We heard Microsoft is entering the phone business with an actual device next year. While we’re still waiting for more details we get another Microsoft rumor. The bad Windows maker has a Pink product which will get a weird technology combo from the Zune and from the Danger Inc.

The Pink, whatever it is, might arrive at CES 2009. By then we should figure out if this Pink rumor has anything to do with Microsoft’s phone.

via ubergizmo

Whether we’re talking about a simple color or about Microsoft’s Zune Originals for the Zune 120, the truth is that this new Zune is just another Zune. There are 46 new designs to choose from. In case you don’t like any of then, you might just get in touch with some other company for a new generation better MP3 player!

But enough about me! What do you think? Are the new Zunes going to make it?

via Zunerama

After announcing the Windows Cloud OS which will be reveled later this month, Steve Ballmer made another announcement which isn’t that surprising. He confirmed that the Zune will come with a Windows Mobile OS. Why didn’t Microsoft create the Zune like that from the beginning? That’s what surprises me.
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Finally diverting its attention from girls and little boys, Microsoft is finally growing some balls and gearing up to release a Gears of War 2 Zune model.

Bringing testosterone and adrenaline and whatever macho there is to the Zune, the model will come preloaded with 244 pieces of “Gears of War” media, including soundtrack, concept art, behind-the-scenes video and more.

The 120GB Zune will also come in packaging that has the series protagonist pondering the meaning of life while holding a rather dangerous looking gun and scary armor. It will run you a cool $280 and will be available starting November 7.

Gears of War 2 is due out exclusively on Xbox 360 in November.

Thanks to Devin Coldewey we have a pretty clear video about one of Zune’s 3.0 features. The Wireless Marketplace is a good tool for getting yourself some music but it could surely be improved. By getting I mean of course purchasing. What did you think this is? Napster?

Audiobooks, games and a new clock are all included in the new software. The ability of sharing new tracks with friends has been improved. Do you ever do that? Do you have a Zune? Happy with it? As you can see I am really trying to cut Microsoft some slack today. After all I do need a new clock!

I wondered where the catch is from the minute I saw free WiFi at McDonald’s. At first it sounded awfully familiar. It’s like I’ve seen the same scenario with slightly different characters. It was AT&T instead of Microsoft to offer free WiFi in Starbucks instead of McDonald’s for iPhone instead of Zune users. But AT&T wanted to prove they can’t do a thing right from the beginning and played around with free WiFi’s switch for a couple of days.

Is Microsoft going to do the same? I mean I understand its effort to keep its 2.5% share of the MP3 players’ market happy. And with such a move they’re guaranteed to get at least a 0.01% more of that market. Imagine chewing on a burger and enjoying a vanilla shake while downloading Zune 3.0, which by the way is out, via free Mickey D’s WiFi on your newest Zune player. Doesn’t that sound like heaven? It does if you haven’t seen Super Size Me and you don’t know anything about Microsoft.

Oh, and the Zune doesn’t have a web browser right? Well you will be able to get a few more songs instead of surfing the web. Nice one Microsoft!

Don’t forget this Tuesday we have two major events. Arch enemies Microsoft and Apple are each going to host a special event. Among other things, next generation MP3 players will be unveiled.

What’s surprising to me is that the new 120GB Zune player is already available for purchase. I am not talking about pre-sales or anything. Look for it on Amazon. It should be in stock for a special discount. Well Microsoft how can you allow that? The product you’re going to launch is already available for purchase. You don’t see any new iPod touch coming out before the official announcement do you?

via Engadget

In a weird turn of events Microsoft managed to squeeze a special event on September 9th. Well that’s awkward. I thought that, you know, the other team, has a special Let’s Rock thing going on the same day. (more…)

Microsoft is serious about the Zune. Who would have imagined right? The picture above seems to have been released by some Canadians who want to obviously brag with these MP3 players. Poor guys, did the Apple store run out of iPods for you? (more…)

Republicans or Democrats, while getting ready for this year’s elections, you might want to stop by and pick up your customized Zune player. Wearing the colors of your party and playing the speeches of your favorite candidate, that’s what Microsoft is proposing.

This is another desperate move for some free publicity for the Zune players. When will Microsoft give them up? I wonder how many politicians own an MP3 Player. I’d like to see how many use an Apple iPod.

The two special edition Zune players will be available for the Democratic and Republican National Conventions if you need a souvenir for your kids.

It seems that the FCC doesn’t leak out only good thing. They have just disclosed the next generation Zune player from Microsoft which they are likely to approve soon.
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Here’s a rather displeasing rumor following Steve’s Ballmer’s wet dream of developing a Zune Phone. Some sources claim that Nokia will carry Zune content. Why in the world would anything like that happen? Nokia is the leader of cell phone manufacturers across the world. They have a well established market share that’s growing each quarter. They have their own Symbian OS which not only will improve in the future but it’s also rumored to merge with Google’s Android.
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A Zune phone was rumored for a long time in the mobile world with Windows always having to deny such a device. But something strange happened. Steve Ballmer, whom you might know from his eggs ducking experiences and whose hobby is pretending to a qualified Microsoft CEO, is getting ready for a new fiscal year. And he wants it to be a more like Apple year.
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I have no idea who “Joy Division” is, but if they are getting their name branded on a 80GB Zune, they must have made some pretty good rock music out of Manchester. This special edition Zune 80 will feature artwork by Peter Saville on its back, that was created for Joy Division’s album, “Unknown Pleasures.” The player will also include the self-titled documentary, called “Joy Division” that accounts the story of band through the years.

Only 500 of these limited edition players will be available, so if you are fan, get some $399 ready and head over to Zune or ZuneOriginals to take your pick.
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In case you don’t know, Microsoft have sold just over 2 million Zunes already. That’s like what, 1 Zune per year? Leaving jokes aside, Microsoft still haven’t really made that much of an impression with this device. Last May they reached their first million and now, after an year, they sold one more million of Zune players. That places them just above Creative and lower than SanDisk and waaaaay below Apple.

Zune will never be an iPod that’s clear, but it will always get some fans around the world. I am sure there are happy customers that enjoy at least this Microsoft product.

Microsoft has released their latest Zune software upgrade, and while it finally offers gapless playback and features the return of the playlists, though not quite as robust as they once were, the most notable difference on the Zune itself is the ability to view and play your friends’ playlists directly from your Zune rather than having to run over to your browser, so long as you both are Zune Pass subscribers. This feature takes about 100meg per friend’s card.

Don’t worry if you’re not a Zune Pass subscriber though, you can still see the playlist, you’ll just have to flag the track you dig for purchase later when you get to a computer. And when you do get to your browser, you’ll find that the video store is now full of 4,800 music videos and downloadable TV shows for $2 a pop. You’ll have to stick to YouTube and other social video networks to share original content, for now, but Microsoft has left that particular door open. In fact, the social aspect of the device is increasing dramatically.

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We all welcome convergence with open arms but Eye Play takes it to the extreme. Take a look at their sunglass cases. Oversized, yes, because they house a duo of flat panel speakers. Compatible with iPod, iPhone, Zune, and almost every other MP3 player out there, this nifty little case provides music on the go while protecting your glasses all the while. The built-in high-end NXT speakers put out high-quality sound wherever you are with external volume and playback controls. Sure beats lugging a pair of speakers to the beach.

Available in black, white, silver, and pink for $49.99

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Microsoft is releasing the new Red Zune 80GB for Valentine’s day! Aside from the fact that it looks lovely, Microsoft is also offering 20 new artworks for your Red Zune design which would only be available until February 14. The featured artworks for the Valentine’s collection are from four artists: Studio Play Pretend, Colorblok, PSYOP and Friends With You. Three lines of text could be included with the laser-engraved design for a more personalized Zune experience. You can also choose not to have laser-engraved graphics and go for five full lines of text instead. Zune even offers free gift-wrapping promo for a limited time! Other than the Zune itself, the Zune Marketplace online store presents Valentine offerings. You can now download various love songs to share with your loved one. If you’re the type who’s extremely mushy, this is perfect for you.

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I’m pretty sure a lot of you guys are looking for the perfect gift for this coming holiday. Think hard and think smart, think Zune! That’s right, Zune Originals website is offering the Zune 80 in their lineup of products today. The best part - users get the option to customize their device with their own personal engravings and designs. You can actually do any of the following options:

* Add text to the back of your Zune player
* Add a combination of art and text
* Add a custom background image from an artist

Did I say the best part already? I may be wrong as these customizations come in for free when you get a new Zune 80 at Zune Originals. Zune Originals states that the Zune 80 will ship 5 to 7 business days from the time of order. You can also customize Zune 4 and Zune 8 flash based players.

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Here’s one quick entry. Most of the articles written here are usually for Apple’s innovative iPod. However, its competitor, Microsoft, has Zune but it hasn’t achieved the popularity that the iPod has. Well, for those who have Zune’s then this article might be just for you. A price list for Zune accessories has just been leaked. In the blurry photo above (yes, leaks always have blurry photos), you can see some of the prices.

Anyway, here’s the list of the items that’s worth noting:

# Zune AC Adapter (V2) - $29.99
# Zune Cable Pack (V2) - $39.99
# Zune Car Pack (V2) - $79.99
# Zune Dock Pack (V2) - $49.99
# Zune Home AV Pack (V2) - $99.99
# Zune Sync Cable (V2) - $19.99

Thanks to Zunerama for the scoop and the photo.

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