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I looked at the web site, and I thought it _was_ an Apple announcement.

That is the metro aesthetic that Microsoft has been using in many of their web properties since the Zune HD. See: zune, kinect xbox Windows 8 bing microsoft.com

block out the Microsoft logos and it would be hard to tell the difference between that and an Apple page.

It's easy to tell the difference. Apple is still big on fake reflections, shadows, gradients, bevels, faux 3D effects like paper curling, point of view icons, etc. Metro eschews these elements in favor of bold colors, lots of white space, and simple flat iconography.

http://mog.com/
http://radio.com/
http://grooveshark.com/
http://last.fm/
http://zune.net/
http://rhapsody.com/
http://youtube.com/

I agree, record labels will never allow it. On the other hand, there are services that already have deals with them, and they're better too. Zune Pass offers unlimited music streaming for just $14.99 a month. A nice deal, huh?

I think there are better and nicer music services already.. Like Spotify. They also offer unlimited music for a monthly pass, so why not just get Zune Pass? It's awesome service and works with PC, Xbox 360, Windows Phone 7 and Zune HD.

Hey! I hear Zune is really nice (and at least one people will reply to this confirming it). And heck, at last count, Zune was coming in with 1% of the market share.

I had to check to be sure, but yeah, apparently Zunes still exist. I think Microsoft just thinks it would be too embarrassing to discontinue their, ahem, iPod-killer.

The Xbox 360 can stream tv/movies/music using a Zune pass, tv/movies using a Netflix subscription, and it plays CDs/DVDs. You don't need to hack it at all.

Don't you need an Xbox gold account (thus pay monthly to MS) in order to use Netflix? If I was using it to just stream media to my TV, I surely would not pay extra each month just to use my Netflix account.

The Xbox 360 can stream tv/movies/music using a Zune pass, tv/movies using a Netflix subscription, and it plays CDs/DVDs. You don't need to hack it at all.

There are many music download and music access services available. Just go elsewhere. Like so many "firsts" on the Net - e.g. eBay, Yahoo, etc. - iTunes seems old in the tooth. Couple that with egregious DRM policies and attempts to choke interoperability. Why bother. I like Apple products, but who really needs iTunes for music. Other than as a software platform for playback, I could care less about the iTunes music store. Try these: http://www.amazon.com/MP3-Music-Download/b?ie=UTF8&node=163856011 http://pandora.com/ http://www.emusic.com/ http://www.slacker.com/ http://www.napster.com/ http://music.myspace.com/ www.youtube.com http://www.rhapsody.com/home.html http://www.walmart.com/music http://www.last.fm/ http://social.zune.net/music/ http://www.seeqpod.com/

This is what the footnote was attached to.

*Zune HD AV Dock and an HDTV (all sold separately) are required to view video at HD resolution. Supported 720p HD video files play on the player, downscaled to fit the screen at 480 x 272 â" not HD resolution. Zune Pass subscription required; streaming via wi-fi available in U.S. only. HD Radioâ is a proprietary trademark of iBiquity Digital Corp. Learn more about HD Radio here.

So does that mean I need a "zune pass" to play video on my zune? What the hell is a zune pass anyway? Ok, so I look it up, but now why do I need it again?

www.microsoft.com/office redirects to http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/default.aspx

www.microsoft.com/office2007 redirects to http://www.microsoft.com/office/2007-rlt/en-US/Office

www.microsoft.com/zune redirects to http://social.zune.net/home.aspx?culture=en-us

this does not inspire confidence.

Maybe some sort of mixed service would be nice. Pay $10 a month or whatever, listen to any music you want, every month you get to permanently keep so many songs. It'd be kind of a rent-to-own situation. I dunno if I'd go for it but it's better than paying to own nothing.

Hmm, sounds familiar http://www.zune.net/en-us/software/zunepass/default.htm

Next on Slashdot: reports of overwhelming Zune hate. The reason that prompts people to shout abuse is "they look smug and cool and trendy. iPod crowd just can't stand it".

Harhar. Can you blame us? Look at the "Most Played Artists" on a Zune this week:

most played artists
This week
Plays

Michael Jackson 909,853

Linkin Park 796,564

Eminem 719,979

Nickelback 592,372

Metallica 515,419

http://social.zune.net/home.aspx?culture=en-us

Nice. It's social and cultural.

...But for 10 Euros a month (~$15 US dollars) You can get a Zune Pass that lets you download unlimited amounts of songs (see http://www.zune.net/en-us/software/zunepass/default.htm for a reference).

>where they conveniently failed to mention that the Zune still had to be physically plugged into a power source to sync

Thats not true. It wont sync automatically on battery power, but it syncs fine if you do a manual sync. You dont want it syncing every few hours only to pick it up a couple of days later and have the battery dead.

>This kind of marketing has been shown over the last 5 years to be completely ineffective against the iPod.

To be fair, the amazing Italian place near me cant compete with McDonalds. Popularity doesnt necessarily translate into quality. Consider how one of the most popular apps for the iphone/ipod is the fart simulator and, well, things arent so cut and dried. Those who side soley with popularity really arent convincing.

Microsoft didn't do this intentionally, but it did happen. While Rjak is right that his music doesn't work anymore, it is inaccurate to say that Microsoft or the labels took it away from him on purpose. Basically, there's a bug in Zune's DRM scheme that allowed bad data from a supplier to take away the rights to play a large swath of purchased music.

You can read about it on the Zune forums here.

Four things:

1. This is completely unrelated to the subscription option that the Zune Marketplace provides, Zune Pass.

2. This situation has been persisting for many months. It is inexcusable. Rjak bought the right to play this music. I have no idea what is taking Zune so long to fix it, but they are trying. Eventually Rjak will be able to play the music again.

3. Most (but not all) of Zune Marketplace's music content is now DRM-free 320kbps (or occasionally 256kbps) MP3s. They want to be completely DRM-free like iTunes, and they'll get there eventually, but why should you wait? If you can't get it DRM-free there, get it somewhere else. The Zune will play MP3s and unprotected AACs (like what you get from iTunes) just fine.

4. One lesson to be learned from this is to either (a) avoid DRM-encumbered music like the plague, or (b) burn any DRM-encumbered music to CD immediately. That way you can't lose it no matter what.

Current generation zune software is much better, see here

WMP is NOT the software interface to the Zune Device. You want the Zune Media Player It's a great standalone player also, even if you don't have Zune hardware. The Now Playing screen is just awesome.

Q: Why is this issue isolated to the Zune 30 device?
It is a bug in a driver for a part that is only used in the Zune 30 device.

Thanks for posting. However, if your Zune hasn't already started working again, DO NOT apply this fix. Not only is it a very temporary one, but it voids the warranty and may cause other problems. A more complete and easier solution is available on the Zune website. See http://www.zune.net/en-us/support/zune30.htm

Thanks for posting. However, if your Zune hasn't already started working again, DO NOT apply this fix. Not only is it a very temporary one, but it voids the warranty and may cause other problems. A more complete and easier solution is available on the Zune website. See http://www.zune.net/en-us/support/zune30.htm

Microsoft has announced their official fix:

1. Disconnect your Zune from USB and AC power sources.
2. Because the player is frozen, its battery will drain--this is good. Wait until the battery is empty and the screen goes black. If the battery was fully charged, this might take a couple of hours.
3. Wait until after noon GMT on January 1, 2009 (that's 7 a.m. Eastern or 4 a.m. Pacific time).
4. Connect your Zune to either a USB port on the back or your computer or to AC power using the Zune AC Adapter and let it charge.

Really. That's their fix.

If you have a Zune, but haven't used it today, don't turn it on before 0000 UT 01 JAN 2009.

Official update on Microsoft's site now. As other people had guessed, it is indeed related to a bug in the handling of leap years on the last day of the relevant year. Apparently it will "fix itself" tomorrow if people reset and sync.

I wonder if you could just set the date ahead?

Wait until Jan 1 and it will fix itself. And something about letting the battery run out and recharge before booting it after Jan 1. (Who RTFA's?)

http://forums.zune.net/412486/ShowPost.aspx

http://www.zune.net/en-US/support/default.htm It's funny how Zune comments "...the 30gb Zune devices may experience issues when booting...". Why can't they just come out and say we broke it so you have to buy the upgraded 80gb version???

Both MSNBC.com and the official Zune support pages are reporting that Microsoft is aware of the problem and working on it. Course, I wouldn't hold my breath for a fix on this anytime soon.

There's a "fix", but "This will delete EVERYTHING on your Zune, so be warned."

Microsoft now admits there is a problem: "Customers with 30gb Zune devices may experience issues when booting their Zune hardware. We're aware of the problem and are working to correct it. Sorry for the inconvenience, and thanks for your patience!"

Customers with 30gb Zune devices may experience issues when booting their Zune hardware. We're aware of the problem and are working to correct it. Sorry for the inconvenience, and thanks for your patience!

The iPod has forced every other mp3 player maker out of business!

Yeah, all the other makers except for Microsoft, Sony, Creative, SanDisk, iRiver, Archos, Toshiba, and a dozen generic Asian manufacturers...

Zune does not support PlaysForSure. Those people surely got screwed.

"zune service status Status: Users may experience issues when attempting to log into Zune Marketplace. We are looking into this issue. We apologize for the inconvenience." http://www.zune.net/en-US/support

because the zune store also allows you to go subscription as well:

http://www.zune.net/en-us/products/zunemarketplace/default.htm
Download or subscription? Downloading songs and music videos a la carte from Zune Marketplace is simple using Microsoft® Points, which work across both Zune and Xbox LIVE® Marketplace. Or choose a Zune Pass subscription, which gives you access to unlimited music downloads from millions of available songs for a flat rate of $14.99 per month. (DRM-free MP3s, videos, and some songs are not available via Zune Pass.) Fill your device with new music whenever you want and keep those songs as long as you keep your Zune Pass up to date. A Zune Pass can be used on up to three PCs and three Zune devices, making it the perfect choice for families and music lovers.

that's just a convenient cover story so they don't have to admit that they want DRM (so they can be the next iTunes Music Store). If they truly didn't want DRM, they wouldn't have it and there's not much that anybody would be able to do about it.

Interestingly enough, Microsoft is trying to be just that (the next iTMS) with Zune. And they even have a number of songs and albums available in a non-DRM mp3 format (all of the Radiohead content on Zune is in the non-DRM mp3 format, for example).

that's just a convenient cover story so they don't have to admit that they want DRM (so they can be the next iTunes Music Store). If they truly didn't want DRM, they wouldn't have it and there's not much that anybody would be able to do about it.

Interestingly enough, Microsoft is trying to be just that (the next iTMS) with Zune. And they even have a number of songs and albums available in a non-DRM mp3 format (all of the Radiohead content on Zune is in the non-DRM mp3 format, for example).

From http://www.zune.net/en-us/meetzune/techspecs/player.htm The Zune plays the following AAC formats

* AAC (.mp4, .m4a, .m4b, .mov): Up to 320 Kbps, Low Complexity (LC), up to 48-kHz sample rate

From Creative

Listen to your music in multiple supported formats. With support for MP3, WMA as well as non-protected AAC (.m4a) from iTunes® Plus, sync your player to enjoy all your favorite hits today. Learn more on the quick transfer of AAC music using the Creative Media Explorer.

Did you even look at the manufacturers sites?

According to the system requirements page from Microsoft's official site, "Zune software is not currently supported on Windows XP Professional x64 Edition or Windows Server." It says Vista is supported, but the x64 edition is not specifically mentioned, and googling for Vista x64 and Zune indicates it isn't exactly a smooth process for some people.

• Lock-in with a particular cell phone company. No ability to use another SIM card.
• Typical feature crippling by that cell phone company.
• The particular cell phone company in question is not even one of the kinder, gentler cell phone companies that offers you vaseline before 'transacting business' with you.
• Mandatory outrageous monthly subscription fee to complement the chewy goodness of the outrageous up-front price.
• All the storage capacity of a first generation iPod
• Steve Jobs thinks AJAX is an SDK.
• Battery life that is almost certainly going to suck, but even on the off chance that it doesn't, I'm happy to let somebody else spend $$$ and tell me about it first.
• Version 1.0 of a complicated device. Bound to have major bugs.

And here for the car kit.

I do realize that the "Accessories" link on a product's main page is the last place I'd ever expect to see accessories for a product, but can you please try to do some reasearch before you troll?

And here for the car kit.

I do realize that the "Accessories" link on a product's main page is the last place I'd ever expect to see accessories for a product, but can you please try to do some reasearch before you troll?

Welcome to the social.

(Insemomat? Huh?)

80% of the players? No, I don't think that's the case. I know of far fewer AAC supporting brands than WMA supporting ones. And, just as an aside, AAC is also supported by Microsoft devices. Don't know about Sony though.

Zune(TM) software is compatible with the following operating systems:

• Windows® XP Home, Professional, and Tablet PC Edition Service Pack 2
• Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 Update Rollup 2
• Windows Vista

the Zune doesn't even work on Vista yet

Are you sure?

Completely and totally doable.

Perhaps you want the full experience with the Zune Home A/V Kit - a dock you can permanently connect up to the stereo and TV, with a charger so that the Zune gets powered when connected, and even a remote control so you don't even have to touch the device.

Of course, you don't need the full kit to connect it up - just the A/V cable.

So no, this is not an advantage of the iPod.

I heard someplace that the Zune comes preloaded with music, so wouldn't that justify the royalties being paid. I suppose it would only justify if Universal owns the copyrights the the preloaded music. I don't know what labels Universal owns. Maybe someone could check that out--does universal own any of these songs?

The iPod doesn't come preloaded with music (as far as I know; I don't have one. Though I've heard of people selling their iPods with the music on them).

Goodbye beige. Hello Brown

Just picked up a Zune to use - I liked the screen. Tried to use it with WME2004. No Dice. http://www.zune.net/en-us/support/howto/start/oper atingsystems.htm/ If I want to use the MS portable media player with my MS media edition, I need to purchase a full price WME2005 and diddle it onto a previous install. Guess it's good Costco has a return policy.

mmMmm. There appears to be a zune.net.

From the ZUNE Site:

"You're connected to your best friend and send the new song your band recorded in the garage last weekend. Another friend gets the hilarious podcast your kid brother made at school, plus that song you just downloaded from the Zune Marketplace and can't get out of your head. And hey, lookee here, your friend wants to send you something that you might like and buy, too.

Best of all, the song you sent isn't just a 30-second preview --it's the whole song! Your friend can sample the song up to three times in three days, flag it on their device and then, if they like it, they can buy it later from Zune Marketplace. It's all connected."

http://www.zune.net/en-us/meetzune/zunetozuneshari ng.htm

So: if I want to listen to the "hillarious podcast that my KID BROTHER made at SCHOOL" a couple times, I have to "BUY" it from MICROSOFT??

Enough said.