Buy Zune

Microsoft, after buying a stake in Facebook, a popular social networking site, has now created a Facebook application by the name of Zune Card. Zune Card is placed on your profile in Facebook and it automatically updates to show your friends what you have been recently listening to on you Zune. Whenever you plug in your Zune to you computer it will upload your recently played songs, which in turn will then update the Zune Card on your profile.

This is mostly meant for those who are active on Facebook. There seems to me more and more companies beginning to use Facebook as a means to directly or indirectly advertise or make other people aware of what their friends have or use. This in turn will help create a viral product which, like viral videos or emails, spread across the population in a very short period of time. Anyway, the application seems interesting, download it and try it out.

We reported previously on this blog that a French newspaper was saying that the Zune will be released in Europe in 2009. Well, now its official. There were rumors earlier that the Zune was going to be released in Europe later this year, but it seems like the Europeans will have to wait another year.

There are no reasons that have been given for this delay, but the reason must be something very strong. This is because Europe will be a great market for Zune. However, at the same time, Microsoft will also have to create and tailor advertisements to the various European countries. However, what seems likely is that Microsoft has to expand its production facilities to take care of the extra demand that will come from Europe.

According to the French newspaper Les Echos, Microsoft has suggested that when the third generation of the Zune is released (rumored to be this holiday season) it will become available in Europe in 2009. The Zune has been available since 2006 in America.

The way that Zune's popularity is shaping up I'm surprised that Microsoft has taken so long to release it across the pond. Also, the general appeal and advertising of the Zune is a very free-express-yourself type which fits with the stereotypical image of Europe (especially France). I don't know about the file sharing laws in Europe, but if they are more liberal than in America the Zune could prove to be very popular.

Microsoft has brought back the Red Zune 80 after seeing its popularity during Valentine's. Originally the Red Zune was only available for a limited time during the period leading up to Valentine's Day. However, now you can pick one up without all the attached sentiments.

Personally, I think Microsoft made a great move, first to offer it as a specialty item and after seeing its success, to offer it regularly. Microsoft also left some customers stranded because of the unprecedented popularity of the Red Zune it went out of stock leaving a lot of people without Valentine's Day gifts. Don't worry they are now available all year round.

The Zune Arts Podcast has now been released which is a podcast about the behind the scenes of the making, motivation, and inspiration of Zune Arts. Zune Arts is a site that Microsoft launched awhile back which is about artistic expression. If you haven't seen it you should go take a look, there is some very different and interesting stuff there.

Overall, I think Microsoft is really trying to push Zune as the "new agey" and self expressive type of thing. It seems to be doing the trick because the sales of Zune are increasing day by day. If you haven't got a Zune you don't want to miss being part of the group.

There is a post from the program manager of The Social on the forum of Zune.net inviting the public to design a feature with the program manager and Microsoft's internal product designer. It is basically an innovative way to get more ideas for the promotion of The Social.

Personally I think this is a great idea. I am not very involved with The Social, but for those people who are heavily involved can come up with some great ideas to create some truly creative and inspirational features for The Social. Microsoft is really going all out on the personalization angle with this one.

On Windows Mobile blog a Microsoft developer has asked the question, "What are some ways the Zune player and a Windows Mobile device can work better together?" Which is a very interesting question. Currently Windows Mobile and Zune use two completely different sets of software, they almost seem to be made by two different companies. For example, the music that you purchase for your Zune cannot be transferred to you Windows Mobile based phone.

I think Microsoft is really trying hard to enter the mobile market in a big way. They recently have purchased Danger, the maker of the Sidekick phone and now they are looking for synergies between Windows Mobile and Zune. Personally I feel that they should just create an application on Windows Mobile that either replaces or works in addition to Windows Media Player. This application should be fully compatible with all the Zune music, playlists, etc.

Rumors abound. There is a rumor that Creative is making a WiFi version of their Zen MP3 player which will resemble Zune. I used to personally own a Zen, in its early years and I have to say, after that experience I don't care what it looks like, it probably won't work too well. Of course, I may be being too harsh, however I have found that only very light users of MP3 players are happy with their Zen players.

There is a saying that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. With the new Zunes it is not surprising that people are starting to copy them. They are well designed, they offer something new, to the staid old iPod clones which are everpresent. I think, if Creative can get creative with their usage of WiFi then maybe they will be able to rise out of their imitative rut.

If you notice more and more big companies are starting to really leverage the popularity of their machines, this is especially true in the gaming world. For example, you have Sony PS3 which is leveraging its video game console's popularity to push its Blu-Ray format and now it seems that Microsoft is planning something similar.

With the announcement of XNA Game Studio to support Zune the first thought that popped in my head was how are they going to link up Zune games to Xbox 360 games. Say for example you are playing an RPG on the 360 and you want solve some minor puzzle, can you transfer a part of it to your Zune and solve it on the go? Of course, this also means that these gadgets are going to completely dominate our lives...

Some exciting news is in today, Microsoft announced at the Game Developer Confrence in San Francisco that the XNA programming environment will be extended to the Zune. They also showed off the first Zune gmae Zauri which can also work as a multiplayer game via WiFi.

XNA Game Studio 3.0 will be available from Spring 2008 and with it game developers will be able to develop games for PC, Xbox 360, and now Zune as well. XNA can be had for about $99/year if you are interested in developing games, and if you are not no problem just enjoy the influx of games sure to come.