From Whizbyte on the Zune:

After some discussion with a representative of Microsoft(press), I was given the following information after asking if they could confirm any details regarding Scorpio (the new 80gb model) and draco (the flash based zune). This is the reply:

We have seen the rumors floating around, but we haven?t announced specific dates or details for the next generation of the Zune devices or service. That said, Zune follows the cycle of the consumer electronics cycle so you can expect an update later this year prior to the holiday season.

There are three predictable paths along which we?ll expand Zune:

• Device family - adding in new sizes, styles and price points
• Features - we?ll move towards parity with iPod building in support for video, podcasting, etc and at the same time build on key differentiators such as the wireless feature, the FM tuner, etc
• Geographic Markets - we?ll start to expand the international footprint of Zune over time but only when we can ensure an offering which is tailored to that market

And one thing about Zune that?s really great for consumers is that the device is future-proofed. Consumers can buy without fear of their device becoming obsolete. Zune?s software (firmware) can be updated so their device gets automatically updated with new features when the new software is launched.?

Source: Boy Genius Report and WhizByte

If you are on the edge of your seat waiting for the next iPod Killer, here are your details. Ok, well not much info, but at least somewhat of a confirmation that a Flash Zune is for sure in the works. This one is code named Draco according to Zunescene sources.

After our leaks regarding the flash Zune, Zune 2.0, and Zune factory were confirmed we decided to seek some new info regarding future Zune products. Once again we will protect our sources, but be assured, this info comes from inside Microsoft. The codename for the flash Zune player is Draco. Keep in mind this is not the marketing name, that name is still unknown to us. Draco will be available in two sizes, specifically 4GB and 8GB models. These numbers are eerily analogous to the iPhone storage options. As we stated in our previous story, this unit will be available for the 2007 holiday and sport unique features such as video playback and WiFi.

Zune Scene via [SlashGear]

That ?big? announcement that was supposed to come Monday never quite made it, but this info over at Engadget fills that feeling of emptiness from the ?big? announcement. Zune to get wireless downloads, version 2 hardware, flash player.

If this is a true, and it sure looks like a convincing spoof if it?s not, brings the missing link that Microsoft should have included with the Zune in the 1st place, WiFi that doesn?t suck. Being able to use the built in WiFi of the Zune for good things rather than having Judie Hughes, Matt Miller, and I spamming each other with our songs in close proximity.

The info that Engadget got was some screenies of a Zune running a beta build of firmware v1.4. The screen shows as 2.1.4 though. I sure hope this is real.

This was a great tip from the folks at Zunerama

With one accessory - the Zune FM transmitter - you can stream any music you have on your player to nearby Zunes.

Most people who have the FM transmitter bought it for use in the car. The transmitter sends music on your Zune to your car?s FM stereo tuner, using available FM frequencies.

But, given that Zunes have built-in FM tuners, you can use this accessory for another useful function: playing DJ for nearby Zunes. Each Zune can tune in to the frequency being transmitted by one Zune with the FM transmitter.

Just another way to share music - and one that you can use for any music on your player.

Gizmodo?s Jason Chen reports back after 3 months of using the Zune?

?So would we change our recommendation of the iPod over the Zune? No. All the reasons we had to pick one or the other still stands. If you want movies, TV, a larger music library, a touch sensitive scroll wheel and more accessories, you should still go with the iPod. If you want an FM tuner, music rentals, and a larger screen, there?s the Zune.?

My thoughts are quite similar. I have used the Zune as my daily driver for the past 3 months (or however long it?s been out?) and I really have been satified. I don?t do podcast listening on my MP3 Players, I don?t squirt songs, I love the concept of all you can eat downloads, and I don?t like the Apple elitist attitude. All that said, the Zune works quite well for me. The Dell DJ did fine too. I am optimistic for the future of Zune, but for it to be a smash hit, there are many small little things that Microsoft must do better!

Source : Gizmodo

Matt Miller weighs in on the Zune?.

So after a couple weeks of using the Zune, it may not be perfect and it may not be the product many people were hyping it up to be upon initial release, but it is a solid device with some good features and I am pleased with my purchase. I think most of the issues are software related that can easily be updated by Microsoft. The iPod is also a nice product, but I am looking for something more durable and scratch resistant that supports an unlimited music subscription service and a larger display for video.

Read the entire article here : 3 weeks later and the Zune is better than the iPod

I have used the heck out of my Zune as well and while the Zune isn?t all that it was hyped up to be, its a nice device. Most of the hype was from people that wanted to see the iPod fall anyhow. Like I said, the Zune isn?t perfect, but its a great Gen 1 start. Onward with production Microsoft.

As far as Wal-Mart Zune sales is concerned? My local Wal-Mart has sold about 1/2 of the 30-40 that were there opening day. I stopped by to check for a pink #/100 version. One of our readers sent her experience buying a Zune that resulted in addition Wal-Mart sales that day, its a funny story : Zune Power at Wal-Mart.

In addition to the great read, Matt added a list of some of the Zune Hacks that have made it out there already, I have stolen Matt?s list and present it here to you

• The ability to playback Zune Pass content on up to 3 computers
• The ability to easily integrate podcast feeds into your Zune experience
• The ability to use the Zune as an external hard drive
• A simple method to bypass the WiFi sharing limitations
• Running Zune on Windows XP 64 bit Pro
• Running the Zune on Vista

Last night I upgraded Windows Media Center with the most current patches and installed the Zune Software. Like most of the software packages, it scanned all my drives and built a library of all my media supported by the Zune. The software the started a transfer of all this media to the Zune. I then used the 14 day pass to check out some new music. I ended up downloading quite a few albums to the Zune. If you are wondering? Weird Al?s newest, Buckcherry, Hinder, Korn, and some others you probaly haven?t heard of. 1700 songs with 17gb free now.

Day 2 starts with one of the most important tests of all, ?Does the battery work for me??.

I started the day at 7:30am and used a Belkin FM Modulator to pipe the Zune?s audio to my car stereo. I then got into work and messed around with all the media I transfered last night. (boy, I sure need to purge) I have been playing the Zune through some powered speakers in my office almost all day. It is now 3:00pm and it?s still playing. I was bored of the new albums, so I am now listening to the radio. The battery indicator shows about 25% life right now. (give or take 5% I guess)

If this charge, the 1st full charge i?ve given it, lasts until quitting time, we have a winner in my books. The Dell DJ Gen 1 did this test for 20+ hours, too bad it is no more.

I posted my initial impressions already, now for the video of the unboxing earlier today.

After a short time with the Zune, I wanted to post my initial impression before they get out of my head. (I have alot of things I am looking at this week)

UPDATE : I want to know who selected the videos and audio for the preloading of these. Never heard of any of them and not into much of it.

• Packaging - Superb, one of the coolest boxes around. Looking good so far huh?
• Included in the box
  • The Headphones are decent. They are as decent as those that came with the iPod and the Dell DJ.
  • Documentation is good.
  • CD - Haven?t installed application yet.
  • 14 Day trial - seems cool, but will check it out when I install software.
  • Little Carrying pouch - who cares? It?s ok though.
• The Zune
  • The looks. Well, this doesn?t impress me much. The pictures made it look better, but the translucent outer shell doesn?t make it ?sexy?. To me, and many others I am sure, it doesn?t matter as long as it works and the screen is nice.
  • Construction - Time will tell, but it feels somewhat cheap feeling.
  • Design - The look of the iPod Scroll Wheel is not needed. Since they are buttons anyhow, there was no need to make it look like a Scroll Wheel. The layout works. The buttons are all easily reached one-handing the Zune. The buttons on the left and right of the Scroll Wheel look-a-like have a raised circle around it to help find your place in the dark I guess. The Black version is the nicest looking so far. I do not like the white versions contrasting black buttons. The lines where the upper and lower housings come together on the sides has a seam you can feel. One thing I do like about the iPod is its solid feel.
  • The Screen - This is where my money is. The screen is fantastic. Bright, Large, and I just like it!!!
  • Performance - whatever they got in there is running this big screen quite nicely. As Gizmodo says, ?It scrolls like Butter?.
  • Sound - Perfect with the Xtrememac FS1 Ear Monitors, the Sony $89.00 headphones I have, and the Ultimate Ears I got at Mobius.

What is left?
What is left to say? Time will tell on its use. So far, I am ready to jump on board, but it still depends on some variables. I need to see how this works with the Zune Marketplace and other services, as well as how it does with my Original MP3 library (most of which came from actual CDs) Battery life needs tested. Does it slow down considerably when packed full of media?

Either way, I give the Zune an initial C+ on efforts of its own merit. I will bump that to B- since it?s not an iPod

This video was available on November 1st but for those of you that never saw it and are thinking of the Zune, I thought it would be nice to pass it along.

What makes this one different? I think editor James Kim has just a different excitement in his manner as he presents the Zune in this short 2 minutes 24 seconds video. The is a very brief ad in the beginning?C/NET has to pay their bills I guess.

Check it out ?. it?s pretty good! You can see James? video on Microsoft?s Zune zooms into CNET Networks here.