Alles komt samen ... McVista :-)

Zune software update

Yesterday the update for the Zune was released. This means my "old" Zune and the newly lauched ones run one and the same software version.

UI has improved and a number of new features have been added under which wireless sync, evry cool.

What I like especialy is the new Zune desktop software :

(Yes I have a very "broad" taste in music :-) )

Zune 1.3 update released

This took some time ... I did experience some device connection problems when hooking up to my MCE. Let's see if this update solves my problems ...

Zune Insider announced that there is a new firmware update for the Zune, version 1.3. Fixes in this release include a skipping problem that some users were experiencing, improved reliability with device detection and sync'ing, and some changes to the FM tuner so it doesn't drain the battery in sleep mode.

Link to Zune 1.3 update released

New gadgets ...

And it isn't even christmas.

 

about 2 weeks ago my new smartphone arrived .. I will do a seperate post on all the functions and features that support my mobile life these days ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second "gadget investment" I did is a Zune . The brown version ....

One of my colleagues brought me one back from Redmond last Thursday (thanks Rene ;-) ). As I already have a Creative Portable Media Center (PMC), this will now soon be on marktplaats.

Compared to the PMC, the Zune on has 1 disadvantage so far, it does not automatically converts Media Center Recorded TV when syncing. There is ofcourse plenty 3rd party software available to convert these files to WMV format. Reason I use this, is to catch up with recorded TV while I am travelling and so avoid the B-movies on the plane ...

The advantages over the PMC are : size (no .. it's smaller whereas the screensize is almost the same); 30GB HD vs 20GB HD; (more to follow as I gain experience with it).

Installing the Zune software on Vista gave some challenges as this is not yet supported (will be once Vista is launched for consumers). I installed the internal dogfoodbuild which works superb .... Linked the Zune Music Library to my MediaCenter and ... was able to sync all without a hassle.

Microsoft's Zune Delivers Connected Music and Entertainment Experience

Here it is ... The Zune. It's on the christmas shoppinglist :-)

REDMOND, Wash. — Sept. 14, 2006 — Marking the next big milestone for its Connected Entertainment vision, Microsoft Corp. today unveiled details of the first products to be released under its Zune™ brand. Designed around the principles of sharing, discovery and community, Zune will create new ways for consumers to connect and share entertainment experiences. The Zune experience centers around connection — connection to your library, connection to friends, connection to community and connection to other devices.

“The digital music entertainment revolution is just beginning,” said J Allard, vice president, design and development, at Microsoft, who is leading the charge for building the family of Zune products. “With Zune, we are not simply delivering a portable device, we are introducing a new platform that helps bring artists closer to their audiences and helps people find new music and develop new social connections.”

Source : Microsoft PressPass

Update :

Ofcourse you could argue this is another "me too" proposition by Microsoft and to a certain extend that's true maybe. However ... Microsoft has the ability, infrastructure and solutions to leverage in this proposition Just think about Windows Live, MSN Music or .. Windows Mobile : A Zune Phone ...

"Microsoft Corp. said on Thursday a Zune-branded phone is part of its future plans to expand in the digital music market, now dominated by Apple Computer Inc.'s iPod. "A Zune phone is definitely part of the future of this brand," Chris Stephenson, general manager of global marketing for Zune, told reporters at a news conference. He did not give specific details."
Bomb...dropped. A Zune phone? That sure came out of left field - what about Windows Mobile and Smartphones? If the Zune brand is a Microsoft "we build it" solution, that means Chris Stephenson is saying that Microsoft is going to build their own phones. That's one wild concept when you consider the impact it might have on Windows Mobile, all the partners Microsoft has, the carriers, and everyone else invested in the current offering. What about Photon, the next-generation version of Windows Mobile? This simple statement from Chris Stepheson is a bombshell - and it spawns dozens of questions.

Source : PocketPCThoughts.com