Cool. FYI the thumbnails for the wallpaper links should be swapped. ;)

Sigh. None in VA.

The wait for real news is agonizing. i have personally been waiting for a flash based zune to complement my now almost one year old zune. no firmware updates, no new products, new ipods next week. it is really hard to stay on the "zune bus" and to continue to pay the marketplace subscription.

nice big f***ing bus and Zune. Period.

SWEEETTTTTTT! I'm sad they aren't coming to NYC. HOWWW! :(

I would have to agree with Leo.  I bought my Zune in February of this year.  I wanted it because of the potential of the device and I was willing to be an early adopter because of that potential, but now I am starting to have regrets.  

It does not feel like the Zune team has picked up the good habits of the Xbox team.  At least with Major Nelson we get constant updates and on his weekly podcast (where is the Zune podcast!!!!) we get affirmation that at least we are being heard.

All I want is simple things and I do not feel that they are too much to ask for even if I am a previous iPod owner.  

My biggest complaint is sync.  I use manual sync because I have a library that is bigger than my Zune and here is what I would LOVE for my Zune to do:

1) Let me rate music on my Zune and then sync that back to my library when I hook it up.

2) Let me manually select songs to sync with check marks like iTunes.

3) Automatically check new music that is added to my library so that I can rip a CD, plug in my Zune to auto-sync the checked music, unplug and be on my way out the door.

4) Sync all playlists even if I am in manual sync

5) Smart playlist should stay smart after I transfer them!!  I want them to be dynamic based on ratings, play count and play date.

I know this can be done and is probably being worked on by the wizard up in the emerald tower.  Please just give us some word, a sign of whats to come.  That can't be too much to ask for.

I just feel like after next Wednesday's announcement all the people I convinced to buy a Zune will be asking me why I have a new iPod.

How many buses does Zune own?

leo i feel you on paying microsoft... i'm starting to feel like all my music is going to go to waste if apple does something cool on the 5th and the zune camp doesn't respond... rumor has it that a wireless itunes store is in the works for iphone and new ipod... if thats the case then i can't resist that... theres always fairuse4wm.. just kidding... i still have some faith in the zune i'm really hopin for something cool that i do not have to buy before xmas...

I really can't believe how slow the Zune team has been in developing new features for the Zune.  We are very close to a year out and we have seen no convenient way of putting video on the Zune, no podcast support, no new codec support, and there is still no point to the wireless capabilities on the Zune.  If Apple announces new Ipods next week, many former Zune fans will likely jump ship.  I'm so shocked at the lack of effort.  At this rate, the Zune team will always be playing catch-up.  

Dude, nothing happening in the development of the next generation of Zune, not even a flash Zune in the works??

...The Zune is dead, long live the Zune !

Again no news. Just Zune on tour with someone here and there...but what's up with a firmware upgrade? Maybe gapless playback. Maybe snyc via Wifi... Why not bringing the Zune and the Shop to Europe. Nothing in one year. If Apple will release new video ipods with mac os x and wifi next week you should consider in doing something to be competitive. This is actually the wrong way. Sorry.

Cesar,

I just purchased another Zune due to the price reduction.  Which is a good thing, but I agree with posts of many guys here.  If your news is that "hey we are using all our dev money to sponsor concerts", then I don't think that is going to make a lot of users happy.  We want features.  We have been asking you about what and when with the new features for months now.  Why is it so hard to give us information.  Major Nelson at least tells us a few days in advance when an update is coming. Also with XBox, you know a quarterly update is always in the works.  

Leak the info, get people excited about their purchase.  Show the world that the Zune can stand up to the Ipod.  Please!!!

happy to know that many of you feel the same way. in october of last year David Caulton wrote this on his zunester blog:

"Scoble has posted about Zune. I will comment on the overall post in more detail in a bit (and Robert and I come at things from somewhat different angles in general), but he does rightly note one key asset - the Zune updater. A great deal of effort has gone into making periodic firmware updates reliable, seamless, and automatic.

This is definitely a nice, tactical feature - we couldn't get everything we wanted into the box right out of the gate. But more importantly, it's a strategic feature. We plan to be very nimble going forward, and there are a lot of great ideas for things to do with a small portable media box with wifi (many mentioned on this blog's comments). Must...be...nimble.

xbox 360 owners have experienced this - every now and then a new software update automagically appears on their box, bringing new features and improvements."

looking back into this we can come up with one of two conclusions:

1. the definition of nimble is different for those working in MSFT, and those of us who think product development and upgrades should go at a quicker pace should look elsewhere.

2. MSFT is ready to abandon this platform an the money spent in the marketplace will be lost.

Jason, I hear you - there's a very tight lid about future looking news right now, but I'll see if I can't pry anything out. No promises, but I'll try :)

It would be much appeciated Cesar:) Even beter then news would be an actual Update granting all our wishes:)

I'm curious... do the sentiments expressed on this forum reflect those of the majority of Zune owners? I've seen some other Zune news sites (zunescene, zuneinfo, etc.) and a good number of posters are also complaining about the Zune's progress.

Is Microsoft off base with the direction they are taking the Zune (focusing more on community and music than technology)?

Perhaps you guys are a vocal minority, and most Zune owners are happy with the device as it is technologically, and more interested in "the social"?

It will be interesting to see what Apple releases next week. The fifth generation iPod is the longest-lived one yet (ignoring the little 5.5 bump in late 2006.)

I have to agree that this wait has been really detrimental to the early adopters.  There has been absolutely no activity since the last insubstantial update in March (I may have my date wrong but that is besides the point).  

I appreciate that MS if attempting a grass root approach, by focusing on the music and the artist.  Shouldn't it be a two-pronged attack though?  The technology needs attention too!  Here you have a device that had some major advantages over the Ipod.  The screen was large enough to watch video on, and the wireless features would allow for innovation.  And yet, MS (or more specifically the Zune team) has seemingly wasted away the opportunity. Ah well.  At least I'll still have my 360.

Last thing, it may be harsh to say this kind of stuff, considering that the Zune team is most assuredly working on something (and the fact that it has been less than a year since launch), but the lack of communcation leaves consumers with little faith in the company.

Several So-Cal shows...1 up here in No. Cal....if you score tickets, I would be up for 1(even if it is just discounted).

I was a huge GnR fan(saw them 4 times in 1991-1992) but am not sure I want to go solo at full price..

p.s. PLEASE have some GOOD news about the Zune as soon as possible. If the Touchscreen/Fullscreen iPod is announced on the 5th for a decent price......

Is anyone having issues with Zune Pass today? I have a three-month pass, but the Marketplace is only giving me the option to buy songs...

Anyone?

Chaz,

I am having the same issue.  When Zune Marketplace logged me in, everything went from 'Download' to 'Buy 79'.  

I am sure the Zune team is working hard on this one.   Little stab...I don't think they have much else to do.

Jason - good one man ;)

Just my 2 cents.

MS is not dumping 1.0. If you guys notice, all the "2.0" Talk is not realy 2.0. All the talk is about a Flash Zune and an 80/60gig Zune. Sounds to me like they are filling out their offering to be more in line with Apple and Creative. I am scared that they are holding back a Good FW update, until the new releases.

I will say they better act quick. Cause Sept. 5th. could be my switch to iPod. If all the rumors are true.

Cavan

New zunes are shiney but a bit blahh. The screen also looks smaller due to the black trim under the glass. Nice I guess. I'll be waiting for another generation then. Unless you guys get some things that are on my wish list.

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/portable-media/first-zune-2-and-zune-flash-shots-295284.php

nevermind...

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/portable-media/first-zune-2-and-zune-flash-shots-295284.php

Check this out:

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/portable-media/first-zune-2-and-zune-flash-shots-295284.php

Still doesn't help current owners out though.

Hopefully those are fake, the screen is much to small and the buttons much to big. I was hoping for something more the the device in the Microsoft Silverlight video. (The one the guy uses to choose a skateboard.) combined with a rad interface, it would kill. Seriously.

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/lickable-dreams/the-next+gen-ipod-touch-mock+up-295152.php

If this is what the new iPods will looks like, then I will have to say game-over! Unless....you know MS decides to put some long overdue TLC into the Zune.

I want something groundbreaking...no zune 1.5G

yea to be honest lately i have been getting sick of the constant tour news. none of the tours come to where i live anyway.  Im just getting sick of checking the site hoping for some news. im not one to complain much but for the past couple months all we have gotten is a yea we hear your complaints and we are working on it. but there has been no update on progress. no hint of a date, no hint of anything except that theres stuff being worked on. I cant help but get the feeling that zune 1.0 adopters like myself are going to get screwed over. well here goes to another couple months of waiting for an update so i use my zune even more. or a zune alarm clock dock that i really want haha either way i still love my zune and what it can do.

im also hoping my zune market place isnt working because of a giant update that will make everyone flock from ipod to the ever so mighty zune. i can hope :)

I agree with these other guys here. There definitely needs to be some updating, but how, I'm just not sure.

Oh, and Cesar, can you find some way to attribute comments correctly? I think there's probably five of us Adams here, though I'm not sure.

I hate to say this but if that really is Zune 2 then its a bad day for Zune. We all know that people buy device and not social or subscription service. How the device looks determins everything. I am sure MS knows this so I am guessing that is not the Zune 2. If yes then I am lost now.

It's simple folks. The zune was a rush job. They took a Toshiba gigabeat, threw a new face on it and called it good. Is it any wonder why there has been little to no new features added. Originality takes time. The zune team is always going to be playing catchup.

so why did you reject my comment? I was just stating facts that the next iPod will have wireless downloads. Something the Zune should have implemented by now....

If that ipod mock up is real and the rumors are true about the wifi features, then the game could be over.  Those puppies look nice and I love the wifi features that have been talked about.  The web browser on the iphone is pretty sharp.  If the  Zune team would have fine tuned and upgraded the current model in a timely manner, then there would have been a chance.  I will be the first in line if those ipod rumors are true.  Cesar, please tell us that those "Zune 2" images are fake.  Those would be a joke if the IPod images are real.    

Daveworld, let me just say yea that pic of the new Zunes better be fake cause I woul be seriously upset. They seem all too much like cheap Japanese knock off devices that you see at a flea market or mall kiosk. I am sure (and hope) the new Zunes look better than that. It seems like they are fake cause I thought they all were supposed to keep the color double shots that they introduced back when Zune first launched. Well thats just my opinion.

Wow, no news of any kind for almost a month. . .(and that's being generous), then we get cakes and buses.  Thanks, MS!

Wow.

So, NBC has decided not to renew their contract with Apple to sell their TV shows on the iTunes Store. Apparently, NBC wanted to increase Apple's wholesale cost so much, Apple would've been forced to sell shows at $4.99 per episode.

Apparently, NBC shows were 30% of iTunes Store TV show sales.

http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2007/08/31itunes.html

Hopefully MS will move in and capitalize where iTunes has lost.

Grab that NBC!

nah...those are clearly fake pics by some iFan.

Well,they better be fake.....

I wonder if they have anything to compete agaist the new iPod Nano, which look like a fat bloated 1st gen iPod, only slightly smaller

I find it odd that Cesar has not posted or commented once since those pic came out. Usually we get "We do not comment on rumor...yada...yada...yada".

Is this Admission via Silence?

Cavan

oops, sorry Cavan - been a bit swamped. There have been so many of these over the last few months, that I just stopped commenting. But just to make you happy: "we don't comment on rumor and speculation" :)

I assume you've seen one of the leaked pics of the iPod Nano, what do you think of it Cesar?

-Matt

@swamped admin...so are we gearing up for *guerrilla warfare* during the 9/5 event ?

did you take part on that NBC revolt ?

Cesar whats up with zmp? i try to sign in but it wont let me. it just brings me to a support screen and im not signed in on anything. ill try to download a song so it will auto sign me in then it proceeds to autosign me in then it brings me to the same support screen. yesterday zmp status was some users may experience problems but now it says up and running but im still getting no progress.

Excellent commentary on iLounge about NBC's decision to abandon the iTunes Store:

http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/an-open-letter-to-nbc-re-leaving-apples-itunes-store/

brutha man said:

"Hopefully MS will move in and capitalize where iTunes has lost. Grab that NBC!"

If Microsoft wants to saddle up with NBC to add their content to the Zune Marketplace, I say more power to them. I wonder which would stab the other in the back first?

Cesar, you guys should really get nbc's content on Zune marketplace!

I think MS should pay NBC $1 for every Zune sold, just to be safe.

@Cesar

Thank you. But I must admin, this does have Images to back it up.