zune 30gb lcd screen replacement free sample

Zune is a discontinued line of digital media products and services marketed by Microsoft from November 2006 until its discontinuation in June 2012. Zune consisted of a line of portable media players, digital media player software for Windows PCs, a music subscription service known as a "Zune Music Pass", music and video streaming services for the Xbox 360 game console via the Zune Software, music, TV and movie sales, and desktop sync software for Windows Phone. Zune was also the provider of music streaming for United Airlines in-flight, after a partnership in 2010.

The Zune started as a line of portable media players (PMP) created in cooperation with Toshiba. Microsoft aimed to challenge and beat Apple, whose iPod line held an enormous market share.hard disk players ranging from 30 GB to 120 GB were released, alongside six flash players. However, its overall market share in the U.S. remained low, well below Apple and also lagging the SanDisk Sansa and Creative Zen.Xbox Music and Xbox Video brands.

Zune music and devices were follow-on to Microsoft"s MSN Music service. MSN Music was created in 2004 to compete with Apple"s iTunes services and used the Microsoft PlaysForSure DRM protocol. After only two years, Microsoft announced the closing of MSN Music in 2006 immediately before announcing the Zune service without PlaysForSure support. In 2008, Microsoft shut down the MSN Music licensing servers for PlaysForSure only two years after promising users the servers would be available for five years.

The first-generation Zune device was created by Microsoft in close cooperation with Toshiba, which took the design of the Gigabeat S and redeveloped it under the name Toshiba 1089 as registered with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) starting in 2006.J Allard ran the project, codenamed "Argo", staffed with Xbox and MSN Music Store developersiPod" where other Windows Media MP3 players from Creative, iriver, and Samsung had not succeeded.

The first generation and later Zune devices included a number of social features, including the ability to share songs with other Zune users wirelessly. Songs that had been transferred over wi-fi could then be played three times over three days.

The first wave of the second-generation (Zune 4, 8, and 80, manufactured by Flextronics), introduced the touch-sensitive Zune Pad, which was shaped like a squircle. The 4 and 8 GB Zune devices use flash memory and are smaller in size than the 80 GB version, which uses a hard drive. The 30 GB Zune was not redesigned, although it received a software update that brought its interface in line with the second generation models. At the same time, the Zune 2.0 software was released for Windows PCs. This version of the software was completely re-written and featured a new user interface.

Zune devices feature games developed using an early version of XNA Game Studio 3.0, released in May 2008, allowed developers to work on games for Zune devices.

The second and last wave of the second-generation (Zune 16 and 120) released in September 2008, coinciding with the release of the Zune Software 3.0 update. Included in this firmware update was the ability to tag and later purchase songs heard on FM radio, channels which can be customized to deliver suggested songs for the user, the games Hexic and Texas Hold" em were added, support for audiobooks from online stores such as Audible.com and others that support OverDrive media files,Wayport to allow Zune devices to access its network of over 10,000 wireless hotspots, including those at McDonald"s restaurants.

Zune Pass customers in the United States could also now download 10 tracks to keep per month in addition to the existing subscription-dependent unlimited music downloads.

The first wave of the third-generation (Zune HD 16 GB and 32 GB) released in September 2009. On the same day, the 4.0 software update of the desktop software was released to support the new devices.

The second and last wave of the third-generation (Zune HD 64 GB) released in April 2010. The same day, desktop and firmware updates introduced SmartDJ and codec features. The firmware update brought picks and improved the TV-out experience on the Zune HD.

From Summer 2010, United Airlines started to offer Zune in-flight audio by means of 21 playlists that are very similar to the Zune Channels offered on the Zune Marketplace.

On March 15, 2011, Microsoft announced that no new Zune hardware players would be developed, although existing models would remain for sale. The Zune had failed to capture significant market share after five years against the Apple iPod, and a recent study by NPD Group indicated that the Zune did not make the list of the five best-selling portable music players in the U.S. The iPod has been more successful because of simplicity and had better ratings. It has also been suggested that there is a much larger trend that standalone music players were giving way to smartphones with personalized, app-driven music.

On October 3, 2011, Microsoft announced the discontinuation of all Zune hardware, encouraging users to transition to Windows Phone. Later, the announcement was removed and a Zune Support Team member tweeted that the page was added to the website in error.

In June 2012, Microsoft announced plans to discontinue all "Zune" products, and instead, Microsoft would distribute its digital media content and services under the Xbox Music and Xbox Video names, available on their line of products, including Windows 8 PCs and tablets, Xbox 360 game console, and Windows Phone smart phones. The www.zune.net domain now redirects to Xbox"s website, but the software retained the Zune name. The Windows Phone App succeeded Zune Software as the desktop sync service for Windows Phone 8, as part of Microsoft"s discontinuation of the Zune brand. However, Zune Software must still be used for Windows Phone 7 desktop sync, and is still available to download from the Windows Phone website for all Windows Phone 7 devices. In November 2015, Microsoft retired the Zune music download and streaming service. Remaining Zune subscribers were switched over to Microsoft"s Groove Music platform,

In Autumn 2009, movies and TV shows became available through streaming or download through Zune Video Marketplace on Xbox 360.Kinect and Kinect owners can navigate the application menus using hand gestures, without a controller. Users must have a Zune Pass subscription to play music in the application, and only Zune Pass content is available. Locally saved music must still be played through the Xbox"s native media library.

Starting with the Microsoft KIN ONE and KIN TWO mid 2010, the Zune music services and features from the Zune HD became available on Microsoft"s mobile phones. Shortly following the failure of the KIN line, Windows Phone 7 released and included the same Zune music app that was present on KIN. December of that same year, the rerelease of the KIN phones (whose names were denoted simply with "m" as ONEm and TWOm) yet again included the Zune music app, though the phones themselves were now feature-phones instead of smartphones. Each of these first generation Windows Phone smartphones were supported by the Zune desktop software in addition to the Zune devices.

Microsoft announced and released new versions of the Zune devices once a year until 2010. In March 2011, Bloomberg.com published an articlebusiness development denied this rumor saying that the Windows Phone platform introduction should be considered to be the annual Zune update for 2010.

All Windows Phone devices include capacitive multi-touch screens, FM radios, Wi-Fi, and certain other features included on the Zune HD. The user interface of the Zune devices, particularly the Zune HD, served as the inspiration for the user interface of Windows Phone. Microsoft refers to the design language of this user interface as Metro and continued to use it in their products moving forward from Zune HD. (Products with elements of Metro: Microsoft Band & Band 2, KIN, WP7, WP8, Windows 8, W10M, Windows 10, Xbox 360, Xbox One and S/X, and Xbox Series S/X.)

The first Zune model, the Zune 30, was released in the USA on November 14, 2006, featuring a capacity of 30 gigabytes, FM radio, and a 3-inch screen. The Zune 30 was initially available in black, brown and white. Retail packages contained a pair of basic earbuds, a USB sync cable, a small drawstring pouch, a start-up CD, documentation and a 14-day free trial of the premium Zune Pass streaming service.

The Zune 80 was announced on October 2, 2007,Zune 4 and Zune 8 to compete with Apple"s iPod nano line. These were to be known as the second generation of Zune devices. The Zune 80 featured a 3.2 inch screen, while the Zune 4 and 8 come with a 1.8inch screen. Both come with a new touchpad-style input device ("squircle") and new software. Additional file support for H.264 and MPEG-4 formats was also included, whereas the older Zune 30 requires these formats to be transcoded to WMV prior to sync. The ability to sync wirelessly (automatically if connected to a power supply), podcast support, and an upgraded song-sharing licensing became available on all models. The new software also allowed a Zune device to communicate with other Zune devices to share pictures and songs. A free firmware update added the new software features to the original Zune 30, and was released on November 13, 2007.

The Zune 30, the original Zune music player, has a 30GB hard drive, 3 inch screen, and a simple directional pad for menu navigation. The second generation of Zune devices includes the Zune 4, 8, 16, 80 and 120. The Zune 4, 8, and 16 are smaller in size and have 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB of flash memory respectively. All second generation Zunes have a Zune Pad instead of the original directional pad that was included on the Zune 30. Microsoft released an upgrade to the software/firmware for all Zune models, including the Zune 30.

On May 26, 2009, Microsoft announced the Zune HD, the first touch screen Zune. The Zune HD has HD Radio and the ability to display video in High Definition through a docking station (sold separately). The screen is multi-touch enabled and uses gestures such as swiping and pinching throughout the player. The device comes with 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of flash memory. The screen is OLED, 3.3inches, and has a 480x272 16:9 resolution. Also included are Wi-Fi, a custom Internet Explorer browser, and an accelerometer.

Zune devices featured preloaded audio and video content from various artists, including Wisin & Yandel, BT, The Thermals, Paul Oakenfold, and CSS. Limited edition, promotional, and employee-gift Zune devices also featured unique content of varying kinds (i.e. pictures, videos, music, and/or audio/video podcasts).

The standard Zune devices come with basic headphones and a proprietary USB data cable. The Zune 30 comes with these items as well as a carrying bag, and the Zune 80 model has upgraded "Zune Premium" headphones. Accessories that were sold separately included, but are not limited to:

Among the firms that made Zune accessories were Microsoft, Altec Lansing, Belkin, Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO), Dual Electronics, Griffin Technology, Harman Kardon, JBL, Integrated Mobile Electronics, Jamo International, Klipsch Audio Technologies, Logitech, Monster Cable Products Inc., Speck, Targus, Kicker and VAF Research.

According to Microsoft, the most up-to-date firmware version is 4.5 (114) for the Zune HD, which replaces the original player firmware that ships on the device, 4.0 (356). In the case of the Zune 4, 8, 16, 30, 80, and 120 players, the most current player software version is 3.3, which provides compatibility with Zune 4.2.

The operating system for the Zune devices is based on the Windows CE kernel for ARM architecture and uses a distribution similar to the Portable Media Center found on the Gigabeat S. Zune"s native file compatible formats are:

The graphical user interface (GUI) (called the "twist interface" by Microsoft) has sections for music, videos, pictures, social, radio, podcasts, marketplace, games and settings. It is said to provide "two-dimensional navigation" for scrolling through items with its directional pad.wallpaper. In the radio section, users can receive and play FM radio internally, with North American, Japanese, and European tuning ranges, and display Radio Data System information (usually artist and song) when available. When artist/song information are available, the device can search for the song in the Zune Marketplace for download or purchase. In the social section, users can broadcast the user"s profile and recent activity to others nearby.

The first updates to the firmware added sharing features (send, community, list nearby Zune users) as described in FCC filings.codename Pyxis. Early firmware releases patched software bugs. About a year later, the much anticipated 2.2 firmware release added support for DVR-MS (Media Center Recorded TV) files, lossless playback, added wireless syncing, and GUI interface improvements.

Zune supports the Windows Media DRM digital rights management system, which is not compatible with other DRM systems and is not part of the PlaysForSure platform or program.Media Transfer Protocol (MTP); however, its proprietary MTP extensions ("MTPZ") place an interoperability barrier between the Zune and previous MTP-based software.

The Zune software functions as management software for the device, a full media player application with a library, an interface to the Zune Marketplace, and as a media streaming server.Microsoft Kin. Zune devices work exclusively with the Zune software and Marketplace.

The Zune software organizes the media in its library and allows users to add to the library by ripping from CDs, syncing with a Zune device, and downloading from the Zune Marketplace. The Zune software also allows one to organize song metadata. It can automatically download album art and metadata tag data for content in the library.

Any file in one"s Collection that has a non-Zune compatible format is automatically transcoded into a compatible format upon syncing the files to a Zune compatible device. This feature still works as of the release of Windows 11, however, in Windows 10 and 11 the ability to convert videos, specifically, is broken.

On the PC, the Zune software streams files to other PCs, the Xbox 360, and other compatible devices. The Zune software also connects with the Zune social and keeps track of files swapped with other users.

Zune Software was succeeded by the Windows Phone App as a desktop sync service for Windows Phone 8. Windows Phone 7, Kin, and all previous Zune devices will still use the Zune software, which is still available for download on the Windows Phone website.

As of October 16, 2012, all Zune Marketplace products and services have been replaced by Xbox Music, Xbox Music Pass, Xbox Video, and Windows Phone Store.

The Zune Marketplace was an online store that offered music, podcasts, TV shows, movies, music videos, movie trailers and mobile applications. Content can be viewed or purchased on Windows PCs with the Zune software installed, Zune devices, the Xbox 360, the Microsoft Kin phones, or Windows Phone phones.

Zune Marketplace was originally only available in the United States. In October 2010, certain Zune Marketplace content became available in additional countries: the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Mexico, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, not all content was available in all countries; for example, podcasts and TV shows were not offered at all outside the United States.

Microsoft launched several campaigns to jump-start the Zune. It had a major campaign to promote Zune with "Music the way it wants to be" as a major theme and "Welcome to the social" as an advertisement tagline. Also, the company enlisted about 200 "Zune-masters" to advertise the device on American college campuses, to promote the item, and to run Zune-related events. In exchange, they received free merchandise, including a Zune.

Additionally, Microsoft launched an attempt at viral marketing with its comingzune site, complete with several videos in succession.ZuneInsider, and several other ad hoc events, Microsoft hoped to generate buzz for the product outside of the normal marketing avenues, and market its product as a part of a social construct.

The choice of branding and distribution were part of the Zune as a decision of "two strategies in the market right now: cross-brand ecosystems... and singular brand ecosystems... The former is gaining in share and units sold, but the latter has enormous share and won"t give that up easily."

Microsoft also wanted to go beyond Apple"s efforts and promote the tagline "the social" and wireless sharing as key differentiators. Chris Stephenson, leader of Zune"s marketing and manager of Global Marketing for the Entertainment Business,Rob Walker agrees that the Zune"s "community and togetherness seem like a reasonable counterpunch to iPod"s supposed attraction as an individuality enabler that allows owners to wallow in their own tasteful personal soundtracks." But he also sees the Zune as having gained appeal as an individualistic statement against the omnipresent iPod: "The most salient feature of the Zune seems to be that it"s not an iPod".

Microsoft also released a Zune theme for Windows XP that replaced the appearance of the operating system. This theme includes an orange Start button and black taskbar/Start menu.

During its launch week, the original Zune, now Zune 30, was the second-most-sold portable media device with a 9% unit share in the United States: behind the market-leading iPod"s 63%.NPD Group figures show that the Zune 30 achieved approximately 10%Creative Zen and SanDisk Sansa.

According to Bloomberg Television 1.2 million Zune 30 players were sold between November 2006 and June 2007,Amazon.com during November 2007 temporarily boosted the brown Zune 30 to the top Sales Rank in electronics.

On May 6, 2008, Microsoft announced that it had sold just over 2 million Zunes. Roughly one million of those were sold since the second generation Zunes launched in November 2007.

On May 22, 2008, it was reported that GameStop "has decided to stop selling Microsoft"s Zune players at its stores due to what it sees as insufficient demand from customers." A statement issued by Adam Sohn, Zune marketing manager said "We have a set of great partnerships...Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart, and others."

In January 2009, Microsoft"s quarterly earnings filing with the SEC indicated that Zune sales had fallen $100 million from 2007 to 2008 during the fourth quarter of the calendar year. The Wall Street Journal estimated that sales appear to have dropped from about $185 million during the holiday period in 2007 to just $85 million in 2008. This may be due to the company"s decision not to substantially update the Zune hardware in the fall of 2008.

Microsoft released the Zune to Canadian consumers on June 13, 2008, marking the first time it was available outside the U.S. Microsoft has even made efforts to ban visitors outside the United States from Zune Originals. Users wishing to sign up for a Zune Tag could easily circumvent most problems by signing up for a US-based account.

The Zune 2.0–3.* firmware does not support non-romanized fonts other than Cyrillic. East Asian characters used in Chinese and Japanese, for example, show up on the Zune device as mojibake instead of characters. Users have improvised ways to downgrade the firmware on the Zune device to older version that support Asian characters (V1 Zunes can be hacked to display Asian font). This is, however, not recommended by anyone.

In 2012, Myspace, the PalmPilot, feature phones ("dumbphones") and older versions of Internet Explorer. Farhad Manjoo, the site"s technology columnist, went to considerable lengths to acquire a Zune HD. "[It] wasn"t as complete a failure as you may believe," he wrote. "If you purchased one over the iPod Touch back in 2009, you wouldn"t have regretted it."

Had Microsoft brought the first Zune to market at the same time as the iPod, or even the Zune HD at the time of the iPod Touch, it might have been a serious competitor to those players. Manjoo wrote: "By that point, iPod had become the world"s de facto digital entertainment device," he recalled. "To beat it, Microsoft needed to offer something that would make Apple"s device look pitifully old-fashioned. The Zune HD didn"t do that. Its design marked it as being different from an iPod, but that was pretty much the only difference. There was no reason to buy the Zune unless you wanted to stand apart from the Apple cult. And there was a cost to standing apart from Apple: Because of its popularity, there were millions of apps and accessories for the iPod. As good as it was, the Zune HD couldn’t match Apple’s sheer market power." Nevertheless, it was an effective enough product that Manjoo had started using it as his backup music player ("when my iPhone’s battery dies").

Like the Edsel, to which it has sometimes been likened, Manjoo said the Zune"s failure may have led the way to eventual success with other products. The HD"s user interface, he noted, was the first such Microsoft product to rely on text rather than icons, and it would form the basis for Windows Phone, Windows 8, Xbox and all of the company"s web-based services. The Segoe typeface that is now used in all of them, as well as Microsoft"s current logo, was first used on the Zune.

Business consultant Simon Sinek discusses the Zune in his 2019 book iPhone that was introduced a year after the Zune"s debut and, to a large extent, rendered obsolete handheld MP3 players by popularizing smart phones.

Thurrott, Paul (13 November 2007). "Zune 2 Review, Part 1: Software". Supersite for Windows. Penton. Archived from the original on February 6, 2010. Retrieved October 30, 2010.

Bass D (2011-03-14). "Microsoft Said to Stop Releasing Zune as Demand Ebbs". Bloomberg. Archived from the original on 2011-03-16. Retrieved 2011-03-17.

Devereux W (2011-03-15). "Zune Is Not Dead: Dave McLauchlan"s Statement | Anything But iPod". anythingbutipod.com. Archived from the original on March 16, 2011. Retrieved 2011-03-17. Dave McLauchlan, Senior Business Development Manager for Zune: We have nothing to announce about another Zune device — but most recently have introduced Zune HD to Canada via the Zune Originals store and remain committed to supporting our devices in North America

Tzounopoulos, Kostas (December 3, 2007). "Zune 2 "Goods" Limited Edition". Zune-Online. Archived from the original on April 7, 2010. Retrieved December 10, 2021.

Protalinski, Emil (April 18, 2008). "Exclusive Allen Iverson Reebok shoes and Zune coming in June". Ars Technica. Conde Nast. Retrieved August 27, 2008.

"How to update your Zune player". Support. Microsoft. December 20, 2006. Archived from the original on January 16, 2007. Retrieved September 17, 2009.

"Clunky-looking Microsoft Zune player revealed in filing". AppleInsider. August 25, 2006. Archived from the original on March 3, 2007. Retrieved April 6, 2007.

Zune Podcast Support – An interview with Rob Greenlee, Podcast Programming Lead for the Zune about the second generation Zunes" support for podcasts. — Dead link

Zune Podcast Connected Show Interview – An interview with Rob Greenlee. During the Interview we discuss his long career in Podcasting, his work in the Zune Podcast team, how to make podcasts successful and finally the ZuneHD

Zune is a discontinued line of digital media products and services marketed by Microsoft from November 2006 until its discontinuation in June 2012. Zune consisted of a line of portable media players, digital media player software for Windows PCs, a music subscription service known as a "Zune Music Pass", music and video streaming services for the Xbox 360 game console via the Zune Software, music, TV and movie sales, and desktop sync software for Windows Phone. Zune was also the provider of music streaming for United Airlines in-flight, after a partnership in 2010.

The Zune started as a line of portable media players (PMP) created in cooperation with Toshiba. Microsoft aimed to challenge and beat Apple, whose iPod line held an enormous market share.hard disk players ranging from 30 GB to 120 GB were released, alongside six flash players. However, its overall market share in the U.S. remained low, well below Apple and also lagging the SanDisk Sansa and Creative Zen.Xbox Music and Xbox Video brands.

Zune is a Microsoft entertainment platform and portable media player. The Zune entertainment software platform and supporting products designed and marketed by Microsoft include Zune Marketplace Software, the Zune Social, Windows 7 Media Center (Podcasts only) and Xbox 360 (TV & Movies). Zune Marketplace Software offers music, TV shows, movies, podcasts, and music videos. The Zune Social is a service integrated with Xbox Live that allows users to manage friends, send messages, and compare music. Each user has a personal Zune Tag, which corresponds with his Xbox Live Gamer Tag if he has one. Zune Social allows two Zunes to send songs wirelessly, but with extensive DRM restrictions.

The Zune software is used to manage the Zune, and runs exclusively on Windows XP and later. It can rip CDs, manage music and can be used to access Zune Marketplace. Purchasing items from it requires Microsoft Points or a Zune Pass. Zune Pass is a subscription music service that allows the user to temporarily download an unlimited number of songs for the length of the Zune Pass subscription, as well as permanently keep up to 10 tracks per month.

Zune"s distinguishing features are its FM radio, subscription model, and the Zune Social. FM radio is available on all Zune hardware models, while Zune HD also features HD radio. FM radio features include RBDS, which receives and displays digital information in conventional FM radio broadcasts. Files can be shared wirelessly between Zunes and PCs as well as other Zune devices. Zune"s primary competitor is the Apple iPod product line.

The first Zune model, the Zune 30, was released in the United States on November 14, 2006, featuring a capacity of 30 gigabytes, FM radio, and a 3 inch screen. The Zune 30 was initially available in black, brown or white. Retail packages contained a pair of basic headphones, a carrying case, USB cord, and a software CD. A Zune was used as one of the main props for the movie "Another Cinderella Story" starring Selena Gomez.

The Zune 80 was announced on October 2, 2007, along with the smaller Zune 4 and Zune 8 to compete with Apple"s iPod nano line. These were to be known as the second generation of Zunes. The Zune 80 featured a 3.2 inch screen, while the Zune 4 and 8 come with an 1.8 inch screen. Both come with a new touchpad-style input device and new software (also available for the updated Zune 30.) Additional file support for H.264 and MPEG-4 formats was also included, whereas the older Zune 30 requires these formats to be transcoded to WMV prior to sync. The ability to sync wirelessly (automatically if connected to a power supply), podcast support, and an upgraded song-sharing licensing are now available on all models. The new software also allows a Zune to communicate with other Zunes to share pictures and songs. A free firmware update added the new software features to the original Zune 30, and was released on November 13, 2007.

The first-generation Zune was created by Microsoft in close cooperation with Toshiba, which took the design of the Gigabeat S and redeveloped it under the name Toshiba 1089 as registered with the FCC starting in 2006. Xbox 360 overseer J Allard ran the project, codenamed "Argo," staffed with Xbox and MSN Music Store developers who worked on "Alexandria", finalized as Zune Marketplace. Both products were later united under the Zune brand name in the U.S. market.

The second-generation Zune 4, 8, and 80 were manufactured by Flextronics. In this generation the touch-sensitive Zune Pad was introduced. The 4 and 8 GB Zunes are flash-based and smaller in size than the 80  GB version. The 30 GB Zune was not redesigned.

The third-generation Zune 16 and 120 came out September 16, 2008, though are commonly referred to as second-generation as the only hardware change was additional capacity, it was not redesigned.

On September 8, 2008, Microsoft announced the Zune 3.0 update. Included in this update are the abilities to tag and later purchase songs heard on FM radio, channels which can be customized to deliver suggested songs for the user, and the ability to purchase songs from the Zune device via the Zune Marketplace, all available wirelessly. The update also included sample games - Hexic and Texas Hold" em. In addition, support for audiobooks from online stores like Audible.com, and Public libraries that support OverDrive media files such as the Free Library of Philadelphia was added to it. Other noticeable changes included the introduction of a clock and changed "quicklist" functionality. Zunes feature games developed using XNA with custom soundtracks and 8-player wireless multiplayer using the built-in Wi-Fi. An early version of XNA Game Studio 3.0 released on May 7, 2008 allows developers to work on Zune games.

On November 18, 2008, the Zune 3.1 update was released. Primarily a stability-oriented release, it also introduced Space Battle, Sudoku and Checkers for Zune devices. A new policy announced on November 20, 2008 allows Zune Pass customers to download 10 tracks per month in the protection-free MP3 format (if available) for permanent ownership; otherwise, WMA protected format will be downloaded, in addition to the existing "all you can eat" subscription usage at an unchanged monthly cost.

On September 15, 2009, the Zune 4.0 was released, a significant update to the software that supports the Zune HD as well as providing several new features. These 4.0 updates simultaneously released in the Zune hardware, software and online services. Microsoft pointed out that this will bring customers instant access to their favorite music and videos anywhere, across their mobile device, PC and TV. Zune Pass subcribers can now stream tracks through a computer’s web browser. Zune 4.0 also supports internet radio streams similar to those of iTunes but is disabled by default and can only be enabled by a third-party patch. This was the first firmware released for the Zune line which did not provide new features for the older Zune 30 as well as the flash-based Zunes and the 80/120 Zunes as well. These models were given a firmware update with version 3.2.

The Zune 30, the original Zune music player, has a 30 GB hard drive, 3 inch screen, and simple directional pad for menu navigation. The second generation set of Zunes includes the Zune 4, 8, 16, 80 and 120. The Zune 4, 8 and 16 are smaller in size and hold 4, 8 and 16GB of flash memory, respectively. The 80GB Zune, acts as a replacement for the Zune 30, it is thinner and lighter than the original. All second generation Zunes have a Zune Pad instead of the original directional pad that was included on the Zune 30. Microsoft released an upgrade for all Zune models, including the Zune 30, to the second generation software/firmware. On the back of models an inscription reads "Hello From Seattle (Model #) Assembled in China", signifying that Microsoft is based in Seattle and the Zune is assembled in China.

On May 26, 2009 Microsoft announced the Zune HD, the first touch screen Zune. The Zune HD has HD radio and the ability to display video in High Definition. The screen is multi-touch and uses gestures for the UI. The device comes with 16GB or 32GB of flash memory. The screen is OLED, 3.3 inches, and has a 480x272 16:9 resolution (the Zune 120 is 320x240 4:3, iPod Touch is 480x320 3:2, neither are OLED.) Included is WiFi (with a mobile Internet Explorer browser), and an accelerometer.

Zunes feature preloaded content in both audio and video formats from various artists like BT, The Thermals, Paul Oakenfold, and CSS, like with Windows Vista and Windows 7. Special editions feature their own unique set of content.

Zune-to-Zune, sync with computer / wireless network / wireless multiplayer gaming / wireless shopping from Zune devices as of September 16, 2008 (with firmware update)

Citron 16GB (Zune Employees), Gold 8GB (GOODS), Black 8GB (Allen Iverson), Green 4GB (2008 Democratic National Convention), Red 4GB (2008 Republican National Convention)

The standard Zune comes with basic earphones and a USB data cable. The Zune 30 comes with these items plus a carrying bag, and the Zune 80 model adds upgraded "Zune Premium" headphones. Accessories sold separately include:

Among the firms that make Zune accessories are Microsoft, Altec Lansing, Belkin, Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO), Dual Electronics, Griffin Technology, Harman Kardon, JBL, Integrated Mobile Electronics, Jamo International, Klipsch Audio Technologies, Logitech, Monster Cable Products Inc., Speck, Targus and VAF Research.

According to Microsoft, the most current firmware version is 4.3 (191) for the Zune HD, which replaces the original player firmware that ships on the device, 4.0 (356). In the case of the Zune 4, 8, 16, 30, 80, and 120 players the most current player software version is 3.2, which provides compatibility with the 4.0 version.

Zune"s operating system is based on the Windows CE kernel for ARM architecture and uses a distribution like the Portable Media Center found on the Gigabeat S. Zune"s native file compatible formats are

WMV is supported on all models, and MPEG-4 and H.264 are supported for video on all models except the Zune 30. The MPEG-4 and H.264 formats are automatically transcoded to WMV by the Zune software when syncing to a Zune 30;

The first updates to the firmware added sharing features (send, community, list nearby Zune users) as described in FCC filings.   Firmware 1.1 allowed the device to inherit sharing capabilities described by codename Pyxis. Early firmware releases patched software bugs. About a year later, the much anticipated 2.2 firmware release added support for DVR-MS (Media Center Recorded TV) files, lossless playback, added wireless syncing, and GUI interface improvements.

Zune supports the Windows Media DRM digital rights management system, which is not compatible with other DRM systems and is not part of the PlaysForSure platform or program. Multimedia content is transferred through Media Transfer Protocol (MTP); however, its proprietary MTP extensions ("MTPZ") place an interoperability barrier between the Zune and previous MTP-based software.

The Zune software functions as management software for the device, a full media player application with a library, an interface to the Zune Marketplace, and as a media streaming server using Zune Network Sharing Service.

The Zune device was designed to only work with the Zune software. The software synchronizes all content (music, videos, pictures, social, podcasts, and games) to the device doing any necessary transcoding for a file to play on the device.

As a media player, the Zune software supports the following formats — for audio: MP3 (.mp3), AAC (Low complexity) (.aac, .mp4, .m4a, .m4b, .mov), WMA (.wma); for video: MPEG4 (in .mp4, .m4v and .mov containers), H.264 (in .mp4, .m4v and .mov containers), WMV (.wmv), ASF (.asf); and for still images: JPEG (.jpg). It organizes the media in its library and allows users to add to the library by ripping from CDs and to organize the metadata. It can automatically pull down album art and metadata tag data for content in the library.

On the PC, the Zune Network Sharing Service streams files to other PCs, the Xbox 360, and other compatible devices. There is also an inbox feature in the desktop client software as well on the device, which keeps track of songs swapped with other Zune users. On the desktop client, the inbox also serves as a message center for Zune Social.

The Xbox Live Video Marketplace was replaced by Zune Video Marketplace in late fall of 2009, allowing purchased content to be used on Zune players and the Xbox 360.

The 1.0 versions of the Zune software were a modified version of Windows Media Player 11 while versions since 2.0 are built independently with additional DirectShow decoders for AAC, MPEG-4 and H.264. The current version of the software is 4.0.740.0 released on September 15, 2009. Several versions of the software have been released.

Prevents FM tuner from draining the battery while the device is sleeping. Fixed Zune Marketplace music to not skip on the device. Improved device detection and syncing.

Complete re-write of the software and firmware. Inclusion of "Social" features in both. Original device software version that is installed for the Zune 4GB, Zune 8GB, and the Zune 80GB.

Improved performance and added several new features, including wireless sync and podcast support. New user interface on both the Zune device and the Zune software.

Resolves an issue in which the battery of the Zune 80 and upgraded Zune 30 would discharge prematurely due to difficulty entering sleep. Also includes improved device recognition and improved stability and reliability on sync (both wirelessly and while connected to a PC). It has also been noted that the new firmware features the option to unsubscribe from a podcast right on the device. This can be activated by bringing up the menu during a podcast play and selecting “unsubscribe”. This feature was originally slated to be part of the original consumer release of the 2.x firmware (several reviewers described having this option), but it was removed.

TV show downloads now available from Marketplace. Also adds new features such as gapless playback, smart playlists, new sorting options, multiple device syncing, and support for XNA (Xbox game developers will be able to load custom code using the XNA platform). Zune Social is better integrated, and users with Windows Live Messenger can display which song is being played to people in their buddy list. Video podcasts can be shared wirelessly between Zunes, allowing the receiving Zune owner to subscribe to a podcast on-the-go.

Buy from FM allows songs played from FM radio stations to be purchased from the Marketplace (using RDBS data). Wireless hotspot access added for automatically updating the user"s collection, browsing the Marketplace, refreshing Channels, exchanging favorites with friends, or buying songs tagged from the device"s FM radio. Zune Channels, custom programming stations that deliver personalized playlists to Zune from a variety of sources the user selects (such as music experts, celebrities, or top radio stations), is added. A clock, screen lock feature, and free games (Texas Hold"em and Hexic) are added. The "quick list" has been replaced with a "now playing" list, which functions differently from the previous "quick list".

Checkers, Sudoku, and Space Battle are added to games. A new multiplayer mode and single-player difficulty levels are added to Texas Hold"em. Visual changes have been made to Zune Social, making it easier to navigate. Like-Minded Listeners feature added to social, allowing users to compare their music tastes to others. Improved play count reporting, content synchronization, and other bug fixes in both the hardware and software.

Bug fixes (Zune HD only), new artists view links, mobile or PC view settings in browser as well as auto-correction, auto-capitalization and privacy links, seek to radio presets, and new and updated apps.

At approximately midnight Pacific Standard Time, on the morning of December 31, 2008, many first generation Zune 30 models were reported to have automatically rebooted and frozen during the boot process. Microsoft has stated that the problem is with the internal clock driver written by Freescale and the way the device handles a leap year; with an intermediate official "fix" to drain the device battery and then recharge after 12 noon GMT on January 1, 2009. Specifically, a third party analysis of the clock driver"s source code revealed an infinite loop in the way the clock driver calculates years based on a given number of elapsed days.

The Zune Marketplace is an online music, video and podcast store that integrates with Zune software and Xbox 360. Initially offering two million songs it has grown to include more than 6 million tracks, with 90% being DRM free. In addition, Zune Marketplace has podcasts, TV shows, music videos, and movies. Music on Zune Marketplace is provided by the big four music groups (EMI, Warner Music Group, Sony BMG and Universal Music Group) and smaller music labels. Like other technology companies in the music business, the Zune team at Microsoft has a team of music, TV, film and podcast experts responsible for the Zune Marketplace editorial content and programming.

Music is offered in DRM-restricted WMA format (2-pass CBR at 192kbit/s) or non-DRM MP3 format (up to 320kbit/s) for a per-song or per-album fee, or via Zune Pass monthly/quarterly subscriptions.

Songs downloaded from the Zune Marketplace are restricted by DRM similar to yet slightly different from PlaysForSure, meaning that songs purchased from PlaysForSure partners could not be playable in Zune Software or on the Zune device, although the reverse is true. Several entities have criticized the Zune for not playing PlaysForSure content, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Internally, Zune DRM is referred to as "9.1", differentiating itself from PlaysForSure DRM, which is version "9". While removal of PlaysForSure DRM has been facilitated with several tools, none would remove Zune DRM until July 14, 2007 when one of the tools ("FairUse4WM" [Windows Media]) was updated to support removal of the Zune DRM wrapper. As of September 6, 2007, an update from Microsoft has broken FairUse4WM once again, with the effect that anyone with the updated license cannot remove the DRM. Updating the Zune software to the most recent version (3.1 as of November 2008) will not affect previously functioning DRM components.

Purchases are made through a system called Microsoft Points, in which users prepay US$5 for a block of 400 points that can be applied to downloads at 79 points per song. This works out to US$0.9875 per song, plus whatever remainder is left after a user makes his or her final purchase from the Marketplace. Cost and minimum purchase varies with foreign currency exchange rates and taxes. The points used for the Zune Marketplace are the same points used to buy content from Xbox Live Marketplace, which will soon be replaced by Zune Marketplace. Purchased songs can be burnt as a regular audio CD.

As of June 2009, as an alternative to Microsoft Points, the Zune Pass is a subscription service that allows users to pay a flat monthly fee of US$14.99. Zune Pass subscribers can download unlimited music from the Zune Marketplace. Zune Pass downloads cannot be burnt to audio CD unless purchased, and become unplayable if the subscription lapses, or if in the future Microsoft should decide to discontinue the service. The Zune pass allows for 3 Zunes to share the downloaded DRM content as well as the content to be downloaded on up to 3 computers. Zune Pass subscribers are also able to keep 10 songs per month. This is offered in the form of a 10-song credit each month that doesn"t rollover. The songs can be purchased as DRM-free MP3 files, when available.

Zune 3.0 and higher firmware allows the device to access the Zune Marketplace while connected to a wireless access point. To help push this feature, Microsoft partnered with Wayport to allow the Zune access to its network of over 10,000 wireless hotspots, including McDonald"s restaurants.

With the new Zune 4.0 update, the Zune Marketplace now includes movies, in addition to the TV shows, podcasts, and music videos previously available. In late fall 2009, the Zune Video Marketplace will be rolled into the Xbox Live Marketplace to increase parity over the two services. The new Marketplace contains movies and TV shows which are playable across Zune HDs, Xboxs and PCs. It will also offer HD movies, some of which will have 5.1 surround sound, and 1080p instant streaming. The movies can be purchased or rented; Movie Parties will also be available. Zune Marketplace TV shows come from:

As of Zune 4.0, the Zune Marketplace includes an applications section where apps and games are available for the Zune HD. The store initially launched with 9 apps, all of which were developed by Microsoft and released for free. On November 9, 2009 Microsoft released 6 new apps (5 being games). Vans Sk8: Pool Service is a port of an iPhone/iPod touch app, and is the only Zune game to not enable users to listen to their own music while playing. A collection of basic games are available for non-HD Zune models.

Microsoft launched several campaigns to jump-start the Zune. The company had a major campaign to promote Zune with "Music the way it wants to be" as a major theme and "Welcome to the social" as an advertisement tagline. Also, the company enlisted about 300 "Zune-masters" to advertise the device on American college campuses, to promote the item, and to run Zune-related events. In exchange, they received free merchandise, including a Zune.

Additionally, Microsoft launched an attempt at viral marketing with its comingzune site, complete with several videos in succession. Along with ZuneInsider, and several other ad hoc events, Microsoft hoped to generate buzz for the product outside of the normal marketing avenues, and market its product as a part of a social construct.

The choice of brand and distribution were part of the Zune as a decision of "two strategies in the market right now: cross-brand ecosystems... and singular brand ecosystems... The former is gaining in share and units sold, but the latter has enormous share and won"t give that up easily."

Microsoft also wanted to go beyond Apple"s efforts and promote the tagline "the social" and wireless sharing as key differentiators. Chris Stephenson, leader of Zune"s marketing and manager of Global Marketing for the Entertainment Business, said, "we see a great opportunity to bring together technology and community to allow consumers to explore and discover music together." Rob Walker agrees that the Zune"s "community and togetherness seem like a reasonable counterpunch to iPod"s supposed attraction as an individuality enabler that allows owners to wallow in their own tasteful personal soundtracks." But he also sees the Zune as having gained appeal as an individualistic statement against the omnipresent iPod: "The most salient feature of the Zune seems to be that it"s not an iPod".

Microsoft also released a Zune theme for Windows XP that replaced the appearance of the operating system. This theme includes an orange Start button and black taskbar/Start menu.

During its launch week, the original Zune, now Zune 30, was the second-most-sold portable media device with a 9% unit share in the United States; behind the market-leading iPod"s 63%. For the first 6 months after launch, NPD Group figures show that the Zune 30 achieved approximately 10% market share in the Hard Drive based MP3 market and 3% in the overall MP3 player market. According to Bloomberg Television 1.2 million Zune 30 players were sold between November 2006 and June 2007,Amazon.com during November 2007 temporarily boosted the brown Zune 30 to the top Sales Rank in electronics.

On May 6, 2008, Microsoft announced that it had sold just over 2 million Zunes. Roughly one million of those were sold since the second generation Zunes launched in November 2007.

On May 22, 2008, It was reported that GameStop "has decided to stop selling Microsoft"s Zune players at its stores due to what it sees as insufficient demand from customers." A statement issued by Adam Sohn, Zune marketing manager said "We have a set of great partnerships...Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart, and others."

In January, 2009 Microsoft"s quarterly earnings filing with the SEC indicated that Zune sales had fallen $100 million from 2007 to 2008 during the fourth quarter of the calendar year. The Wall Street Journal estimated that sales appear to have dropped from about $185 million during the holiday period in 2007 to just $85 million in 2008. This may be due to the company"s decision not to substantially update the Zune hardware in the fall of 2008.

In September, 2009 "The Zune-HD is listed as "sold-out" in all major internet outlets, such as Amazon, NewEgg and BestBuy. Amazon is listing a 1-2 month wait for the 16GB model and a 1-3 week wait for the 32GB". as reported.

Microsoft released the Zune to Canadian consumers on June 13, 2008, marking the first time it was available outside the U.S.Zune Originals. Users wishing to sign up for a Zune Tag can easily circumvent most problems by signing up for a US-based account.

The Zune 2.0–3.* firmware does not support non-romanized fonts other than Cyrillic. East Asian characters used in Chinese and Japanese, for example, show up on the Zune device as small boxes instead of characters. Microsoft"s Zune desktop software has no problem with Unicode. Users have improvised ways to downgrade the firmware on the Zune device to older version that support Asian characters (V1 Zunes can be hacked to display Asian font).

In late fall of 2009 Zune Marketplace will replace Xbox Live Video Marketplace offering streaming and downloading of movies and TV shows. This may also lead to international distribution of the Zune Marketplace on Xbox Live in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, France, Australia, Italy, Spain, and Germany. [1]. At the moment Zune HD is only sold in the US and Puerto Rico. There are currently no plans to bring it to other countries.

It"s been an unnecessarily slow, cruel death for Zune. Microsoft"s music service—which lets Zune hardware users stream and download tracks—was left to wither on the vine and quietly die. Redmond made it official Wednesday, quietly announcing the Zune is no more and leaving the few people still using the damn thing wondering where they go from here.

To the iPod, of course. Or the Pono. No. Probably not the Pono. Wherever they go, the bigger question is how do those few Zune diehards pick up the pieces?

Although Microsoft will "retire" Zune services on Nov. 15, the company says Zune devices will still work, and anything saved to them will be playable. You"ll also be able to transfer music to and from your Zune. But you won"t be able to stream or download songs from the Zune service. Microsoft is turning off the spigot.

Of course, DRM content "may not play if the license can"t be renewed," Microsoft says, and any Zune Music Pass subscriptions still out there will be converted to Groove Music Pass subscriptions. That"s the new version of the Zune/Xbox Music Pass, and it doesn"t include the 10 free songs you got each month from Zune. Should you decide to just ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ at all of this, your Zune account will automatically upgrade to a Groove Music Pass account, which costs $10 a month and gives you access to 40 million songs. Of course, just how all of this unfolds depends upon your Zune account, and for the five or six of you reading this who might have one, Microsoft explains it all on its support page.

It"s worth repeating that copyrighted music you"ve downloaded with Zune may not play with Groove if the licenses didn"t renew, which is a very real possibility. And it"s worth noting that although your Zune will continue playing all of your old music, anything you stream or download from Groove won"t play on your Zune.

There are rumblings that some Zune power users might make an open source Zune client replacement. Assuming this actually happens, such a client almost certainly would do only the simplest of tasks, allowing you to manage what"s already on your Zune and nothing more. And that depends upon Microsoft making the data accessible. Perhaps that small beacon of hope is enough for you to hold onto the device.

If you"re finally ready to surrender your Zune and go with an iDevice, then connect your Zune to your computer and import everything into iTunes. You can also head to your "My Music" folder and add files to iTunes from here (usually found here: C > Users > MyName > Music or C > Documents and Settings > MyName > My Documents > My Music). Only the music you paid for or used music credits to obtain will be allowed in, of course. Android and other devices are a bit messier, but essentially the same process.

In these dark times, you might find comfort knowing 15 people are watching a Zune 30 GB on eBay right now. You are not alone. And hey, you could have done this.

The Microsoft Zune 30GB digital media player has been the subjecto fo much speculation recently, though it appears to be making its way to retail shelves near you. The device allows you to share selected full-length sample tracks, playlists, pictures or your home-grown tracks directly from Zune to Zune - wirelessly. Discover new music in the Zune Marketplace, and show off your favorite pictures and videos on the big, bright 3-inch screen. Zune has all that and a built-in FM tuner, too. Sharing tunes takes on a whole new meaning...

Zune lets you spontaneously share selected full-length sample tracks of your favorite songs, homemade recordings, playlists or pictures with friends wirelessly, device to device. You can listen to any song you receive up to three times in three days. And if you like a song you hear and want to buy it, you can flag it right on your device to find it later easily.

Browse the huge selection of music designed to work seamlessly with your Zune in the Zune Marketplace. When you find new music that you love, it"s simple to buy it and sync it on your player. The Zune Marketplace works with the Microsoft Points program, so you can even purchase music online without a credit card. Whether you prefer downloads or a subscription-based program, a Zune Pass subscription gives you "all you can eat" access to discover and explore the Zune Marketplace.

With the Zune"s built-in FM tuner you can listen to local FM radio stations or tune in to programming while you"re at your local health club, if available. Advanced tuning capabilities allow you to see the name of the song currently playing on selected frequencies if the station broadcasts a Radio Broadcast Data Standards (RBDS) signal.

Zune software can automatically import your existing music, pictures and videos from iTunes and Windows Media® Player in a variety of formats, including your existing playlists and song ratings. Some content is protected by the service from which you purchased it; those files cannot be imported. The Zune software on your PC will let you know when updates are available for download.