don’t know if the 30GB Zune player will be retired or if it will still be available and compatible with the Zune 2 firmware.

The Zune firmware has been redesigned from scratch, and that’s why no substantial Zune Firmware update has been released since the first generation Zune was released last year. Life is sweet, isn't it?

Silicon Alley Insider says that the Zune marketplace will have DRM free music. The Zune to Zune sharing would be totally or partially released from its DRM prison (still to be confirmed though).

We should also expect videos and podcasts from the Zune marketplace.

The Zune Squircle is apparently called the Zune pad...

More details later! images from rompres

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

 

Zune Software Update?

Microsoft didn’t mention it, but the Zune software has been updated along the Zune firmware. The version 1.3.5728.0 is now available for download. You have to right click on the Zune logo (top left of the window), select “about Zune” and then check for updates.

There is no mention of what as been changed but it seems to work fine. Since they work on sync performance in the firmware, it probably means Microsoft did the same thing on the software side.

I’m a happy man this morning with my “non-skipping” Zune!

Have you noticed anything new in the software?

Thanks Rom for the tip.

Zune Firmware 1.3 Finally Released

UPDATE: Cesar (zuneinsider) just confirmed the release of firmware update 1.3. Enjoy!

Tomorrow, March 28, the Zune firmware update 1.3 will be released. Here’s what is included in the update:

1. Content acquired from Zune Marketplace will no longer skip when played on the device.

2. Improved device and software reliability, when it comes to device detection, and improved sync'ing.

3. Changes have been made to the FM Tuner so it no longer drains the battery when in sleep mode.

I'm so happy the skipping issue will be solved. I've been using the Zune with only the content from the Zune marketplace and I'm experiencing a lot of skipping.

Feel free to let us know if you find any issues related to the firmware update.

Zune Firmware Update 1.3 Postponed to “Soon”

According to a note posted on the Zuneinsider, the Zune release manager said:

“Hey C [Cesar], I know all of your blog readers are eagerly looking forward for the release of the Zune 1.3 Update.  I feel their anticipation on the update, and I am very eager to get this out to all of them...  I can’t comment on the exact date just yet, but it will be soon, as it’s in the final testing and processes to get released,"

That’s it! Nothing else to say! Don’t wait for the Zune firmware update 1.3 today folks.

Hack "Guest Zune" or Not?

I’m not sure if a lot of you will need this hack. But if you bumped into the “guest sync” feature of the Zune software one day and you need a quick turn around, this will help you.

But different people can have different perspectives. A few months ago, the Zuneinsider wrote on why the guest sync was the coolest feature of the Zune software.  Here’s how the program manager of the “guess sync” describe the feature:

You can take your Zune device, and sync it with multiple PCs - via guest sync. While you’re in guest mode, you can add content, manage your library, delete music, etc. And you can guest sync to an unlimited number of PCs - with ripped content, and with songs individually purchased from Zune Marketplace. Subscription content is a little different, though - there's a two device sync limit on ZMP subscription content.”

Without any hacking you can also “reverse sync” the content of your Zune to the PC. You can do that with pictures, songs or videos on your Zune device from your own library (not purchased from Zune Marketplace, preloaded in your device, or received via wireless sharing). Here a link to the tutorial.

Zune.net does the Promotion of Podcasts!

If you are a registered member of zune.net, you probably received an e-mail today from zune.net. The e-mail does not give any interesting info but when you visit the zune.net website you will see that the site as been updated. Microsoft as fully integrated Pricegrabber online shop for all things Microsoft Zune. And most of the pages have been updated.

But even more important, there is now a section called “pass it on”, that does the promotion of Zune-to-Zune sharing and has a clear focus on ….Podcast! Does this mean that we may have a Podcast management update sooner than expected? Paul Colligan from Zuneluv would be happy!

Microsoft always said that podcast management was on the list of future features of the Zune software but they never said when and how they are going to do this. This may be the first step towards the full podcast support from the Zune!

UPDATE: Sounds like a developing story! One of our reader, williamc, spotted this small image on npr.org. The image does not seem to be use at this point but could be linked to the upcoming zune podcast strategy...thanks for williamc's sharp eye! Here the link: http://media.npr.org/images/podcasts/ui/zune.gif and check williamc's comment below for details on how he found the image.

Add Your Favorite Youtube Videos to Your Zune in One-Click!

We have seen many Zune software appeared on the market in the last few months to convert all sorts of videos you may have on your computer. But very often, the coolest videos you could have on your Zune player, are the ones you found on Youtube. They are the weird and funny things you like to share with your friends. Besides, Youtube’s videos already look crappy on the web so you won’t mind showing them using the Zune TV-Out because they are normally short and quality is not an issue.

ZuneIEPlugin is probably the simplest solution you can find right now for saving and converting YouTube, Google, and MSN Soapbox videos.

Here's how it works:

New Zune Software From Makayama

Makayama released “Movie Studio for Zune” and “Mobile TV Center for Zune”. The software will allow Zune-users to watch any movie, video or TV show on the Microsoft Zune device.

“Movie Studio for Zune” will let users to convert DVD, home video or YouTube content on the Zune. The “Mobile TV Center for Zune” is a Windows Media Center extension that allows automatic recording, conversion and transfer of TV-shows to the Zune.

Sounds great to me! I did not try the software yet but this small company from Amsterdam already does nice software for PocketPC.

Technorati Tags: zune

New DVD to Zune converter from M²Convert

We have seen a few software coming out to help you prepare your videos for your Zune. This is another one from M²Convert.
We haven’t tried this one yet but it looks pretty complete. We are currently testing the DVD to Zune from ImToo. We will compare them later.

M²Convert for Zune converts DVDs and multimedia files from any supported format (including AVI, ASF, WMV, MOV, MPG, MPEG, AVC, OGG, MP4, DivX, IFO, MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC and more) to Microsoft Zune compatible format.

Add Contacts to Your Zune

If you wished you could upload your contacts to your Zune and you are a Zune CRM user, Philip Richardson may have a solution for you. He is currently looking for volunteers to test his beta version of his software.

“The current version creates a root sync folder (based on the datetime of the sync) and then two sub folders (Accounts and Contacts). The one jpg for each account and contact is placed in the appropriate folder. The jpgs are 320x240 images for optimum display on the Zune's screen. Each jpg is named after the account or contact allowing you to use the Zune's alpha number scrolling feature to quickly find records. I haven't much work on improving the font brush or background graphics.”

Philip is a program manager for Microsoft’s CRM.

Source: Philiprichardon.com

Zune Software Update: Vista Compatible Now!

As we mentioned last week, we were waiting for a Zune software update this week at the latest. The ZuneInsider just announced that we are getting the update today! The good news is the installation problems a lot of people had are apparently solved. Second good news is the Vista compatibility. No more “wannabie a hack” needed for Vista! The good is news is the Zune software is now compatible with all versions of Vista.

“Today (Tuesday the 19th of December) we’re issuing a 22 MB update to make Zune compatible with Windows Vista. The update also improves the Zune software installation process, addressing the issues that some of the known issues users reported. Like Jason R said recently “It is plumbing stuff, but it is stuff customers will notice and appreciate.” So you should install the update, even if you’re not running Vista.

You can install it via Microsoft auto-update, or go to Zune.net to get it.“ [ZuneInsider]

This is a very good move done by the Zune team. A Microsoft spokeperson said last week that they noticed an important differential between the number of Zune sold and registered. This is probably because a lot of Zune are sitting under the trees at this time. By releasing a smoother version of the Zune software a few days before Christmas, the Zune team got sure Christmas morning is not going to be a complete nightmare for thousands of new Zune owners.

Happy Christmas Zune Team!

Zune Firmware Update 1.2 Available Now

Connect your Zune to your PC now for a firmware update! Don’t expect new features from this update, the Zune firmware update is only providing enhance stability and performance. If you find what the solved problems with the version 1.2 are, let us know by leaving a comment. According to one of our readers, Matthew (thanks Matthew!), the “skipping” problem with songs from the Zune marketplace is not solved… To be followed!

Zune Software Update Before Christmas

Microsoft is also readying its first software update for the Zune. The update will allow the Zune to work with Windows Vista, Microsoft's just-finished operating system, which is now available to businesses and goes on sale to consumers in January.

The Zune software update, which is expected before Christmas, will fix some minor glitches and add some performance and other improvements, Microsoft said. The company won't include major new features in the release, however.

"It is plumbing stuff, but it is stuff customers will notice and appreciate," Reindorp said. "It's not going to be a whole new wireless scenario or anything like that."

This confirms once more that we still have to wait for new features on the Zune. Releasing a updated version of the software is a good idea though, since most of the complaints are coming from the Zune software. An firmware update should be released in January and will also be bug oriented.

Hey wait! We are already December 8! Christmas is at the door! Should we have a software update next week?

Source: Cnet

Technorati Tags: zune

Zune on Vista? Sure you Can!

"I recently purchased a Microsoft Zune player (to replace my lost iPod, which never surfaced no thanks to crappy Iberia!). Unfortunately, days before the arrival of my Zune from the USA, I made the switch to Windows Vista. This meant that, when the Zune arrived, I couldn't sync it up with my media-stuffed laptop, as in their infinite wisdom, Microsoft have decided NOT to make a Vista friendly version of the software available yet.

So I set about seeing if the XP software could run happily on Vista! It does... and here's how I did it!"

Of course, you can wait in January to have the official Vista compatible Zune software but if you already migrate your computer to Vista, Paul from the Modaco forum can help you. By the way, I would not call Microsoft to ask for help after that... Enjoy!

via ZuneThoughts

Technorati Tags: zune

Zune: Third Party Software on their Way?

You're going to have entertainment capability built into the car, and we're working on that with the car manufacturers. You're going to have it in the new-generation set-top box. You're going to have it in your phone, you're going to have it in your PC, and you're going to have some dedicated devices — dedicated media devices.

We thought to really fulfill our vision of connected entertainment that we wanted to have a device that had the wireless connection. Obviously, the iPod doesn't let you do third-party software, doesn't have a wireless connection — so, the connected entertainment vision, we can build on Zune and do some new things.

Third party software? Interesting statement from Bill Gates in an interview with ZDNet! We know that Microsoft won’t be releasing a SDK for every programmer in the world. But may be some selected third parties are already developing software for the Zune? Wireless scenarios may be on their way faster than we first thought? Wireless music kiosks in stores? Zune games?

Coming out fast with really cool third party Zune software could really make the Zune very hot device compared to the iPod. If Microsoft could achieve the same kind of “openest” with the Zune than they have with the Xbox and third party games, we could really say “welcome to the social”. Let’s wait and see!

Zune will Work with Vista...in January

When Windows Vista is publicly available this January, it will work with Zune. This will include Vista 64bit support. [zuneinsider]

What a relief! This is really good news reported by Cesar. Of course, we would prefer if the Zune software was working with windows 2000, 98 and Mac but Vista was an absolute must…

Updated: Cesar added that Zune will only be compatible with the consumer edition of Vista!

Welcome to the Social, welcome to Zune World

We have been waiting for a long time, but today is D-day! For all of you, Zune fans, enjoy the pleasure of a brand new gadget! The only tough decision you have to make: What color should I pick? I think I will buy a brown but I'm not sure. Maybe black?

If you are planning to buy a Zune directly from a store, I would suggest that you call before you go. I already heard that quantities were very limited in some places.

The Zune.net website was also updated. You can now download the software directly from the site.

Be careful with the software, as we mention in another post, it is only working with Windows XP. And our friend Jason at Zunethoughts had the confirmation that the Zune software is not compatible with Vista. This is too bad.

Zune Review: More Interactivity!

Cnet was one of the lucky winners who had a chance to review the Zune before the official November 14th launch date. What is interesting is they did confirm the interactivity we talked about.

“For music, you'll get the option to adjust play mode, rate the song, show a song list, flag a song (flagged songs and photos transfer to the Zune software in list form and will show up front and center).”

Those features combined with the Wi-fi (that will eventually talk to your PC) seem to be the base of what could be a great innovation coming from the Zune. A better and seamless interactivity between the Zune, the Zune software and the user could really bring something new to the digital media player world.

People at Cnet also had mixed feelings about the casing of the Zune.

“The Zune may be a bit thicker than the 30GB iPod, but it feels right at home in the hand. In my opinion, it's a nice size and weight--neither too thin to hold nor too big to pocket, though others in the office say it's bulky and have even compared it to a prototype.”

Zune review: Yo DJ! Spin that Zune…but no so fast!

When the patent filing was done by Microsoft for the Zune player, the released PDF document was explaining what would be the features of the Zune Wi-fi connectivity. The Zune to Zune sharing was certainly an attractive aspect of the feature. But there was another aspect that was quite interesting and it’s the "DJ mode". As explained in the document, a Zune owner could act as a DJ for a maximum of 4 Zune friends. What is does is broadcasting the song you are playing on your Zune to other Zunes around you.

Since we did not heard anything about that feature since the release of that document we asked Microsoft (Cesar Menendez) if this was still a feature of the Zune. “I would say that wireless is a critical part of Zune, and putting wireless in every device enables several ways that it will help bring music and content to life on the Zune device. At launch, Zune to Zune wireless sharing provides consumers with the first of many wireless features, and offers a compelling new way to connect with friends.”