If you watch Adult Swim regularly, you may have noticed a new Zune commercial. The Zune team went a little more of the artsy way with this commercial. Instead of actually showing the Zune, or what it does, they showed a cool little video with the brand name "Zune" at the end. Why not though? That is how Apple advertises the iPod isn't it? Check out the kick-ass new commercial below.

 
Video: Zune Planes Video

You can also find this video at the Zune-Arts.net website.

ILikeMyZune.net is now open. This is a new website by the Zune team opened on July 05. You can check up on some details about The Zune's LiveNation partnership on the website. This website will keep you busy during the summer with information on tour dates, locations, artists, and more. That is not all you have to look forward to though! The Zune is hosting some BBQ's in L.A., Chicago, and NYC. There will be plenty of hip-hop singers at these events, and best of all, it is free (except for the food). How cool is that?

The registration for the L.A. BBQ is currently up, so go sign up. You may also be able to stumble across Cesar who is heading down to L.A. to see the show. Even if you don't bump into him, drop him a comment and you can meet up with him.

This is promising to be quite the Zune partying summer!

Oh yes, and we have a birthday to celebrate. Zunerma.com recently turned 1 year old! Their throwing a party on their website. Their giving away tons and tons of Zune accessories. Go check out their giveaway section of the forums to get in on some of the giveaways. You may even win a Zune!

Some ZuneScene.com editors where stirring up trouble at the Phoenix iPhone launch. They played around with the phone and took joy in changing many of the phone's homepages to Zunescene.com. (Picture from Zunescene.com)

Click HERE to check out their blog post about their fun experience at the iPhone release. They weren't the only one's having a good time at a Apple store though. Check out these two cool dudes playing with the phone (in the link).

I have also gathered up some rumors about two new Zunes coming sooner or later. One hard drive based unit, and another, a flash based unit. Sources say their codename's will be Scorpio for the hard drive Zune, and Draco for the flash drive Zune. Draco is rumored to hold 4GB or 8GB of flash memory, while Scorpio will hold 80GB. No news on larger storage devices with 100GB or 120GB.

The good news is that production is rumored to start at the end of July. No news on the release date of the device has leaked yet, but I would assume the 2007 holiday season would be the ideal time to sell. Although if Apple jumped out and announced a new iPod, Microsoft might want to release the Zune before hand.

And finally, just for laughs, I have to post this picture from Zunescene.com up. Hilarious...

Ok, let me just start back where I left off...

My last post (nearly a month ago) was about 1mill+ Zunes sold.  As it turned out, the interview was misquoted.  Bach said that Microsoft was well on it's way to sell over 1 million Zunes by the end of the first year.  By the way, the end of the fiscal year is coming up for the  Zune.  June 30 is the end of the first year.  Get ready to sing happy birthday!  The Zune is also officially the number 2 player in the hard-drive category, as sales go.  Just behind, you guessed it, the iPod.

On May 31, a small firmware update was released.  This update is only a firmware update, the software is still 1.3.  The firmware update "brings an improved shuffle experience."  Just makes the shuffle feature more random.

The red Zune was announced early June.  You can buy it on Amazon.com and at local target stores.

Some of you may have noticed the two teddy bear looking things dancing in the Zune TV commercial.  That was actually a small clip for a Zune-Arts piece it is now on the Zune-Arts website, but Cesar was kind enough to post it up on Soapbox as well.  Check it out:

Zune Video

 
Video: Zune Video

Hmm..  What other news is their.  Oh yes, the Zune for Dummies book is coming on July 10.  Harvey is releasing this book and you can find more information on it HERE.  And we have the Zune tattoo guy!  I remember when he first told people on multiple forums that he was getting a Zune tattoo and no one believed him.  Now look at him!  Two Zune tattoos and getting to meet Cesar in person, awesome.

We also have Cesar takeing a trip to New York City.  he says he will meet for coffee and song exchange with anyone who is interested. 

We also have some rumors of Generation 2 Zunes coming from the net.  Word is that a 80GB Zune will be available as well as some flash players.  Of course Cesar made a blog post saying he really can't say anything about Zune rumors.  More information on these rumors as they come!

Robbie Bach, from Microsoft, recently did an interview with a reporter from the San Fransisco Chroicle. The interview talks about the Microsoft entertainment section in a whole, but some questions are more specific to the Zune:

Question: Can you talk a little bit about the Zune overall? Will we see next-generation Zunes coming out, particularly flash-based players?

Bach: We're still about nine months into having Zune in the marketplace. We're very pleased with the progress. We've sold a little over a million Zunes. In the category we're in, the hard-disk-based category, we've got about 10 percent market share. It's a good start. It's not an overwhelming start. I'm not going to pretend it's some gigantic move.

As we look to the future, you're certainly going to see us continue to invest in that category. We don't enter things like that lightly.

There will be new things down the path (in the fall). We just came out with a special edition pink Zune and a watermelon-colored Zune, which are the personal favorites with my kids.

Question: How is the Zune marketplace doing overall? Sandisk just put out a new Wi-Fi player to enable people to download wirelessly. Are you looking at the Zune having that?

Bach: The Zune marketplace is doing very well. We have a pretty typical attach rate of songs to Zunes. Certainly, like on an iPod, if you looked at the number of songs people have on a device, the majority are CD-ripped songs.

You're going to see us expand in that space, a little bit more from the social aspects of connecting people together, a little more than just a store.

As to the Wi-Fi, we think the idea of these devices being connected where you want them connected is very important. That's why we shipped the original Zune with Wi-Fi built in. The cool thing about that is, the innovation can all be in software.

Wi-Fi is an important area. We'll see how that Sandisk project does.

Question: Are people sharing music by beaming songs from Zune to Zune? Do you have any way to gauge that?

Bach: People are sharing. When your installed base is a million, the benefits of sharing, frankly, aren't as wide as we hope to see in the future. One of the challenges for us is continuing to build on the install base.

Sharing is a tip of the iceberg of what you can do in the social nature of music, and what you can do when you have a device that you can connect when you're at a Starbucks, when you're at work, when you're at home. That really, over time, will change things, for Zune and for consumers. [Source]

So it seems like Microsoft is energetic with their future of the Zune. Over 1 million Zunes have been sold in the last 6 and a 1/2 months. It is a start, but not as much as many had hoped for. The interview talks about Microsoft's competition and how in some areas, like the Zune, they fall short. Bach explains that this is not anything new. Microsoft has had to fight with many different companies, and it drives them to do their best. He explains that they do not enter a field lightly. They enter it knowing that they are not going to be backing down. Microsoft has had this fight with a number of their products, and today, many of those products are in the lead compared to their competition.

So, the future of the Zune is defiantly their, and it is bright. Knowing Microsoft's history, they are going to make this product the best it can be and they wont stop even after surpassing all competition. Can't wait to see what is to come!

Oh, and an interesting note that ZuneScene pointed out. Bach says it has been 9 months since the Zune's release, when it actually has been 6 1/2. Bach also claims that they have come out with a pink and red Zune, while the red Zune hasn't been announced yet.

The red Zune hasn't even been announced by Microsoft yet, and it is up on Ebay. Unlike the last ebay red Zune, this one seems legit. The seller has supplied many different pictures that would be nearly impossible to Photoshop. He also guarantees the authenticity with a 10x your money back offer.

This auction ends on May 30, and currently bid is $182.50, with 5 bids. So, if you want to be the first one on your block with a sexy red Zune, go ahead and bid on it. You will most likely get a good deal on it as well. I would expect that the price for the red Zune, when Microsoft announces it, will be $250 like all the other Zunes. This auction may fall short of that, or just above it.

You can check out this Ebay auction HERE

In other news...

Bill, from ZuneGuy, has posted two new blog entries. He has been sick after his travels, but he says he'll try and catch up on some of the Zune news. Go check out his blog HERE.

I have a few more things to update on today, so shall we begin?

First of; we have some cool music news for the Zune Marketplace this week. You can catch some new releases and a freebie, so go check it out. The freebie is called Remember the Orphans by The bloggs. I actually don't have any of their songs, so I am going to check out this freebie ASAP. Their is also an exclusive Calle 13 track called Tango Del Pecado remix on the marketplace. The ZMP also got the Paul McCartney catalog, which is totally awesome! I'm sure many of you are just as happy as I am about this. Interestingly, iTunes also got it. Although The Beatles catalog still remains absent from iTunes. There are a few theories on this. Check out this article.

Second; their is a really cool video floating around the net. The video shows the process that is done to put a design on the Zune. The lucky lady, Dani, gets to make a very cool Pink Zune design that is, most likely, one of a kind. She is funny throughout the video and keeps you entertained. Check out the video here.

Third we have an interesting blog post by Zunerama about the market of the Zune. They point out some key information of Zune sales. According to them, and their research, the Zune is really starting to turn a corner. Microsoft has put increased attention on some unique marketing of the Zune. The new limited edition colors and designs have really brought increased attention to the Zune. Partner ships with Adult Swim as well as with artist such as the MIMS and Ladytron have also drawn public attention. As Zune sales increase, and become in the tops on such sites as Amazon.com, the world is starting to wake up and see the Zune!

Will this last? Who knows. Rumors of the June 1st Zune announcement have increased around the blogging sphere. This wouldn't be the first time a rumor was brought up then shot down before though. So no guarantee. Zunerama also raises the point that the Zune is backed by a "cultish followers of owners" who are really dedicated to the Zune. I would say that this would be a perfect time to announce a gen2 Zune. With all the hype around, this would send Zune news flying!

First of, sorry I haven't posted much this week. I have been busy with school and such. I'll try to be better, I promise :). So I have a few things to come catch up on (Zune blog sphere= busy) so here it goes...

1st, Cobrasnake has a RED ZUNE! How cool is that? This must mean that Microsoft is going to release a red Zune, possibly, very soon. Rumors on the web have suggested that a red Zune would come out late summer, but maybe this has changed.

This also brings up the question of the generation 2 Zune. Is Microsoft just squeezing all the juice they can out of this first generation Zune? New designs and colors can't be all that hard to make. So I am thinking that Microsoft is done or just about done with a gen2 Zune, and is just hyping up the blogging sphere with these new designs, colors, and many giveaways all around the net, to get the Zune a little more know. I expect they are going to pop the announcement a month or so after the red Zune comes out. Or maybe another design/color will be released? Who knows, although it may start getting old...

2nd, The Halo3 Zune is going to be more limited then the Pink Zune was. The Pink Zune had 100,000 released, while the Halo3 Zune will have 1/5 of that (20,000) released. I can also imagine that game fans will be thrilled about this Zune. So they may sell fast! They go out, I believe, June 15, so pre-order yours know!

3rd, There have been many Zune giveaways all around the net lately. Most of them Microsoft sponsored. So you have plenty of chances to win a free Zune! Let me fill you in with all the ongoing contest at the moment.

- Zunerama.com: Microsoft gave Zunerama a pink Zune to giveaway. To win this Pink Zune, all you have to do is write a letter to the Zune Team and post it in THIS topic. The letters will be forwarded to the Zune Team and at the end of the contest, one random winner will be chosen! Easy right? Well... in one way yes, but on the other side, it is going to be a chance of luck to win. Currently your odds are about 1/100 and the contest doesn't end until June 1st. So good luck to ya! [CONTEST LINK]

- Mandy Moore: Revlon and Mandy Moore have gotten together and are giving away 10 Pink Zunes. All you have to do is put your information in, and you are entered for a chance to win. This ends July 1st, so plenty of time to submit. You do have to join their mailing list for this though. I entered a while ago, and I have only received one email about her new CD, so it isn't a ticket to spam or anything. [CONTEST LINK]

- GTR: GTR is celebrating their 100th episode by giving away a limited edition Halo3 Zune along with some other really cool stuff. The odds are against you here again, but you may get lucky! Just listen to their 100th episode and give a honest review of it. Piece of cake! Cesar from ZuneInsider.com actually got a chance to talk to them before, check it out HERE. [CONTEST LINK]

- ZuneCorps: Zunecorps is having an awesome contest as well. They are giving away one free Pink Zune to whoever can design them the best T-shirt. Not only is getting a free Pink Zune fun, but the contest is to! Enjoy yourself and make a sweet shirt. [CONTEST LINK]

4th, Microsoft has announced today that the Pink Zune is the second most selling Zune color. This is ofcourse due to the fact that Pink is the most awsomist color ever. The limited edition also draws people to buy it over other colors. Since the Pink Zunes are so popular and only 100,000 were made, I could guess that they will start running out soon. So if you want one, buy it know.

I can just imagine how fast them Halo3 Zunes are going to go...

So that is all the news I have for now. Sorry for the delay in posting! School is going to be out soon, so when that happens, I will have more time to blog.

The Halo3 special edition Zune was announced a few days ago.  We had some pictures of the Halo3 Zune, but today, Cesar has posted a video of unboxing the Halo3 Zune.  The box is fantastic.  Very beautiful design and colors.  The box itself and the Zune are both keepers :).  The official press release is tonight.  Very sweet.  Below is the video of Cesar unboxing the Zune. 

Halo 3 Zune Unboxed

 
Video: Halo 3 Zune Unboxed

Oh yes, and that is not all the news I got for you.  Yesterday, I failed to mention that Cesar gave us a little tour around his office building.  It has to be the best office I have ever seen.  It is very fancy and has multiple DJ stations around (including the cafeteria!).  Check it out, the pictures are below.  Cesar also has a short captions for the pictures.  if you want to read them go here.

As you may, or may not know; the first generation Zune was manufactured by Toshiba.  This was because Microsoft had to get the Zune out in the market, to compete with Apple's iPod, before the 2006 Holiday season.  This partnership with Toshiba somewhat limited Microsoft's ideas on the Zune.  So, to make their Zune more flexible, they have made a new factory in China.  This is were the next generation Zune will be manufactured.

“The second iteration of Zune will include a number of different versions with varying prices and degrees of storage capacity."  - Jason Reindorp (Microsoft’s marketing director for Zune)

This new factory was first discovered by the fellas down at ZuneScene.com.  At that time, it was just a rumor, since nothing had been announced yet.  The smaller building on the right is the Zune factory; while the larger building on the left is presumed to be the Xbox 360 factory.

Microsoft is hoping that this new flexibility and control over their product will help in there second generation Zune sales.  Experts agree that this change will have a positive effect.  The first generation Zune wasn't as huge of a success that some had hoped for.  There are many more Zune generations to come though, so Microsoft has plenty of time to make a dent into the huge marketshare apple has with there iPod.  They have a long way to go though.  Microsoft predicts it will sell more than 1 million Zunes by the end of the first Zune year, which ends in June.  By contrast, Apple has sold 10.5 million iPods in the March quarter alone.

Remember, this is a new field Microsoft is going into.  Besides the Xbox and keyboards, Microsoft does not manufacture anything else.  Apple has had years of practice manufacturing there computers, laptops, iPods and other such products.  Microsoft has only had a couple of years with the Xbox.  I'm sure Microsoft will do fine, but one mistake and it could jeopardize their sales and reputation.

Microsoft has not yet released any specifics on the gen2 capabilities, announce date, or price.  There are many ideas people have suggested and hope for in the next generation Zune.  Wether our dreams come true or not... time can only tell.

[ Source ]    & the picture is from ZuneCorps.com

Currently on EBay.com, there is a red Zune for sale.  The seller says this is the only Zune in existence, but does not specify how he/she got it.  The seller also claims that the money will go to Ammesty International.  This is a very interesting item since, if it is real, it would be the rarest Zune that I have seen.  The seller says that this is not a case or skin, it is the actual Zune.

Only one picture is supplied.  The picture looks at least edited.  The mirror image on the bottom shows this.  I don't know if this was just added for special effect.  However, I found a picture of a Pink Zune with a familiar style.  Check out the comparison:

Not completely the same... but very similar.  Look where the main Zune and the mirror Zune meet in both pictures.  they both have that dark line right in the center.  Maybe a clue ^_^.  Here is the link to the EBay auction.  If anyone buys this Zune, drop me a line and tell me if it was real or not.  It would be cool to know.

Rumors of Zune gen2 are pilling up and it may be soon that we are seeing a new Zune.  So what are you guys hoping will be in the new Zune (wether it comes out soon or not).  Even if the next generation Zune doesn't have what you want, there are many more to come.  I have made a list of some features people are hoping for in the Zune, at some point.  I put in some of my ideas, and have included many other ideas I have found over the net.  So here it is:

Hardware:
- Different Colored Zunes
All the colors of the rainbow!  More cool designs would be welcomed as well!
- Skinner Design
A slimmer design for the Zune.  Keep the double layer effect, but make the device slimmer and easier to slip into the pocket.
- Variety of Hard Drives
A variety of hard drive options, ranging from 20GB - 100(+)GB.
- Smaller Flash Drives
Much smaller (in size and capabilities) and cheaper price.
- AC Adapter Charger Included With Zune
Include an AC Adapter charger with the Zune for faster charging that does not require a computer.
- Better Battery Life
Put a powerful battery in the Zune for better battery life.
- Option for wireless headphones
Have an option for wireless headphones for the Zune.

Firmware:
- Advanced Equ
Better options for the Zune Equ
- Add a Clock, Date, & Stopwatch
Add a clock, date, and a stopwatch for the Zune.  Seems easy to do, so why not?
- Add games
Just some simple games would be nice.
- Make More Picture and Video Formats Compatible
This is an area that the ipod has over the Zune.  Just add some more file extensions compatible.
- Wireless Syncing To Computer
Be able to wirelessly sync your music from your computer, to your Zune.
- Gapless Playback
No gap in between songs (at all) optional.
- Wirelessly Connect To MSN Radio (aka Pandora)
When a wireless connection is available, be able to listen to music of the MSN Radio.
- Lyrics Support
Allows lyrics to be viewed on the Zune.
- Delete on the Go
Be able to delete specific media off the device at any time.
- Built In FM Tuner
Be able to play your Zune on the radio without having to buy a stupid accessory.
- Check Mail
Be able to check your Hotmail when you can connect to the Internet.
- Allow Audio Tracks To Be Paused
Ability to pause large audio tracks like audiobooks and continue from last left of after listening to other media.
- Visualizations
Have an option for visualizations to be seen while playing a song.

Zune Software:
- Mac  & Linux Support
Allow Mac and Linux users to use a Zune.
- Less of a System Hog
The Zune software hogs system resources, this should be improved on.
- Add More to the Marketplace
Only music kinds sucks.  Add TV Shows, Movies, and podcats.
- Be Able To Select What Songs To Sync With Zune
Itunes allows you to easily specify what songs you don't want to be synced.  This would be nice for the Zune software; seeing that you have to delete the media off the software to get it not to sync.
- Be Able to Easily Organize Videos
There seems to be no way to organize your videos.
- Allow Child Account Access to Zune Pass
If a "parent" account has a Zune pass, allow a "child" account to use it.

....If I left out something, post it in the comments!

What are Zune Arts you ask?  Zune arts are videoes and pictures that are meant to symbolize the Zune.  The Zune is about music, entertainment, frendship and sharing; so that is what the Zune Arts are about.  Microsoft asked the creative community to make these Zune Arts and they came out fantastic.  My personal favorit is Endless Cookie.  I also really like the smile and Mood Robot ones.

www.Zune-arts.net

Quote

Zune Cookie

 
Video: Zune Cookie

On May 11, during the Halo 3 preview in New York City, Microsoft announced a new special edition Halo 3 Zune.  These should start hitting stores around June time. 

I think it is interesting how there is no Zune logo on the back.  I wonder if we will start to see more Zune designs in the future.  Microsoft seems to like this idea of limited edition Zunes.  It would be cool to have a Zune speciific to your interest.  More pictures of the Halo 3 Zune are included below.

Pictures courtesy of Gizmodo

Happy mother's day... tomorrow!  I went to the Zune site and was surprised to see it very Pink and sporting a big "happy mother's day" banner on it.  It looks very cool, and the butterfly's are a nice touch.  Check it out:

Update:  Happy mother's day everyone!

First Posted:  May 11

Gizmodo has just reported that it has received this new photo from the same tipster that submitted the last one.  Most likely he/she  saw the post Cesar made on his blog, and responded with this new picture.

I wish whoever was submitting these pictures would add something that would really prove it.  Like, is it skinnier?  I can't tell....

First Posted:  May 10

Today, Cesar has addressed growing rumors circulating around the net about the new Zunes.  In his most recent blog post he stated the following (May 10):

"In other rumors news, again, I re-iterate: We don't comment on rumors and speculation - even on those rumors that come with a photoshopped image ;)"

The remark about the photoshopped image is referring to this image that has started to pop up over the net:

As you see, the screen of the Zune says, "2.1.4 Beta".  Since I first saw this image, I had figured that it was a photoshop, as nothing else about the device seems to have been changed.  I was also confused by the horrible quality of the image and at the same time, the 2.1.4 Beta could be seen more clearly than any other text on the screen.

So, as it is, Microsoft is keeping any work on new Zunes a tight secret.

First Posted:  May 09

Several days ago, ilounge released an article stating that the Microsoft was going to announce some new Zunes in a developer meeting.  Cesar from Zuneinsider dismissed this rumor on a popular website ZuneScene.com's forums.  After Monday ended, with no news of this meeting, people forgot about it.  However, now iLounge.com has released an update to their rumor claiming that the meeting did happen, but it was a secret meeting.  So who knows... maybe iLounge editors are just digging rumors out of their ass for fun, or maybe this is actually legit.  I'll keep you posted...

Quote from iLounge.com:

As noted in our Monday update to the Zune story here on Backstage, Microsoft did in fact hold a day-long event to preview new Zune technology to developers. During that event, the company put an image of the iLounge web site up on a big screen and, we’re told, hassled the developers there for leaking Zune information to us (and presumably others). When our mid-day update appeared, noting that the preview event was underway, that apparently caused another fuss.

That aside, here’s what we’ve heard: Microsoft apparently previewed more than one upcoming Zune at the event. The one that people expected - a flash memory-based Zune - is definitely coming. But it’s physically larger than the iPod nano, and apparently not anything amazing: ‘not bad’ is how we’ve heard it described. If you liked the last Zune but wanted something smaller and with less storage capacity, that’s the flash Zune.

The surprise was the preview of an updated hard drive-based Zune. We’ve heard that it will have a bigger display (yes, this surprised us, too) and most likely additional storage capacity, matching higher-end full-sized iPods as the prior Zune matched the lower-end ones. Our guess is that this is Microsoft’s response to the oft-mentioned iPhone dilemma: “great video screen, but how do I store more than 4 movies on it?”

Release dates or prices? We don’t know them yet. If history’s any guide, they’ll be priced at roughly the same prices as peer iPods, and show up a few months from now. Whether or not they make a splash is anyone’s guess at this point.

First Posted:  May 09

I found this cool Zune walkthrough on MSN Soapbox.  It covers everything and it was made by Engadget which is a big, respected, tech blog.  So check out the video below to see everything the Zune can do!

Quote

Zune Preview

 
Video: Zune Preview

First Posted: May 08

Last night, on channels such as MTV, VH1, BET, and Adult Swim, the first commercial of the new marketing campaign aired. Sadly, I was unable to see this commercial.  I searched the Internet for a video recording of it, to no avail.  Cesar from ZuneInsider.com says he will post it today though.  I will edit this post with the video when I get it.

wonder how it was...

Edit:  Ok, here it is!  This is the first Zune commercial that Microsoft has released for their new ad campaign for the Zune.  Check it out, I got it off the new MSN soapbox (I posted about the new soapbox, remember ?).

Quote

Zune TV Spot

 
Video: Zune TV Spot

Update: 

Currently it is unknown if there will be any more commercials aired at this time.  This is the only one that has been released by Microsoft so far and they have released no other news on upcoming commercials.  When asked, Cesar (from Zuneinsider.com) was unaware of any other commercials.  Microsoft doesn't release secret information to Cesar, and some information that he does known, he is unable to post about. 

May 10 6:07 PM

Update:

Blogs have commented on how this commercial seems to have some kind of double meaning in it. 

When the commercial first starts, all the Zunes are off in a dark graveyard type theme.  One suddenly turns on to fulfill its craving to share its song with the Zune behind it.  The transfer is complete and immediately all the other Zunes start to turn on to get in on the action.  The dark graveyard is soon filled with bright Zune screens playing the song, playing a video, showing a picture or listening to the radio.

This could symbolize that the Zunes were dead, but are now coming back to life.  Do you see it?  A dark graveyard with no Zunes turned on until two Zunes decide to get a little social.  All the Zunes then come back to life and the commercial ends.  May 12