Zune

Zune Firmware Updated

info@santry.com — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMT

It's been a while since I last posted, I've been busy in my new position as the Microsoft Practice Manager for a large international consultancy. Today I was sitting in a meeting with Microsoft and they were all updating their Zunes. So I had to rush home and load the new firmware on my Zune.

I haven't noticed any new features, but both the software and firmware was updated. It did appear to sync a little faster from the PC, and it's reported that there are a few bug fixes. We'll have to wait to see new features though.

Home Dock for your Zune

info@santry.com — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Hook up your Zune to the TV using the new DLO Home Dock. It supports analog audio and video out so no high def watching here. It retails for $99 and is available via their website and online retailers.

Note: When clicking on to buy, I get an error.

i.Sound Portable Dock for the Zune

info@santry.com — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMT

This is nice dock, unfortunately, I can't find anything on US availability. It runs about $50 (converted from Euros).

Zune Notes

info@santry.com — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Just some quick notes from the web concerning the Zune:

The Zune team is focusing on podcast support and it will be there.
A rumor is circulating stating that Zune version 2 will be released sometime in August this year. No word on features.

Zune Firmware Update Coming Zune

info@santry.com — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMT

According to the Zune Insider, Microsoft will be releasing an update to their firmware for the Zune. Version 1.3 of the firmware is reportably only going to contain some fixes for now, but we can only hope that some of the requests people have been making maybe snuck in there. We only have to wait a couple weeks to find out.

Waiting on Zune Updates?

info@santry.com — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Waiting on Zune firmware updates? Don't worry, Microsoft hears your pain. Head over to ZuneInsider.com and express your concerns and wishes.

Zune Hacking Video: Upgrade the Hard Drive

info@santry.com — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

For those folks who aren't afraid of using tools. Here's a video of ripping out your old Zune hard drive and replacing it with a new larger one.

Zune Experience: Week 1

info@santry.com — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

M. David Peterson has won a Zune for being one of the first 10 people to create and publish a VHD-based instance of a an rPath Linux based project. Me being a .NET developer, I really don't know anything about it.

Any way, he got his first Zune, and blogged about it, his experience?

"Zune Rocks!"

M. David, yes, I agree with you.

Another Zune Contest for Bloggers

info@santry.com — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Kelly at A Yoga Coffee Outlook is giving away a Zune MP3 Player and all you have to do is create an entry in your blog and link to her site. What a great way to build up some linking (maybe affect your PR as well).

Hey, looks like I'm entered in the contest. ;-)

More Zune Giveaways

info@santry.com — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

It seems like Microsoft is giving away Zunes left and right. We just had the 50 Zune giveaway from MSN, now there is another giveaway from Microsoft. You can take a chance for an instant win at https://microsoft.eprize.net/lebron. MSN is giving away 12 Zunes, or autographed sneakers by LeBron James.

Belkin TunePower Review

info@santry.com — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Gizmodo has a review of the Belkin TunePower which is an add on for extending the battery life of your Zune. The review isn't too in-depth, but provides some additional photos other than the stock ones I have here.

The TunePower runs about $59 and provides about 6 to 12 additional hours to your Zune.

Don't Forget to Visit MSN

info@santry.com — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

We told you about the 50 Zune giveaway last week from MSN. Remember you only have until the 28th of this month to make MSN your homepage for an opportunity to win one of 50 Zunes.

Conversion Software for the Zune

info@santry.com — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

MadZ Software announces the release of version 1.0 of its DVD to Zune Video Converter software. DVD to Zune Video Converter 1.0 rips DVD video files and converts them into WMV format so that they can then be uploaded to and played on a Microsoft Zune. Just connect your Zune to your computer as you normally do, and instantly the converted video files will be uploaded to your player.

Works with Windows XP and 2000. For more information, visit the DVD to Zune Video Converter website at http://www.dvdtozunevideo.com. Get a free trial version of MadZ DVD to Zune Video Converter at http://www.dvdtozunevideo.com/demo/dvdtozuneconverter.exe. The free trial will allow you to completely convert up to four of your favorite DVDs.

Zune On the Car Stereo

info@santry.com — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

DLO released some new Zune accessories. The TransDock micro dock provides FM broadcasting and charging via your sync cable.

Skin Your Zune Software

info@santry.com — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Have an exclusive Pink Zune and want your software to match it? ZuneBoards.com has made available a download for skinnning the software for your Zune. It's available as a free download and includes a pink theme.

Your Chance to Win a Zune from MSN

info@santry.com — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

All you have to do is make MSN your homepage and you can win one of 50 Zunes.

Use Your Zune Remote to Control Your Xbox 360

info@santry.com — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Over at ZuneInsider.com they have a video on how to use the Zune remote from the AV kit to control an Xbox 360.

Extend the Range of Your Zune

info@santry.com — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 06:00:00 GMT

For those of you who aren't afraid to open your Zune, here's a tutorial on extending the range of the FM radio within the Zune.

Zune Phone: Rumor or Not?

info@santry.com — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

First the Zune Phone was a rumor, then it was confirmed now it has been delegated back to rumor status. What a week for the Zune.

A Plea to Microsoft - Media Center and Zune

info@santry.com — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Scott Kuhl makes an excellent point about the Zune. For some reason Microsoft did not provide the capability for the Zune to sync with Media Center and have recorded TV automatically placed on their Zune. I can do this on my Windows Mobile device, but in order to do this on the Zune you basically have to hack things a bit. Sync'ing TV should be an easy task that any consumer can do.

Join Scott in his plea to have Media Center integration with the Zune, it just plain makes sense.

Free Premium Earbuds with Your Zune

info@santry.com — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 06:00:00 GMT

Too bad I bought mine last month. I missed out on this offer. Amazon.com is running a promotion on the Zune, if you buy a Zune they'll send you some premium earbuds.

Just use the promotion code "ZUNEBUDS" when you make your purchase.

Zune Marketplace - Improvements Coming?

info@santry.com — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Omniture Inc., a provider of online business software was hired by Microsoft to optimize visitor interactions for its Zune Marketplace. Omniture will provide actionable insight for the Microsoft-Zune team to continually enhance the quality of the customer experience as they interact with the online digital music store.

“The Zune Marketplace is designed to help consumers discover new music, uncover old favorites and make new connections” said Naveen Kachroo, Zune Lead Program Manager at Microsoft. “Omniture helps us understand what our customers care about, continually allowing us to improve the online experience and provide the best possible content and services.”

More Zune Phone Talk

info@santry.com — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

NetworkWorld.com is questioning a recent release by an outsourcing center in the Philippines, Global Sky was awarded:

"the task of providing customer service and research support for their latest project: the launching of a mobile phone device that operates anywhere users can get Wi-Fi access."

Is this mobile phone the rumored Zune Phone that has been talked about?

TunePower Review: More Battery Life For Your Zune

info@santry.com — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

GearDiary.com has a review of the Belkin TunePower for the Zune. It appears to make the Zune a bit bulky, but for an extended trip it may be something to have. According to Belkin it will extend the battery life by 6 to 12 hours depending on what the use is.

Zune Rumors of the Week

info@santry.com — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

So many rumors this week, first we had reports of screens cracking on the Zune from a supposed help desk person at Microsoft, totally unsubstantiated. Now we have the Zune phone from some tipster to CrunchGear.com.

As always, we'll keep following these rumors and let you know if they're legitimate.