You may have read some disturbing news floating around the internets about apparent plans to bring software/firmware updates to Zune that would filter for illegal/illegitimate video content.  Cesar, the 'Insider, has put those rumors (as well as all those pirates' nerves) to rest.  There are no such plans.

    

"We have seen some chatter in the blogosphere over the last 24 hours around a couple of posts speculating about what Zune may or may not do in terms of putting content filtering features directly into the Zune family of devices in future releases. 

We know you guys are following this discussion closely, and wanted to be absolutely clear on this issue:

We have no plans or commitments to implement any new type of content filtering in the Zune devices as part of our content distribution deal with NBC.....Again, no plans are in place toward this end.

I hope this clears up any confusion on the topic, and that you can now go back to enjoying the spring update :) "

Like he said...get back to enjoying the great update!

[via ZuneInsider]

A forum member, runtohell121, explains in this thread how to install games on your Zune. Hit the thread link for the details, or just hit the jump for them.

[Thread] 

That's right! For all your eager devlopers out there, the latest XNA has been released. Please note, that this is the very first release, and is bound to have bugs. Tiptup300, a Game Developer from ZuneBoards warns, "The beta is just to preview the ability mostly. It will run games on the Zune. You may just want to dabble now so you don't have to restart a project later when they change something in the final release."

Microsoft XNA Game Studio 3.0 CTP
Visual C# 2008 Express Edition

What's everyone, Jon here.  An update on some international news on the Zune.

Microsoft announced today (Tuesday) that the Zune device will go international and into Canadian stores on June 13.  Canada will be the second country with the Zune since November 2006 when it was launched in United States.

You're all probably wondering which Zunes are going to be sold.  Microsoft will have three different capacity Zunes available to Canadian consumers.  The Zune 4GB, Zune 8GB, and Zune 80GB all ranging from prices from $140 to $250 (US Prices)  The Zune 4GB and 8GB will have the red, black, and pink models.  Sorry guys no green ones.  The Zune 80GB will be available in red and black.  Unfortunatly Canada won't be getting the Zune 30GB model.

Starting today Canadians can download the Zune Software from Zune.ca.  Well get at them Canadians! Download the software now and join the forums.  And don't forget, Zuneboards will keep you updated on the Zune!

To download the update, go into your Zune software.  The go into "Settings" --> "Software" --> "General" --> "Check for Updates"

Today has been a pretty good day for Zuners world wide. There's been a lot of exciting rumors and announcements floating around in the blogosphere. To top it all off, the Zune 2.5 update is confirmed to come very soon. According to Max Zuckerman from Channel 8, the latest update will "take a big step forward in the "social" experience particularly.  The improvements can be seen throughout the web, the local client, and the device itself."

The main features added include:

• The ability to transfer a friend's Zune Card to your device which will keep an up to date list of that friend's most recently played songs, favorites, and top plays.  If you have a Zune Pass, then you will be able to play the songs from your client and they will automatically be synced to your device.  Best of all, it will keep this list updated so you can think of this as an automatic DJ playing your friend's tunes for you.....
• Video store to download and take TV shows etc. on the go
• Client/Player enhancements like creating autoplaylists, no gaps in the playback, multiple Zune sync, and easier editing of track information
• Video store, $2 per download. 4,800 music videos and downloadable TV episodes, partnered with NBC, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, Adult Swim, Anime, MTV, MTV2, VH1, BET, Ultimate Fighting, and Cartoon Network as of now.

Update:  The update will be out tomorrow! Lots more juicy info after the jump.

 More pictures and details after the jump!

According to Benny Goldman from Gizmodo , Chris Stephenson, GM of Marketing for Zune, mentioned that "they're finding ways to integrate and work with Danger's 250-man staff." Just to refresh your memories, Microsoft bought Danger for $500 million back in February. Could this be the ZunePhone that we've been waiting for? For now, we could only hope.

On another interesting note, there a rumors of a new Sidekick coming out this July, codenamed "Gekko and Aspen." Currently, there's no evidence if Microsoft has had any influence on the development.


Image courtesy of Gizmodo.

Yeah that's right, Microsoft is aiming to release Zune XNA game previews in May.  Even though theses are just previews I bet I can speak for us all that we didn't expect any release this early.  The final full games doesn't have a solid release date but the CTP (Community Technology Preview) is coming early-mid May.

Some new things we learned is that Zune games can support up to eight Zunes at once in an ad hoc wi-fi network.  The Zune games will take up 16MB RAM in the Zune device and it also intergrates your media so you can listen and play at the same time.  One of the best news is the confirmation that the Zune games will work with all Zunes, even the 30GB.

Keep your eyes on Zuneboards, we'll update you on any news.  Discuss the topic in our forums in this thread.

[Source: Engadget ]

Yes it's true, iHome is coming out with a dock with a clock for the Zune! Finally the one thing that the Zune was missing, now you can wake up to the great sounding of your Zune.

The docks are called the ZN9 Dual-Alarm Stereo Clock Radio, and the ZN10 AM/FM Table Radio.

• ZN9 Dual Alarm, Stereo Clock Radio – the first-ever clock radio for the Zune, the ZN9 lets owners gradually wake or sleep to their Zune music, radio or buzzer.  A -7-5-2 feature allows for separate weekday and weekend alarm times, and an extra large, backlit LCD display with dimmer is easy on tired eyes.  High fidelity stereo drivers in specially designed Reson8™ speaker chambers deliver unparalleled depth and clarity.
• ZN10 AM/FM Table Radio – a beautifully designed, retro-classic with rotary dials set in a rich, wood speaker cabinet, the ZN10 allows consumers to listen to the radio or Zune, which charges when docked.  A line in jack with included patch cord enables owners to play other CD and MPs players.

Happy May everybody!  First I just wanted to tell you guys sorry for not being on the spot with the deals because I've been busy. But now lets get it started with a deal of the week!

It's official.  The Red Zune 80 is back, and not just on Zune Originals.  It could very well be headed to a retail store near you!  Hey if you see any, or you have one, let us know!  Now if they could only start churning out some more colors.... 

Whadddap ya'll, Jon here.

If you all haven't noticed by now our forums has the new Xbox Live Leaderboard!  Want to be on it? Read more to find out how you can get on the Leaderboard.

Paul Thurrott, one of the most important Microsoft advocate, confirmed that Audible will indeed be compatible with the Zune very soon. An email was forwarded by Jerry D to Paul Thurrott that read,

I understand that you have contacted us today in regards to whether or not the Microsoft Zune is compatible with our service. We have great news! After much anticipation, Audible and Microsoft have completed negotiations on making the Zune AudibleReady! While we do not have an exact date as to when the device will be officially AudibleReady, we expect to make the Zune compatible before years end. Our Device Center on our website will be updated upon the Zune becoming compatible, so please be sure to check there periodically.

But that's not it. Paul Thurrott has gotten this confirmed with other sources as well. 

I've been wanting to try Audible's great selection of books for a long time now. I've heard great reviews from friends, members, and even TWiT. Now that it will be Zune compatible, I'll be giving it a try. Does anyone here even listen to Audible books? Hit up the comments! 

via WinSuperSite and the forums.

So you remember that 'eLive' rumor floating around that MS was trying to unite the various online media platforms (i.e. Xbox Live, Zune Marketplace, and Windows Mobile)?  Well, the word is , that idea has been scrapped and been retuned and revisioned into what's being called "Zune Video X" which stands for Video Experience.  Zune Video X would be an online store built upon the lessons learned from the successes of Xbox Live.  It would be accessable through Zune Marketplace, but wouldn't replace it completely.  Apparently, it will offer Movie, TV, Video, and Music content for purchase. 

One detail pointing to this is the recent move of Joe Belfiore, an 18-year Microsoft veteran, who is now a Zune corporate vice president, "responsible for Zune strategy and product development," according to his updated listing on the Directions on Microsoft org chart.  With Belfore's move along with Rick Thompson, a vice president who was shifted to the Zune team last year, many are wondering what Zune could be doing with two vice presidents.

If these rumors come to fruition, they couldn't happen soon enough.  The Zune community has been agonizing over how to take advantage of their huge screens on their devices.  Up until now, they've been religated to ripping their own movies and getting Music videos from Zune Marketplace.  But with something like Zune Video X, it would open up what many have been crying out for.

[via electronista and zdnet]

Heyo peeps, Jon here.

Just wanted you guys to know that Zuneboards has Premium Memberships! Get one for just $5.  It has tons of benefits.

Becoming a Premium Member will get you the ability to edit your own usertitle, hot yellow colored username, higher PM storage up to 500, permissions to the private board for Premium Members, no ads on the site (coming soon), and much more!  But most importantly you're helping the number one Zune forums on the internet.

Read more for interviews with two of our own Premium Members.