Listen To This: Controls

So far, in this series, we have not really had much of a chance to get into specifics about the individual players.  We’ve done a quick overview, looked in the boxes, even checked out the hardware and accessories.  But none of what we have looked at so far has had much to do with the actual use of the players.  All of that is going to change now.  The next two articles will focus on the user interface.  Today, we will be talking about the controls on each of the six players.  In the next article, we’ll be looking at a related item, the menu systems in each player.  The two really go together, and if it helps, we can think of this as part 1 and the next one as part 2.

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Microsoft SmartPhone, The Rumour Mill!

Well this one has been going around for ages, that Microsoft would eventually come up with it’s own hardware to deliver it’s Windows Mobile OS on, and somehow couple it with the Zune MP3 player to create the ultimate WinMo device. I always find myself having a little chuckle at the cynical optimism of tech writers, whether they be from large syndicated news networks, or rather less well known publications.

To set the stage, a blast from the past, that did nothing to dampen the rumours of a Microsoft WinMo phone

Albeit a rather tongue in cheek look at a Microsoft device, more of a boomerang than a sleek phone, there is still a lot of wondering and speculation as to whether Microsoft will ever release a mobile device, or Zune Phone. A post earlier in the week at CNBC.com, seems to suggest that this is actually about to happen, and soon.

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Zune Releases Software/Firmware Update 3.1

MS has released update 3.1 for all Zunes, and it is available now for download.  This update is all about fun!!!  There are three free new games:  Checkers, Sudoku, and Space Battle.  Plus, Texas Hold’em has also been updated to include new levels of difficulty in single player mode, as well as a multi-player mode.  I love portable gaming, so this was a welcome surprise.  There is also a new feature for the Zune Social called ‘Like-minded Listeners’.   It allows Zuners to compare their musical preferences with other listeners and friends.  The Zune Social is getting a face lift, as well, to make navigation a little clearer.  The update is also suppose to improve device stability, performance, and PC syncing.  I hope we continue to see more updates for the Zune in the future.  When the device first premiered, it was quite awhile before we saw anything, so keep up the good work MS.

Via Zunerama

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Zune Pass - 10 Free Songs Every Month!!!

MS is changing, or I should say adding, to their Zune Pass music subscription service.  The way the Zune Pass works is that you can download an unlimited amount of music from the Zune Marketplace for a monthly fee of $14.99.  If you stop your subscription, then you no longer have access to that music.  The program allows you to try out all kinds of music with no extra cost to you.  I’m sure many of us have purchased a CD that had one song we really liked, and then we find out that we don’t care for any of the other music on the album.  So, you wind-up with a $14 song.  Zune Pass helps to avoid things like that, as well as giving you a huge music collection.  The new bonus is that you can now keep 10 songs every month forever.  These are 10 songs of your choosing, so you have complete freedom.  The price of the Zune Pass does not change.  MS sets this up by giving each Zune Pass account 10 credits every month.  Credits do not transfer month to month, so use ‘em or lose ‘em.  I am not currently a Zune Pass subscriber, but with this new offer, I am very tempted to sign up.

Via Zunerama

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Flash Zunes on Sale - Get’em While They’re Hot

There are few things that make me happier than fun electronic toys on sale.  In that respect, MS knows the way to this girl’s heart.  Just in time for the holiday season, all of the flash Zunes, and some Zune accessories, will see a price drop.  The sale starts on Nov. 19 in the US, and Nov. 21 in Canada.  You can also order your Zune through Zune Originals, and will see the same price break.  With the money you save, the art work and etching are almost free. 

Zune 4 is now $99.  Zune 8 is $138, and the Zune 16 is $179.

I hope this means that we might see a price drop on the hard drive Zunes.  Can anyone say blue Zune 120? 

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Zune Marketplace: Three Free Weekly - Oops!!!

Well, it seems that I was wrong in my last post saying that those songs were the last 3 songs from the Zune Marketplace’s ‘Three Free Weekly’.  They threw one more our way, or in this case three, but this is really the last one.  Unless of course MS changes their mind, which I hope they do.  This last one demonstrates what was so great about the program.  We see music from R&B, Country, and the Hip Hop worlds.  So make sure to enjoy these freebies!!!

A Woman’s Worth by Alicia Keys; Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash; Stop-N-Go by Ugk

The only requirement for downloading the free music is that you download and use the Zune software.

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