Zune Converter Guides & News

We were recently asked by a shareholder how the Zune would effect his Microsoft stocks. "It's not a factor right now, but it will be important down the road. Zune is a family of devices, not a MP3 player" we responded. Quite a bit is known about this future family of Zune. For example, Microsoft has listed the following items in the Zune trademark filing (among other things):

• hand-held units for playing electronic games
• cell phones; computer software for operating cell phones; peripherals and accessories for use with cell phones
• multimedia player
• hardware and software for connecting multimedia players to existing audiovisual systems in homes, offices and automobiles
• entertainment and communications devices for recording, organizing, transmitting, manipulating and reviewing text, data, audio, image and video files
• advertising services
• online retail store featuring multimedia players
• electronic transmission of data files, documents, music and videos over the Internet and wireless networks
• providing wireless access to computer networks and the Internet

That's a lot to swallow, and these items may not all materialize immediately, but Microsoft executives have already confirmed the expanding role of the Zune platform. Let's review some recent quotes:

"A Zune phone is definitely part of the future of this brand." -Chris Stephenson, GM for Zune

"We're actively seeking partners in the phone business" -Steve Ballmer Microsoft CEO

"we actually really think about Zune more as a platform than a device" - J Allard, VP

"Zune is an ecosystem and one part is the music device." - Bill Wittress, Zune Biz Dev

"We are very well funded and supported at the most senior levels of the company." - Bill Wittress, Zune Biz Dev

"Additional Zune-branded devices will follow, including a portable video player and, potentially, a portable game device..." -from Billboard Interview with Christ Stevenson, GM for Zune

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IGN has named the Zune as best audio device of the year, beating out iPod, Sansa and Creative for the honor:

"Betting against Apple is a risky game, and only adventurous consumers will likely make the Zune purchase, however, the Zune hardware itself isn't bad thanks to interesting aesthetics, a bright, animated, and well designed UI, and the potential for expanded WiFi capabilities." - IGN.com

The Zune team has announced that software support for Windows Vista will be available Dec 19 2006 at 10AM PDT. The downloadable update is a 22 MB file. The update is also recommended for XP users because it improves the installation process and solves some known issues.

Five weeks after the Zune launch a new firmware update is now available through the Zune PC software.

To install the update connect your Zune to your PC and when the Zune software launches right click on the name of your Zune. Next choose "Check for Zune Device Updates".

No new features have been added but according to the install window the update improves stability and performance. We decided to put that statement to the test with a pair of side by side Zunes with firmware versions 1.1 and 1.2 respectively. The conclusion? Version 1.2 actually is faster. The difference is especially noticeable when rapidly clicking through large folders of photos.

Microsoft revealed they intend to sell 1 million Zunes and 15 million XBOX 360's by June 30 and they are currently on track to reach that number. Bryan Lee, vice-president of entertainment business indicated "It's totally in line with our expectations".

Reaching that goal will require 133,300 Zune sales per month on average. Online sales have not been impressive, especially compared to cheaper flash based players, but the Zune has a strong retail presence in stores. Microsoft used it's XBOX retail connections to get Zune placed in video game outlets such as EBGames, Gamestop and even Toys R`Us. The lack of an international Zune launch is holding back sales but Zune product manager Matt Jubilirer indicated to Zunescene that an international launch is "more a question of when than if". Some Canadians and Europeans are taking advantage of Ebay to get an early Zune purchase.

Zune Owners tell it like it is. Read all the Zune Reviews These are real consumers who spent real money on a Zune.

Zune Scene was fortunate to get an early look at the Zune MP3 player in LA, so lets get on with the official review:

Display: The key feature on the Zune is really the LCD display. It's actually 44% larger than a video iPod screen. It's large enough to watch a music video, or movie and actually see the expressions on peoples faces. The pixel density is about double that of modern laptops, so it's more like watching a mini HDTV than a mini television. The refresh rate is also higher than a television, which means the frames move extremely fast to make the motion appear fluid rather than jaggy or digitized.

User Interface: The user interface is the second most important feature (after the display) for making the Zune stand out. The large center button can be pushed in 4 directions (left, right , up, down) or pressed straight in. Anyone who can use a web browser can operate the Zune. The layout is really minimalist, we observed many people at the LA preview picking up and using the device for the first time without asking any questions or looking for instructions. The menus have a sleek animation from one screen to another that gives the Zune a modern edgy feel, and personalized background pictures stay visible during navigation.

Sharing: The award for most unique feature on the Zune goes to the Wi-Fi functionality. The official range is 30 feet but this is a conservative number, we've already done tests beyond 50 feet. Users can detect who has a Zune in range and then transfer songs, entire albums, and even photos to other Zunes.

REDMOND, Wash. — Sept. 28, 2006 — Microsoft Corp. is putting the social into digital music, starting this holiday. Today the company announced that the Zune™ digital media player and online service will be available to consumers in the U.S. on Nov. 14, 2006, just in time for the holidays. The Zune device will retail for $249.99 U.S. (ERP) and will create new ways for entertainment fans to connect and share media experiences device-to-device through the use of wireless technology and new software scenarios.

For $249.99, consumers will get an incredible entertainment experience right out of the box:

30GB digital media player will come equipped with wireless functionality for Zune-to-Zune sharing of music, pictures and home recordings; a bright, three-inch LCD video screen that works in portrait or landscape mode to view pictures and videos; and a built-in FM tuner. The device will be available in three colors: black, brown and white.

A selection of preloaded content including songs, music videos and film shorts are installed on the device’s hard drive to help consumers discover new artists and entertainment.

Zune makes it easy to find music you love — whether it’s songs in your existing library or new music from the Zune Marketplace:

Its dynamic music service will be continually updated with new content and experiences so there is always something to discover. The Zune Marketplace lets users browse and purchase songs individually.

A Zune Pass subscription gives consumers access to millions of songs for $14.99 per month.

Users can purchase songs individually using Microsoft® Points for 79 points per track. Similar to a pre-paid phone card, Microsoft Points is a stored value system that can be redeemed at a growing number of online stores, including the Xbox Live® Marketplace.

In addition, consumers can choose from a full line of accessories to enhance the Zune experience and help Zune users enjoy their entertainment where they want to, at home or on the road. Accessories range in price from $19.99 to $99.99.

“On Nov. 14 we’re delivering not only a device, but a shared, social experience that will be shaped by the collective imagination of consumers,” said Chris Stephenson, general manager of global marketing for Zune. “We’re infusing the spirit of discovery and sharing into everything we do — from the experience we crafted around the device and service to pre-loading music and videos on every device to expose people to something new.”

Zune Accessories

For entertainment fans who want to experience their media from anywhere, Microsoft will offer the following accessories:

Zune Home A/V Pack.

The Home A/V Pack includes everything you need to amplify your Zune experience. This set of five products integrates Zune with your big-screen TV and the best speakers in your house. The wireless remote puts you in control from virtually anywhere in the room. When you buy the Zune Home AV Pack, you’ll get the AV Output Cable, Zune Dock, Zune Wireless Remote with Lithium Battery, Zune Sync Cable and Zune AC Adapter for $99.99.

Zune Travel Pack.

The Travel Pack includes everything you need to travel with your Zune device in style. This set of five products is designed to keep you and your friends and family entertained while you travel. When you buy the Zune Travel Pack, you’ll get the Zune Dual Connect Remote, Zune Premium Earphones, Zune Gear Bag, Zune Sync Cable and Zune AC Adapter for $99.99.

Zune Car Pack.

The Car Pack includes everything you need to hit the road with your Zune device. With AutoSeek, setup is easy, and you can enjoy your music on the go and charge at the same time. When you buy the Zune Car Pack, you’ll get the FM tuner with AutoSeek and the Zune Car Charger for $79.99.

Sold Individually

Zune AV Output Cable. The A/V Output Cable lets you connect your Zune device to a TV and home stereo. Ideal for listening to music and showing pictures and video, the A/V Output Cable is simple to set up and use, and will retail for $19.99.

Zune AC Adapter. The AC Adapter lets you charge your Zune device without a PC. For convenience, the AC Adapter will charge your Zune device in about three hours and will retail for $29.99.

Zune Sync Cable. The Sync Cable lets you connect your Zune device to your PC or the Zune AC Adapter (sold separately). It works as a replacement for your original sync cable or as a spare for travel and charging, and will retail for $19.99.

Zune Car Charger. The Car Charger lets you charge your device in the car while listening to your favorite music and even while using the FM tuner with AutoSeek (sold separately). The Car Charger will retail for $24.99.

Zune Dock.

The Dock elegantly displays your Zune device anywhere in your home or office. Featuring a connector port and an audio/video output, the Dock is ideal for syncing, charging and connecting with home A/V equipment. (A/V connectivity requires the Zune A/V Output Cable, sold separately.) The Dock will retail for $39.99.

Zune Wireless Remote for Zune Dock.

Designed for use with Zune Dock (sold separately), the Wireless Remote lets you control your device from across the room. The Wireless Remote gives you quick access to your current playlist as well as full control over menu navigation and volume. The Wireless Remote will retail for $29.99.

Zune Dual Connect Remote. The Dual Connect Remote offers convenient playlist control and two headphone jacks with independent amplifiers and volume controls so you can listen with a friend or family member. The Dual Connect Remote will retail for $29.99.

Zune FM tuner With AutoSeek. The FM tuner with AutoSeek lets you wirelessly listen to music through your car’s stereo through the FM radio. AutoSeek automatically finds the optimal station so it’s easy to set up, and will retail for $69.99.

Zune Gear Bag. The Gear Bag lets you bring Zune and related accessories with you wherever you go. The Gear Bag comes with a rugged exterior and fitted compartments to protect your device while you travel. The Gear Bag will retail for $29.99.

Zune Premium Earphones.

Designed exclusively for use with Zune, the Premium Earphones produce superior sound and feature a noise-isolating, in-ear design. With a convenient storage case and three earpiece sizes to choose from, you can listen to your music with added comfort and quality. The Premium earphones will retail for $39.99.

The Next Step in Connected Entertainment

In addition to the rich service and Zune-to-Zune sharing capabilities available at launch, the built-in wireless technology and powerful software provide a strong foundation for Zune to continue to build new shared experiences around music and video. “We’re offering a compelling experience right out of the box and providing customers with a solid base to customize and personalize their entertainment,” Stephenson said. “This is just the beginning.”

"... [webmaster name] created the website zunescene.com, devoted to all things Zune-related, when he heard that the mighty makers of Windows would be diving into the music market. "You just seem to get more for your money," he says of the new music player. At first glance, that looks to be true. The 30-gigabyte Zune will retail for about the same price as the current video iPod. But it will include Wi-fi connectivity for sharing songs (for a limited number of time and plays), a bigger screen and an FM radio."

"Physically larger than the iPod, the Zune has a hard case finished in a rubbery matte coating. Its 3-inch color screen is larger than the 2½-inch screen of video iPods, but the biggest difference is the built-in Wi-Fi transceiver that lets Zune owners (Zunis?) share music, photo and video files. It also has a radio receiver, and users can choose any photo from their files to put on the color screen.

Although the Zune has inspired several fan Web sites, including ZuneScene.com, zunemax.com and zunely.com, some industry analysts question its drawing power." NYTimes Nov 1 2006

Where did the word Zune come from? A better question is how much did the word cost. Microsoft hired Lexicon Branding to research and develop a brand. A few hundred thousand dollars later "Zune" was born. The word is considered to be youthfull and exciting, thanks to the Z and the short single syllable formation.

nalysts warn that the iPod has passed its peak. From its launch five years ago its sales graph showed a consistent upward curve, culminating in a period around last Christmas that saw a record 14 million sold. But sales fell to 8.5 million in the following quarter, and down to 8.1 million in the most recent three-month period. Wall Street is reportedly starting to worry that the bubble will burst and the iPod virus RavMonE.exe is not helping any.