OK, I said I wasn't buying any more Zunes for giveaways not too long ago. Well, I forgot about that when I decided that I would proved another Zune for a giveaway on my other site, Mobilitysite.

• Bad News: I lied.
• Good News: You can win a Zune 120


Head over to Mobilitysite.com for the details.

Well, have you ever heard the term "a Day Late and a Dollar Short"? That is the Blue Zune for me. I was really craving on for a while, but I have already pulled the trigger on the Black 120. I also bought a broken Special Zune and an awesome orange Zune so the slush fund is worn out right now. By the way, anyone have any good contacts inside the Zune Support team, I wanna see if there is any way to fix this "Goods Zune".

So yea, Microsoft is offering a Blue Zune now, just like the red Zune 80, through Zune Originals.

So, if the Blue 120 was active at Zune Originals right now, I could just order a blank one and have my blue 120. Right now, you can still choose only black for the 120.

Source: Zunerama via Gizmodo via Our Own Kasey

So, it's been like a month since the Zune 120 has been available in retail right? Well, today I decided to just replace my 80 that has been giving me problems. I headed to Target and got the Zune 120 for $249.

So far, I have to admit that I LOVE the new paint job. I like the gloss, I like the back much more than the 80s, and I like the extra 40g.

It syncing right now...

Not much to say other than, here is another Zune Branded with something. We've had a Halo Zune, 2 dozen Zunes with text and/or graphics from bands/companies i've never heard of, now this. I will admit, the box is pretty nice looking and the graphics on the back are nice too.

Source: Engadget

PS. I am going to buy a Zune 120 in the next couple weeks. I wanna see one in person so I can feel like I know what I am talking about again.

We need a few more color choices and here are a few.  The new Zune 120GB will be available in white and blue.

Just in case the world goes by without realizing it, Microsoft has quietly slipped in Zunes that come in new shades, including white as well as a blue Zune 120.

 

[SOURCE: Ubergizmo - Zune Gets New Colors]

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

Looks like someone managed to snag a 120gb Zune early. Purchased at a Fry's in Atlanta. Pics below

Source:Engadget

We shall see, but these are two things that an online retailer called B&H seem to be indicating.

As the tip from Zune Thoughts shows us, B&H has preorders available for not just the 120 GB Zune, but a blue 8 GB Flash Zune. There are no photos, so not sure what shade of blue though.

So yes, it looks like my Blue Zune might be a reality, although in a size Zune I won't use. It also looks like the Zune 120 is going to be onehelluva good value at $249.