Zune 3.0 Update Allows Free McDonald’s Wi-Fi Access

Great news for all you Zune users: free wi-fi access at all participating McDonald’s locations. Just think, now you can download music AND smear your shiny little Zune with your grubby, grease-laden fingers. Top it off with a king sized milkshake and you’re set for life.

The update allows Zune users to “wirelessly stream and download music from the Zune Marketplace store on the go; tag and purchase songs directly from the built-in FM radio; and tap into new, personalized music recommendations and programming.”

Read the press release after the ‘leap’

REDMOND, Wash. — Sept. 16, 2008 — Zune, Microsoft Corp.’s end-to-end music and entertainment service, today released its much anticipated free software update that will bring new features to every Zune portable media player. Revealed last week, the new software will allow Zune users to wirelessly stream and download music from the Zune Marketplace store on the go; tag and purchase songs directly from the built-in FM radio; and tap into new, personalized music recommendations and programming. To allow customers to take full advantage of the new wireless functionality, Zune today announced that it is working with high-speed Internet access provider Wayport Inc. to deliver Zune users free, wireless access to the Zune Marketplace from more than 9,800 participating McDonald’s^®restaurants across the U.S.

“Wayport is pleased to be working with Microsoft to make it easier for Zune users to access music on the go,” said Dan Lowden, vice president of business development and marketing for Wayport. “Our ability to enable and manage applications and devices over converged networks creates exciting new opportunities for our clients to attract new customers whose digital lifestyle extends beyond their home and office.”

More Colors and Custom Designs

Zune Originals, the online store designed to let consumers customize their Zune player with laser-engraved art and personal text, now also offers exclusive color combinations. In addition to the recently announced Zune 16 and Zune 120 available in black at retailers nationwide, Zune Originals (http://www.zuneoriginals.net) also will offer the Zune 16 in blue, red, pink and green as an online exclusive. In addition, Zune Originals is refreshing its collection of custom artwork with 14 eye-catching new designs from artists such as Rolito, MWM (Matt W. Moore), Ippei Gyoubu and Aya Kato to give consumers more options to personalize their Zune experience.

The Digital Content Consumers Want

In addition to launching Zune Channels, which push new music to subscribers’ collections each week, and personalized music recommendations, Zune Marketplace also offers editorial features such as the Zune School Music Masters Program and the Xbox Gamer Central pages, as well as Instant Collections playlists to help consumers explore specific themes and genres. Zune Marketplace now offers more than 4 million songs, 80 percent of which are available as digital rights management (DRM)-free MP3s; 8,500 music videos; 3,000 episodes of popular TV shows; and more than 6,000 audio and video podcasts.

Zune customers have a choice in how they acquire music — they can pay per track or choose a Zune Pass subscription. Zune Pass subscribers can download or stream music from their Zune or computer interchangeably, all for a flat rate of $14.99 (U.S.) per month. To give people a chance to experience Zune Pass subscription, Zune is offering a free, 14-day trial to all new customers. More information is available at http://www.zune.net/setup.

Zune also now supports audiobook content from leading distributors including Audible Inc. Zune users can now explore more than 50,000 books, magazines and newspapers from more than 600 publishers and content providers at audible.com and sync it to their Zune. To commemorate the addition of audiobooks, Audible is offering all new and existing Zune owners a free copy of “Black River” by bestselling writer Dean Koontz.

New Software and Firmware

The Zune PC software is a free download that provides rich discovery and media management capabilities to help consumers make the most of their existing music collections in addition to providing access to the Zune Social and Zune Marketplace so they can add to it. To experience new features such as Buy from FM, wireless music downloads, Zune Channels, Picks personal recommendations, games and more, the new Zune PC software and device firmware are available for free download at http://www.zune.net.

Estimated retail pricing for the Zune device is as follows:

•	120 GB: $249.99 (U.S.)
•	80 GB: $229.99 (U.S.)1
•	16 GB: $199.00 (U.S.)
•	8 GB: $149.99 (U.S.)
•	4 GB: $129.99 (U.S.)1

More information on Zune and related images is available at http://www.zune.net/press.

About Zune

Zune is Microsoft’s music and entertainment brand that provides an integrated digital entertainment experience. The Zune platform includes a line of portable digital media players, elegant software, the Zune Marketplace online store, the Zune Social online music community created to help people discover music, and the ZuneOriginals.net online media player customization store. Zune is part of Microsoft’s Entertainment and Devices Division and supports the company’s software-based services vision to help drive innovation in the digital entertainment space. More information can be found online at http://www.zune.net/en-us/press.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.

¹ A limited number of 80GB and 4GB devices remain in the channel, and those remaining will be available at this price.

Add comment September 17th, 2008

Microsfot to Buy Danger, Inc. (The Folks Behind the Sidekick)

To much surprise Microsoft has apparently agreed to purchase Danger Inc, the maker of the famed Sidekick (I think Danger originally made the device, but no longer does). This news comes on the heals of Yahoo’s rejection of Microsoft’s bid to acquire them for $44 billion. The guy who started Danger, Andy Rubin, went on to launch Android, which was later acquired by Google. It’s not really clear what Microsoft plans to do with Danger, as they’ve already created a mobile operating system: Windows Mobile. There is of course significant opportunity to reach the young demo associated with the Sidekick and the Danger applications, and perhaps even leverage some of their technologies into the Windows Mobile platform.

Official Press Release here.

Update: According to Gigaom, Microsoft purchased Danger for a reported $500 million.

Via AP

Add comment February 11th, 2008

Xbox 360 Thumbpad Available Sept 4, 2007

This bad boy will seamlessly fit onto your Xbox 360 controller, includes the wired headset and cost you $30 before tax and shipping. I am guessing that it will throw off your game since you won’t be able to wrap your fingers around the controller (it will block the inner portion), especially for those with big mits. But what’s ‘play control’ when you have IMing at your thumb tips….

More info here (its officially called the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit).

Features:

• Chat on Xbox LIVE with ease featuring dedicated keys to letters and characters.
• Don’t hamper your style—the Xbox 360 Chatpad attaches seamlessly to your Xbox 360 Controller.
• Backlit buttons allow you to accurately type words even in dimly lit environments.
• Messenger Kit includes the Xbox 360 Wired Headset for the ultimate communication bundle.

1 comment July 10th, 2007

Bill Gates (he’s geeky as he looks) on The Jon Stewart Show to Promote Vista

If you missed last nights Jon Stewart show with Bill Gates promoting Windows Vista, you can catch clips of it at ComedyCentral.com. Jon plays dumb and grills him about the Internet, asks him his childhood pet’s name to obtain password information, and Gates surprisingly maintains his poise. Lastly, Jon asks what he can do if he can’t get Vista to work and Bill replies with “call me�?.

5 comments January 30th, 2007

HD-DVD and XBox HD Movie Comparison

Jake Ludington compares the Xbox Marketplace’s HD movies to that of HD-DVD. His verdict? Both pictures are almost identical but the Xbox’s HD movies are slightly brighter.

Check out Jake’s full comparison here.

Mediablab: Xbox Video Marketplace and HD-DVD Comparison [EhomeUpgrade]

5 comments December 19th, 2006

Microsoft’s Zune for $90 at Amazon

In case you didn’t here about the Xbox 360 sale at Amazon - 1000 core systems went for $100 - Microsoft’s 30GB Zune will go for $90 (usually retails for $230) some time shortly - probably later this week as the random selection begins tonight. There are only a 1000 units at this price, so when it does go on sale, it’ll go quick.

Head over to Amazon to check out the deal.

1 comment December 11th, 2006

Brand New Xbox 360 for $251

That’s right. No lie. You just have to live in Japan to get this bundle. Microsoft released the “Blue Dragon Xbox 360 Bundle” in Japan today - or recently, we’re not sure. In the bundle you’ll find the core system, a copy of the Blue Dragon game - which, by the way, is the same guy, Sakaguchi, who created Final Fantasy - 5 figurines of the Blue Dragon characters, and a Blue Dragon limited edition Xbox 360 faceplate. The 360 Bundle in the US goes for $399, but includes the $89 hard drive and if you buy it at Amazon a free copy of Madden ‘07, a wireless headset and an Xbox live silver subscription. Still, pretty cool and an innovative ploy to boost Xbox 360 sales in Japan.

Click more for complete pics.

Microsoft Xbox 360 Bundle Selling for $259 in Japan [Crunch Gear via GWN]

3 comments December 7th, 2006

Upgrade Zune HD from 30GB to 80GB

The guys over at Ipodmods.com apparently aren’t all iPod and to prove it they’re offering a guide on how to switch out your Zune’s 30GB HD for an 80GB HD. If you want the 80GB (40GB or 60GB will also work) then you’ll need to get your hands on Toshiba Zero Insertion Force drive (available here for $190 to $240). There’s also instructions on how to switch out the Zune’s battery, which is apparently the same as the iPods.

For complete step-by-step instructions go here.

Via Upgrade your Zune’s hard drive (up to 80 GB) [DAPReview]

2 comments November 28th, 2006

Touchscreen iPod Rumors

If the latest round of touchscreen iPod rumors are true, you may want to revise your holiday wishlist.

Touchscreen iPod rumors have been circulating around the Internet for awhile now. Even MethodShop.com posted some touchscreen iPod patent pictures back in February. The new twist to this story is that the touchscreen iPod might have a wide aspect ratio screen. This would make a lot of sense since Apple recently started selling movies on iTunes.

The new widescreen rumor originated from an anonymous executive at an iPod accessories company who spoke to someone at TrustedReviews. How reliable is this anonymous executive? Your guess is as good as ours. Anyway, here’s what Mr. Anonymous had to say:

“In a very matter of fact tone I was told that the product was not designed for the current generation of device, but the official 6G iPod… which is to be released in December. His company’s device only comes onto the market shortly before then and would benefit hugely because the new iPod would sport a screen that filled the full side of the device and consequently offer higher resolution video… This is why Jobs isn’t afraid of the Zune,’ he said, though he had no knowledge of whether wireless would make an appearance.”

This might help explain Steve Jobs dismissive attitude last week:

“Jobs is unimpressed with Microsoft’s Zune, which allows users to exchange songs. ‘It takes forever,’ said Jobs. ‘By the time you’ve gone through all that, the girl’s got up and left!’”

Adding more fuel to the fire, here’s what Gizmodo had to say about the widescreen iPod rumors:

“One thing’s for sure, if this widescreen iPod is released in the next two months, the Microsoft Zune with its old-fashioned 4×3 screen and crippled WiFi will be slam-dunked.”

digg story | methodshop

8 comments November 5th, 2006

My XBox 360 just died

Alright, it’s official, my XBox 360 just died.  I’m having the infamous 3 flashing red lights.  This isn’t the first time my XBox 360 has had this problem, but before, unplugging the machine, removing the hard drive and memory cards, giving it some time, and booting back up used to fix.  However, this time, nothing could save my XBox.

The game that sealed its fate?  Dynasty Warriors.  At the lame ass title screen.  Not even the CPU intensive game portion.  Screw you Microsoft.

Microsoft is sending out a box, and I’ll have to send in my XBox for repairs.  Lord only knows how long it will take to get a new one.

Yeah, I’m pissed.

I’m apologize to everyone I laughed who had these problems.  Mmm these words taste good.

15 comments April 7th, 2006