[Updated: 9/18/08 - Added Zune media collection reset tool]

Hopefully everyone has smoothly gotten their Zune software to update without any issues and we are all busy spending time playing with them.  But are there any of you having problems with the Zune update?

There are a few update requirements that are needed for the new Zune software to work, such as:

• .NET
• Doctor Watson 2.0
• MS XML
• Windows Update Agent
• XMLLite
• Wireless LAN API
• Image Mastering API
• An unknown knowledge base download KB933720
• Windows Media Framework

What else can you do? Check after the break.

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So if you didn't remember or patiently waiting, the new software will be available shortly.  A good indicator would be the message 'Site Not Available The Zune Social is currently down for maintenance. Please check back soon!' displayed on Zune.net

The site went down at 9PM PST and will resume operations at who knows when.  I wasn't able to find out when the site would be back up but I do want to know when the first person gets the new update.

See you all back here shortly to share you happiness with the rest of us.

Zune 3 is all the buzz and its hard not to come across it [news] in some variation or another. One of the new features to be offered in the new version is the ability to tagged music from the radio for later download. Microsoft has been somewhat proactive in assisting with the adoption of Radio Data System / RT+ data feed by working with 9 of the major broadcasters. Hopefully, the Feds don't decide to switch radio over to HD radio as with the February 2009 television cut-over.

Users of Microsoft's Zune music device and the related service of the same name will be able to tag songs they hear on the radio and then purchase them via wireless hot spots.

Buy From FM, debuting this coming Tuesday, is the result of a partnership between Microsoft and stations from nine big radio groups: Beasley, Bonneville, CBS Radio, Citadel, Clear Channel, Cox, Emmis, Entercom, and Greater Media. Altogether, over 450 stations are participating.

Microsoft said the new service was designed to make it easier for Zune users to download new music they come across on the radio, citing a survey which found that 61% of the population discovers new music primarily through that medium.

[SOURCE: MediaPost - 9 Radio Broadcasters Tag Songs for Zune]

5 More Days and we all get to enjoy the new start screens!

If you remember back in July 2008, Hansup Yoon sold ZuneBoards for $62,000 to crowdgather and is finally getting some media attention over it.  He could have possibly held out for more cash since monthly revenue generated from the site will increase with crowdgather advertising.  Well either way its good to be young and the proprietor of a marketing transaction.

Now for the million dollar project Hansup!

SANTA ANA, Calif. - Young entrepreneur Hansup Yoon, 15, recently sold his creation ZuneBoards, an Internet forum devoted to Microsoft's Zune media player, for $62,000.

The teenager, who lives in Fullerton, Calif., created the site months before Microsoft introduced its answer to Apple's iPod in 2006.

"It was the most perfect time to start a Web site about Zune, and I was one of the first few to create a Zune-related site," he said.

[Source: Boston Herald - Zune player forum makes teen a fortune]

So the buzz is HOT over a the possibility of a new Zune device which is has been passed around the FCC and looks like some type of metal apocalyptic homage to Terminator.  Since this is most likely a black Zune that was poorly photographed, let's use our imaginations for minute as we try to image what an unboxing for the new device would be like.

If your not a creative thinker then here is a video that will help you imagine the experience (recommended:  wash your hands after opening this box)

Enjoy!

[Source: Engadget - Samsung's extraordinary i900 Omnia]

If you haven't yet seen the most technologically inclined opening ceremony of this years Beijing Olympics.  It is available for download from the Zune Marketplace for 160 points, which is the equivalent of $2.00 US for all 52 minutes of awe-inspiring glory.  The opening ceremonies consisted of dramatic uses of technology and the over-population of China to its advantage which had no repeat performers on the floor.  With so many people performing in the shows I wondered if the streets of Beijing were empty outside the stadium.

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Just received an announcement from Zune.net regarding skins available for your Zune device saving 30% on purchases.  Adding some competition for skin makers such as Decal Girl who offer unlicensed skins for $6.99  while Skinit offers fully licensed art for $14.95 so dare to compare.

So here is something to cover your $88 pink Zune you just got from Newegg.com!

Visit SkinIt.com.

Zune Scene posted some interesting information on a Nokia & Zune partnership so we will have to see if this is a phone solution or just providing access to more users wishing to download from the Marketplace.

Nokia is currently working with the Zune team on integration of Zune Marketplace content according to a well placed source within Microsoft. The joint development is directed at content delivery rather than a hardware device according to the source. It has long been assumed by many tech followers that Zune content and software would find it's way onto Windows Mobile devices, thereby offering competition to the unfortunately popular iPhone. The interesting thing about the Nokia Zune partnership is that Nokia does not support Windows Mobile. It appears Microsoft may be developing a two front war against the iPhone, namely Windows based smart phones and more abundant "non-smart" phones.

[SOURCE:]Zune Scene Nokia Zune Phone - Content Deal in Works

I have been busily configuring servers for my office in preparation for long overdue changes.  Mainly using an Exchange Server instead of the current POP Mail server that is a pain to configure and has many problems including poor SPAM filtering.

Configuring has been a breeze although I was nervous about the whole Exchange Shell and I felt it was time to setup Outlook Web Access for users that may require external mail access while away from the office.  I love to look at all the detailed options, especially since I wanted to see what the difference between Exchange Server 2003 and 2007 had to offer.  I came across custom themes for the external users and was surprised to see a Zune theme and wanted to share it with you.  There are also additional themes like XBox, Carbon Black and the default Seattle Sky.

Odd but completely cool!  I guess you already know what my theme will be set to.

The Internet wires are still buzzing over the Zune Guys upset over the Microsoft Zune.  I understand where he's coming from and have to agree, they updates have been very few and a long wait.  And some of the updates have even been a step backwards in the Zune development, for example when they stopped using the Windows Media Player as the backbone.  I hate to do a comparison but the Playstation 3 has had its updates, new developments and new features come out almost every two months.  Is the Zune Team so short handed that they can't push out more timely updates?

I don't know but I would love for a Microsoft official to please just explain themselves, stop keeping things so hush hush, make friends not enemies and possibly even patch up whatever is upsetting Steven Smith a.k.a the Zune Guy.

As strong supporters of the Zune, Microsoft owes us that much.  We are the life blood that keep this product going the way it does.  Most people haven't purchased a Zune until they have come across the forums, seen reviews, spoke to other owners or see what problems they may encounter.  So its understandable when we don't get what we want and feel helpless about it.  Let me know your thoughts, leave a comment...