Why? Because it would be better for the portable gaming arena for another competitor to come and shake up the scene. If Redmond can come up with a device that does equally well in gaming and media playback – something that in my opinion can’t really be said of the DS, PSP, and iPhone/iPod Touch – then I’d certainly buy that gadget. And, as I said, more competition means a race for more and better features (and hopefully lower prices), which would benefit us consumers in the end.

[via Electronista, image via Digital Battle]

Is this a matter of stupidity or subliminal sabotage? Are the Belkinites a bunch of closeted Zune lovers or are they just a bit clueless? I mean heck, I don’t have a Zune or anything but of course I know what the logo looks like because of this…

This brandtastic FAIL is not for sale yet but feel free to check out the product page.

[via Crave]

For starters, there will be an 80GB hard drive model, similar to the original Zune models, but packing a larger 3.2-inch QVGA screen, and a slimmer case design. As revealed earlier, smaller 4GB and 8GB flash-based models are also on the way to go head-to-head with the iPod Nano. All three new models will hit stores in mid-November, with the 4GB retailing for $149, the 8GB for $199 and the 80GB for just $249.

Additional details which have surfaced include automatic sync-over-WiFi capability (Apple, are you listening?), and a DRM-free music store (surprise!) As an added bonus to Zune early adopters, the original model (now known as the “Zune 30″) will get a firmware update to match the features of the newer models.

[Official Microsoft Press Release]

[Zune-Online via Gizmodo]

The diagram I was able to dig up shows the label placement on both 4GB and 8GB flash-based player models aimed squarely at the iPod Nano. This drawing all but confirms the leaked photo that Engadget managed to get their hands on yesterday.

For those of you who care, there’s also a drawing of a matching Zune FM transmitter module/dock for use in your car.

Pricing and a release date aren’t confirmed yet, but many rumors are pointing to today or tomorrow. Keep your eye out on the Zune website for an announcement any day now.

Now if you could only figure out a way to get those DRM locked tunes from iTunes to the Zune, you’d be all set.

[via MacRumors via Gizmodo]

• TuneBase FM Transmitter($79.99): Broadcast tunes to your car stereo; able to work in either portrait or landscape mode
• TunePower ($59.99): Special case which includes a battery for up to 6 hours of extra playtime and a “kickstand” for hands-free video viewing
• Acrylic Case ($29.99)
• Folio Leather Kickstand Case ($29.99)
• Microfiber Holster Case($29.99)
• Neoprene Sports Armband Case ($29.99)
• Sports Jacket Case with Armband ($19.99)
• ClearScreen Overlay ($14.99)

All accessories should be released in North America by the end of November.

This places it head to head with other 30GB media players such as Apple’s iPod. The Zune features a couple of capabilities not present on the ubiquitous iPod including an FM tuner and wi-fi music sharing capabilities. In addition, the Zune marketplace will offer both pay-per-download songs for 79 Microsoft Points each (99 cents) and a $14.99 per month “unlimited” music download option. The Zune will also come preloaded with a handful of music videos and tracks, most of which will likely be disgarded by users. (That said, I’m happy to see one of my favorite bands, Grandaddy, has made the cut.)

While these could definitely be seen as advantages over Apple’s players, it’s way too soon to know if Zune will even make a dent in the market share of other digital music players.

[via CrunchGear]

Looks like someone at Amazon made a pretty big freudian slip.

I’m not sure how long this will remain up on their site, but here’s the original page.

[via Digg]

This surprise announcement certainly shakes things up, what with both the iPod 30GB and Creative Zen:M 30GB both just reduced to $249. Given the wireless capabilities and FM tuner in the Zune, this could give them a big competitive advantage going into the holiday season.

Will wonders never cease?

[via Gizmodo]

With so many rumors pointing to a $299 launch price for Microsoft’s Zune 30gb model, the question is: Are people willing to drop an extra $50 for Microsoft’s as yet unproven social networking and song sharing features? Will Microsoft feel the pressure to drop the price and lose some profit margin? What do you think?

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

Note the huge album art, and video playback is done in landscape mode to provide excellent widescreen movie viewing. The video also shows off the FM tuner capability (which now appears to support RDS for track and title information – cool!) and a sneak peek at the ability to share content between devices.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

The second video shows off the tune sharing ability a little better, which looks less like the streaming ability that was originally rumored, and more like the ability to download tracks from device to device. The latest word is that DRM will be used to make shared tracks expire or be limited to a certain number of plays.

[via Mobility Today via Gizmodo]

As we reported previously, the initial models will come with a 30GB hard drive, built-in wi-fi, an FM tuner and the ability to stream tunes to other Zune players. In addition, the player will ship in three colors: black, white and a rather odd chocolate brown.

More has been revealed regarding their music store, to be known as “Zune Marketplace.” You’ll be able to buy individual tracks (ala iTunes) or purchase a “Zune Pass” for an unlimited download subscription (ala Napster). The exact details of the DRM policies haven’t yet been revealed.

Pricing and release date haven’t yet been set, but with the new iPods running $249 for 30GB, I’d assume Microsoft will try to match that price rather than charge a rumored $299.

As a side note, Microsoft’s viral marketing site, Comingzune.com has been updated today, but is still as cryptic as ever.

[via Gizmodo]

The abstract of the patent documents reads:

Methods and apparatus for providing synchronous playback of the same piece of time-based media on multiple devices connected over heterogenous channels consisting of varying degrees of delay. The preferred embodiment of the invention is a handheld music player that uses a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth communications link to enable users to share music with similar nearby players and to synchronously play back the same music different players simultaneously. Users of all players tuned into one source hear the same thing at the same time, enabling the feeling of a shared music experience. Users can also use their players to exchange profile information and text messages.

Could this spell trouble down the road for Microsoft if this patent is eventually awarded?

The device has been registered with the FCC as the Toshiba 1089. It’s been confirmed that the player features a 30GB hard drive, a 3″ LCD, USB 2.0 and 802.11 b/g connectivity. Also, we can confirm that what was once thought to be a scroll-wheel (a la iPod) is simply a clickable joypad.

The more and more I read about the Zune, the less I understand about how it’s really different from any other media player out there. I have to keep in mind that Microsoft is still a software company at heart, and maybe the beauty of this device will be the operating interface.

Reportedly, the Toshiba is only the first model to be released, and Microsoft outsourced this manufacturing in order to meet the impending holiday 2006 season. There are plans to release other models, quite possibly manufactured by others including Microsoft, in the future.

A preliminary user manual reveals some functionality planned for the device, including the previously reported ability to share and stream music and photos to other connected Zune users.

The keyboards will also include 10 programmable hotkeys for macros (32k of onboard memory for macros), Media Center control keys, Line-level out for audio peripherals and two built-in USB ports. A release date and pricing are still pending.

[via Gizmodo]

This Week in Consumer Electronics (TWICE) has learned from several retailers that Microsoft is planning to release their “iPod killer”, Zune digital media player this fall (rumors have it as a November 14th release date) at an MSRP of $299.

The players will come in three colors initially and will have a 30GB hard drive and Wi-Fi capabilities. Initial reports are that tracks will not be able to be purchased via Wi-Fi initially, and that they can only be purchased with the device connected to the computer. Presumably, the wireless capability will be used for wireless streaming of music to other users, similar to what’s been announced for the recently revealed Sony Mylo.

[via TWICE]