Zune 110 - News, Reviews, Tips and more....

[Ricardo Dawkins]

Zunerama
Make me laugh! And win a KICKER Zune Dock!

We're closing in on Zunerama's second birthday, on July 21.

And, I'm excited to announce that KICKER is helping us celebrate. Courtesy of that fine company, we're giving away a ZK500 to one of you!

To enter, you need to post a joke in our giveaway thread. Make me laugh! And you must keep it clean!

Zuneboards
[zune]Developers! Developers! Developers!

It's been almost 2 months since XNA 3.0 CTP was released. Can you believe it? Time goes by so fast when exciting things are up and about. In the 2 months, ZuneBoards has seen huge activity in Game and Application Development. In fact, it was the fastest growing board we've ever seen! So what's all this excitement about? Hit the jump and I will fill you in with the latest games and applications.

Get Canadian/Ninja Gaiden Backgrounds FREE!

So you may already have a zune and/or you don't have enough to pony up for another one, let alone $15 extra for the new Canadian artwork on Zune Originials, but not to worry! Microsoft is offering all of the new Canadian artwork for your Zune FREE at zune.net. Simply click HERE to browse through a ton of authentic backgrounds for your screen - even the Ninja Gaiden backgounds that you get if you become his friend on Zune Social. Check some out:

I Have a Zune
What are you doing with your Zune 30?

The Zune 30 has a special place in my heart. It has enjoyed unbelievable success even after a newer generation Zune hit the market. People continue to buy the Zune 30 and it is probably more popular today then it was when it launched. The Zune 4/8 along with the Zune 80 have brought a lot of people into the Zune ecosystem but Zune 30 continues to be a frequent guest on Amazon’s bestseller list and is still highly sought on auction sites like ebay.

Celebs-a-plenty attend Canadian Zune Launch party [Canadians are cool]

Just like here in the states, the Canadian Zune launch was celebrated by holding parties across Canada. The parties were hosted at some of the hippest clubs in Vancouver and Toronto. Some pictures from the Toronto party just surfaced on Flickr and it looks like it was one hell of a party. Fritz Helder, Playmate of the Year: Jayde Nicole and a few of the hosts form E! Channel all made appearances

ZuneInsider
Everything you ever wanted to know about sync groups, and more...

In helping folks out in the forums, I find that a lot of people don't have a full grasp of how our sync model works and why content is automatically added (or deleted) from their devices. I also find that users tend to get frustrated due to the fact that there is automatic update of content on their device, but they don't know how or why; or even further, how to control it. In today's topic, I want to enlighten you to the world of sync groups, how they work, how they govern the content on your device, and how you can use them to your advantage and ultimately have a better sync experience.

Be my one-way friend!

Some of you may have noticed that I’ve got a special background on my Zune profile page…and that when you add me as a friend, I accept right away.

Well, I wish I were that quick to respond! But actually, what you’re seeing is our one-way friends feature. As many of you as want to can add me – but I don’t have access to any of your personal information or play data. (You can add Cesar too, but we’re in a race for the most one-way friends…and I’m winning, so please help me keep it that way.)

This was a new feature with our Spring release – and it became somewhat controversial. You see, we used the one-way friend feature to automatically added special users to new and some existing users. I have to say, I’ve never received quite so much passionate feedback before.

Zune Marketplace Freebie this week: Danny Byrd

Head over to Zune Marketplace for a free track from drum and bass* producer Danny Byrd, from his latest record, Super Sized.

Great Momentum For MP3 in the Industry

As many of you know, when Zune refreshed the product line back in November 07, we started selling DRM-free MP3s. We’re now up to around two-thirds of our catalog available in that DRM-free format. I’m sure many of you saw the recent announcement from Rhapsody today – with other digital music providers moving toward MP3, it could be signaling even better changes for the industry in the future.

Cliczune
Joy Division limited edition Zune unboxings

Well, given the fact I love Joy Division, I would love to get my hands on one of these, especially after seeing the pictures. I however cannot justify the extra cost, mostly because I recently upgraded to a red Zune 80 and truly have no need for another 80GB Zune, even if it does look really cool.

I am not sure if this comes as any measure of success, but I have been keeping an eye out for unboxings and images and so far have seen very few. In fact I have come across just two, one of which comes from a zunerama forum member who managed to get number 39 out of 500 and the other from Peter Rojas of Engadget/RCRDLBL fame who happens to be even luckier and scored himself a protoype. The player is also (as of this posting) still available for purchase.

100 New Mexico high-school students get a free Zune

While a lot of people are still seeing the Zune as the little guy, or a less than popular portable media player, according to Nielsen Online the web traffic is telling us otherwise.

While its not an argument that the traffic to Zune.net is quite a bit less than their major competitor Apple.com they did rank higher than some other big names such as Nintendo and Xbox.

Cnet's Webware Gives Marketplace High Marks

In a strange event, about 100 students from Fort Sumner High School in New Mexico recently raised their rights hands and proceeded to make a promise "to take care of their Zunes." You see, this school was one of two in the nation that are taking part in a new project that introduces recordable lectures that will offer students another option to study.

Microsoft offers Zune Extended Service Plan

Always a big decision when it comes to electronics; whether or not you should purchase the extended warranty, or just go with the standard and hope for the best. Personally I have always avoided extended warranty plans for electronics and just kept my fingers crossed. I also tend to upgrade frequently so the extended portion is not always needed. The latest company to ask us the question is Microsoft, who has recently began offering an extended service contract for the Zune.

Zune L.A.

Zune is going to rage California style in the not too distant future. Rather than more traditional marketing events, the Zune team has leased some space in Los Angeles. The property is well suited to an impromptu dance event, and not what one would expect from Microsoft.

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WALDEMEYER REVOLUTIONISES THE WORLD OF LIGHTING FOR THE MP3 GENERATION

WALDEMEYER REVOLUTIONISES THE WORLD OF LIGHTING FOR THE MP3 GENERATION
Waldemeyer’s latest project, Twilight, will be exhibited in the entrance of the new Zune space in Los Angeles, from May 2008. Commissioned by Microsoft’s entertainment brand Zune, the interactive chandelier illuminates the exclusive Zune-to-Zune sharing function that sets Zune apart from the rest by enabling users to share their music with the chandelier itself.
Thanks segadc at www.zunerama.com forums for the tip

GotZune
Review : Incipio Flip Case for the Zune 80

One of the 1st things that anyone needs to do when spending a decent amount of cash for a gadget is to protect it. Cases, cleaners, screen protectors, etc... When the Zune 80 hit the streets, there really were not many options other than the "Zune Branded" Black case. Now that some time has passed, there are more and more cases becoming available.

Video of Some more Incipio Cases to Review

3 Months ago, I shot some video of a few cases from Incipio for the second generation of the Zunes. For some reason or another, I have a whole new batch of Incipio cases, so I decided why not do another video. This time I have 7 Zune 80 Cases and 5 Flash Zune cases to show you.

[Review] White Leather Flip Case - Incipio

First Impression’s: This case looks and feels great. The white leather looks great, and is stitched with white as well. The only other color you see on this is black, which is present on the Belt Clip, and a thin elastic banded area. The interior of the case has a suede lining that feels nice as well. This case also offers easy access to all functions/buttons, while providing a plastic cover over the screen.

Zunethoughts

Zune Originals Canadian Artist Series: Derrick...

NT

Max Tests Cases For Zune4&8

My man Max at Channel8 recently got his hands on some Zune4/8 cases courtesy of Drew, the Zune 3rd Party Accessories Product Manager. He tested cases from Incipio, Belkin and Agent 18, listing their respective pros and cons and posting a ton of pictures of each. If you're in the market for a case for your Zune4 or 8, definitely check out the article.

FORUMS TIDINGS

Rockman95 reviews the iHome for Zune

Overall impressions: A pretty good unit. If it was priced lower, say "$59.99", then I'd feel like I wasn't overpaying for it. I am disappointed with the sound quality since I'd much prefer STEREO instead of a regular radio. The website advertises "Stereo sound". I guess that's because it does have 2 speakers. But, there is no "STEREO" signal that lights up on your radio and it sure sounds like it's plain radio sound. I haven't listened to the Zune that much to determine if there's a sound difference when you play it.

TIPS: GotZune
Unboxing and creative art idea for you

Below I have shared some great photos of the 80G Red Zune, the artist tattoo I chose and the artwork poster that came with the Zune. I liked the cards and artwork just enough to put it all in a frame and put up on the wall for others to enjoy (I'll turn around the artist card so they can actually read it). The package is very nice and can be re-gifted if that's your thing.

Images and Photos of the Day
Zune display some Russian albums
odesssa's photostream
odesssa's photostream

[soccerfreak24]

Wa? is this just a news thread?