Now it's about time. Earlier today at CES (which I am not at for the 1st time in while), Microsoft announced that the social will grow closer to the US for now. I am sure that this will lead the way for other launches in 2008.

Zune to Launch in Canada; Zune Social Grows Rapidly

Adding to the entertainment momentum, Bach announced that Zune will be available in Canada in spring 2008, the first time the family of digital music players will be available outside the U.S. Microsoft also announced that since the November launch of Zune Social, more than 1.5 million people have joined the music-focused social network, demonstrating how Zune is tapping into consumers desire to share their musical passions with their broader community.

Source : Mobilitysite

I am not normally one to hop on the Petition bandwagon to try to get the attention of a company. I don't think they are effective. On the otherhand, it only takes a second to sign one online.

I am passing this one on to anyone that wants to sign it since I support a worldwide launch of the Zune. I am not going to pretend to know why they haven't yet, but I assume it has something to do with the Marketplace and having international deals with international recording labels, etc. No clue, just a guess.

Anyhow, I get 1-2 emails a week on YouTube asking me when the Zune will launch in Europe. They remind me to talk to my Microsoft MVP lead to find out some info, but normal replies don't tell me any more than I already knew. So, here it is, a Petition asking Microsoft to Release the Zune Worldwide.

To:  Microsoft

To whom it may concern,
There has been alot of speculation about the Microsoft Zune and when it will be released world wide. The Zune first came out late 2006 for all Americans to get their hands on in time for Christmas. Though it didn't do as well as some other mp3 players on the market. Approximatly one year later Microsoft had released a newer version of the Zune called the "Zune 80" which also has been quite popular now in the US market.

Though there has been alot of confusion to why Microsoft has not released it world wide. There have been many websites online which are dedicated to the Zune, particularly Australian ones, many which claim false dates for the releasing of the Zune in various parts around the world. This is due to Microsoft not answering any questions or claiming that they simply do not know when the release dates are. One particular website stating that an Australian Microsoft executive claimed that the Zune was to be released early next year (which was meant to be early 2007) yet nothing seemed to become of it.

I for one have contacted many people, including Microsoft representitives to when the Zune is going to be released world wide. None were able to answer.

So Microsoft, we are pleading that you please make a statement to when the Zune is to be released in various parts of the world. Not later, not soon, but a date that we could perhaps rely on. There are many of us willing to try it out and spread the word about the Zune. For those who choose to go that extra bit further and buy one online, Microsoft has yet still restricted people from using the Zune Marketplace (used to download music) as it states that "It is not avaliable in your region". We have been waiting for over a year, so please consider this petition and all the people which sign to have the Zune released in their country.

Releasing the Zune worldwide Petition

Next Sunday, late night, I will be on the Zune Life Show with Zac and a couple others. The show will be live and you are encouraged to join in to ask a question.

This weekend I am setting up a live Zune Life show, where you can listen live, text chat as well as call in to the show. So you need to use TalkShoe, so sign up there and download the client.

TOPICS:

• Cases and Speakers (what ones are good/bad, if you call in be prepared to tell us what case you have and whether you like it)
• Christmas Gifts (what are some good zune/music related gifts for Christmas and other Holidays)
• Im going to see if I can get some stuff to give away on the show.
• If you have suggestions for topics, please use the Contact page to email me

Here are the times, well the same time in different places:

• GMT : Monday 17 December 5-7am
• Los Angeles, US : Sunday 16 December at 9-11pm
• New York, US : Monday 17 December 12-2am
• Sydney, Australia : Monday 17 December 4-6pm
• Perth, Australia : Monday 17 December 2-4pm

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

This is a slick move... Throw, "Will you Marry Me" on the back of a purdy pink custom Zune and get yourself an engagement ring. Take both of them and hand them to your lady friends and wham... you're getting hitched. I joke, but that is really cool. Slick Move Brian!

"Will you marry me?" was inscribed on the back. Says Ben: "I figured since you've given Zune tattoo guy some love you might be interested in my story." Well, of course, Ben. We at the Giz love a happy finish-sorry, ending-and nothing warms the cockles of our heart on a December morning than tales of love and bravery.

Source: Gizmodo

Willing to drive? Fly? Well, there are Zune 80s still available for in-store pickup in the Southeast.

If you really want a Zune 80, just head over to CircuitCity.com and throw in some Zip Codes around you and see...

I've done alot today already, but there is more more more to do...

1. Explore the Social
2. Wireless Sync Video with 8/4 GB Flash Zune and 30 GB Zune 1
3. Video : Demo Software on Zune 30 and Flash Zunes
4. Buy 80 GB now that I can't order Custom until December
5. Sumbit Mobility Site Minute Podcast to Zune Store
6. Find out how to add Zune Card ( http://social.zune.net/member/Mobilitysite ) to website.

I have already gotten 3 Flash Zunes, activated them, but haven't sync'ed any. I have obviously updated the Zune Software on both desktops and main laptop. I have flashed my white Zune 30 to 2.2 software.

I have gotten it all set up. Zune 30 running 2.2, Zune 4 Running Zune 2.2... Software updated and all this good stuff. Now off to work to play, play, play!

Zune originals are available to order!

Currently you can order a 4 GB or 8 GB Zune, and select custom color, art and inscription (up to five lines)

Zune 80 coming in early December

Source:Zune Originals.net

 Zune.net is up and running!

Products  Music   Videos    Social   Support

Download new software

Learn about Zune Marketplace

Soapbox on msn

[Editor's note: I am downloading (48% complete)  new software now and trying to decide whether or not to wait for a personalized Zune 80 ~ Susan]

Source: Zune.net