Here are a few videos that Cesar from Zune Insider sent us demonstrating some of the new Zune 3 features. The Zune 3 software is referred to as the Fall update and will be available September 16th.

There are 4 videos in all, read on to watch them.

(more...)

UPDATE - Contest Closed Early. Thanks for all the entries.

OK, so I have to admit that I am disappointed that there is not a blue color choice for the Zune 120 or even the Zune 80. It is cool that they made a Zune 8 in blue, but I can't use an 8GB player so it does me no good. I would unbox it and all that good crap, but someone already has and... well, you've seen an 8gb Zune, so why bother eh?

Well, because of the fact that it does me no good, I am going to throw mine to one of you Mardi Gras style. Just post a comment here on this post and you are entered to win. Since these blue ones aren't "supposed" to be available for purchase yet, I will get this one out pretty quick. We'll make it a quick contest. Deadline will be September 12th at 3pm CST.

I currently own 7 Zunes and I have give away 10-12 across my sites, and now I have this one. This 8gb Blue Zune the 1st Zune that I didn't pay for. This one is the only one Microsoft has provided me and will probably be the last.

So, just leave a comment and cross your fingers on September 12th, 2008. Make sure your email address is reachable. The prize is only an unopened Blue 8gb Zune. No service is included.

Paul, who happens to be sitting next to me as I type this, has posted a couple videos on Qik...

• Video Of Zune Marketplace Purchase Live Over Wifi
• Zune Games Texas Hold 'em And Hexic Video
• Audiobooks on the Zune (Audible and OverDrive)

Nothing really fancy, but there is a small clock in the upper right hand corner of the main screen. Image will be added later, the one I took was kinda fuzzy. I didn't expect to be able to share anything we see or hear here today, so I didn't bring a camera.

Yes, I know you have heard this already, but we got a demo of those two games as well...

Today, here in Seattle, the Zune Team showed us a demo of the some of the new Zune features on their test server enviorment. The two main features that they demonstrated just now was the ability to flag songs for download from the Zune Marketplace from within the FM Radio and the access of the marketplace from the Zune. To be able to access the Zune Marketplace from the Zune is huge in my opinion. Also, if you actually use the FM radio and you hear a song you like, you can flag it for download if the song data is passed by the radio station about that song and it is recognized as being available in the marketplace.

More info on this when I learn more, keep in mind that were are being show a lot and some of the info we are getting are just skimming the surface.

Today Microsoft officially announces what many have already learned though leaks from a Device sold at Fry's and other sources.

Basically we are going to see a couple new sizes with no design change (120gb Hard Drive based player and 16gb Flash based player). In addition to minor hardware upgrades, there are some major software backend updates coming September 16th, 2008. I have seen some of these changes and I think you'll all love it. Unfortunately there are several issues we are all screaming for that were not addressed, but Microsoft is aware. Understand that it takes time to implement changes in such a major software platform.

Press Release follows...

Zune Takes Music Discovery to the Next Level With New Ways to Find and Access Digital Music

Software update will enable Zune users to tag songs and buy music directly from FM radio and download and stream music on the go beginning Sept. 16.

Zune, Microsoft Corp.’s end-to-end music and entertainment service, again revolutionizes how customers discover and connect to the music they love, where and how they want it. Starting next week, every Zune portable media player will let consumers wirelessly download or stream millions of songs on the go from thousands of wireless hot spots around the country. Free, powerful software and firmware updates will give Zune owners the ability to discover, tag and purchase songs directly from the built-in FM radio, wirelessly access the Zune Marketplace store on the go, and tap into interactive, personalized music recommendations that add even more value to the Zune Pass subscription. Zune is also expanding its device lineup with new 16GB and 120GB capacities as well as shiny new blue-on-silver and sleek all-black color schemes. The new features will begin rolling out on Sept. 16, 2008.

“Digital music services really come alive when they help people find not only the music they know they like, but the music they didn’t know they would love,� said Chris Stephenson, general manager of Global Marketing for Zune at Microsoft. “With the combination of subscription, wireless access to millions of tracks, and powerful discovery features like personal recommendations and the ability to buy music from FM radio, Zune is taking the digital music experience to the next level.�

(more...)

Zunethings.co.uk has posted some photos of the Zune 120...

Check the rest of the photos and Zunethings.co.uk

Very few updates for me the next couple days, I am at the Zune building in Redmond today with some fellow Zune enthusiasts.

We have myself (gotzune.com), Patrick Heffner from Zune Tracks, Jason Dunn from Zune Thoughts, Graham Skee, owner of AnythingbutiPod, Drea from Generation Zune, Harvey Chute from Zunerama, Mike Fosmire (Zune MVP Lead), Gary Wilson (Business Group Lead), Paul Colligan the podcast guru and owner of Zuneluv, Nevelle Williams (solar257), Stephan Shipman from Ihaveazune, Cesar Menendez (Zune Insider), and several Zune team members presenting. (Jessica Zahn, Dave Jones, and more).

Not much to share right now, but we are providing input to the Zune team and being briefed on upcoming changes that are no doubt exciting. And yes, this photos was taken with an iPhone.

All the buzz has left the rumored "Zune Contact" to fly under the radar, but it looks like some promo material has surfaced...

(more...)