While Zune marketing chief Chris Stephenson has sniffed the possibility of “a truly WiFi-enabled device” and flash-based Zunes slated to hit the shelves later this year, we can’t comment whether these two announcements have something to do with each others. What can we expect from this flash-based Zune? Well, it might be the support over-the-air downloads. Earlier it was Apple with the iPhone all over the Web, now it seems to be the turn of flash-based Zune. Via: AnythingbutiPod
Microsoft
TagZune hacked to support DivX
Microsoft’s first PMP, Zune has already seen some hacks. But this one is great. A member of the Zune Scene forums has developed a hack that consists of a modification to the Windows registry to allow the computer to drag DivX files into Zune. After the drag the next time you sync the device, the files are automatically transcoded into WMV format. This hack also supports Xvid files. So if you have some DivX files and no device to play them on then this hack will surely do the tricks for you. Via: engadget
Attention ladies; Pink Zune confirmed for May 1st release
Just in time for spring, we have come across pre-confirmed rumor of a pink Microsoft Zune player shipping on 1st of May. This is not a new thing in the consumer electronics arena. Now and then, the companies launch a pink version of their gadgets to lure more buyers (especially the geeky women). Anyway, the pink Zune in anticipated to cost $249.99, probably for the same 30GB model. Although, we have seen the limited pink edition Zunes earlier, this time I suppose they have gone for the mass production. Via: cliczune
100,000 pink Zunes confirmed!
We already had the hint that it was coming. Well, pictured above is an official shot of the Microsoft’s pink Zune. Microsoft has plans to roll out 100,000 units of the pink device in May. They are all set to target the geek chicks but it would be much better if they better work on the glitches with the Zune. That would be appreciable.
Red Zune would accompany sports content too: Microsoft
Microsoft has got new colors to speak for themselves now! They have been thinking lately of showing off their ultra portable media player, Zune, in new bright colors! They seem to have got the idea of attracting the young generation with those smartly chosen bright colors. Quite a sporty thing the Zune is too. It’s in the news that the Red Zune may be released and made public with a hell lot of sports stuff to. The content may vary from ‘sports clippings’ to a fully downloadable ‘Sports Games’. No matter what may be the fact but they (people at Microsoft) should seriously think of getting a strong hold on to the competition with their counterpart- The iPod by Apple!
The next generation Zune 2.0 publicized by Microsoft
Now! folks catch up with new sensation of this season- the Zune player by Microsoft. The manufacturers at Microsoft suggest it to be the new generation music player that just adds style to your personality as well your world. The magazine, Zune Scene, happen to get an insight on this new generation ultra portable device. They got to know that this new Zune 2.0 happens to be a look alike of the original Zune. Only difference lies in its bigger storage capacity and it’s definitely thinner than the predecessors. Its measurements are -1.25in x .25in and thus very thin to look at, wow! They show their compatibility with Wi Fi and video too. Microsoft plans to unleash these in one single lot of 2.4 million units, guess who will be those lucky ones to have one? Via: Slashgear
Pink Zune starts shipping ahead of the release date
So, Microsoft has done it quite early. The Pink Zune, which was expected to be hit the shelves in May, is out for sale now. You can grab the 30GB pink device on Amazon right now and the price tag says $250. Well, there are 100,000 units of the pink Zune slated for the market but I don’t think it will take too much time for them to disappear from the shelves. So, why wait for May when you have already them on hand?
Apple apparently readies WiFi iPod for Q3 launch
The latest news around the hot tub is that Apple is prepping a WiFi iPod for the Q3 this year. The rumor is strong provided the information that Universal Scientific Industrial (USI) will supply the Wi-Fi modules and Foxconn will assemble the player. Anyway, Apple and Microsoft are not the obnkly two firms planning WiFi music players. Other companies such as Sony, Samsung, and Sandisk are also in the race. Apple will need to augment the battery capacity of its iPod in order to stuff WiFi functionality into the device or lower the power consumption. Apple iPhone played with us a lot and I think the WiFi iPod is all set to play the tricks now. Via: TGdaily
Microsoft accused of cheating patent holders in granting royalty-free license
A recent suit filed by a group of interactive television patent holders alleged that Microsoft is cheating them in giving away a royalty-free license on the reasons that the company was not looking forward to make public its own DVR system. Just weeks after talks came to pass between the group of patent owners- being run under the banner of Intellivision, not linked to the 90s game console and Microsoft, the corporation started on and set off advertising for its Ultimate TV DVR product. The talks according to the grapevine came to pass in 2001, hence it seems to be a little odd that the designers awaited till January of 2007 with a view to filing their claim to nullify the original licensing deal plus get unstipulated dents, of course. Microsoft hasn’t up till now acted in response to the case but to file a merely procedural motion, hence we are going to have to await to make out how this one play out. Read