New Zunes, now I'm kinda regretting my iPod purchase
09-01-2008, 01:38 AM
#281
Sanest Florida Man
Thread Starter
Another way to look at the Zune Pass is this. So far I've download about 1000 songs for 15 a month. If I were to buy them on the iTunes store it would cost me about $1000. If I didn't download any more songs it would take me 5.5 years for the $15/month to cost as much as it would to buy them.
09-01-2008, 11:03 AM
#282
Mazda3 and Honda Civic in
Another way to look at the Zune Pass is this. So far I've download about 1000 songs for 15 a month. If I were to buy them on the iTunes store it would cost me about $1000. If I didn't download any more songs it would take me 5.5 years for the $15/month to cost as much as it would to buy them.
I hate iTunes thats why i didnt want a ipod
09-01-2008, 12:23 PM
#283
You can use the subscription for a couple of purposes. You can join it for life and enjoy the music forever (think NetFlix/Blockbuster, but a little better), or you can use it to test out new bands/albums like a legal form of try-before-you-buy. It's not like you have to sign up for a year or anything. Sign up for two months, test out a bunch of music, let it expire, then buy the stuff you really liked from your sampling.
When I'm ready, I'm going to do the latter, but usually I just grab random $1 CDs at pawn shops and see what strikes me.
Still looking forward to the XNA games going final. Maybe in the 3.0 software this holiday.
When I'm ready, I'm going to do the latter, but usually I just grab random $1 CDs at pawn shops and see what strikes me.
Still looking forward to the XNA games going final. Maybe in the 3.0 software this holiday.
09-01-2008, 12:26 PM
#284
Sanest Florida Man
Thread Starter
Let me clarify it's not one or the other you can have a Zune Pass and still buy music to own.
09-02-2008, 11:05 AM
#285
New models of the Zune have been leaked. There's a 120gB and 16gB coming probably by November at the latest.
I'm hoping the price range for these models is $250 for the 120gb and $150 for the 16gb, I'd also love to see the 80gb drop to $200!! These would be very competitive prices. So Scottman there maybe a price drop on the way!!!
It appears the new models will have a glossy surface, I kinda like it! I liked the glossy surface of the iPod 5G over the flat surface of the iPod classic I replaced it with but it's not a big deal. Also those are different headphones than the premium ones that came with the 80Gb, I hope they aren't getting rid of those cause they were great, WAY better than the ones that come with the iPod.
In other news my friend in Chicago called me and told me she got a Zune. When she was in town we went to BB to get her a new iPod but when she was there she saw the Zune and saw it was $20 cheaper, had a radio and fit into the sleeve designed for her old iPod nano, she really liked that. I'm going to show her how to get all her music that's trapped on her iPod onto her boyfriends PC and onto her Zune. She's coming back in town in a month so hopefully I'll have my Zune back by then and then we can fiddle with the wireless features.
I was lazy and didn't send my Zune back right away so it'll take longer than usual but it better be back by the end of Sept! My iPhone is doing a decent job of replacing the Zune but I still miss it and all my music. The Zune needs to get that remote control capability that the iPhone has it's pretty neat.
I'm hoping the price range for these models is $250 for the 120gb and $150 for the 16gb, I'd also love to see the 80gb drop to $200!! These would be very competitive prices. So Scottman there maybe a price drop on the way!!!
It appears the new models will have a glossy surface, I kinda like it! I liked the glossy surface of the iPod 5G over the flat surface of the iPod classic I replaced it with but it's not a big deal. Also those are different headphones than the premium ones that came with the 80Gb, I hope they aren't getting rid of those cause they were great, WAY better than the ones that come with the iPod.
In other news my friend in Chicago called me and told me she got a Zune. When she was in town we went to BB to get her a new iPod but when she was there she saw the Zune and saw it was $20 cheaper, had a radio and fit into the sleeve designed for her old iPod nano, she really liked that. I'm going to show her how to get all her music that's trapped on her iPod onto her boyfriends PC and onto her Zune. She's coming back in town in a month so hopefully I'll have my Zune back by then and then we can fiddle with the wireless features.
I was lazy and didn't send my Zune back right away so it'll take longer than usual but it better be back by the end of Sept! My iPhone is doing a decent job of replacing the Zune but I still miss it and all my music. The Zune needs to get that remote control capability that the iPhone has it's pretty neat.
09-02-2008, 08:30 PM
#286
Sanest Florida Man
Thread Starter
<span id="ppt1302049">120GB Zune priced at $249, blue flash Zune in the works?</span></h2><p class="byline">by <strong><a href="/bloggers/nilay-patel/">Nilay Patel</a></strong>, posted Sep 2nd 2008 at 12:16PM</p><div class="postbody"><div align="center"><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=search&A=search&Q=&sb=bs%2Cuppe r%28ds%29&sq=asc&sortDrop=Brand%3A+A+to+Z& amp;ac=&bsi=&bhs=t&ci=4259&shs=&am p;at=Brand_Microsoft&basicSubmit=Envoyer"><img alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2008/09/9-02-08120gbzune.jpg" vspace="4" border="0" hspace="4"></a><br></div>
It's no secret that a <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/18/120gb-zune-slips-past-the-fcc/">120GB Zune</a> is <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/30/zune-120gb-and-16gb-boxed-in-the-wild/">on the way</a>, and thanks to B&H Photo, it looks like we also know how much it'll cost: $249. That's right in the range (and more bang for the buck than a certain fruit company's large-capacity player), so we can't say we're too surprised -- but what's this listed right under it? A blue flash Zune for $149? Indeed it is -- and with the <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/11/blue-zune-leaked-via-target-ad/">most</a> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/13/the-blue-zune-does-not-exist/">mythical</a> of Zune colors about to make its debut along with those rumored <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/13/microsoft-scouting-exclusive-video-content-for-zune/">media</a> and <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/02/zune-updates-more-than-just-capacity/">software / social services</a> updates, we're guessing the Zune Guy is rethinking that whole <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/26/zune-guy-calls-microsoft-liars-says-zune-situation-is-f-in/">"f***ing bulls**t"</a> assessment. Then again, probably not.<br><br><strong>Update:</strong> More intrigue. Zunerama just posted <a href="http://www.zunerama.com/2008/09/insider-clues-from-wal-mart-zune-80gb-and-4gb-discontinued/">this shot</a> of a Wal-Mart stock system showing the 80GB and 4GB Zunes as discontinued. Yeah, something's up -- hopefully we'll find out soon.
It's no secret that a <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/18/120gb-zune-slips-past-the-fcc/">120GB Zune</a> is <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/30/zune-120gb-and-16gb-boxed-in-the-wild/">on the way</a>, and thanks to B&H Photo, it looks like we also know how much it'll cost: $249. That's right in the range (and more bang for the buck than a certain fruit company's large-capacity player), so we can't say we're too surprised -- but what's this listed right under it? A blue flash Zune for $149? Indeed it is -- and with the <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/11/blue-zune-leaked-via-target-ad/">most</a> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/13/the-blue-zune-does-not-exist/">mythical</a> of Zune colors about to make its debut along with those rumored <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/13/microsoft-scouting-exclusive-video-content-for-zune/">media</a> and <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/02/zune-updates-more-than-just-capacity/">software / social services</a> updates, we're guessing the Zune Guy is rethinking that whole <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/26/zune-guy-calls-microsoft-liars-says-zune-situation-is-f-in/">"f***ing bulls**t"</a> assessment. Then again, probably not.<br><br><strong>Update:</strong> More intrigue. Zunerama just posted <a href="http://www.zunerama.com/2008/09/insider-clues-from-wal-mart-zune-80gb-and-4gb-discontinued/">this shot</a> of a Wal-Mart stock system showing the 80GB and 4GB Zunes as discontinued. Yeah, something's up -- hopefully we'll find out soon.
09-02-2008, 08:42 PM
#287
Go Giants
FYI - Just picked up an 80 GB ipod classic at Radio Shack - $249 - $30 instant rebate. Act fast.
09-02-2008, 08:58 PM
#288
Sanest Florida Man
Thread Starter
^ I'll pass, I had the classic and got rid of it for the Zune. I'm hoping they'll start having w00t deals for these 80gb Zunes like the did for the 30gb, they were quite popular when they did them.
09-02-2008, 09:10 PM
#289
I am amazed Woot hasn't had any refurb Zune 4/8 yet. That's what I've been waiting on. I am sure that a very large percentage of the Zune 30 "refurbs" were people who couldn't get the Zune to charge because they were using underpowered USB ports and took it back to the store as "defective".
09-03-2008, 11:31 AM
#290
09-03-2008, 01:54 PM
#292
Sanest Florida Man
Thread Starter
I think there are a few zune dock stations with speakers and there are a few products that will mate your zune with your car stereo. The car ones have been posted in this thread.
09-04-2008, 07:07 PM
#293
Sanest Florida Man
Thread Starter
Someone was able to buy a Zune 120Gb a Frys today even though it hasn't been announced!! And they did an unboxing!
Speaking of unboxing, my Zune 80 came back in the mail today and I decided to do an unboxing for y'all (I decided and did my unboxing before I saw the 120gb unboxing). It'll be up shortly.
<h1><a href="http://gizmodo.com/5045589/120gb-zune-purchased-at-frys-for-250-unboxed-for-good-measure" class="top">120GB Zune Purchased at Fry's for $250: Unboxed for Good Measure</a></h1>
<div class="entry">
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<p><img src="http://gizmodo.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/09/120GB-zune-fryswtmk.jpg" class="center" style="display: block; float: none;" width="650" height="487">It appears that at least one lucky shopper at a Fry's in Atlanta managed to get their hands on a 120GB Zune before its official release, and there are even unboxing pics (after the break) and a receipt to prove it. If you look closely, it rang up at $250—backing up <a href="http://gizmodo.com/5044365/wal+mart-discountinues-80gb-and-4gb-zunes-120gb-zune-priced">recent rumors</a> about the price. [<em>Thanks Joe!</em>]</p>
<p><img src="http://gizmodo.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/09/1wtmk.jpg" style="display: block; float: none;" width="650" height="487"></p>
<p><img src="http://gizmodo.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/09/IMG00197wtmk.jpg" style="display: block; float: none;" width="650" height="487"></p>
<p><img src="http://gizmodo.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/09/IMG00199wtmk.jpg" style="display: block; float: none;" width="650" height="487"></p>
<p><img src="http://gizmodo.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/09/IMG00200wtmk.jpg" style="display: block; float: none;" width="650" height="487"></p>
<p><img src="http://gizmodo.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/09/IMG00201wtmk.jpg" style="display: block; float: none;" width="650" height="487"></p>
<p><img src="http://gizmodo.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/09/IMG00204wtmk.jpg" style="display: block; float: none;" width="650" height="487"></p>
<div class="entry">
<!-- google_ad_section_start -->
<p><img src="http://gizmodo.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/09/120GB-zune-fryswtmk.jpg" class="center" style="display: block; float: none;" width="650" height="487">It appears that at least one lucky shopper at a Fry's in Atlanta managed to get their hands on a 120GB Zune before its official release, and there are even unboxing pics (after the break) and a receipt to prove it. If you look closely, it rang up at $250—backing up <a href="http://gizmodo.com/5044365/wal+mart-discountinues-80gb-and-4gb-zunes-120gb-zune-priced">recent rumors</a> about the price. [<em>Thanks Joe!</em>]</p>
<p><img src="http://gizmodo.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/09/1wtmk.jpg" style="display: block; float: none;" width="650" height="487"></p>
<p><img src="http://gizmodo.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/09/IMG00197wtmk.jpg" style="display: block; float: none;" width="650" height="487"></p>
<p><img src="http://gizmodo.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/09/IMG00199wtmk.jpg" style="display: block; float: none;" width="650" height="487"></p>
<p><img src="http://gizmodo.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/09/IMG00200wtmk.jpg" style="display: block; float: none;" width="650" height="487"></p>
<p><img src="http://gizmodo.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/09/IMG00201wtmk.jpg" style="display: block; float: none;" width="650" height="487"></p>
<p><img src="http://gizmodo.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/09/IMG00204wtmk.jpg" style="display: block; float: none;" width="650" height="487"></p>
09-04-2008, 07:14 PM
#294
Needs more Lemon Pledge
WTF is an unboxing? Opening the damn thing? Geez...
09-04-2008, 07:51 PM
#295
Sanest Florida Man
Thread Starter
So I come home work work and look at my door and there's this decent sized box, about the size of a board game. I think to myself WTF is is in this thing? Is it my Art Lebedev flash drive? I hope not, it looks like you could stuff about 25 of those in this box. Then I thought when MS sent my my last Zune didn't it come in a big ass box too/ Yup, that's what it was. They asked me to just ship them out the Zune and nothing else so I thought that's all they'd send me back, nope they sent me a brand new Zune in a new box with new carrying case, poster, sync cable, premium headphones, etc!!! I'm stoked. So I decided since none you have seen what these Zune Originals boxes look like that I'd do a quick unboxing photoshoot for you. The Zune Originals can be made at ZuneOriginals.net and were free when I did it but now cost $10 I think. So here goes:
The Fed Ex box it came in
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25469567@N06/2829451570/" title="2008-09-04 001 001 by klxz79, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/2829451570_1b99c4db8c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="577" alt="2008-09-04 001 001" /></a>
The Zune Originals box (it's hard to see in the pic but it says "ORIGINALS" up the right side of the box
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25469567@N06/2828616589/" title="2008-09-04 001 002 by klxz79, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/2828616589_ec3e16c7dc_b.jpg" width="1024" height="577" alt="2008-09-04 001 002" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25469567@N06/2829454262/" title="2008-09-04 001 003 by klxz79, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3102/2829454262_03c3e3d419_b.jpg" width="577" height="1024" alt="2008-09-04 001 003" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25469567@N06/2828619115/" title="2008-09-04 001 004 by klxz79, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/2828619115_ef4c8d80c8_b.jpg" width="1024" height="577" alt="2008-09-04 001 004" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25469567@N06/2829456760/" title="2008-09-04 001 005 by klxz79, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3079/2829456760_6902b58091_b.jpg" width="1024" height="577" alt="2008-09-04 001 005" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25469567@N06/2829458090/" title="2008-09-04 001 006 by klxz79, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3015/2829458090_6b43e2db4e_b.jpg" width="1024" height="577" alt="2008-09-04 001 006" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25469567@N06/2828622963/" title="2008-09-04 001 007 by klxz79, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/2828622963_2852c989e9_b.jpg" width="1024" height="577" alt="2008-09-04 001 007" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25469567@N06/2828624415/" title="2008-09-04 001 008 by klxz79, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3100/2828624415_93e782bb46_b.jpg" width="1024" height="577" alt="2008-09-04 001 008" /></a>
This is why the box is so big, it comes with this poster of the art you chose for the back of your Zune
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25469567@N06/2829462308/" title="2008-09-04 001 009 by klxz79, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/2829462308_b6f538939c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="577" alt="2008-09-04 001 009" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25469567@N06/2828627179/" title="2008-09-04 001 010 by klxz79, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3087/2828627179_113c8c211e_b.jpg" width="1024" height="577" alt="2008-09-04 001 010" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25469567@N06/2828628395/" title="2008-09-04 001 011 by klxz79, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3232/2828628395_c2afcddcd7_b.jpg" width="1024" height="577" alt="2008-09-04 001 011" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25469567@N06/2829466130/" title="2008-09-04 001 012 by klxz79, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/2829466130_b510ffd3d9_b.jpg" width="1024" height="577" alt="2008-09-04 001 012" /></a>
The Fed Ex box it came in
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25469567@N06/2829451570/" title="2008-09-04 001 001 by klxz79, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/2829451570_1b99c4db8c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="577" alt="2008-09-04 001 001" /></a>
The Zune Originals box (it's hard to see in the pic but it says "ORIGINALS" up the right side of the box
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25469567@N06/2828616589/" title="2008-09-04 001 002 by klxz79, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/2828616589_ec3e16c7dc_b.jpg" width="1024" height="577" alt="2008-09-04 001 002" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25469567@N06/2829454262/" title="2008-09-04 001 003 by klxz79, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3102/2829454262_03c3e3d419_b.jpg" width="577" height="1024" alt="2008-09-04 001 003" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25469567@N06/2828619115/" title="2008-09-04 001 004 by klxz79, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/2828619115_ef4c8d80c8_b.jpg" width="1024" height="577" alt="2008-09-04 001 004" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25469567@N06/2829456760/" title="2008-09-04 001 005 by klxz79, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3079/2829456760_6902b58091_b.jpg" width="1024" height="577" alt="2008-09-04 001 005" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25469567@N06/2829458090/" title="2008-09-04 001 006 by klxz79, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3015/2829458090_6b43e2db4e_b.jpg" width="1024" height="577" alt="2008-09-04 001 006" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25469567@N06/2828622963/" title="2008-09-04 001 007 by klxz79, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/2828622963_2852c989e9_b.jpg" width="1024" height="577" alt="2008-09-04 001 007" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25469567@N06/2828624415/" title="2008-09-04 001 008 by klxz79, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3100/2828624415_93e782bb46_b.jpg" width="1024" height="577" alt="2008-09-04 001 008" /></a>
This is why the box is so big, it comes with this poster of the art you chose for the back of your Zune
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25469567@N06/2829462308/" title="2008-09-04 001 009 by klxz79, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/2829462308_b6f538939c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="577" alt="2008-09-04 001 009" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25469567@N06/2828627179/" title="2008-09-04 001 010 by klxz79, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3087/2828627179_113c8c211e_b.jpg" width="1024" height="577" alt="2008-09-04 001 010" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25469567@N06/2828628395/" title="2008-09-04 001 011 by klxz79, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3232/2828628395_c2afcddcd7_b.jpg" width="1024" height="577" alt="2008-09-04 001 011" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25469567@N06/2829466130/" title="2008-09-04 001 012 by klxz79, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/2829466130_b510ffd3d9_b.jpg" width="1024" height="577" alt="2008-09-04 001 012" /></a>
09-07-2008, 07:21 PM
#297
Sanest Florida Man
Thread Starter
Blue Zune is available at Frys.com for $150. It also gives some details about the new features coming with the new firmware.
http://shop3.frys.com/product/570519...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG
Wireless Zune Marketplace!!! I was thinking of that today that'd be nice for me cause I have the Zune Pass and I can just download songs wherever. but it says thousands of wireless hotspots which means that it will only be at certain places, which suxs!! Games are finally coming, I hope they make a bowling or golf game cause they'd be excellent on the zune pad! The FM song tagging feature is cool too bad I'll never use it cause radio sux.
http://shop3.frys.com/product/570519...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG
<b>Key Features & Benefits</b>
</font><ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"><b>Buy from FM</b>
</font><ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"> <li>Listen to your favorite FM radio stations and click to tag the songs you like for later purchase when you sync your device with your PC1.
</li></font></ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"><b>Zune Pass</b>
</font><ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"> <li>Download millions of tracks, whole albums or playlists with Zune® Pass subscription service. Explore new music or rediscover old favorites—then sync them all
</li></font></ul><font size="1" face="Verdana">to your Zune Extend your subscription online or by purchasing a Zune Pass card.4
<b>Wireless Sync</b>
</font><ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"> <li>Connect to your home wireless network and remotely sync your Zune® device with your PC collection from your dock, AC adapter, or speaker dock accessory. 2
</li></font></ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"><b>Device to Cloud</b>
</font><ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"> <li>Access thousands of wireless hotspots around the country to automatically update your collection, browse Zune Marketplace, refresh Channels, exchange favorites with friends, or buy songs you've tagged from your FM radio.
</li></font></ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"><b>Wireless Sharing</b>
</font><ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"> <li>Send your favorite songs, albums, playlists, pictures and even audio podcasts freely between any Zune® devices. 3
</li></font></ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"><b>Channels</b>
</font><ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"> <li>Zune® Channels are custom programming stations that deliver personalized playlists to your Zune® from a variety of sources you select, such as music experts, celebrities, or top radio stations.
</li></font></ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"><b>Games</b>
</font><ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"> <li>Games rock on your Zune®. Zune® Players now come with a selection of fun free games to choose from. Play the popular poker game Texas Hold'em or challenge yourself to a game of Hexic, and make sure you play your favorite song from your collection to create your own personal game soundtrack.
</li></font></ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"><b>Video/TV Shows</b>
</font><ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"> <li>Choose from a growing selection of TV shows now available on the Zune® Marketplace video store. Recorded TV shows or movies from Windows Media Center in Windows Vista can be imported and synced to your Zune.
</font><ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"><b>Buy from FM</b>
</font><ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"> <li>Listen to your favorite FM radio stations and click to tag the songs you like for later purchase when you sync your device with your PC1.
</li></font></ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"><b>Zune Pass</b>
</font><ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"> <li>Download millions of tracks, whole albums or playlists with Zune® Pass subscription service. Explore new music or rediscover old favorites—then sync them all
</li></font></ul><font size="1" face="Verdana">to your Zune Extend your subscription online or by purchasing a Zune Pass card.4
<b>Wireless Sync</b>
</font><ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"> <li>Connect to your home wireless network and remotely sync your Zune® device with your PC collection from your dock, AC adapter, or speaker dock accessory. 2
</li></font></ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"><b>Device to Cloud</b>
</font><ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"> <li>Access thousands of wireless hotspots around the country to automatically update your collection, browse Zune Marketplace, refresh Channels, exchange favorites with friends, or buy songs you've tagged from your FM radio.
</li></font></ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"><b>Wireless Sharing</b>
</font><ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"> <li>Send your favorite songs, albums, playlists, pictures and even audio podcasts freely between any Zune® devices. 3
</li></font></ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"><b>Channels</b>
</font><ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"> <li>Zune® Channels are custom programming stations that deliver personalized playlists to your Zune® from a variety of sources you select, such as music experts, celebrities, or top radio stations.
</li></font></ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"><b>Games</b>
</font><ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"> <li>Games rock on your Zune®. Zune® Players now come with a selection of fun free games to choose from. Play the popular poker game Texas Hold'em or challenge yourself to a game of Hexic, and make sure you play your favorite song from your collection to create your own personal game soundtrack.
</li></font></ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"><b>Video/TV Shows</b>
</font><ul>
<font size="1" face="Verdana"> <li>Choose from a growing selection of TV shows now available on the Zune® Marketplace video store. Recorded TV shows or movies from Windows Media Center in Windows Vista can be imported and synced to your Zune.
09-08-2008, 05:22 PM
#298
Sanest Florida Man
Thread Starter
So instead of waiting until tomorrow they decided to release the Zune info today.
The new now playing and mix view features sound cool. I've always wanted the now playing screen to be interactive and it seems that it now will be. I gotta say MS is really serious about this music discovery angle no one else even comes close to these innovative ways to discover new music.
P.s. As usual all of these new features will be available for all versions of the Zune. You don't have to buy a new model or pay a fee to get new features unlike the iPod.
Zune Takes Music Discovery to the Next Level With New Ways to Find and Access Digital Music
Software update will enable Zune users to tag songs and buy music directly from FM radio and download and stream music on the go beginning Sept. 16.
REDMOND, Wash. — Sept. 8, 2008 — Zune, Microsoft Corp.’s end-to-end music and entertainment service, again revolutionizes how customers discover and connect to the music they love, where and how they want it. Starting next week, every Zune portable media player will let consumers wirelessly download or stream millions of songs on the go from thousands of wireless hot spots around the country. Free, powerful software and firmware updates will give Zune owners the ability to discover, tag and purchase songs directly from the built-in FM radio, wirelessly access the Zune Marketplace store on the go, and tap into interactive, personalized music recommendations that add even more value to the Zune Pass subscription. Zune is also expanding its device lineup with new 16GB and 120GB capacities as well as shiny new blue-on-silver and sleek all-black color schemes. The new features will begin rolling out on Sept. 16, 2008.
“Digital music services really come alive when they help people find not only the music they know they like, but the music they didn’t know they would love,” said Chris Stephenson, general manager of Global Marketing for Zune at Microsoft. “With the combination of subscription, wireless access to millions of tracks, and powerful discovery features like personal recommendations and the ability to buy music from FM radio, Zune is taking the digital music experience to the next level.”
Wireless Connections
More than 61 percent of people say they discover new music by listening to the radio.1 With that in mind, Zune is taking advantage of the wireless connection and the built-in FM tuner to deliver a new feature called Buy from FM, which lets customers tag and purchase songs they hear on FM radio stations2 directly from the Zune device. When the customer is in a Wi-Fi hot spot, the song can be immediately downloaded to the Zune device. If Wi-Fi is not available, the device will have a queue of songs ready to download when connected to a home computer or in a hot spot. Buy from FM uses Radio Data System and RT+ data feeds within the FM broadcast frequencies that identify song and artist data and enable the Zune service to identify and deliver the track to the customer.
In addition, users can now access the Zune Marketplace music store directly from their device when they are in a recognized Wi-Fi hot spot, or through a home wireless network. To make it easy to discover music on the go, customers can browse lists of featured new releases and top songs and albums sorted by genre, or use the on-screen keypad to type in the song of their choice. Once they have picked a track or album, they can either download it or stream it directly to the Zune device.[/b]
Zune customers have a choice in how they acquire music: They can pay per track or choose a Zune Pass subscription. Zune Pass subscribers can download or stream music to the device or their computer interchangeably, all for a flat rate of $14.99 per month. So whether a device has 4 GB or 120 GB of storage, Zune Pass customers can access and stream millions of songs directly to their Zune.
More Ways to Discover Music: Channels and Picks
The new Zune software update taps expert sources, recommendations from the Zune service and online music community, and the user’s own play data to create a dynamic, digital music experience where discovering music is easy and seamless.
• Channels. Channels are an exciting new tool for music discovery. Customers can explore channels programmed by experts from the music industry such as the Billboard Top 100, The FADER magazine and KEXP radio, in addition to workout-themed channels tailored for high, medium and low impact, and top chart channels from all genres and subgenres. The powerful Zune software will even create custom channels for each user, based on favorite artists and genres. Channels are included with a monthly Zune Pass subscription and can be synced to the device for playback on the go. For non-Zune Pass subscribers, the Channels are available for a la carte purchase.
• Personal Picks. Now the Zune software learns what kind of music users like and makes personal recommendations. When users log onto Zune Marketplace, they’ll find a new area called Picks where the Zune recommendation algorithm will suggest artists, albums and tracks based on the music they have been listening to, as well as channels they might like and listeners like them in the Zune Social.
• The Zune Social online music community. Customers can connect with millions of like-minded fans and share music via the Zune Card, a real-time playlist of each user’s favorite and recently played tracks that can be accessed on the Web or within the Zune software, or synced to the Zune device. Zune Pass subscribers can play full tracks from Zune Cards synced to their device while on the go, and now the playlists will even automatically update with the most recently played tracks when Zune connects to a wireless hot spot. It’s like subscribing to a free feed of music from the sources people trust most — their friends.
Powerful Software
The Zune PC software is a free download at http://www.zune.net that provides rich discovery and media management capabilities to help consumers make the most of their existing music collections, in addition to providing access to the Zune Social and Zune Marketplace so they can add to it.
• Mixview. Customers can select an artist, album or Zune Card to activate a dynamic, visual mosaic of related music and listeners. With each click users can take the view in a new direction, creating a fun, graphical way to discover new music. Mixview works with users’ current collection of music, in addition to tracks and albums from across the Zune Marketplace.
• Now Playing. The improved Now Playing view is more interactive and cinematic. Users can sit back and enjoy the combination of great artist imagery, colorful effects, bio information and data from the Zune online music community, all combined in a full-screen view. They can also click to dive deeper into the music behind the picture, providing another great way to interact with their collection.
A new firmware update will also improve the experience on the Zune device. In addition to the new wireless functionality, Zune will bring new features customers have been asking for:
• Games on the go. Two free games, “Hexic” and “Texas Hold ’Em,” will keep users entertained on the go.
• Audiobooks. All Zune devices will feature support for audiobooks this fall from industry leaders in the digital distribution of audiobook content.
– Audible. Customers can visit audible.com to download and sync favorite books from the 50,000 titles available from over 600 publishers and content providers.
– OverDrive. They can download content from sites powered by overdrive.com, including 7,500 libraries’ Web sites worldwide. (http://search.overdrive.com)
Device Pricing Information Effective Sept. 16
120 GB: $249.99
80 GB: $229.99
16 GB: $199.00
8 GB: $149.99
4 GB: $129.993
Software update will enable Zune users to tag songs and buy music directly from FM radio and download and stream music on the go beginning Sept. 16.
REDMOND, Wash. — Sept. 8, 2008 — Zune, Microsoft Corp.’s end-to-end music and entertainment service, again revolutionizes how customers discover and connect to the music they love, where and how they want it. Starting next week, every Zune portable media player will let consumers wirelessly download or stream millions of songs on the go from thousands of wireless hot spots around the country. Free, powerful software and firmware updates will give Zune owners the ability to discover, tag and purchase songs directly from the built-in FM radio, wirelessly access the Zune Marketplace store on the go, and tap into interactive, personalized music recommendations that add even more value to the Zune Pass subscription. Zune is also expanding its device lineup with new 16GB and 120GB capacities as well as shiny new blue-on-silver and sleek all-black color schemes. The new features will begin rolling out on Sept. 16, 2008.
“Digital music services really come alive when they help people find not only the music they know they like, but the music they didn’t know they would love,” said Chris Stephenson, general manager of Global Marketing for Zune at Microsoft. “With the combination of subscription, wireless access to millions of tracks, and powerful discovery features like personal recommendations and the ability to buy music from FM radio, Zune is taking the digital music experience to the next level.”
Wireless Connections
More than 61 percent of people say they discover new music by listening to the radio.1 With that in mind, Zune is taking advantage of the wireless connection and the built-in FM tuner to deliver a new feature called Buy from FM, which lets customers tag and purchase songs they hear on FM radio stations2 directly from the Zune device. When the customer is in a Wi-Fi hot spot, the song can be immediately downloaded to the Zune device. If Wi-Fi is not available, the device will have a queue of songs ready to download when connected to a home computer or in a hot spot. Buy from FM uses Radio Data System and RT+ data feeds within the FM broadcast frequencies that identify song and artist data and enable the Zune service to identify and deliver the track to the customer.
In addition, users can now access the Zune Marketplace music store directly from their device when they are in a recognized Wi-Fi hot spot, or through a home wireless network. To make it easy to discover music on the go, customers can browse lists of featured new releases and top songs and albums sorted by genre, or use the on-screen keypad to type in the song of their choice. Once they have picked a track or album, they can either download it or stream it directly to the Zune device.[/b]
Zune customers have a choice in how they acquire music: They can pay per track or choose a Zune Pass subscription. Zune Pass subscribers can download or stream music to the device or their computer interchangeably, all for a flat rate of $14.99 per month. So whether a device has 4 GB or 120 GB of storage, Zune Pass customers can access and stream millions of songs directly to their Zune.
More Ways to Discover Music: Channels and Picks
The new Zune software update taps expert sources, recommendations from the Zune service and online music community, and the user’s own play data to create a dynamic, digital music experience where discovering music is easy and seamless.
• Channels. Channels are an exciting new tool for music discovery. Customers can explore channels programmed by experts from the music industry such as the Billboard Top 100, The FADER magazine and KEXP radio, in addition to workout-themed channels tailored for high, medium and low impact, and top chart channels from all genres and subgenres. The powerful Zune software will even create custom channels for each user, based on favorite artists and genres. Channels are included with a monthly Zune Pass subscription and can be synced to the device for playback on the go. For non-Zune Pass subscribers, the Channels are available for a la carte purchase.
• Personal Picks. Now the Zune software learns what kind of music users like and makes personal recommendations. When users log onto Zune Marketplace, they’ll find a new area called Picks where the Zune recommendation algorithm will suggest artists, albums and tracks based on the music they have been listening to, as well as channels they might like and listeners like them in the Zune Social.
• The Zune Social online music community. Customers can connect with millions of like-minded fans and share music via the Zune Card, a real-time playlist of each user’s favorite and recently played tracks that can be accessed on the Web or within the Zune software, or synced to the Zune device. Zune Pass subscribers can play full tracks from Zune Cards synced to their device while on the go, and now the playlists will even automatically update with the most recently played tracks when Zune connects to a wireless hot spot. It’s like subscribing to a free feed of music from the sources people trust most — their friends.
Powerful Software
The Zune PC software is a free download at http://www.zune.net that provides rich discovery and media management capabilities to help consumers make the most of their existing music collections, in addition to providing access to the Zune Social and Zune Marketplace so they can add to it.
• Mixview. Customers can select an artist, album or Zune Card to activate a dynamic, visual mosaic of related music and listeners. With each click users can take the view in a new direction, creating a fun, graphical way to discover new music. Mixview works with users’ current collection of music, in addition to tracks and albums from across the Zune Marketplace.
• Now Playing. The improved Now Playing view is more interactive and cinematic. Users can sit back and enjoy the combination of great artist imagery, colorful effects, bio information and data from the Zune online music community, all combined in a full-screen view. They can also click to dive deeper into the music behind the picture, providing another great way to interact with their collection.
A new firmware update will also improve the experience on the Zune device. In addition to the new wireless functionality, Zune will bring new features customers have been asking for:
• Games on the go. Two free games, “Hexic” and “Texas Hold ’Em,” will keep users entertained on the go.
• Audiobooks. All Zune devices will feature support for audiobooks this fall from industry leaders in the digital distribution of audiobook content.
– Audible. Customers can visit audible.com to download and sync favorite books from the 50,000 titles available from over 600 publishers and content providers.
– OverDrive. They can download content from sites powered by overdrive.com, including 7,500 libraries’ Web sites worldwide. (http://search.overdrive.com)
Device Pricing Information Effective Sept. 16
120 GB: $249.99
80 GB: $229.99
16 GB: $199.00
8 GB: $149.99
4 GB: $129.993
P.s. As usual all of these new features will be available for all versions of the Zune. You don't have to buy a new model or pay a fee to get new features unlike the iPod.
Last edited by #1 STUNNA; 09-08-2008 at 05:26 PM.
09-08-2008, 07:58 PM
#299
Thanks for the cliffs in bold. I'm curious to see what kind of suggestions it comes up with when my top three artist plays are Belinda Carlisle, Rancid, and They Might Be Giants. Maybe I'll crash the server.
Audible support is a VERY big deal to some people.
Audible support is a VERY big deal to some people.
for free Texas Hold Em game.
09-09-2008, 04:48 PM
#301
Sanest Florida Man
Thread Starter
It's the same as the 80gb except its now $250 and the 80 is $230 and it's got a glossy black front instead of matte. I kinda like the glossy more.
09-09-2008, 04:54 PM
#302
Sanest Florida Man
Thread Starter
Here's some videos showing off the new features. The picks thing is similar to the genius feature in the new itunes.
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><object width="600" height="450"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oqsHBJg3aB8&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed name="s_media_1_0" id="s_media_1_0" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oqsHBJg3aB8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="600" height="450"></object> <br><br> <embed id="msn_soapbox" flashvars="c=v&v=e9706b7e-c32e-46a4-92ea-7cb8c73746c7&ifs=true&fr=shared" pluginspage="http://macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="msn_soapbox" base="http://images.video.msn.com/" quality="high" src="http://images.video.msn.com/flash/soapbox1_1.swf?c=v&v=e9706b7e-c32e-46a4-92ea-7cb8c73746c7" width="600" height="450"><br><a title="Zune Fall 2008 Wireless Features" target="_new" href="http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?playlist=videoByUuids:uuids:e9706b7e-c32e-46a4-92ea-7cb8c73746c7&showPlaylist=true">Video: Zune Fall 2008 Wireless Features</a> <br><br> <embed id="msn_soapbox" flashvars="c=v&v=52118a97-e764-4c4f-aa9e-bae2bc47ee57&ifs=true&fr=shared" pluginspage="http://macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="msn_soapbox" base="http://images.video.msn.com/" quality="high" src="http://images.video.msn.com/flash/soapbox1_1.swf?c=v&v=52118a97-e764-4c4f-aa9e-bae2bc47ee57" width="600" height="450"><br><a title="Zune Fall update: buy from FM" target="_new" href="http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?playlist=videoByUuids:uuids:52118a97-e764-4c4f-aa9e-bae2bc47ee57&showPlaylist=true">Video: Zune Fall update: buy from FM</a> <br><br> <embed id="msn_soapbox" flashvars="c=v&v=1dadcc7c-bbed-4e5c-a36a-b6bc44728ed1&ifs=true&fr=shared" pluginspage="http://macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="msn_soapbox" base="http://images.video.msn.com/" quality="high" src="http://images.video.msn.com/flash/soapbox1_1.swf?c=v&v=1dadcc7c-bbed-4e5c-a36a-b6bc44728ed1" width="600" height="450"><br><a title="Zune Software Features - Zune Fall 2008" target="_new" href="http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?playlist=videoByUuids:uuids:1dadcc7c-bbed-4e5c-a36a-b6bc44728ed1&showPlaylist=true">Video: Zune Software Features - Zune Fall 2008</a> <br><br> <embed id="msn_soapbox" flashvars="c=v&v=af9604b2-195e-4b69-afb7-6f5cd17749c1&ifs=true&fr=shared" pluginspage="http://macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="msn_soapbox" base="http://images.video.msn.com/" quality="high" src="http://images.video.msn.com/flash/soapbox1_1.swf?c=v&v=af9604b2-195e-4b69-afb7-6f5cd17749c1" width="600" height="450"><br><a title="Zune Fall Update: Channels" target="_new" href="http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?playlist=videoByUuids:uuids:af9604b2-195e-4b69-afb7-6f5cd17749c1&showPlaylist=true">Video: Zune Fall Update: Channels</a>
also it seems that the wireless Zune Marketplace will work on any wireless network that doesn't require a browser to log onto the network!!! So that's just about anywhere except places that charge you for wi-fi access!! good news!
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><object width="600" height="450"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oqsHBJg3aB8&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed name="s_media_1_0" id="s_media_1_0" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oqsHBJg3aB8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="600" height="450"></object> <br><br> <embed id="msn_soapbox" flashvars="c=v&v=e9706b7e-c32e-46a4-92ea-7cb8c73746c7&ifs=true&fr=shared" pluginspage="http://macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="msn_soapbox" base="http://images.video.msn.com/" quality="high" src="http://images.video.msn.com/flash/soapbox1_1.swf?c=v&v=e9706b7e-c32e-46a4-92ea-7cb8c73746c7" width="600" height="450"><br><a title="Zune Fall 2008 Wireless Features" target="_new" href="http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?playlist=videoByUuids:uuids:e9706b7e-c32e-46a4-92ea-7cb8c73746c7&showPlaylist=true">Video: Zune Fall 2008 Wireless Features</a> <br><br> <embed id="msn_soapbox" flashvars="c=v&v=52118a97-e764-4c4f-aa9e-bae2bc47ee57&ifs=true&fr=shared" pluginspage="http://macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="msn_soapbox" base="http://images.video.msn.com/" quality="high" src="http://images.video.msn.com/flash/soapbox1_1.swf?c=v&v=52118a97-e764-4c4f-aa9e-bae2bc47ee57" width="600" height="450"><br><a title="Zune Fall update: buy from FM" target="_new" href="http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?playlist=videoByUuids:uuids:52118a97-e764-4c4f-aa9e-bae2bc47ee57&showPlaylist=true">Video: Zune Fall update: buy from FM</a> <br><br> <embed id="msn_soapbox" flashvars="c=v&v=1dadcc7c-bbed-4e5c-a36a-b6bc44728ed1&ifs=true&fr=shared" pluginspage="http://macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="msn_soapbox" base="http://images.video.msn.com/" quality="high" src="http://images.video.msn.com/flash/soapbox1_1.swf?c=v&v=1dadcc7c-bbed-4e5c-a36a-b6bc44728ed1" width="600" height="450"><br><a title="Zune Software Features - Zune Fall 2008" target="_new" href="http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?playlist=videoByUuids:uuids:1dadcc7c-bbed-4e5c-a36a-b6bc44728ed1&showPlaylist=true">Video: Zune Software Features - Zune Fall 2008</a> <br><br> <embed id="msn_soapbox" flashvars="c=v&v=af9604b2-195e-4b69-afb7-6f5cd17749c1&ifs=true&fr=shared" pluginspage="http://macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="msn_soapbox" base="http://images.video.msn.com/" quality="high" src="http://images.video.msn.com/flash/soapbox1_1.swf?c=v&v=af9604b2-195e-4b69-afb7-6f5cd17749c1" width="600" height="450"><br><a title="Zune Fall Update: Channels" target="_new" href="http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?playlist=videoByUuids:uuids:af9604b2-195e-4b69-afb7-6f5cd17749c1&showPlaylist=true">Video: Zune Fall Update: Channels</a>
also it seems that the wireless Zune Marketplace will work on any wireless network that doesn't require a browser to log onto the network!!! So that's just about anywhere except places that charge you for wi-fi access!! good news!
Last edited by #1 STUNNA; 09-09-2008 at 04:58 PM.
09-16-2008, 05:57 PM
#303
Sanest Florida Man
Thread Starter
The new 3.0 Zune software came out today and it's pretty much bad ass!! I was messing with the "buy from FM" feature on the way to work this morning and it works as advertised. I tuned into the classic rock stations and found a couple songs to add to my 50s, 60s, and 70s rock music playlist and I downloaded them as soon as I got home. I've also downloaded this MIA electronic group directly to the Zune via the Wi-Fi marketplace. A neat feature of the Marketplace is that you can stream music to your Zune from one group while your shopping around for another group, you can't do that on the iTunes Wi-fi store. Shit you can't even do that on the iTunes store on your Mac or PC, what a joke!!
Not to mention that ALL Zunes have the ability to connect via Wi-fi even the $130 version unlike the iPods that don't have an FM tuner or wi-fi and the old iPods aren't getting the new features of the new iPods but 1st gen Zunes (even that ugly brown one) are getting all the new features that the new Zunes get!
The new Now playing screen is great! Here's a couple screen caps I took of mine
you don't have to hit any button to enable this screen it just goes to it after about 10-15 secs, it's beautiful!
Here's what Mixview the competitor to iTunes Genius playlist looks like
and this is what Genius looks like
Picks and Channels are good ways to discover more music. Picks are based of what Zune thinks you might like based on your music library and Channels are automatically updating smart playlists with new music from entities like KROQ, Fader, Billboard and Zune DJs. Also there are Channels for different types of music, hip-hop, ambient, electronic, etc.
The Zune software has really come along, it's maturing quite nicely, it's my default audio player (it's been for a while) and I just may make it my default video player. MS should really think about killing off WMP and sticking with this and WMC for Windows 7. This thing plays and makes AAC along with support for mp4, WMA lossless, WMV, and audiobook. It plays all the formats that WMP plays and what iTunes plays (except Apple lossless and mov files), it integrates with Window Media Center you can stream your music with this thing, it's pretty much a complete player and it blows the competition away in looks and ease of use!! People look at spreadsheets all day at work they don't want to come home and view their music as an ugly spreadsheet, iTunes is fugly and boring!! Even if you don't have a Zune you should at least try the software
Download
http://www.zune.net/en-us/products/z...re/default.htm
But don't just listen to me listen to the reviews:
http://gizmodo.com/5050410/microsoft...s-with-mixview
http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/16/zune-3-0-hands-on/
Also new in 3.0 are games, once you update all Zune get the ability (which you can opt out of) to play Texas hold em and Hexic (which is like bejeweled). I've played a little of both, the graphics are OK they aren't PSP quality but it's a damn MP3 player, I don't need DX 10 and Open GL support for it.
Other little things added in 3.0, Zune devices get an optional clock and the ability to put a PIN on your device, the search box now has intellisense to guess what you're searching for (FINALLY!) and there are two new backgrounds and a slightly new look for the Zune software.
Not to mention that ALL Zunes have the ability to connect via Wi-fi even the $130 version unlike the iPods that don't have an FM tuner or wi-fi and the old iPods aren't getting the new features of the new iPods but 1st gen Zunes (even that ugly brown one) are getting all the new features that the new Zunes get!The new Now playing screen is great! Here's a couple screen caps I took of mine
you don't have to hit any button to enable this screen it just goes to it after about 10-15 secs, it's beautiful!
Here's what Mixview the competitor to iTunes Genius playlist looks like
and this is what Genius looks like
Picks and Channels are good ways to discover more music. Picks are based of what Zune thinks you might like based on your music library and Channels are automatically updating smart playlists with new music from entities like KROQ, Fader, Billboard and Zune DJs. Also there are Channels for different types of music, hip-hop, ambient, electronic, etc.
The Zune software has really come along, it's maturing quite nicely, it's my default audio player (it's been for a while) and I just may make it my default video player. MS should really think about killing off WMP and sticking with this and WMC for Windows 7. This thing plays and makes AAC along with support for mp4, WMA lossless, WMV, and audiobook. It plays all the formats that WMP plays and what iTunes plays (except Apple lossless and mov files), it integrates with Window Media Center you can stream your music with this thing, it's pretty much a complete player and it blows the competition away in looks and ease of use!! People look at spreadsheets all day at work they don't want to come home and view their music as an ugly spreadsheet, iTunes is fugly and boring!! Even if you don't have a Zune you should at least try the software
Download
http://www.zune.net/en-us/products/z...re/default.htm
But don't just listen to me listen to the reviews:
http://gizmodo.com/5050410/microsoft...s-with-mixview
http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/16/zune-3-0-hands-on/
Also new in 3.0 are games, once you update all Zune get the ability (which you can opt out of) to play Texas hold em and Hexic (which is like bejeweled). I've played a little of both, the graphics are OK they aren't PSP quality but it's a damn MP3 player, I don't need DX 10 and Open GL support for it.
Other little things added in 3.0, Zune devices get an optional clock and the ability to put a PIN on your device, the search box now has intellisense to guess what you're searching for (FINALLY!) and there are two new backgrounds and a slightly new look for the Zune software.
09-17-2008, 12:05 AM
#305
Yes, he did that
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: SF Bay Area, CA (i.e. Dublin)
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The new Zunes + 3.0 look awesome! Glad to see MS is continually improving the Zune. What's the size comparison between the new 120 and the iPod classic?
09-17-2008, 01:14 AM
#306
_____ like a rabbit
love it so far, only complaint is that the clock doesnt show on all of the screens but w/e. I absolutely love the now playing screen! love the free updates, i even updated my sisters old "ugly" brown one. Also, using the touch pad is kinda hard when using the games but i guess its just a matter of getting used to it. More thoughts later...
09-17-2008, 09:10 AM
#309
Sanest Florida Man
Thread Starter
I just sent you a friend request. Anyone else?
09-17-2008, 09:29 AM
#310
Sanest Florida Man
Thread Starter
Also they found new colors hidden in the Zune 3.0 software that haven't been announced yet, here they are
09-17-2008, 09:46 AM
#311
Did you say the 120 is the same size as the 80?
09-17-2008, 03:23 PM
#312
Sanest Florida Man
Thread Starter
It should be as should the ipod classic. They both use the same Toshiba HD and Toshiba just bumped the capacity to 120gb, they bumped the 160gb to 240gb but both MS and Apple aren't offering a 240gb player.
09-17-2008, 04:17 PM
#314
Sanest Florida Man
Thread Starter
Yeah the blue 8gb was announced but not a 120gb blue.
09-25-2008, 07:54 PM
#315
Mazda3 and Honda Civic in
Ok my 8g zune froze up on me today. Has this happened to anyone else here and was there a quick fix?
I got it at walmart so I can exchange it, hopefully for a 16g for a few bucks more.
I got it at walmart so I can exchange it, hopefully for a 16g for a few bucks more.
09-25-2008, 08:20 PM
#316
Sanest Florida Man
Thread Starter
To reboot the Zune push down the back button and the top part of the Zune pad at the same time for 5 seconds and it should restart. Did you try that?
09-25-2008, 09:14 PM
#317
Mazda3 and Honda Civic in
09-30-2008, 11:59 PM
#318
Sanest Florida Man
Thread Starter
A Zune that even Sarlacc would want!
They just announced a really cool looking Gears of War 2 themed Zune 120. I've never played Gears (PS3 guy) but this thing looks awesome!
They just announced a really cool looking Gears of War 2 themed Zune 120. I've never played Gears (PS3 guy) but this thing looks awesome!
Killing two marketing birds with one stone, Microsoft's bundling some of its Zunes with various Gears of War 2 (launching soon!) paraphernalia. Each 120GB Zune will sport a laser-etched “Crimson Omen” and come pre-loaded with 244 pieces of media, including the soundtrack, behind-the-scene videos and concept art. The entire package will cost you $280 and will start shipping on November 7th. Pre-orders on Amazon.com and Walmart.com will begin at 6am EST.
10-01-2008, 01:00 AM
#319
The Third Ball
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
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:meh:
Smart marketing idea though.
Smart marketing idea though.