I have the new AV HOME KIT by zune

It said that the zune dock has a customizable face plate.

It also says sold in stores separately

what stores to be exact

So, what does THAT mean?!?  How long do we have to wait?

~sigh~

Just a little peek?

*Side note*

I refused to read any newspapers and avoided my usual news (Google) sites, days before the new Harry Potter Book was released. So that I didnt ruin it. Why I cannot seem to take thak attitude with the Zune I know not:(

Thanks for the <strike>Update</strike> Statement, Cesar.

Cavan

yeah, what that post means ?

We need a BBQ in Minneapolis. :)  Just skip the hip-hop here. Heck Best Buy might let you use their corporate headquarters. They have a fairly large parking lot out that they've held events in before.

With a major 6 lane highway rolling by, could mean some nice local exposure. :)

It has been said (http://whizbyte.wordpress.com/2007/07/20/zune-2nd-gen-confirmed/) that future Zune products will include podcasting support (like iPod/Tunes, I imagine).  Will the original Zunes (which I know and love so well) get a firmware update which will support the podcasting feature?  Surely MS wouldn't slap the hands of those who have supported them, eh?

Does this mean you're about to abandon first gen-ers?

And no podcast supporter nearing a year later is a real shame.

Give us something to look forward to. How is the wi-fi going to be developed?

They've always said they won't abandon us first gen adopters, and really there's no reason to (firmware updates are easy).  I'm really looking forward to getting some new features on my Zune, it's about time!!

We've only had 4 MINOR firmware updates. It's about time we get a major update. The Zune is good, but it’s not better than the iPod — and with a few software changes, it could be better!!!

For example,

- crossfade of music

- ability to view photos either by landscape/portrait

- ability to zoom more than once into photos - great for subway maps

- delete w/o having to use a computer

- used as a wireless remote (vista sidebar) for your computer

- sync wirelessly with your computer

- wirelessly download pictures from a wireless camera

- be able to use the Zune (w/o a hack) as a storage device

- !!sync to recorded TV files (dvr-ms files) from Media Center!!

- more categories under the videos section (i.e. “Music Videos”)

- video thumbnails

- ###Make the zune software less buggy### - (sometimes I can’t view the videos and photos that are on my Zune when using the software - of course, if I were able to delete things directly from the zune w/o having to rely on the zune software, then the shortcomings of the zune software would be less problematic.)

The next firmware update doesn't need to include all of the above examples, but it should have significant more than just 1 oe 2 minor fixes. Again, I think we all love our Zunes, but I’m tired of the Apple-fanboy crowd. I want something that substantially beats their mp3 player, and with a few software updates, I think we could have a device that IS better than an iPod or any other mp3 device.

JC.."it's about time!!"

yup!

Firstly, as always Cesar, we appreciate what you are doing here immensely. Secondly, why don't you guys stop telling us you're committed to adding new features and scenarios and ACTUALLY ADD NEW FEATURES AND SCENARIOS!!! Seriously, its been over a year...and nothing.

Basically, I wanna know and I wanna know now with the zune:)

I've been so disappointed with the Zune Marketplace.

I originally bought the Zune because of the large screen, beautiful interface, FM tuner, and first and foremost, that I could use a subscription service with it. And the hardware, the device itself, has been wonderful.

But I never thought in a million years that MS would take this long to roll out new features. Honestly, if I just had podcast support at this point, I'd be thrilled.

I recently took a look at iTunes again, which I haven't used in about a year and a half, and the amount of content on there (not to mention its polished interface and design) is just amazing. But Apple's intransigence on a using a subscription model keeps me from switching back.

I bought the Zune in the hope that they'd be rolling out features like the Xbox 360 team (Spring and Fall updates are so wonderful. Everyone knows when they're coming, and everyone benefits and feeds off the buzz associated with them as they approach), but unfortunately, I've seen no new features since buying my Zune last Thanksgiving.

I'm still a Zune evangelist, but if the Zune team hits the one year mark (November) with no new features, I may end up calling it quits with the Zune.

My real concern now, is that there is a *New* iPod coming in the near future. And if the rumors are true (i.e. Wireless, widescreen). It will tank the current zune. My biggest fear is that Zune will always be one step behind iPod. The only thing kepping holding on is Zune's Widescreen. The wireless does nothing for me (yet?). So max out this Zune, make the next blow iPod out of the water. If APPL pushes out a Touchscreen/Widescreen iPod, It could spell the end of the Zune.

Cavan

@seibu1

I am suprised they hit the 6mo mark with out new features:(

Cavan

Cesar,

Could you fill in the following statement?

Zune Firmware 1.5 will have an estimated release during the ____ quarter of 200_.

Keep in mind that this is only an estimate and is not an official statement.

Jaxim..i love the Subway Map zooming idea.  I think there is a whole photo entusiast market that is going untapped. And generally Zune needs to support images larger than 640x480 to gain any attention from that segment.  Zune has plenty of horsepower to provide sophisticated photo image controls.

Personally, I'm waiting for the second gen version. I don't have money now, and I'm hoping by the time the second gen is at least announced that I will have enough money so I will know what to look forward to.

As a practical matter, if there isn't a significantly better Zune (2.0) by Christmas Shopping Season, the brand is dead.

Since last year's iPods were pretty uninspired, this year's models will no doubt be a significant upgrade.

And, of course, Sandisk has the #2 overall market share in MP3 players.

I thought that, by now, there would at least be a major firmware/software upgrades to Zune 1.0.

hi there, i am from germany, even using the zune here:-) I like it a lot. Got one via eBay. But I am also longing for updates. My biggest wish would be gapless playback for all my dj mix cds and live stuff.

Best wishes, Oli

I really thought we would get a nice firmware upgrade during the summer months to offer additional functionality.  I had no idea the firmware upgrade for current devices would be so close to the release of new products.  They're, in effect, forcing you to wait until the new devices are out for the complete experience.  

On another note, stop waiting for the Zune to get games.  I picked up a DS this weekend and I'm sure it's a lot better than anything the zune could ever offer in the gaming arena.  That's not a diss to the Zune team, but just an acknowledgement that Nintendo is on top of their game in the portable space.

@sportsunit

Jewell and Doom1 on any Rockbox enabled played beat the pants of any DS. A lot of fun for my money spent.

Please use top of the range components for the new Zune, whenever its due to appear.  There are alot of very cool developments in chip, screen, and hard drive technologies. Take advantage of them.

Get top class technical designers for the device's  form and UI.

Do super extensive testing before release and have updates ready quicker for any known bug you couldn't iron out in time for release.

Even if we have to pay $100 extra for all this, I'd say its well worth it.

Don't aim for second best, you are very much capable of more. People will appreciate it.

Waiting nearly a full year for any promised features is crazy. Zune 1.0 is quickly becoming outdated.. are you waiting for the next gen ipod so you can try to catch up to that too? I agree with seibu1. Something has to happen pretty soon, especially with all the buzz Apple is generating lately. Can you give US something to chew on for a bit? I'm sick of hearing about Apple this, Apple that.. -_-

Some real news...real updates, etc. would serve you well.  I fear you guys are losing your grip on decent market share and that does not bode well for any of us.  Step up to the frickin plate and start swingin' for the bleachers, will ya?

@JackStraw

My point exactly, tell us what is going on. It's Dark in here

speaking of zune 2, I thought of what I think is a pretty good idea, let me know what you guys think: Basically when it's off it'd look like the zune without a screen, just double-shot all the way around except for a headphone port, a hold switch, and of course charger/dock connector. But it would sport the tech used in surface and when you touch it(looks for actual fingers), it comes to life with a full touch screen on the front and volume sliders on the sides. It would sync wirelessly (duh), and you could add zune points to your account through gift cards directly through it by scanning a new barcode on zune points cards. Other features can be found in just about any post on here about requested features.

Please, leave the device's form the same as it is now, at least for the biggest hard drive version (make it at least over 80 gigabytes).

However get going with the firmware updates! And let one of the first updates be gapless playback!

Hi,

I'm from Germany.

PLEASE add at least UNICODE Support to the Zune, so it can display chinese charakters...

PlEASE..

I beg u guys..

I spent all my money to import the Zune :(

Have to say I agree entirely with seibu1. It's crazy though. I thought I would have a good use for the wi-fi. Hell I live in NYC and I still don't know anyone else who has one so I petty the poor zune owner in a town with less then 1000 people.

Hey Cesar I'm sure everyone here doesn't want to kill the messenger, ie you, but we're getting frustrated. In the end I think alot of us feel a bit ripped off since it seems we're going to get an update only with the release of the new Zunes. I kind of feel I should of held off for the new models.

If ANY functionality is ready release the update.

Can't wait till something is announced!  Once the new iPod and Zune I'll probably buy whichever looks better (which will probably be the Zune, because I have a video iPod now, and I'm starting to kinda hate it).

I'm not even gonna say anything anymore...

sigh i have given up on podcasts in general all i want is a simple clock

Has anyone seen this. Its a Zune video made by a fan:

http://www.veoh.com/videos/v833888n3zcR76M?searchId=7988605513495917612&rank=6

@Rohit. I think that was made by *ifanboys*

Hey Cesar. Hope your weekend went well. Hey I noticed that the Zune community are looking to you to give them Zune news and stuff, but do you think that the Zune directer of marketing(J Allerd) could give some insight to this silence on the Zune news. I know he said somthing on this blog before and thought that  now(when the zune community is needing some news)would be a good time for him to say somthing to the community again. Just a thought. It helped alot last time and it might help now.  

It seems like a lot of us are getting tired...and we're the "fans." Imagine how the "average" person sees this; I'm sure Microsoft is aware of this. You guys have the tools and power, but why haven't we seen any results?

thanks everybody for chiming in on this thread - I've sent your feedback along to the zune dev and marketing teams :)

I forgot one thing that the Zune should do, (or in this case, NOT do).

I have a few songs at a bitrate of 320 bps, but everytime I sync these songs to the Zune, it downgrades the songs to a max of 190 bps. The Zune's 30 GB harddrive is plenty for me, so there's no need for the Zune to do this if I do not want it to.

(This goes for photos and videos as well.) Thanks! Again, I'm a Zune fan. I just want/hope the best for the Zune!

It would be nice to know when we may expect an update, even if not set in stone.

I think we are a bit weary of telling people what our Zunes can't do and SHOULD be able to do.  We love our Zunes.  We want to love them more.  Could you ask for a better customer base?

I have to admit, I even imported a zune to Australia and really love it - however, I am longing for other features (mainly podcast support and media centre DVR-MS compatiblility).... I think like others I'm just about out of patience, so will be going to the new iPod if the zune still has no new significant features.   This is a big decision, because I will probably also consider going to Apple TV to provide vertical integration throughout the home.... but I really would prefer to stick with Microsoft....

so basically you guys are committed to what we dont exactly have yet. To be honest the shuffle update was pointless but im waiting in anticipation for some news on a new firmware update that will be better than all of them.

The only problem I have with my Zune is not being able to manually check for Marketplace Updates,I can never seem to get my Zune Software to do that. I have to reboot my software (after I'm already connected to the internet) and after that it will update but then when I click on the marketplace it says I'm not connect when i clearly am and once I reboot yet again the update doesn't seem to appear at the marketplace so I cannot get new music all the time...

but hey other than that, it's great.

still wishing for that clock...

You guys should definitely sponsor next year's Rock The Bells tour. I'm going on Thursday, and it looks absolutely amazing.

Also, I just had to announce: It's my birthday today!

It seems you are only focused on BBQ.

I don't care about BBQ, please remember that the best buzz is generated by satisfied customers...

And we are not satisfied yet. NO NO NO.

If Apple implements wireless downloading with their new iPod before Zune...I will be very disapponted. You guys have had a huge headstart on them on them in this area, and they shouldn't beat you to the punch.

-I expect at least song lyrics to be an update. (Like being able to scroll the lyrics as you listen to the song.)

What about RSS feed on Zune thorugh WIFI?

@ Jaxim: Use the software recommended setting

Select your Zune, go to Sync Options and click Advanced.

Question, is the Zune team getting sick of our feedback?. ;)

What do you mean by "scenarios"?  Are you talking about features/content/devices that allow for a particular *usage* scenario?

@segadc

A better question is why are they relying on Ceaser to relay any of this to them?

Should they not have a team who's job is to monitor these various boards to gage what the moods and needs of the Zune community are?

Since they have no central blog, I suppose they aren't too interested in telling us anything or hearing from us.

I think we all could use something better than a shuffle firmware update next time.  Please...I'd rather wait for something huge than wait for something as menial as that... and the Microsoft PR did mention before the holiday season....

Hey, I use the Zune software as my default media player on my PC. Is it possible to add Audioscrobbler (aka Last.fm) support to the software, either officially or via a third-party plugin? Or better yet, some kind of GamerCard-style way of presenting that info would be great.

I have to say that my experience with my Zune thus far has been very disappointing. We were promised additional features through updates and yet we haven't heard anything for almost an entire year.

I don't understand why Microsoft isn't playing to their strenghts rather than trying to be just like the iPod. Examples:

-Microsoft makes one of the best DVR like applications out there (Windows Media Center). Why is there no integration so we can record a show and load it onto our Zune?

-The Zune has wireless built in but yet, it's not utilized by most, if not, all Zune users as almost no one else has a Zune. Why can't we use this to do something the iPod can't that will actually benefit the current amount of Zune users? Something like downloading from the Marketplace directly to the Zune, steaming music or video from the web, or even a way to stream music from the Zune to PCs/XBox 360 or vice versa?

Microsoft has some great resources and they have access to do things Apple cannot. Why they seem to be only focusing on what the iPod already does seemed like a doomed tactic, IMO.

Why re-invent the wheel can you can do oh-so-much-more

@ Kris

Zune didn't reinvent the wheel. They copied a broken wheel... poorly.

Many of us hope they will straighten it out, though.

@ Cesar

Your a pro, dude. The ability to post an update that has no information at all and at the same time it sounds sorta like big news on the Zune feature front...  That's skill  :)

At least I'm not the only restless native anymore.

They can do what Apple can do PLUS more.  Why not match the iPod and at the same time, surpass it.  All this emphasis on the "music experience" is a waste of time.  The music part is fine.  It needs to open up and/or incorporate all the features that were expected at launch, and those features should at the very least match what the iPod offers, if not more.

I'm kinda disappointed at the slow pace (or lack) of updates...even simple features found on the iPod are not present on the zune! how in the world will you surpass iPod that way... ;( sniff!

Here's another one for the dev team on what I'd like to see added (in addition to Podcasts but if you haven't gotten the message on that you're all plain DEAF!).  

How about lyrics?  I can click while song is playing and I can rate, flag, send, etc.  Would be oh so simple to add an option to display the lyrics!

Oh - and yes I now have a Zune (brown).   I just got it a few weeks ago so I must have pushed you over that million mark ;)  I figured finally breaking down and getting one would bring out the next gen announcement!

I admit I'm very disappointed in the way the Zune has panned out as well. No firmware updates that add any features to a device that was behind the times when it was launched is never a good way to help boost both sales and good word of mouth, no one who has seen my Zune has shown any interest other than saying it has a nice screen.

Don't get me wrong, for music it is good, its just for anything else it is below average and the Wi-Fi has turned out as useless as most people predicted...a year on and I certainly wouldn't consider buying a "next gen" Zune.

Okay, I'm not going to repeat what every has been posting months and months on end about adding certain features. If the team reads what we write about improving the device, then why are we still waiting for these updates. Its almost like being ignored. I think that the developers would have more to show for, being that they read our reviews.

Also, about firmware, it has been being released roughly every three months. Are we even still expecting the next firmware update this September or are we going to be out of luck?

Lastly, I hate to say it but I almost guarantee that majority of the sites viewers could care less about BBQ's and parties that more than half of us can't attend to. I just think it is pointless to promote a device that gets almost no sort of updates. Let's not be so mum on the news... Welcome to the Social!

I hope your comrads are reading these posts Cesar.

Still waiting for some type of lossless audio support on the device. Come on guys the freakin ipod shuffle even supports .wav files. Why on earth can't the Zune support wma lossless on the device?

These little no feature firmware updates are not going to cut it anymore. We better gets some REAL feature updates soon.

Show of hands - If you knew that you wouldn't be getting major updates close to a year after purchase (if ever), would you have bought the Zune? This is clearly a disappointment that should immediately be addressed. Early adopters should be joyful at this point, and an extension of your marketing with 'Word-of-Mouth' advertising, not disappointed. I remember all the sales people around Christmas as telling every potential customer that MS was a software company so there will be updates if you buy the Zune. Gates himself even said it! Where are the updates?

Least the team can do is put out a teaser that shows the direction of the Zune project, something that show MS is committed, not just words Cesar. I want to see the Zune go someplace, competition is good for us all.

Thanks!

I'm using a Zune v1, and have to admit it is disturbing to see 6 months later we still don't get all the features found even in first-gen Microsoft Portable Media Center.

I really like the work done on the user interface since the PMC days, but...

- Where are japanese fonts ?! why does even a PMCv1 and every other player on the market display titles for asian songs just fine and the Zune still displays rectangles like we're still in Windows 95 days ? It already is Unicode and has plenty of space, adding some fonts should not be that difficult. I understand Zune v1 was designed for USA only, but keep in mind even if you restrict your device market for some reason, music on the other hand is worldwide, selling only in the US doesn't mean your customers listen only to north american music!

- Where is support for Media Center recorded TV ? Portable Media Center could sync these from day 1, why does the current Microsoft portable media device ignore the current Microsoft home media system ?

- Windows Vista, Xbox 360, and several network audio players can stream music, pictures and video directly from a PC through Windows Media Player sharing (pka Windows Media Connect)... Zune has Wi-Fi, why can't it connect to that network source (main scenario would be people listening to music in-home or in garden, away from their PC).

- Why no Wi-Fi sync ? Xbox 360 made a lot of noise about being finally wireless, why not keeping consistant and actually using the Zune hardware to get rid of wires too ?

Now don't even speak about cool features introduced in PMCv2, being able to download pictures directly from a digital camera onto the Zune hard disk would make a lot of sense while travelling, and it seems the code is ready as it looks like that feature was included in Toshiba's PMCv2.

Finally, even the sync still has issues, adding videos to "Files You Added" while the device is full, with "Files You Added" set at higher priority than "All Music" still result in an error 9 times out of 10... and Pictures folders architecture still get messed up during sync for some reason.

I've been using my Zune a lot over the past few days.  Here are a couple of features that would be really sweet:

* EQ Access from the song details.

 When the button is pressed one time (while song is playing) we have access to Shuffle, Repeat, Send, Flag.  Please add the ability to change the EQ from here.  It is really a waste of time to have to exit to the main menu and then goto settings to change the EQ.  It should be linked right there on the song details.

* Allow Custom EQ

 The default EQ's work ok for some songs/headphones.  It would be much better to have a 5 band eq that we can tweak to our own liking.  

I don't see a place on the Zune site or support site that allows for user suggestions.  It would be nice to have the option right there to give feedback to the Zune Team.  Oh well.  Keep up the good work.  Get out those updates!!

I just had my zune It's 30 gb and I'm pretty happy with it BUT as we all know there is many things in the software can be done ..I really don't know why there is not an internet browser for example in it using the WiFi ??!!!

Anyway ...

I just wanna know If the 1.4 update was the last update for the 30 gb Zune OR there will be a 1.5 update for the Zune .. So please anyone knows about that tell me ... I'M ON FIRE !!!

Songs with Lyrics that would be so ausome ausome... Please Zune bring that possible.