Microsoft to connect with consumers/action sports fans through interactive Zune experience

From Zune.net:

Zune announced today that it will be the exclusive digital media sponsor of the 2008 Winter X Games, the world's premier action sports event taking place January 24-27 in Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado. The sponsorship will give Zune a significant and visible onsite presence at the event and will include TV, online, and print advertising. Attendees can visit the Zune interactive village booth, where they can try out the new Zune wireless media players and take part in special giveaways and promotions. On display will be 10 customized Burton snowboards featuring Zune Originals artwork that have been created exclusively for the Winter X Games. Zune Originals gives individuals the option to customize their own Zune player with laser-engraved designs and personal text via an online store, where they can choose from a collection of artwork designed exclusively for Zune by 18 internationally recognized artists.  

Additionally, Zune will also create a "pop-up shop" in downtown Aspen designed to give consumers a complete Zune experience. The space will be designed around the Zune Originals concept, featuring an interactive lounge where people can try out the new Zune players and software or go online to order their own customized Zune device from ZuneOriginals.net. Attendees who order a Zune device at the interactive space will receive a free music download card that they can redeem at Zune Marketplace in addition to a limited edition set of all 27 Zune Originals posters. Guests will also be able to access the Zune Social, a new online music community where anyone can create a free, customizable Zune Card that automatically updates to reflect the music they are listening to on their Zune player or Zune software on their computer. Through Zune Social, people can view friends' Zune Cards or those of others in the community to see what they are listening to and discover new artists and bands. Since it was introduced in November, over 1.5 million people have signed up for the Social.  

Zune's presence will be further extended by partnering with Roxy to offer an exclusive first look at the film "Labor of Love," the first ever all women's ski and snowboard team film which will be released and distributed by Video Action Sports (VAS) later this month. The premiere will take place at the Hotel Jerome in Aspen on Thursday, January 24.  Roxy team athletes along with other X Games competitors will be hosting the event.

Source: Zune.net