• microsoft report card

    Microsoft Year-End Report Card: B-

    Well, Redmond, it's been a funny year, hasn't it? Even if you ignore those Apple commercials, it's hard to ignore the fact that Vista was probably one of the main reasons people switched to the Mac OS, or to third-party Linux-based systems. We'll get to the big V—and that other mighty stain Windows Mobile—in a bit, but first you deserve much credit for some impressive feats in gaming, entertainment and home networking. More »
    Feature
    12/21/07
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  • dealzmodo

    Pink 8GB Zune for $165 from Amazon

    Amazon's got the pink 8GB Zune on sale for $157, which translates into $165 w/ shipping. The sorta catch is that it's from a third-party retailer, but since they're selling through Amazon, you shouldn't have to worry about anything shady going down. If pink's not your party, the other colors are from Amazon itself going for $185, which is a bit of a discount. [Amazon]
    12/13/07
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  • zune

    Limited Edition Zune 2 in Gold

    Only 10 of these gold-colored Zune 2s will be sold, in both 80 and 8GB sizes. Microsoft teamed up with the Goods to make these screen printed designs. I like the cross pattern. They're available next Saturday, in Seattle, if you feel the need to splurge. (No price listed but "Gold" plus "Limited Edition" plus "one of ten" plus made in collaboration with a company called "Goods" equals expensive.) Whether or not this design or Zune is something you're interested in, you have to admit Microsoft's customization program has been destroying the iPod's offerings. [IHaveAZune via GotZune] More »
    12/04/07
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    Comment by ANoel: I have never had a build-quality issue with the Zune, in fact the first gen felt very comfortably solid in... more » | Other threads

  • pulpbite

    Mossberg on Zune 2: 'Still No iPod'

    Walt Mossberg, the Wall Street Journal's tech gnome, got a chance to play with Microsoft's new line of Zunes, and he was pretty ambivalent about them. While he thinks they're a noticeable improvement over the first generation, that's not really saying much seeing how unimpressed he was with those. And he hates the Pink. But he is a fan of the new Zune Pad controller, the updated software and better Wi-Fi implementation, so all is not lost. He only mentioned the iPod 35 times in this review (Zune: 67) but when you talk Zune, you have to talk iPod, so we forgive his Apple love. And we can throw no stones. More »
    11/14/07
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    Comment by w.ll.am: Here is why the Zune will never go anywhere... I'm at home watching a commercial with my wife. It's an artsy... more » | Other threads

  • zune buyer's guide

    Is Zune 2 Worth a Damn?

    Here's what Zune has for us this year: a 4/8GB flash-based Zune that's the same size as the 2nd Generation nano, a 30GB first-generation Zune that gets updated features and firmware, and a 80GB Zune with the improved Zune pad and larger storage. The question to both new customers and owners of the first-gen: is the Zune 2 worth a damn? The answer is yes, yes it is. More »
    Feature
    11/13/07
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  • complete zune guide

    Complete Guide to Zune 2's Software and Firmware

    Zune 2 and its batch of new features are finally upon us, bringing new players and an entirely new experience. On the device side, there's 4/8GB flash-based and 80GB hard drive-based Zune with fancy form factors and increased storage, as well as new firmware for your old first-gen 30GB players. On the software side, the functionally rich (but somewhat clumsy to use) Zune suite is gone and is replaced by a beautiful, but hollow successor. Read on to find out how Microsoft has managed to change a lot on the one hand, and very little on the other—then see how the Zune stacks up against iTunes and iPod. More »
    Feature
    11/12/07
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  • zune tight jeans test

    Flash Zune Hardware Gallery and Test: Tight Jeans, Sizemodo, and Zunepad

    The new Zune firmware is bringing new functionality to even old Zunes (which we covered in detail here), but is the new hardware special enough to be worth your purchase? Here's a rundown of our tests on how easy it is to fit a Zune in your pocket (video above), the paint job, and the new touch sensitive directional Zune pad. Video of Zune Flash enduring the pressure and friction of jeans too tight, after the jump, followed by everything you need to know about the hardware. More »
    Feature
    11/12/07
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  • zune

    First Zune 2 Ad and Zunejourney.net Promo Site Launch

    The Zune 2 ad campaign has begun. The slogan has changed from "Welcome to the Social" to "You Make It You"—are they saying Zune owners don't have friends?—and the visual appeal has become distinctly psychedelic, a combination of Alice in Wonderland, Yellow Submarine and Time Bandits. We notice that there's not a lot of fetishizing of the actual product in either. That could be a mistake. See for yourself in the video above, or at ZuneJourney.net. [Zune-Online.com]
    11/02/07
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    Comment by d.omen: this is more like a tori amos music video....not a MS zune ad? more » | Other threads

  • zune 2

    Zune 2 Display In the Wild Again

    We saw a couple leaked display shots of the Zune 2 before the thing was even announced, but a Wal-Mart in St. Louis seems to have them up on prominent display. The site itsnotlikethat.com claims that the sales person "confirmed they were for sale", but it seems to us that it's unlikely that retail stores even have shipments of this thing so far before its 11/13 official launch. If it actually is for sale, can any Giz readers run down to that store for us and pick up a few? Seriously. We'll pay you for it and everything. [itsnotlikethat]
    11/01/07
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    Comment by zunealltheway: welcome to Wal-mart "get your shit and get out" more » | Other threads

  • zune 2

    More Details on Zune Social Networking Features

    This is not text messaging and it's not even on the Zune itself. This is just a document illustrating how the Zune Social networking features will work in the software on your PC. You're sending messages—pointers to songs or albums—with your own notes to your friends, which are shown in the inbox portion of the software. No new features we haven't seen yet, just a doc showing how it'll work. We've sent Haroon to remedial reading comprehension school in the mean time. -J.C. More »
    10/20/07
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    Comment by Nakamuri: The Zune has a much better quality than the ipod in terms of resistance and durability, I had an ipod... more » | Other threads

  • zune 2

    Support training documents for the Zune 2 have been leaked. If you are up to the read, drop any interesting finds below. [Zune Scene]
    10/20/07
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    Comment by chrisaroz: Wow Gizmodo, nice. "We're too lazy to read anything if it doesn't say Apple on it, so we're gonna make our... more » | Other threads

  • zune battery life

    Zune Almost Matches iPod Battery Specs

    The battery life specs are in on the new Zunes, and they match up pretty well to the latest iPods. The Zune 80 will get 30 hours on audio and 4 hours on video, and the 4 and 8GB flash Zunes will get 24 hours audio and 4 hours video. In comparison, the 80GB iPod classic has 30/5 (equal in audio, one more hour in video), and the iPod Nanos get 24/5 (again, equal in audio but one up in video). You can chalk up that slightly worse video performance to the larger screens on the Zunes—which we'd prefer over a smaller screen and slightly longer life. [Zune Insider]
    10/15/07
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    Comment by diabolusunknown: @zip22: Well, if you want to include hacks into the capability of the player, then the Zune gives you the... more » | Other threads

  • zune 2

    For some reason, the new version of the Zune music manager suite got pushed out to some people through Windows Update. Unfortunately, all it does right now is list your entire music library. [Zunerama]
    10/12/07
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    Comment by sotark: @Ultraorange: no fake, for sure it is real! more » | Other threads

  • roundup

    The Gadget Wars, Who Won/Lost Last Week?

    Every week is a battle. There's seldom any bloodshed, and generally no tears. But every week is a battle for the consumer mind and the consumer heart. Here's the way we saw things this week: one winner, one loser and one company that's sort of treaded water despite big announcements. More »
    10/06/07
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  • zune

    Zune Release Date Confirmed: 11/13

    Microsoft's just confirmed with us the November 13 release date of the new Zunes—previously stated by Amazon. Whether or not the firmware for the old Zune is coming on 11/13 is still unconfirmed.
    10/03/07
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    Comment by ANoel: @jennyfur: You can't smackdown anyone for being white or black or red or rainbow or ugly or straight or anything... more » | Other threads

  • zune

    J Allard Finally Photographed In Public With Zune

    We're not sure why this was a policy, but J Allard famously avoided being photographed with a Zune starting from the launch last year up until this week. Seriously, go try and find a picture of him with a Zune. It's impossible! Apparently his shame for the generation 1 product is over, since he proudly held up a Zune at the Microsoft event Tuesday. Welcome to the Social, J.
    10/03/07
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    Comment by wbremner: "J" actually stands for "Janus" - i.e. the two-faced god. If you mask the right side of his face (left... more » | Other threads

  • zune

    Microsoft Aims Zune at #2 Spot

    Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Devision President Robbie Bach suffers no delusions about unseating the iPod this year. He says that the new Zune Updates can put the company into the solid #2 spot for the overall portable music player market by the end of the next fiscal year (which ends June 2008) now that the Zunes are "where they probably should have been last year, when they launched." More »
    10/03/07
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    Comment by mathew: Microsoft wants the Zune to be #2. That's why the original Zune was brown. more » | Other threads

  • zune

    Zune 2 Roundup

    Asleep when all the Zune news was announced last night? Here's your chance to catch up. From Zune details to UI videos, it's all here: More »
    10/03/07
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    Comment by mudman: Even when Microsofties get their day, they are so angry. more » | Other threads

  • zune

    More Zune 2 Details: Lossless Support, Glass Screens, Green is the New Brown

    Going beyond the Zune 2 and Flash Zune launch details, we just got off a conference call with Microsoft and got new details on the Zune and Zune platform. More »
    Feature
    10/03/07
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  • zune

    Gates Talks Zune 2

    More »
    10/03/07
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    Comment by Soulcannon: One question. Does wireless sync mean when I hit my home network it syncs or when I hit any wireless... more » | Other threads

  • zune

    First Video of Zune 2 and Flash Zune

    More »
    10/03/07
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    Comment by CoolZWhip: have you noticed when the ipod 5 gen was out the zune wasn't glossy bu tlike um plasticy but when... more » | Other threads

  • zune

    First-Gen Zune Getting All The New Features: This is How You Treat Your Customers

    The first generation 30GB Zune—which 1.2 million of you already purchased—is getting all the new Zune's features. All. Sure, the new Zune is more of a half step forward than a completely new design. But Microsoft's done something fantastic here by rewarding first gen buyers with cool new stuff that also happens to be free by software upgrade. And talk about spin—Microsoft just took a middling jump in hardware and turned it into a genuinely good move for loyalists (as well as a PR miracle). Are you paying attention Apple? More »
    Feature
    10/03/07
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  • zune

    Sizemodo: Zunes vs. iPods

    The new Zune's just slightly bigger than the iPod classic, measuring about 5mm taler and 2mm thicker. It's also slightly thinner than the 30GB Zune, with 3mm height, 1mm width and 2mm depth separating the two. When you're comparing 80GB to 80GB, the size different doesnt' seem like it's going to be enough to make any sort of meaningful difference. More »
    10/02/07
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    Comment by spinner: @Johnny Chimpo: @ANoel: You can Sizemodo your cock*, 3D comparisons and all, just like Giz. I believe they use [www.sizeasy.com] ,... more » | Other threads

  • zune

    Zune 2 and Flash Zune Official

    The next-generation Zune has just been announced, coming at you with a price tag (which we already saw) of $249 for the 80GB hard drive model and $149/$199 for the 4GB and 8GB flash-based models respectively. The new features in all models, which were leaked early, are wireless syncing with your computer automatically when you're in Wi-Fi range—something users have been clamoring for since even before the first Zune—as well as videos in the Zune Marketplace and new music, some of which are DRM-free. The Zune Pad is actually touch sensitive, much like the iPod's Click Wheel. More »
    Feature
    10/02/07
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  • zune

    First Official Zune 2 and Zune Flash Photos

    We'd seen the new Zune in red, pink and black (or whatever its called) but I was curious about the green model we reported today. Here it is, leaked, along with some better photos. Now, is that a pea green? An army green? An evergreen green? Looks kind of like Master Chief's armor. But I've been playing too much Halo. Click through for the rest. [Updated with Press Shots leaked by CNet News.] [Rompres via Zune-Online] More »
    10/02/07
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    Comment by jennyfur: If that green is like the "wasabi green" of the HTC Touch, then it'll look pretty sweet. Nice design overall,... more » | Other threads

  • zune

    Zune Getting Media Center Video Integration?

    A Zunerama forum memberdude who works at an unnamed publication has written about an embargoed fax confirming much of the previous dirt on Zune 2. Here's one new tidbit, unconfirmed, but juicy: Media center integration. Much like Tivo2go can push video to an iPod, the Zune will be able to tote shows you've recorded on an MCE via the TV tuner. Or maybe, with the addition of this Wi-Fi functionality, it'll stream from your box over the internet, using tech found in webguide. (But I'm really going out on a limb here, and its doubtful, since the acquisition only just happened less than a month ago.) And without the fax, we have no idea if MCE integration is anything but fanboy vapor. [Zunerama]
    10/02/07
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    Comment by Ron-Mexico: This could be a VERY attractive combination for people that use Media Center. I've tried various 3rd party HTPC... more » | Other threads

  • zune

    What the Hell is a Zune Pad?!

    Zunepad?! That's the name of the new square/circle control? Is that the branding effort to combat Apple's well-known clickwheel or multitouch interface? Bad idea, Microdudes, bad idea. Here come your blog wedgies. [zunepad?!]
    10/02/07
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    Comment by iPhoney: That's the worst name idea MS have had in years, period! 1 Responses | Other threads

  • zune

    Zune 2 Price

    Early unconfirmed reports are claiming that the new second-generation Zune, or Zune 2, is going to cost $249 for the 80GB version, $199 for the 8GB, and $149 for the 4GB. As for features, there are rumors of wireless syncing and DRM-free music, but nothing confirmed yet. Compared to the iPods, these Zunes are pretty much the exact same price. The 80GB iPod classic is $249, while the iPod nanos are $149 and $199. And if you look at the old Zunes, you can get one anywhere from $165 to $184 depending on color if you look on Amazon. [King via ZuneScene]
    10/02/07
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  • zune

    Zune 2 Getting Wireless Syncing, DRM-Free Music, Video Downloads, Colors

    Zunescene's reporting that they know about three upcoming features for the new Zunes courtesy of a reliable source. All the Zunes, including the old 30GB first-gen, will get wireless syncing. More »
    10/02/07
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    Comment by freakshow1: Not that any of these functions will work out of the box. This is Msoft, kids... more » | Other threads

  • question of the day

    Zune 2 Launch: Excited?

    Until yesterday, Tthe Zune 2 Launch was kept under extremely tight wraps. That's all and well if you like sticking to plans, but the lack of any leaked info seems to have hurt the overall effort. Maybe leaks are better publicity than a random news/image drop with little prior warning. Also, it appears the October 3rd launch, which we've also confirmed, will happen at midnight when everyone is sleeping. My question? Oh yes: Who cares about the new Zune? I do, but not nearly as much as I cared about Zune 1. (Here's how to comment.)
    10/02/07
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    Comment by slingblade: yea...im sorry. zune really is cruddy IMO... and double post? oh crud. i thought it didn't post the first time so... more » | Other threads

  • leak

    Flash Zune Specs Leaked by FCC

    Lending a little more credence to all the Zune launch rumors we heard yesterday, the FCC just leaked out some sketches and specs for the flash Zune. It's not even a mystery Toshiba like last time—these 4GB and 8GB mini-Zunes even have the Zune symbol on board. It looks exactly like the display model we saw, down to the circular/square keypad and the play and skip buttons that are moved up. Along with these flash-based players, there's also a charger and what looks like an FM adapter. Looks like it's going to be a war between the skinny long Zune and the fat, wide iPod nanos. [FCC via Technabob]
    10/02/07
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    Comment by RobotVampire: @chinhster: I'm not saying M$ couldn't have given us more. But if you think about it the first Zune was... more » | Other threads

  • rumor

    Zune 1 Getting New Firmware, Features

    Engadget's claiming that the Zune 2 is coming on Wednesday and bringing a firmware upgrade for your original Zune along for the ride. As you can see from the picture, firmware version 2.1 is clearly running on the old hardware, and is most likely going to make it forward-compatible with the second-gen. Whether this means your current Zune will get all the new Zune's features is uncertain and unlikely, but it probably means the two can at least talk to each other. [Engadget]
    10/01/07
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    Comment by deadlizard: zzz more » | Other threads

  • rumor

    Zune 2 Hard Drive and Flash Models Leaked?

    Updated: Better picture. Zune Scene has a leaked image that's supposedly three display units at a "large retailer" for the upcoming Zunes. If these are on target, there's going to be at least a pink and brown flash-based Zune that's smaller than the current one, and a black hard drive Zune that's about the same size as the old one. These look pretty similar to our leaked renders we saw a while back. We can't tell if it's thinner or sleeker from the angle of the shot, but we'll see soon. [Zune Scene via Zune Online]
    10/01/07
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    Comment by notatoad: they look like official cardboard mockups to me. i'm sure the new zune will look like this, but these... more » | Other threads

  • zune

    Rumor: Zune 2 Launches Tomorrow

    According to BetaNews, there's going to be a Zune Event in Redmond tomorrow to launch the next-generation Zune. Bill Gates and J Allard are supposedly attending, but supposedly it's just an announcement, with the players only being available in November. Not much else is known now, including whether there's going to be just a flash-based Zune or both a flash-based and a newer hard drive-based one. Will it look anything like the Toshiba T400? [Beta News]
    10/01/07
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    Comment by KingSnakeX4: @szamot: They'll fix the herpes thing in the next firmware upgrade. more » | Other threads

  • portable media

    Zune Scene Predicts Zune 2 on October 16th

    Nate from Zune Scene predicts an October 16th date for Zune 2's launch. He also confirms our already double checked Zune photos, making them a surer than sure sure thing. Thanks for the backup, Nate. [Zune Scene]
    09/18/07
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    Comment by Trackback: Authentic photos of the upcoming Microsoft Zune 2? Sure, we'll believe it when we see it. Which, err, might be... more » | Other threads

  • rumor

    Zune 2 Accessory Pricing Leaked?

    In what is further confirmation of the Zune 2 coming (if a reliable, unnamed third party manufacturer telling me wasn't enough), one GameCrazy employee has allegedly grabbed a shot of a Zune 2 accessory list. More »
    09/08/07
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  • sounds swell

    Zune 2 Headphones Might Be Worth Hanging On To

    One of CrunchGear's crew snagged a looksie at the buds coming standard with the Zune 2, and apparently, they're quite earworthy. They're "a mashup between the current premium headphones and the V-Moda buds you see up top." Microsoft's also chunking cheap plastic cables in favor of cloth-wrapped ones—hopefully, the brown and black stripes look less drab than they sound. Topping it off, they actually sound good, too. Standard buds that don't sound sub-standard—quite a concept. [CrunchGear]
    09/05/07
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    Comment by ConstyXIV: @monkeyastronaut: Windows Media Player isin't all that bad, besides the whole "Windows" part IMHO*. It's the Zune itself's software... more » | Other threads

  • portable media

    First Zune 2 and Zune Flash Shots

    Here are the first shots of the Zune 2 and Zune Flash. The images reveal an 80GB version and 4GB and 8GB flash models. More »
    Feature
    08/30/07
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  • coming soon?

    Zune 2 Details: Even Larger Screen, Hard Drive

    Although the announcement on Monday didn't happen publicly as we first thought, select developers did get to see the Zune behind closed doors and signed NDAs. iLounge's source tells them Microsoft demoed more than one upcoming Zune at the event. More »
    05/09/07
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    Comment by nuclear-rabbit: by 'pull a 360' i think he meant 'surpass the ipod in the same manner microsoft employed to surpass... more » | Other threads

  • portable media

    Rumor: First Zune 2.0 Photo?

    In light of yesterday's rumors about Zune 2.0, I'd remembered an anon tip that came in two weeks ago along with this puzzling photograph of a Zune with an approximate 16:9 wide screen. (Compare that to ye old Zune 1.0's screen) I dismissed it then, but now, it makes a little more sense with all this talk of a screen covering 75% of the surface. We're not ones to say if its real or fake. The angle at which the photo is taken would make it harder to hack for an amateur Pchopper. But you can see some strange pixelation on the right side of the screen that looks like someone took a retouching tool to it, and there appears to be a seam higher up on the LCD. It's hard to tell at this resolution. The rest of the email verifies last night's rumor, except for the fact that this 16:9 Zune is sized like the HDD Zune. The info gathered by Zune Scene from a Microsoft employee claims that only the flash Zune had the wider screen. Keep those tips coming, friends. We can't report this one without good sources. More »
    04/11/07
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    Comment by Trackback: Gizmodo has an alleged photo of Zune 2, the thinner—but otherwise similar-looking—sequel to the sputtering fatty candle of Microsoft's original... more » | Other threads