Its MPLS.

Minorly bummed about the lack of gapless playback. I'd seen it reported somewhere that it would be in. :(

Cesar, one other question. Is XP MCE going to be supported for tv show syncing. There are conflicting reports out about this. Thanks.

Minneapolis = MPLS

"No portable hard drive support or a clock - we really wanted to nail some core music experiences and get them right first. I'm personally really excited about them."

Major let down that both of these simple functions are not onboard yet...

Big thing that they're missing, or at least no word on it is that there's no CUSTOM equalizer. WHY? Is it not an important "core music experience"? Having only the few presets does not count as an equalizer, especially since it seems to drain a bit of the battery. Hopefully one point that is fixed with the Zune 2...

And hopefully while they're making this simple fix, the gapless playback is on its way... right?

Anyway, at least the Zune can only improve, sure, and the improvements in the new line up is impressive...

Hopefully they won't forget the small things that have been asked for, eh?

Does our music have to be in a particular format to support Gapless playback?  I was under the impression that the new Zunes/Nov. Update would support gapless.

No clock because you're focusing on the core music experience? *g* Trying to figure out whether that was supposed to be dripping with sarcasm.

I mean, I know that the whole clock concept is a pretty complicated affair, trying to keep track of all those ever increasing minutes, and then getting to 60 and having to wrap around to a whole new hour (and don't even get me started on the ridiculously complex reset to 00:00 *every day*).

I wonder if someone else in Microsoft has ever written any clock code? Maybe you could re-use it? :)

Sarcasm aside, VERY pleased about saving positions in podcasts. Good job

Still no news on whether they will be available in Europe?

OMG! He answered specific questions!!!  Today is a turning point for Microsoft.  They are finally letting Cesar talk!!

640 x 480 Sweeeeeeeeet!!!!!

"..sync with the Music Marketing team"

that's funny!

C'mon.  We already know the Zune 30 has an internal clock/calendar function for the 3-day and Zune pass checks, so why can't this be incorporated on the main screen in the corner?  Hope it won't be Nov. 2008 for the next update.

Jason - I know! So maybe you'll stop asking me to release info that would result in me getting fired? ;) jkjk - you *know* i'd release more info if I could!

Will we be able to change the main menu font size.

Please say yes. It's going to be in my hand, not 13 miles away.

>No portable hard drive support or a clock

I can understand setting priorities to get the music/video stuff done first. I personally don't care too much about a clock feature, but I do care about a portable hard drive. I think once everything is done on the the team's current priority list, then I think this feature should be placed towards the top of the next priority lists. Being able to use the Zune as an external hard drive (especially the Zune 80) just cries out "geek coolness" (which is a real oxymoron if there ever was one).

>podcasting will support bookmarking

If you have an MP3-formatted audio book, can you bookmark the book? Does it necessarily have to be classified as a "podcast" in order to be allowed to be bookmarkable?

p.s. Thanks, Caesar for being so cool to the community as to listen to us and taking the time to answer our questions!!!

Bookmarking FTW.

By the way, come to Philadelphia!

People....buy watches already!!

Anyway, I would really like a feature for displaying and scrolling song lyrics while you're listening to the song.

With respect to Media Center sync of TV shows.  Will this work with the recent media center upgrade that supports internet TV (History Channel etc.)?  Or will it just work with downloaded content from home TV?  Thanks

I guess I might as well try here:  Will music videos be a part of the zune pass subscription or will they be pay per download?  Thanks Cesar...

I can't actually wear a watch. They always break, stop, slow down, etc. A clock is such a simple feature.

Cesar, is there any hope of small features being added during the lifecycle, before the 3rd gen, or is it going to be fixes only again? Please let us know if you can.

i'm sure it came down from above, but the "we really wanted to nail some core music experiences and get them right first" argument is going to bite you in the butt when people ask why there is no gapless playback.  since many artists have tracks divided up in such a way that there is no gap in music from one track to another, gapless playback would seem to be a "core music experience."  by using that line as your primary argument for not including a clock or portable hard drive functionality you're setting yourself up to be hammered for the lack of other features because of <i>your own argument</i>.  

seriously, you guys really need someone with some sort of background in formulating good arguments to help develop and check the arguments you guys put forward.  there's a ton of hungry guys ph.d.s in philosophy out there who would be happy to do the job.  come on, stop saying stuff that would get you a D in a class on reasoning.

Whoops, forgot to add: Is the Social accessible from the web, or just through the software?

There are reports that Zune 30 will not natively support the new video codecs either.  Is that also true?  

t - zune 30 will transcode content that into .wmv, and will natively support wma lossless.

@Thomas, LOL, tht was funny.

only customizable font size? even customizable font would be COOOL!!

Thanks for you answers cesar! Hopefully c u in LA :)

espiox - zune social is accessible from the web, but the best experience is to have the software loaded - that way your zune card can automatically update with the content that you're playing. also, we're not talking about anything beyond firmware 2.1. and dead jim, I don't think it's best to employ some clever reasoning to spin why we didn't do one thing or another thing. honestly, we don't have unlimited resources on the zune team and we just can't get to everything. Not much more I can tell you, I guess?

@Espiox, as far as i know, Social is setup from the software but is created to be accesible from web. I thikn its like a widget that displays ur fav. tracks (or) the ones ur listening to and so on.. and users visiting the webpage can play a small clip of that song and may be bookmark to their social...

I think its similar to www.radioblogclub.com, where you have a customizable widget with ur songs that other users can play.

Cesar,

Has someone finally bought you those drinks!!  ;) I am loving it!! The info just keeps coming!!

Cesar I think you are a lil free today ;) lotta quick replies from you 2day!!

Thanks for your time!! though

I am most concerned about a custom EQ. Please tell me that the update will have one? Also hope to see support for mpeg-2 video.

"...The Zunes don't (yet) have a full podcast client on them, so they won't get the content directly from the cloud." - zunester

does that mean with the full podcast client there's wireless syncing directly with Zune Market Place ( with out PC)? and I hope that also means that future firmware updates with wirelessly sync with ZMP!! .. even though thats the nxt step in evolution from features of Zune 2.0, I cant wait for that ( i know i have to wait for a loooong time to get a *feature filled* update, bug fixing updates will be common).

Sweet, thanks for the info Cesar.

I'm being greedy now, but can you get us the cool wallpapers from the Zune 80/4/8 promo shots like you did for the older ones?

Thanks again for answering our questions.

any other 80gb colors besides black?

No gapless playback - paperweight.

so the zune 30 is still stuck 320x240? everything is still converted to wmv? i guess "all the new features" are being ported over then. that's kind of disappointing. i could understand the lack of component out on the zune 30, but i was really looking forward to 640x480 video.

Cesar,

Could you confirm  if Unicode support for international characters was implemented into the new firmware. Can't play some of my non-English mp3s on Zune... Thanks!

@ash

The new Zune screens are still 320x240. You aren't missing out on anything.

And why are people THAT bothered about gapless? The thought's not once crossed my mind since I bought my Zune.

So disappointed there's still no mac support. MS should realize that not every mac user is an ipod lover.

@ash

The zune 80 and zune 30 will both have the same resolution screen (320x240. But the Zune 80 will be able to store the video at 640x480.

So sad Brown is gone...

Thanks for the 411 on what's coming with the firmware. Was really hoping to see gapless and the portable HD feature but I'm sure we'll see it later on down the road. Also, what you do here on this blog is much appreciated not just as a Zune fan but as a music fan as well. It adds a great personal touch that you don't get with the competition.

Again THANK YOU!

I had a question for the automatic sync thing...If I plug my Zune into my stereo or Wii, I will be able to control what's going on, on my comp right? Do I need bluetooth on my comp for this to work?

Also when will there be more colors for the 80 gig? I want a red one...I guess my 30 gig brown zune will suffice for now :)

If podcasting allows bookmarks, Will I be able to move my MP3's into a podcast folder, to make them resumable?  Or do they have to come through a podcast feed? Or is it using a new format, or file extension?

Thanks, Tim

@newZUNE2

the video out is what concerns me. the zune is a great method for me to move around with both some home movies as well as some custom edited videos and demos (to sync back to a pc for/at work) but tv-out at 320x240 (or stored at that natively) doesn't look good. even worse, after syncing back it's still low res, so i'd still have to carry the pos ipod just for video.

Espiox - For music lovers who like to listen to live albums, dance mixes, etc gapless is a must have.  Your musical tastes may not require gapless, but it's still a must have if you're going to hear a lot of content the way it was meant to be heard. Try listening to Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" or "And The Glass Handed Kites" by Mew and you'll find the gaps between each track quite annoying.

Cesar, thanks for the info. I enjoyed your video at on10.net as well. You handled yourself quite well, and professionally, but then I wouldn't have expected otherwise.

Anyway, I'm also curious about how Audiobooks will be handled. MP3 or WMA format.. can these tracks be added as a Podcast so we can use the Resume features, or will they just go under Music (like Zune30 present)? Not a big deal either way, but still curious, if you get time to answer.

Thanks!

Well, you can't get the 640x480 without Component anyway. You still get 320x240 with the normal AV cables.

@Espiox

i understand that, but having to encode from 640x480 to 320x240 will degrade video quality most of the time. that is what i want to avoid. also, i sync videos back and forth between home and work. we are going to do internal video streams at work, but the equipment won't be in for another month or 2, so i make the edits at home and bring them in. i show it off on a tv and then if it's approved, i just sync it back to the pc at work and post it. i bought the ipod before the zune was out and it now handles 640x480, but the zune just sounds better through headphones and just recieved it as a gift. so i'd rather use the zune and leave the ipod at home.

so.. the New Music Friday's are going to become a Podcast :O? I would love that :)

Ah, I see now.

Home Server support????

I have seen the Leather Case featured on a few videos now, but it's not on Zune.net.  Will this accessory be out in time to purchase with my new Zune?  I don't want it getting scratched up! =)

Hey Cesar, any plans on upping the on screen resolution for at least the new Zunes with an update?

I mean, I'm buying one either way because I need more space than my 30, but it'd just be nice to know if it's in the plans :)

publius - what do you mean by home server support? if you mean that for wireless sync, the zune will connect to your home wireless network, then that's a yes. if you're asking another question, let me know

Cesar,

Can you comment about the processing hardware? Does the Zune 80 have a faster processor and better performance, or are the changes only in physical appearance, screen size, and hard drive size?

Thanks!

Civisi

@Ash,

I read somewhere that the new Zunes only display 320x240, but support 640x480 through the AV Out.

Civisi

@Admin,

I think publius is referring to the upcoming Microsoft Home Server Edition OS. Will it sync music files from the server, or does the Zune software have to be installed on a PC and  sync from only that PC?

civisi, publius - I think you need a pc. I haven't heard anything about sync'ing files from the server - but let me check for sure. please be patient while I track down the answer.

@Dan H

hehe I did listen to Dark Side of the Moon on my Zune and it was the first time I had heard it broken into chunks.  It was rather shocking and it did detract from the experience.

But I do like the gaps when in shuffle mode.  Quite honestly I don't see this a concern for most people.  A welcome addition in the future.  

Clock... whatever...

Cesar, please do comment on audiobook support, or lack thereof

@Surreal

Zune 30 Brown for 199.99

Zune 80 Black (and that is)

Gapless is coming.

Will there be a leather case for Zune 30 or just the new players?

Matt sez: Hey Cesar, any plans on upping the on screen resolution for at least the new Zunes with an update?

I mean, I'm buying one either way because I need more space than my 30, but it'd just be nice to know if it's in the plans :)

dude, we're not talking about anything beyond 2.1 right now. :)

Long time reader first time commenter. I had a question regarding the new zune and the marketplace.

I am a big proponent of the subscription feature. With that being said.

Will the music videos be included as part of the zune pass subscription?

Thanks for answering the questions Caesar! Good man.

I also just checked the on10 interview you have, perhaps you should post about it here? Would be a nice way to close off the week.

All in all, exciting week. Like I've said in a comment long ago, the only way the Zune can go is up. You keep pumping out stuff like this and I'll keep buying.

That's cool, I figured you'd say that but I had to ask.

Ceasar

I just got back from traveling and saw the new feature announcement, I really liked the us early adopters aren't being left behind. I am thrilled about the bookmarks, I hope this means that you guys will be talking with the audible.com com folks to get zune as one of their supported devices. If I can get audio books on my zune I can retire my creative.

man im so sick of this silence with anything after the new update.  how ridiculous for them to leave us in the dark haha   j/k great job guys i didnt think id want an 80gb but after thinking about it i might want one for the more storage i dont even need but just for the touchpad and slimmer factor. hmm it needs some thought. lol

Ive lost all faith in this brand.

This is the info we've been waiting for. Bummer about gapless and the HD, hope to see them in the future.  Thanks for the info, this site is a nice touch to a great product!!!

Thanks!!!

@rhett

dude what do you mean youve lost all faith. are you not happy about the new update coming? i mean come on its alot more than anyone expected. whole redo of the zune software. as cesar said in an earlier post they dont have unlimited resources. im sure they worked their *** off to give us an amazing update like whats coming and the new zunes at the same time.

Cool, more pixels!!! =D

Is there any chance of a 160 Gb version in the near future?

Khaos says - "Is there any chance of a 160 Gb version in the near future?"

aaaaaaaaaargh! we're NOT talking about stuff beyond this release!!!!!! aaarrggh!  ;)

Cesar,

When someone mentioned Home Server, I think he meant Windows Home Server, which is a centralized location for all media on networked home PC's. It would be great if Zune supports WHS wirelessly.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/windowshomeserver/default.mspx

Thanks for answering our questions Cesar! Does the shell of the new Zunes have a glossy finish? Or matte?

I showed my friend the On10 video on the bus just right now, and he's digging the red flash Zune now. Not sure if he'll get a Zune 4 or 8.

Gapless and portable HDD were the two deciding factors for me. I really liked the look of the new  Zune, but at the same time I won't buy one without these features. Looks like a new iPod for me...

Sri, I agree that Windows Home Server needs to get some love eventually.  But considering it was just launched last week I think its abit premature to expect Zune integration.  I'm going to keep it on my must haves for future releases.

Cesar, I think the 640x480 video format and output support is fantastic.  And that component AV dock is just the trick to get the most out of it.  Both are items that I had on my wishlist since Zunev1 launch.

My Question: Does Zune support higher resolution JPEG and/or PhotoHD images even though the device can output anything more than 640x480?  I have a large family photo collection and don't like having to keep duplicate copies (large format, portable formtat) of our photos.  Thanks dude!

A major question and consideration for me:

Will the Zune have native support for AVI/DivX video files?

This is not something hard for Microsoft to put in their player. If they don't have it, I probably will just go with the Zen from Creative, which supports a wide variety.

Hey cesar,

not to be a smart ass this is actually a question.

is it really that hard to put a clock on the zune? it seems pretty simple but ive heard that you guys have to deal with people changing the time to bypass the 3x3 rule...so what complications arrise when trying to put a clock in?

hey, I like the blog/web site.

any chance the new zunes will support .avi video files?

the only codecs supported are the ones I stated above (ie, no divx or avi)

I don't know the full complications of a clock, but I know that it's not as easy as most people think - again it comes down to not having infinite resources and some focused goals.

Ditto on lookijng for clarification on recorded TV.

My Gigabeat Portable Media Center Could do it so tehcnically should not be a big deal.

Will Zune 1 with Firmware Update be able to import Recorded TV

I am still a bit confused about one thing. Is the 640x480 AV out only for the new zunes, or will the zune 30's get this via the firmware update? Please answer this for me Cesar when you get a chance.^_^

So tempted to ask about a Canada release, but I shall refrain myself.

I do have one which should be safe to answer: if I have videos on a Zune, will it play through my 360, or do I have to use a dock to play it on my tv? Would this affect the resolution at all? Thanks Cesar!

@mcepat: yes it will

@mcepat

Yes. The new Zune Software will be able to import and convert DVR-MS.

As for DivX/XviD, I'm a little disappointed, as I thought that it's inclusion in the new gen of Extenders would herald it's addition to Xbox and Zune. Ah well. Maybe next year.

Hey Cesar, quick question:

Will the 80GB Zune be able to be used as a hard drive (ie for disk use, to store files)?

Hey Cesar

Long Time Reader..... but to the important stuff

Will the wireless sync automatically initate downloads of things that I flag in the marketplace, or something that I had "squirted" to me and flagged it.  

Cesar, dude....did you purposefully jump over and around my question or is it that you can't take any music video/zune pass questions right now?  I'm really curious...

I just want to know if they're pay per download only or if there is Zune Pass support.

you misunderstand me.  i'm not employing some sort of "clever reasoning" or trying to spin anything.  in all honesty, gapless playback isn't that important to me.  you're the one who offered up the argument that focusing on aspects that were core to the overall experience of listening to music was what prevented you (the team, not you personally) from offering additional functionality like a clock and hard drive access.  moreover, you are not the only one using that argument, and that suggests that this is a general argument given to you guys from above.  my point is that using that argument sets you up for criticism in terms of other functionality you left out that seems to indeed be core to the experience of listening to a great number of albums from a variety of artists, e.g. gapless playback.  there's nothing "clever" there; it's just a bad argument, and if you turned in a paper to me with a similar flaw the best you could hope for would be a C, and this is assuming it's one of the intro classes i teach and the rest of the paper was well written.  

it just seems like it would be fairly easy to for the group responsible for developing your responses to include someone who actually has some sort of background in forming half-decent arguments so as to avoid silliness like this.  

with the above in mind, if i were you, i would stop offering that response, regardless of who gave it to you (unless, of course, your job somehow depends upon it).  it's a bad argument, the problem is terribly obvious, and there's no reason to make it in the first place as you have a perfectly fine argument that contains no such flaw, namely, "we don't have unlimited resources on the zune team and we just can't get to everything."

come on, don't jump on me because your boss told you to say something ridiculous.

but i still love you.  

<3

dead jim - you know I love you too buddy ;)

sportsunit - sorry, missed your question - videos will be individual purchase only (no subscription). we're also not talking about the prices for zmp content - I'll find out what pr has planned to announce those.

I believe someone asked about unicode support - here's the story

The zune device has a single font that covers western European characters. Any characters outside western European are rendered as squares (since they aren’t found in the font).

The Zune software handles non-English Character sets like this: we have a standard font that we use for rendering English letters within the Zune software. When the Zune software finds non-English characters, it’ll try to locate a font that’ll render those characters as accurately as possible. So generally when you import a track/CD etc with non-English characters the software will render the characters for which Windows has a font.

Cesar..thanks for all the great news.  If you have answered this one already I apologize for missing it...but how will the wireless sync function with a password protected home network?

darkseid sez - but how will the wireless sync function with a password protected home network?

you'll configure your sync through the software in the pc, you'll see advanced settings there and be able to enter password info

So will the Zune 30's support video out at 640x480?

spencer - Zune 30 video-out will remain at 320x240

thats really cool how you can set up the password protection in the software instead of on the zune. i really like that feature.

Ok.  Another thing, do you have any information regarding battery life?