Zune Arts is continuing to pursue the quest to join music and art, and has released a new video that joins artist Corey Godbey, a visual sculptor of Portland Studios, with Maps, the UK based sonic sculptor. The resulting film piece, entitled "Le Cadeau du Temps," explores how eternal youth can be both a blessing and a curse, and follows a man's journey through time and the consequences that befall him when he chooses not to share his youth potion. The film is set to the ethereal sounds of Maps' "Liquid Sugar," the contemplative track from Maps' 2007 debut full length We Can Create. 

"The latest Zune Arts film, "Le Cadeau du Temps," explores the power of sharing and personal connection through the eyes of a man given the gift of eternal life," said Rob Schaltenbrand, brand marketing manager for Zune Arts.  "The use of texture and color in the animation blends seamlessly with the musical backdrop to create a deeply emotional connection with the viewer."

The new video follows in the footsteps of other creative artist collaborations which have included Bitstate and Lilly Allen, Goldfrappe  and Epoch Ink, and Black Angels and pandapanther. 

Watch "Le Cadeau du Temps" here: http://www.zune-arts.net#dutemps

For more info on Corey Goodbey and Portland Studios, visit their Web site: www.portlandstudios.com

For more info on MAPS, visit the artist page on the Zune Social here.

Source: Zune.net press release

From Zune Insider:

Zune will be issuing a firmware update today. There are no new features in this update, but it does address some issues we're reading about in the forums. Specifically the battery issue affecting a small percentage of Zune 30/80 GB users - I posted about this last week in case you missed it. In addition to the battery issue, this update provides some performance improvements:

• Improved device recognition
• Improved stability and reliability on sync (both wirelessly and while connected to a PC).

After today, your device firmware will be running 2.3. Hope everybody had a great weekend (and Monday!)

Source: Zune Insider:

Editor's Note: This Got Zune Week in Review is a list of the reviews, videos, and articles that were posted on Got Zune between December 8 and December 14 in case you missed any of them.   ~ Susan

Got Zune Site Resources:

• Subscribe to Got Zune RSS feed
• Visit Zune forums

Got Zune Site News:

• Reminder: thezuneshow Live (Tune in Monday 17 December 12-2am EST US)
• Sorry for all the Site Issues lately
• Taking a break. Zune Zune
• Reminder - December 22nd 2007 - Something Fun.
• Contest: GotZune Contest #3 - Zune Original and More!

Got Zune Site Reviews/Videos/Photos/Interviews:

• Accidental Zune 80 Scratch Test

Got Zune Site Articles: 

Accessories for Zune 

• Cases for Zune 4GB/8GB
• Cases for Zune 80GB

Zune Commentary

• How would you change Microsoft's flash Zune?
• Idiot of the Day : Erik Sofge of Popular Mechanics
• Zune Hardware Frustrations
• 3 Play Limit Workaround. Is it worth the effort?
• Wired: iPod Classic or Zune 80GB?
• Zune being mentioned in many Gift Idea Articles!
• More on the Zune, The Enquirer
• iPod rivals measure up nicely
• Why is My Playlist Stuck?

Zune Content

• Select XM Original Programming Available Free as Podcast Downloads Beginning Today

Zune Events

• Zune at Art Basel

Zune Social

• The Social is Back - Gadgets?
• Zune Marketplace & Social Down. What's Coming?

Zune Specials

• Zune 30 for just $89.99 | Mobility Site
• Woot's Altec Lansing Dock Delayed

Zune Support/Tutorials

• Quick Tip: Image-Based Zune Cards
• Zune Wireless Sync Problems
• Zune's 3 play rule gets hacked

Zune Videos

• The Best Zune Commercial Evah
• Gear Live's Andru Edwards Shows the Zunes
• Make your Zune look like an iPhone

From Zune Insider:

As part of the Zune-arts initiative, Zune went and supported Art Basel last week. We partnered with Paper Magazine on an event in support of Creative Growth Art Center. The one-week event, called ART (ANOTHER WAY TO LOOK AT IT), exhibited The Creative Growth Art Center's remarkable reinterpretations of popular and iconic art works. Here's a quick blurb on Creative Growth: 'An art program for mentally disabled adults, Creative Growth artists generate art that is not only personal but unique as well.'

Zune Insider is working on getting some visuals from the event - check back at Zune Insider for more!

Source: Zune Insider

I posted this on Mobility Site and realized it was newsworthy for Zune owners too!

Head over to http://www.xmradio.com/podcasts and add some podcasts to your Zune software! (Simply Copy the URL in the box by the podcast and paste it into Zune software)

XM, the nation's leading satellite radio service with more than 8.5 million subscribers, announced today that select XM original music, news and sports series are now available as free podcasts for download through xmradio.com and Apple Inc.'s iTunes Store (http://www.itunes.com). Beginning today, consumers can download XM content hosted by Bob Edwards, James Carville, Luke Russert, Mike Krzyzewski, Barry Switzer and Opie & Anthony, as well as exclusive XM music and comedy programming.

"By making these original XM series available through xmradio.com, iTunes and other popular podcast web sites, millions more consumers have an opportunity to sample some of the best in premium music, news and sports programming that you can only get as an XM subscriber," said Eric Logan, XM executive vice president of programming.

(more...)

Here are available cases for Zune 4 and 8 GB:

For more information visit:

• Zune 4 and 8 GB Cases
• Zune 4 and 8 GB Accessories

Where all the cases for the Zune 80 GB? Here's what's available:

Incipio Duke Wallet Case - a slim minimalist case that provides quick and easy access to your Zune. Made of natural raw leather, the Duke Wallet will age and change color with use. It's our way of making the case entirely you.

• Made of high-quality, raw natural leather and suede.
• Easy access to all buttons and features.
• Backed by Incipio's lifetime warranty.
• Price: $29.99

Incipio Vertical Holster Case - offers a stylish design fused with durability for when you are on the go with your Zune. The firm construction of this case offers reliable protection for your device. The Vertical Holster is made of premium supple leather on the outside and soft micro-suede lining on the inside.

• Made of high-quality, premium top-grain leather.
• Soft lining will clean your screen every time you slip it in.
• Backed by Incipio's lifetime warranty.
• Price: $19.99
• Available colors: black

Incipio Kickstand Case- The Incipio Kickstand is a compact case that provides easy access to your Zune at all times. The case is elegant, slim, and made of premium top-grain leather. The durable construction offers long-lasting protection for your Zune and is backed by Incipio's legendary lifetime warranty.

• Kickstand folio design allows you to watch your videos while the case holds your device.
• Made of high-quality, premium top-grain leather.
• Easy access to all buttons and features.
• Price: $19.99
• Available colors - brown, black

Incipio Wallet Case- a stylish case that provides quick and easy access to your Zune. The case is elegant in construction and offers reliable protection to your Zune. Backed by Incipio's legendary lifetime warranty.

• Made of high-quality, premium leather and suede.
• Easy access to all buttons and features.
• Wallet and credit card holder.
• Price: $24.99
• Available colors:Black, Caramel, Pink/Brown

Zune Leather Case - Made of premium Italian leather, the Zune Leather Case lets you travel in style with your Zune.

• Protect your Zune in style. This stylish genuine leather case is designed to go everywhere with you.
• Premium materials. Made of fine Italian leather, the Zune Leather Case is designed to hold and protect your Zune...in style.
• Price: $49.99
• Available from Zune

Visit www.myincipio.com for more information on Incipio Cases

For more accessories for yourZune 80 GB, visit Zune

Wired did a comparison of the iPod Classic and Zune 80GB

The initial knee jerk reaction is to buy the 80GB iPod Classic. Not so fast, there hotshot. There's also the brand new 80GB Zune 2, which is actually your better bet. The kids are getting a Zune for Christmas, even if they asked Santa for an iPod.

Wired compared the hardware, content, networking, and pricing of the two devices. Wired also created a poll for their blog readers "What do you think, dear reader? Have we lost our mind?"

Visit Wired  to check out their comparison of the two devices and vote in their poll!

Source: via Zune Insider and Wired

Editor's Note: This Got Zune Week in Review is a list of the reviews, videos, and articles that were posted on Got Zune between December 1 and December 7 in case you missed any of them.   ~ Susan

Got Zune Site Resources:

• Subscribe to Got Zune RSS feed
• Visit Zune forums

Got Zune Site News:

• Got Zune hits the "Social" with mixed welcomes
• Poll : Pick your Zune Color
• Contest: GotZune Contest #3 - Zune Original and More!

Got Zune Site Reviews/Videos/Photos/Interviews:

• Mini Interview with Cesar Menendez, Zune Insider
• Zune Originals 80GB Unboxing!
• Zune 80 vs iPod Classic 80 Video Comparison

Got Zune Site Articles: 

Accessories for Zune 

• Skin your Zune 2

Misc.

• UZVOTW #1 - DESTROYING MICROSOFT ZUNE 30 GIG

Zune 4/8/80 Hardware

• Hot deal: 4GB Zune for $149.99! YeeeHaw!!!
• CNET Prizefight - Zune 80 vs. iPod Classic 80
• You Crazy Canadians want a Zune 80? Maybe Good News.
• Anything But iPod Reviews the Zune 80

Zune Commentary

• Microsoft's new Zune slimmer, stronger
• Zune #5 Searched for Last Week
• Old Amazon Article Slashdotted
• More Zune 2 Opinions from conventional media outlets

Zune Commercials

• Intergalactic Swap Meet - Another Weird One.

Zune Limited Edition

• Special Edition Pink Zune 30 by Nylon
• Limited Edition Zune 2 - 10 of a Kind

Zune Originals

• Slick Move Sir. Pink Zune Original + Ring = I Do
• Crave unboxes Zune Original!
• Let the Zune 80 Original Unboxing Begin!
• Zune 80GB Original on the way!

Zune Specials

• 50% Zune Accessories at Meritline - Limited Time
• Woot : Altec Lansing M604 Powered Audio System for Zune
• Zune AV Cable $6 at HandHelditems.com

Zune Support/Tutorials

• Tool for fixing the incorrect tags after v2 upgrade

Editor's Note: This Got Zune Week in Review is a list of the reviews, videos, and articles that were posted on Got Zune between November 24 and November 30 in case you missed any of them.   ~ Susan

Got Zune Site Resources:

• Subscribe to Got Zune RSS feed
• Visit Zune forums

Got Zune Site News:

• Poll:Zune Poll : Squircle or Zunepad?
• Contest: GotZune Contest #3 - Zune Original and More!
• Thanks thezuneshow Podcast
• Poll: How are we doing?
• GotZune Contest Winner #2 Is Happy
• Zune Podcast - 07 - thezuneshow : got milk?
• Got Zune? search tip for readers
• Fanboy Disclosure - Chris and his Toys

Got Zune Site Reviews/Videos/Photos:

• Video Preview: DLO TransDock for Zune
• Zune 30 and Zune 80 Video Battery Test Results
• Zune 80 and Zune 30 Video Battery Test Begins

Got Zune Site Articles: 

Availability of Zunes 

• Zune 80 Stock Update - Best Buy, Amazon, and Now In Stock

Misc.

• Stupid Celebrities Zune Contest
• Zune People Cheated, but so did iPod People.
• Ok, I have a Question for the Readers

Reviews

Zune 4/8/80 Hardware

• Cnet's Official Zune 2 Battery Results

Zune Commentary

• Jaxim gets Big Blog Love from Crunchgear
• Buy.com Video Discussing the Black Friday Sales
• PC Magazine Zune 80 Video
• Leo Laporte talks about the "much improved Zune 2"
• Top Zune Search Terms
• Another Zune 2.0 is Ok, but. Review
• Zune 2 Supports HiDef, but not Dolby?
• Stocking Stuffers Go High-Tech - Zune Love
• Zune . it's growing and growing and growing
• Zune 2 Suggestion Box

Zune Commercials

• New Zune 2 Commercial - This one is Normal
• Zune Device, Social, Software and Marketplace Videos

Zune Mods

• Play your Zune on your PC Speakers

Zune Music

• Alltel Wireless + Goo Goo Dolls = Free Concert
• Zune Podcast Online

Zune Originals

• Zune 80 Originals Now Available

Zune Social

• MyZunecard.net Coming Zune
• Zune Social..do you have a card yet?

Zune Specials

• Get 10% off the Zune 80 at Target
• Geat a Travel Charger for The Zune 4, 8, 30, and 80 for $1.75
• Dell is Blowing Out the Brown Zune 30 Too

Zune Support/Tutorials

• Do you suffer from Zune Related Stress?
• Issues with Zune 30 Battery Life after Upgrade?
• Download Podcasts with iTunes for Zune