Since then we've seen a full embrace of Podcasting, a new directory, wireless syncing and sharing of Podcasts (which even the iPhone 3G doesn't do), and more. It's been fabulous.

But perhaps one of the more exciting pieces of news for us here at ZuneLuv.com is Zune's sponsorship of the New Media Expo.

Not Apple.

Not Adobe.

Microsoft.

Microsoft Zune.

They've shown commitment to the community here with their sponsorship.

Thanks Zune!

It's a walkthrough (and an unboxing) of the whole Zune Originals site, talk about wireless sync, Zune cards, Zune Pass, your Zune friends, etc.

Now we know, let's admit it, that the Alex and Kevin were "compensated" for this but … the presentation sounds sincere enough and they make some really cool observations.

Add a little "Geek Street Cred" coming from one of the most popular video Podcasts online and … bam … we got something very good and very cool here.

Technorati Tags: zune, digg nation, digg.com, alex albrecht, kevin rose

Wireless Sync. Technically, we guess, the MobileMe service will provide that, but only for email, contacts, and calendar - not content. And, since MobileMe is another $99 a year, it certainly isn't an "out of the box" option. And, yes, we've had this option since November of last year.

Rental Music. We like try before you buy out here and we really like our Zune Pass. Yes, we know Apple says that will never happen and people don't want that but … they said the same about video on the iPod, an iPod phone, movie rentals, etc.

Content Sharing. Can I listen to that album you just bought on your iPhone a few times? Nope? Why not?

The Social. Social like elements will certainly come with the intro of the iPhone App Store, but I don't think any of them will not just tell me what my friends are listening to, but download me a copy as well.

Access to the Team at Zune. Cesar's Blog is ZuneInsider.com. Go ahead, read it. Notice all the names of people adding content? Do you know the names of the decision makers at Apple? What are their email addresses? What are their blogs? Go ahead, get interaction online with them.

Yes, the 3G iPhone is pretty exciting … but … it certainly doesn't own the market on innovation.

Understanding the whole XNA/Zune infrastructure should give anyone a great insight into where things are going with games and the Zune. This isn't just an issue of them throwing some games the way of the Zune … the Zune is part of Microsoft's overall gaming strategy - right there with Games for Windows and the mighty xBox 360.

We're working here at ZuneLuv Central on our first Zune Game (you heard it here first) and we'll be giving you more details soon. It is in conjunction with our buddies at ZuneBrothers.com.

What do you think of the video, the content in it, and the promise of Zune Games?

Here's a quote with the basic idea - "students would watch videos and listen to podcasts created or recommended by teachers and fellow students - and that would enhance their education."

This one is fascinating on a number of levels. The big question we have here at ZuneLuv Central is how would all this be managed?

Would students be able to mix their own music and content choices in with what the school provides or would these Zunes be "locked down" to any other content options?

Wireless sharing? What will the school's take on that be?

What are your thoughts on the Zune being used in education?

Realize, that as this is very doable, it really isn't meant for everyone yet (this is basically the way to pretend you're a programmer so you can test other games) and if you get frustrated with these steps - some easier ones are coming very soon.

Also realize that once you leave the games screen to do something like music or Podcasts, you'll need to reload all of this to play the games.

But, after all that is said and done, this is very cool and very doable.

What's your favorite Zune game at this point?

Technorati Tags: zune game, install zune games

ZuneNuze.com picked up on a very cool new feature in the Zune 2.5 firmware - in short, you can send a Video Podcast wirelessly between two Zunes.

Not only can you do that - but you can use the Subscribe button right within the firmware to say "yeah, gimme more of that" and have the Podcast get updated on a regular basis through the Zune Marketplace software.

Nice quiet addition Remond, thanks!

Anything else in there we need to know about?

Do you see yourself using this option?

Technorati Tags: zune, zune podcasting, zune wireless podcast share

Today, over at GiveAwayOfTheDay.com, they're giving away the Xilisoft DVD Ripper Ultimate program - for free.

You don't need to even give them your email.

Again, why they're doing this, we have no idea - but they are so … grab you copy today before they come to their senses.

For those who do grab it - what do you think of the product?

Technorati Tags: free dvd ripper, zune rip dvds, xilisoft dvd ripper

Here's a list of what's coming and when:

* Wednesday, May 28: COMEDY CENTRAL
o “The Colbert Report”
o “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart”

* Friday, May 30: NBC Universal
o “Friday Night Lights”
o “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”
o “Law & Order”
o “Life”
o “Lipstick Jungle”
o “Saturday Night Live”

* Tuesday, June 3: SCI FI Channel
o “Battlestar Galactica Classics”
o “Destination Truth”
o “Ghost Hunters International”
o “Ghost Hunters”
o “Who Wants to Be a Superhero?”

* Friday, June 6: USA Network
o “Dr. Steve-O”
o “In Plain Sight”
o “Law & Order: Criminal Intent”
o “Monk”
o “Psych”
o “The Starter Wife”

Technorati Tags: zune, zune marketplace, zune television

Basically, in short, they've added the ability (or have at least conceptualized it) for bigger advertisers to have a presence in the Zune Marketplace.

The example given is a scenario where "Doritos" sponsors a music event. By "friending" Doritos on your Zune, you can get content, games, etc. to your player - all sponsored by Doritos.

It's a fascinating idea, read the piece.

Would you "friend" an advertiser on Zune to get free stuff?

Technorati Tags: zune, zune advertising