Hope everybody had a great weekend! Just so everybody's clear on the official word on Zune: We have not confirmed any new devices or features. We have, for several months, been saying that we intend to develop the Zune business along three axes - expanding our device offering, adding new features and scenarios and considering new international markets when the time is right. We remain focused on that path, but have not made any official announcements regarding timing or features of new Zune devices...

Our buddies at 'rama point to a widely circulated Steve Ballmer interview about Zune. Lots of folks actually have Steve's words mistranslated. Here's what he actually said: You are only selling Zune in the US. When will the device be launched in Europe? Our primary goal was to get into market, offer some innovation and do some learning. The US is always an easy place to practice, because it is our home market. Over time, we will have various versions of Zune. And, it is obvious that we need to have...

Every once in a while, it’s nice to get a take on Zune from someone not in marketing. This just in from James, the release manager of Zune (the guy who told me/us about firmware update 1.3 ): Hi all, this is James, the release manager of Zune that Cesar mentions below. In the spirit of transparency, I wanted to let everyone know that Cesar is right, I have been reading the comments – nearly 200 of them, including reading daily posts on other topics. I want to assure you that your voice is heard....

<edit 11:59 AM>I talked to the retail team; this is a hoax. The actual ad that ran offered a $15 iTunes gift card with the purchase of an iPod, and free Zune Premium Earphones w/ the purchase of a Zune. In the immortal words of Strongbad: DELETED . Funny while it lasted, though! Around seven thousand people sent this to me today: (photo from Giz ) No idea if this is true; my guess it's an error on behalf of the Spokane* Compusa. I emailed the retail account team to find out. It reminds me of...