zune

It's iPad mania this week as Donald and Jasmine dissect every inch of Donald's 5,000-plus-word iPad review. Well, not really. But we do spend an awful lot of time discussing the recently released entertainment device. However, never say we don't give the other side a fair shake: we've also got a Zune update for you, as well as some interesting Rhapsody news. Sadly, Stoic Balloon Man was not able to join us this week due to death by deflation.

Subscribe in iTunes audio |  Subscribe in iTunes video | Subscribe in RSS audio |  Subscribe in RSS video… Read more

As I've already spoken my piece on the new Zune HD firmware, I'm going to let Microsoft do most of the talking this time (see below). But I will say two things: First, I'm surprised the company got this sucker out so quickly, what with the staunch silence on the actual release date. And second, Zune owners can take advantage of the update right now by firing up the Zune Software and plugging in the device--simple as that.

It may be a little late to the game in comparison to the iPod Touch, but starting April 12, you'll finally have the opportunity to get your hands on a 64GB version of the Zune HD. The high-capacity player will initially be available exclusively through ZuneOriginals.com in a choice of platinum, black, blue, red, green, purple, or magenta. The black model will also be available through other outlets in the future. Pricing for the 64GB model is set at $349.99, which is competitive with the iPod Touch.

In addition to the new capacity, Microsoft announced a price … Read more

Guess what this episode is all about? Plenty of Zune news, to be sure. First, Zune HD owners will be happy to hear that XviD support and a nifty onboard Smart DJ Mix feature are impending, among other things. Also, Slacker comes to the Windows Mobile OS...but does anyone care? Finally, we throw a little love the iPad's way. Oh, and we have a special guest visitor this week, but he's not saying much.

Subscribe in iTunes audio |  Subscribe in iTunes video | Subscribe in RSS audio |  Subscribe in RSS video… Read more

If you were just thinking to yourself that it's high time for some fresh Zune news, you're in luck. Microsoft was kind enough to send some of the Zune staff down to the CNET offices today and give us a sneak peek of the new firmware build for the Zune HD. Version 4.5 isn't a massive update, but it does add a few very notable features to the device, most of which are described in detail throughout the gallery below.

But in case you don't have the time to look through all of our lovely … Read more

It's rare to find a Zune HD selling for below its $219 list price. Sure, you'll occasionally see it as low as $170, which is the current deal over at Amazon. But $149? Nah, it never gets that low.

Except for today (and only today). Dell Home has the 16GB Zune HD for $149 shipped. Want twice the storage? Snag the 32GB model for $199 shipped--another new low.

I don't think anyone needs me to espouse on the Zune HD's virtues; this is either a media player you're interested in or it's not. … Read more

This week, Donald and Jasmine praise an ultratiny music system with big sound and an innovative design. Also, Donald tries to persuade DJs that vinyl turntables aren't the be-all, end-all to music entertainment; UMG makes a last ditch effort to save CDs; and Jasmine shakes her head in shame at Samsung's choices. Also, SanDisk launches the 32GB microSD card--anyone need a 48GB Clip+?

Subscribe in iTunes audio |  Subscribe in iTunes video | Subscribe in RSS audio |  Subscribe in RSS video… Read more

If you manage to sit through 45 tedious seconds about Donald and Jasmine's collective weakened immune systems, you'll be rewarded with plentiful Zune HD 2 speculation, a tidy little rant on music caching for the iPhone and iPod Touch, and a lament about the name of music service MOG. Also this week, the MP3 Insiders express nostalgic delight over SubPop coming to eMusic, and Jasmine shamelessly plugs her new Tech Dos & Don'ts column.

Subscribe in iTunes audio |  Subscribe in iTunes video | Subscribe in RSS audio |  Subscribe in RSS video… Read more

LAS VEGAS--The next generation of Windows Phone, due out toward the end of the year, is a big focus at Microsoft's Mix conference here this week, and I'm starting to learn a few things about how Windows Phone 7 Series will--and won't--be different from the Zune HD.

Windows Phone 7 Series, the next-generation mobile-phone platform from Microsoft, is set to offer a great value to music fans: every phone will basically include the complete functionality of the Zune HD. Joe Belfiore, Windows Phone program management vice president, on Monday confirmed that the Zune HD's wireless sync--one of my favorite features--will be carried forward to the phone platform.

When you bring your phone home and plug it in, it will automatically scan local wireless networks to see if it recognizes your home Wi-Fi network. If it finds it, and your PC is turned on, the Zune software will launch and automatically do a two-way sync of all your music, videos, and pictures. … Read more