Zune - Downloads, Wallpapers, Info, Mods, & Hacks

Games and applications

2008-07-03T14:37:00.001-05:00

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.

Applications

Although applications aren't technically "games," they were inevitable. So far only a handful of applications are released, due to Microsoft's XNA limitations. However, there are a few nifty apps that I'm sure you'll love.

Find out more at Zuneboards.com
http://www.zuneboards.com/editorials/developers-developers-developers.html

Kicker ZK500 Zune Speaker Dock (Black)

2008-06-24T08:04:00.003-05:00

For nearly 30 years, KICKER has set the standard as the dominant car audio brand by producing high-performance equipment that guarantees unbeatable sound quality and hard-hitting bass. Now, KICKER busts out of the car and into the home with the KICKER ZK500 Stereo System for Zune. Designed to be the loudest docking station on the market, the ZK500 lets you get more out of your Zune than ever before. Bass and treble adjustments allow you to enjoy your music the way you want. The big five-inch woofers, 19mm tweeters and 40-watt stereo amplifiers deliver the kind of crisp, powerful sound you expect from a KICKER product. KICKER's patent-pending six-inch square reflex subwoofer delivers a dynamic bass response unmatched by other docking stations. Equipped for any setting, the ZK500 includes a credit-card-size infrared remote, allowing you to navigate with ease through your Zune's entire menu. The innovative remote lets you adjust the ZK500's bass, treble, and auxiliary-in options, as well as the Zune menu directories. Select standby mode to continue charging your Zune even when it's powered down. A 1/8-inch minijack input also lets you connect additional media to the ZK500, including other MP3 and compact-disc players, as well as desktop and laptop computers, or satellite radio. With adapters fit for all Zune models, the ZK500 delivers a complete entertainment experience. KICKER virtually invented high-performance audio in cars with the introduction of The Original Kicker in 1980 and now it is once again paving the way with its breakthrough MP3 technology. KICKER products are all about Livin' Loud and having passion for the way you choose to live your life. The "zKICK" just made Livin' Loud a reality in any setting.

Product Description
powered speaker system for Zune MP3 player * 40 watts total power (20 watts x 2) * two speakers with 5" woofers and 3/4" tweeters * back-firing 6" square passive radiator to enhance bass * remote control *

Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Kicker-ZK500-Zune-Speaker-Black/dp/B0019DKOVW/ref=pe_9460780_txt_1/

Transfer iPod media to Zune

2008-06-18T13:08:00.003-05:00

I found a guide that allows you to transfer all your iPod music, movies, and pictures to the Zune. May be helpful for some people. Here goes...

This is a step by step guide to tell you how to get all songs, pictures and videos from iPod, iPhone to computer (includeing windows PC and Mac OS X) for free. And then you can put these songs, pictures and videos to Zune , PSP, Sandisk, Pocket PC, PowerPoint, Cell phone, Creative Zen, PDA, Archos, iRiver, Apple TV, Xbox 360, PS3 and other MP4 player. If you want to put the iTunes videos to Zune and other mp4 players, You can transfer itunes videos to iPod touch, iPod classic, the lastest iPod nano and iPhone firstly.

Continue here...
http://www.iskysoft.com/article/video-from-ipod-to-computer.html

Zune 80 and Zune 2.5 review

2008-06-17T13:03:00.000-05:00

In the past several months since the second generation of Zunes went on sale, Microsoft has been busy addressing longstanding complaints about the Zune and its software: version 2.5 adds auto playlists, gapless playback, and other features that the iPod (and several other players) have had for awhile. With that in mind, we take a quick look at the Zune 80 and the new software not only to see whether they've truly caught up to iPods, but also to find out whether this Zune truly stands up against its smaller Zune 4 and 8 cousins.
Read more:
http://macnn.com/rd/103418==http://www.electronista.com/reviews/zune-80-and-zune-2.5-software.html

Source:
http://www.electronista.com

After abandoning iTunes, NBC shows up on Zune

2008-05-06T09:20:00.001-05:00

After a pricing spat with Apple led NBC to pull its video content

from iTunes, the broadcaster has struck a deal with Microsoft's Zune online store.

On Tuesday, as part of an announcement about new Zune features, Microsoft planned to say that it will start selling television programs at the Zune store for viewing on its portable music player. NBC is among the broadcasters supplying videos for the service.

The videos, which also come from Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Turner Broadcasting and VH1, will cost $1.99 each. Users will be able to choose from 800 episodes.

Read more on the article here:
http://www.macworld.com/article/133305/2008/05/zune.html

Red Zune 80 Gen2

2008-04-30T15:47:00.002-05:00

Not unlike the early colorized versions of the original Zune before it, the red Zune 80 looks like it should finally be ready to make its un-tattooed retail sales debut . If you’ve been considering getting loud and/or proud with your next Zune, call ahead to your local gadget stock keeper and see if they’re in.

http://www.inspiretech.com/blog/?p=112

Microsoft readies Joy Division edition of Zune

2008-04-18T14:50:00.001-05:00

The folks at Microsoft is prepping the Joy Division edition of its Zune portable media player to coincide with the June 10 release of an eponymous DVD about the band. This special edition Zune will boast an adaptation of the cover art from the band’s 1979 debut called Unknown Pleasures, where artist Peter Saville created using a graph of one hundred pulses from pulsar CP 1919.

There is no official images of the Joy Division Zune at this point on time, but what you see above is a semblance of the original pattern. I wonder whether this version will sell well though, after all - it is a Zune.

Source:
http://www.hifigadget.com/other/microsoft-readies-joy-division-edition-of-zune.htm

Zune Guy's name change endeavor is back on

2008-04-10T15:01:00.002-05:00

We can't say we'd follow in this guy's footsteps for any amount of money, but boy, does it make for fantastic drama. Shortly after the famed Zune Guy (you know, that cat with a trio of Zune-inspired tattoos?) decided to legally change his name to "Microsoft Zune," the plan was put on hiatus after hearing that it cost a whopping $500 to get a name swap. After getting curious, investigating and discovering that he only needed $150 to have it done, he put the mission squarely back on the front burner. Unfortunately, there still stands a chance of the aforesaid name being denied, so he's posted up a poll in order to let the general public give him a list of backups.

Source:
http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/10/zune-guys-name-change-endeavor-is-back-on/

Video, XNA Game Studio on Zune

2008-03-24T21:07:00.001-05:00

Video: XNA Game Running on a Zune

Zune Equalizer

2008-03-12T12:03:00.002-05:00

How to Adjust the Sound Equalizer on a Zune

Things You'll Need:

* Zune

Step 1:
Turn on your Zune. Once you have powered it up, begin to play music or a video.

Step 2:
Adjust the volume. To do this, while the track or video is playing, hold the control pad up or down to adjust the volume to a good listening level. If a track or video is not playing, then simply turn the audio up or down.

Step 3:
Set the volume low. When adjusting the equalizer, you may receive loud blasts of sound in an instant. Keep the volume lower while adjusting this so you do not damage your hearing.

Step 4:
Go to the Main Menu. Once you are here, select Settings. This will give you many options to choose from to adjust various settings for your Zune.

Step 5:
Select Music. Once you have chosen Music, select Equalizer. Once you have selected Equalizer, it will go through the various equalizer settings.

Step 6:
Make your selection. Once you have heard each equalizer setting, select the one you wish to listen through and save that setting.

http://www.squidoo.com/zuneequalizer

Zune Game Development

2008-02-29T11:09:00.001-05:00

Developers will now have the capability to develop once for all three platforms: the Xbox 360, Windows, and Zune. While developers can write one game and target any platform, cross-platform networking between all three platforms is not supported.

FAQ: http://forums.xna.com/ShowThread.aspx?PostID=46553
Forum: http://forums.xna.com/46557/ShowThread.aspx

Games for Zune!@#

2008-02-21T08:56:00.002-05:00

Looks like games are coming for the Zune after all! Microsoft just announced XNA Studio developers will be able to use the Zune as a multiplayer wireless mobile gaming platform. Details are sparse at this point, but it looks like it's going to be second gen Zunes only, since it was specifically mentioned that it'd take advantage of the touchpad controls.

Source:
http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/20/

Hack your Zune to use it as an external USB drive

2008-02-14T10:39:00.003-05:00

One of the pitfalls of the Zune is that you have to access it through the Zune software. The windows operating system does not see it as an external USB drive. We thought this would be useful. Well, if it is something useful you can bet that there is a hack for it. We searched and sure enough there was a hack for the Zune to make it accessible as an external USB drive.

Source:
http://www.your-gadget.com/2008/02/13/

1st Gen Zune A/V Dock with 2nd Gen Zune

2008-02-05T16:09:00.001-05:00

Since the v2 dock came out which supports the Zune30/80/8/4 via removable face plates, the v1 dock has been on clearance (Originally $99, now $25!) at places like buy.com. So since we had 2 Zune30's in the family, and love having the Zune hooked up to the living room TV for media enjoyment, I thought it was a good idea to pick up another one for the TV upstairs.

Read more...

Source:
http://jeftek.com/media/zune/use-v1-zune-a-v-dock-with-v2-zunes/

Zune Software v2.3 update

2008-01-24T09:05:00.000-05:00

A new Zune Software v2.3 (to match the currect Firmware version) was released today. The new software won't have any new features but only contains performance enhancements for set-up, sync and general reliability...

Read more here:
http://www.zune-online.com/news/zune/zune-software-v2.3-update-is-out.html

Zune headed to Canada (Spring)

2008-01-07T16:49:00.001-05:00

Somewhere, in the wide-open plains to the North, there's a man who, unbeknownst to his family and perhaps even himself, is destined for something greater. Somewhere, there's a Canadian counterpart to our Zune Guy who has yet to fulfill his fate ... but not for long. Microsoft announced today that the Zune won't be confined to the borders of the US any longer, as its forthcoming release in Canada is marking the infant music player's first big trip outside the US. Welcome to the Social, Canada -- unfortunately, we've no clue when you'll receive the official invite.

More info:
http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/06/finally-zune-headed-to-canada/

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune (2nd Gen)

2008-01-03T14:00:00.001-05:00

The second-generation Microsoft Zune media player is that company's answer to the various iPods Apple has put on the market with at least video and MP3 capability. As a general-purpose media player, the Zune is more than serviceable. It's not spectacular, but the Zune does just what you'd expect--plays music and videos, displays pictures, and manages your media library. But the question remains: what the heck is inside?

Read more here:
http://www.news.com/2300-1041_3-6223395-1.html

According to google, Zune is the Most Popular Christmas Gifts in the US

2007-12-27T14:44:00.000-05:00

Google Hot Trends is a great way to see what are the most popular Christmas presents, at least in the US. You only need to look at the URLs entered in Google's search box (people still haven't discovered the address bar):

4. www.zune.net/setup
7. itunes.com
11. www.myepets.com
16. www.shiningstars.com
29. webkinz.com
34. att.com/activations
41. virginmobileusa.com/activate
45. www.apple.com/support/manuals/ipod
52. apple.com/ipod/start
65. www.tracfone.com

Source:
http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/2007/12/popular-christmas-gifts-in-us.html

Zune v2.3 Firmware released

2007-12-18T13:51:00.000-05:00

Download it now! You can now update your Zune to Firmware v2.3 .

Open the Zune software while the Zune device is still connected to the computer. The Zune software searches the Internet for the latest version of the firmware. If a newer version of the Zune firmware is available than the version that you have installed, a notice to update your device appears. You can also manually check for new device updates by clicking Settings, by clicking device, and then by clicking Device Update. If an update is available, click Install.

Workaround found for three-play rule on Zune

2007-12-12T11:29:00.001-05:00

Been a while since a last posted...found this on Engadget:

Finding yourself unhealthily frustrated by that annoying "three-play rule" still included in the latest firmware update for the Zune? Fret not, as a solution easier than easy has been discovered. Apparently, users can simply accept a shared track, go into Windows and switch the genre to "Podcast," and play the tune over as many times as they'd like. Granted, any files which this trick is used for will show up in the Podcast section, but hey, you can't get everything, right?

Source:
http://www.engadget.com/

Four secret button tricks for your Zune player

2007-11-21T12:30:00.000-05:00

by Harvey Chute

Special button combinations can be used to execute Zune player functions. These button tricks - not widely known - are sure to amuse and delight your friends.

And yes, they work with the new players as well as the updated 30GB.

By default, Zune goes to "sleep" after a few minutes of inactivity, and then turns itself off. You can save a few millijoules of battery life by turning your player completely off when you're finished with it. How? Press and hold "down" on the Zune Pad, and press and hold the Back button.

No matter what player function you're using, you can always quickly go back to the main menu. Just press and hold the Back button.

To reset your player - also known as a "reboot" - press and hold the Back button, while pressing "up" on the Zune Pad.

To reformat your player's drive, reset it as noted above. When it starts to reset, hold down the Back button, Center button, and Play button at the same time. Your player will inform you that it is deleting all media on device, and your Zune should revert to the "way it was" when you first pulled it out of the box. Careful! This will erase your player contents and you should rarely if ever need to do it.

Get more of these parlor tricks in our Zune tips page.

Source:
http://www.zunerama.com/articles_024.php#071121_zune_story

Complete Guide to Zune 2's Software and Firmware

2007-11-13T09:32:00.001-05:00

Zune 2 and its batch of new features are finally upon us, bringing new players and an entirely new experience. On the device side, there's 4/8GB flash-based and 80GB hard drive-based Zune with fancy form factors and increased storage, as well as new firmware for your old first-gen 30GB players. On the software side, the functionally rich (but somewhat clumsy to use) Zune suite is gone and is replaced by a beautiful, but hollow successor. Read on to find out how Microsoft has managed to change a lot on the one hand, and very little on the other—then see how the Zune stacks up against iTunes and iPod.

Source:
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/microsoft-zune/

First 6 Takes on Zune 80 (Verdict: Better Than iPod Classic?)

2007-11-12T16:59:00.001-05:00

The $249 Zune 80 is Microsoft's latest attempt to kick the iPod in the nuts, praying to crack Jobs' titanium-diamond alloy cup through Wi-Fi features and a touch of divine intervention. CNET, Wired, Dean Takahashi, PCWorld and YahooTech struck first with reviews on the new device. Their verdicts? The cup has not yet been breeched, but Microsoft is making very solid improvements on the brand.

Source:
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/frankenreview/

The second, Zune 80, TV commercial

2007-11-07T09:51:00.000-05:00

Zune team has a second TV ad coming, similar to the first, showing a guy in a bus holding a Zune 80 instead of a Zune 8 in the first one. He also dives into his player, in a fantasy world, views his photos and does some amazing stuff with friends. Watch the video below...

Zune 2 Details

2007-10-04T08:07:00.000-05:00

From Gizmodo:

• The Zune and Zune Software now supports lossless audio. Windows Media Lossless.
• Microsoft claims that the Zune is now a much superior option compared to the iPod.
• Launch date, according to Amazon, is November 13.

• Zune Pass (the monthly subscription scheme) work with the 1 million DRM free songs, but all songs you download with the Zune Pass will still be wrapped in DRM to be recognized as a rental.
• Wireless syncing will automatically sync one minute after activity is stopped as long as you're in Wi-Fi range and attached to a power source (dock, AC adapter). You can manually trigger the Wi-Fi sync as well even without being connected to power.
• Syncing will interrupt any activity you're currently doing.
• All the old accessories are compatible with the new devices (there may be some problems with a dock, but they'll get back to us)
• Screens are now made of glass as opposed to plastic in the 30GB
• The Flash Zunes, even though smaller, have the same resolution as the 80GB Zune.
• Zune Social, the social networking site, will launch in beta.
• You won't be able to send songs through Zune Social, just pointers to 30 second clips of what you're listening to
• The brown isn't discontinued (it's still in the 30GB models), but they say green is the new fashionable color, so they're going with that in the Flash models
• No battery life details yet
• No sound quality comparisons vs. the iPod yet either

Update:
• The new Zune dock offers component out with the 80GB, composite out with the 30GB, and no video out for the 4/8.

Source:
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/zune/