Map Of Zunes

Episode 54 dated Feb 5th, 2010 of the Zune Insider Audio Podcast is now live and is hosted by Matt Akers (skipdeez) and Jessica Zahn (jetherealz).

Show notes:
Jess and Matt talk about their online handles (00:00 to 1:30); Matt’s birthday and a weekend of celebrations! (1:40 – 4:40); Shout out to Phil and his listening party for BT’s new album (4:40 – 6:19); Interview with the Platform Biased team from Xbox (6:20 – 32:50);  Matt’s gargantuan inbox and shout outs (32:51 – 37:05); New stuff in Zune on Xbox! (37:06 – 37:45); Coming up for Valentine’s Day – and other movies we love (37:46 – 39:42); Valentine’s Day – and Anti-Valentine’s Day music, and what we’re listening to (39:43 – 46:25).

The mp3 file is 33 MB and runs for a 46 minutes. Subscribe to the podcast in Zune 4.2 software here.  Download the audio file directly here - Stream it

Zune and the Slamdance Film Festival are offering users an exclusive chance to rent some of the same films being shown at the festival on the same day they are being screened in Park City. 

The Zune team has always supported up-and-coming artists and we are continuing this tradition by working with Slamdance to make a select number of films from the festival available for rental on your PC, Zune HD or Xbox LIVE.

Learn more about the films on Zune.net:

• American Jihadist
• Mind of the Demon: The Larry Linkogle Story
• The Scenesters
• The Wild Hunt

In addition to the Festival films, we'll be bringing more content from Slamdance for rent or download in the coming months. 

We know many of you are anxiously waiting for the Facebook for Zune HD app, and have been very patient. Thank you. However, we need to ask a small favor… just hold on a little longer. I know we said by the end of January, but we want to deliver the best app to you and it is going to take a little bit more time. Again thanks for understanding.

The team rocked it and got the maintenance finished well under the expected "up to 24 hours." If you run into any issues resulting from the update, contact Zune Support.

 
The Zune service (Zune Pass, Zune Marketplace, Zune.net streaming and Zune video on Xbox LIVE) will be unavailable due to scheduled maintenance. The Zune service will be offline for up to 24 hours starting at 10:00 p.m. PST on Monday, January 25.

As with previous service updates, we recommend you download any new music, video rentals or purchases and sync Zune Pass content prior to the downtime. Content that is stored on your PC or Xbox 360 HDD will remain available during the downtime.

Once the Zune service is restored, you will be prompted to update the Zune PC software. Additionally, older Zune device firmware (4, 8, 16, 30, 80, 120 GB) will need to be updated to allow continued connection to the Zune service. Zune HD owners will not have to update the device firmware.

Monday’s update is focused on maintenance of the Zune service. Smart DJ on HD and AVI/XVID video are coming later this Spring. 

Thanks for your patience!

Episode 50 dated December 18th, 2009 of the Zune Insider Podcast is now live and is hosted by Matt Akers (skipdeez) and Jessica Zahn (jetherealz).

Show notes:
Matt and Jessica talk about being all groweds up! It's fun to say, this is the last "blah" I'm doing for the rest of the year!( 0:45 - 1:15). The patent process at Microsoft (1:15 - 5:15).Matt explains how to take a dump and teaches you how to take a dump as well (5:15 - 7:15). Cube's of smartness, caption contest review, and caption contest winner announced (I swear to you)! (7:20 - 12:20). Twitter app for Zune HD (12:30 - 13:25). Jessica plans some trips (13:30 - 15:30). New Zune Originals colors and a great deal (15:33 - 16:40) Nicknames are funny, especially Pie (16:35 - 17:40). Hello Kitty toaster blasphemy and the best gifts ever! (17:45 - 20:25). Matt becomes a trance diva like Jessica (20:45 - 25:45). Camera training for the CES video podcast (25:50 - 27:15) What headphones do we use? (27:20 - 29:05). Podcast schedule over the holidays and CES (29:10 - 30:10). Holiday action in the Marketplace and Matt's Hanukkah bush (30:15 - 33:00) Random tweets and inbox limits (33:05 - 34:10). Shout outs and Matt and Jessica's new music (34:15 - 39:15). This was the most random podcast ever, bye! (39:20 to end).

The mp3 file is 74 MB and runs for a 40 minutes. Subscribe to the podcast in Zune 4.0 software here.  Download the audio file directly here - Stream it

The Twitter app for Zune HD will be showing up in the Zune Marketplace today and to celebrate we are hosting a little sweepstakes giveaway. Read the official rules below, but it's fairly simple. Follow @Zune on Twitter (so we can DM you if you win), download the Twitter for Zune app, tweet "Twitter for Zune HD is here! Tweet from your Zune HD and win free prizes!" to @Zune from your Zune HD. Don't have a Zune HD, borrow a friends and sign in..and send away. One entry per Twitter account only. 

MICROSOFT TWITTER FOR ZUNE HD  SWEEPSTAKES

OFFICIAL RULES

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.

COMMON TERMS USED IN THESE RULES:

These are the official rules that govern how the Microsoft Twitter for Zune HD  sweepstakes promotion will operate.  This promotion will be simply referred to as the “Sweepstakes” throughout the rest of these rules. 

In these rules, “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to Microsoft Corporation, the sponsor of the Sweepstakes. “You” refers to an eligible Sweepstakes entrant. 

WHAT ARE THE START AND END DATES?

This Sweepstakes starts at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time (PT) on December 16, 2009, and ends at 11:59 p.m. PT on December 17, 2009 (“Entry Period”).  Entries must be received within the Entry Period to be eligible.

CAN I ENTER?

You are eligible to enter this Sweepstakes if you meet the following requirements at time of entry:

o   You are a legal resident of the 50 United States and District of Columbia, 18 years of age or older, and own or have access to a Zune HD device as of December 15, 2009.

§  If you are 18 of age or older, but are considered a minor in your place of residence, you should ask your parent’s or legal guardian’s permission prior to submitting an entry into this Sweepstakes; and

o   You are NOT an employee of Microsoft Corporation or an employee of a Microsoft subsidiary; and

o   You are NOT involved in any part of the administration and execution of this Sweepstakes; and

o   You are NOT an immediate family (parent, sibling, spouse, child) or household member of a Microsoft employee, an employee of a Microsoft subsidiary, or a person involved in any part of the administration and execution of this Sweepstakes.

This Sweepstakes is void outside of the geographic area described above and wherever else prohibited by law.

HOW DO I ENTER?

To enter, you must do all of the following:

Sign in to your Twitter account. If you do not have an account, visit www.twitter.com to create one. Twitter accounts are free.

Once logged into your Twitter account, follow the links and instructions to become a follower of Zune at http://twitter.com/ZUNE

Download the Twitter for Zune application onto your Zune HD player through the Zune Marketplace. The Twitter for Zune application is free.

From your own account, post a tweet from your Zune HD player using the following format:

Twitter for Zune HD is here! Tweet from your Zune HD and win free prizes!  Follow @zune for details #TwitterOnZuneHD

By posting this tweet, you will automatically receive one (1) entry into the sweepstakes drawing.

We will only accept one (1) entry per entrant.  We are not responsible for entries that we do not receive for any reason, or for entries that we receive but are not decipherable for any reason.

We will automatically disqualify:

·        Any incomplete or illegible entry; and

·        Any entries that we receive from you that are in excess of the entry limit described above.

WINNER SELECTION AND PRIZES

On or around the close of the Entry Period, we will randomly select winners of the prizes designated below. 

Three (3) First Prizes.  A Zune Premuim Car Pack.  Approximate Retail Value (ARV) $79.99 ea.

Three (3) Second Prizes.  A  Zune Premium Headphones.  Approximate Retail Value (ARV) $39.99 ea.

Four (4) Third Prizes.  A 1 month Zune Pass.  Approximate Retail Value (ARV) $14.99 ea.

The total Approximate Retail Value (ARV) of all prizes: $419.90

We will only award one (1) prize(s) per person during the Entry Period.

If you are a potential winner, we will notify you by sending a message to the Twitter account, e-mail address, the phone number, or mailing address (if any) provided at time of entry within seven (7) days following the random drawing.  If the notification that we send is returned as undeliverable, or you are otherwise unreachable for any reason, we may award the prize to an alternate, randomly selected winner. 

If there is a dispute as to who is the potential winner, we will consider the potential winner to be the authorized account holder of the e-mail address used to enter the Sweepstakes . If you are a potential winner, we may require you to sign an Affidavit of Eligibility, Liability/Publicity Release and a W-9 tax form or W-8 BEN tax form within 10 days of notification.  If you are a potential winner and you are 18 or older, but are considered a minor in your place of legal residence, we may require your parent or legal guardian to sign all required forms on your behalf.  If you do not complete the required forms as instructed and/or return the required forms within the time period listed on the winner notification message, we may disqualify you and select an alternate, randomly selected winner.

If you are confirmed as a  winner of this Sweepstakes:

You may not exchange your prize for cash or any other merchandise or services.  However, if for any reason an advertised prize is unavailable, we reserve the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value; and

You may not designate someone else as the winner.  If you are unable or unwilling to accept your prize, we will award it to an alternate potential winner; and

If you accept a prize, you will be solely responsible for all applicable taxes related to accepting the prize; and

If you are otherwise eligible for this Sweepstakes, but are considered a minor in your place of residence, we may award the prize to your parent/legal guardian on your behalf; and

Unless otherwise noted, all prizes are subject to their manufacturer’s warranty and / or terms and conditions. 

WHAT ARE YOUR ODDS OF WINNING?

Your odds of winning this Sweepstakes depend on the number of eligible entries we receive.

WHAT OTHER CONDITIONS ARE YOU AGREEING TO BY ENTERING THIS SWEEPSTAKES?

By entering this Sweepstakes you agree:

To abide by these Official Rules; and

To release and hold harmless Microsoft,and its respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, employees and agents from any and all liability or any injury, loss or damage of any kind arising from or in connection with this Sweepstakes or any prize won; and

That Microsoft’s decisions will be final and binding on all matters related to this Sweepstakes; and

That by accepting a prize, Microsoft may use of your proper name and state of residence online and in print, or in any other media, in connection with this Sweepstakes, without payment or compensation to you, except where prohibited by law.

WHAT LAWS GOVERN THE WAY THIS SWEEPSTAKES IS EXECUTED AND ADMINISTRATED?

This Sweepstakes will be governed by the laws of the State of Washington, and you consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the courts of the State of Washington for any disputes arising out of this Sweepstakes.  

WHAT IF SOMETHING UNEXPECTED HAPPENS AND THE SWEEPSTAKES CAN’T RUN AS PLANNED?

If cheating, a virus, bug, catastrophic event, or any other unforeseen or unexpected event that cannot be reasonably anticipated or controlled, (also referred to as force majeure) affects the fairness and / or integrity of this Sweepstakes, we reserve the right to cancel, change or suspend this Sweepstakes.  This right is reserved whether the event is due to human or technical error. If a solution cannot be found to restore the integrity of the Sweepstakes, we reserve the right to select winners from among all eligible entries received before we had to cancel, change or suspend the Sweepstakes.

If you attempt to compromise the integrity or the legitimate operation of this Sweepstakes by hacking or by cheating or committing fraud in ANY way, we may seek damages from you to the fullest extent permitted by law.  Further, we may ban you from participating in any of our future Sweepstakes, so please play fairly.

HOW CAN YOU FIND OUT WHO WON?

We will post the names of winners who received a prize worth $25.00 or more online at http://zuneinsider.com. This list will remain posted one month after December 17, 2009.

WHO IS SPONSORING THIS SWEEPSTAKES?

Microsoft  Corporation

One Microsoft Way

Redmond, WA 98052

Episode 49 dated December 11th, 2009 of the Zune Insider Podcast is now live and is hosted by Matt Akers (skipdeez) and Jessica Zahn (jetherealz).

Show notes:
Matt and Jessica talk about Microsoft buzzwords no one should ever say (0:00-3:27). Interview with Ed Capuano of the Zune Brand team (3:50  - 12:20). We discuss CES (12:21 – 15:03). Ed shares about his music and podcast listens, especially holiday music (15:04 – 21:45).  New video and music (21:46 – 29:41). We forgot to tell users a secret! (29:42 – 33:00)

The mp3 file is 22.6 MB and runs for a 33 minutes. Subscribe to the podcast in Zune 4.0 software here.  Download the audio file directly here - Stream it

Episode 47 dated November 20th, 2009 of the Zune Insider Podcast is now live and is hosted by Matt Akers (skipdeez) and Jessica Zahn (jetherealz).

Show notes:
Jessica and Matt talk about November at Microsoft (0:00 – 2:00);  Interview with Scott Evans, Product Unit Manager for Zune on Xbox : (2:00 – 17:30);  Twitter and Facebook on Zune HD : (17:31 – 18:30);  Speaking of booyah, an original song from Ryan Xristopher sampling Jessica’s voice: (18:31 – 24:20);  Music, video, user shout outs and user questions : (24:21 – 36:15),  Matt discusses battling 50 Cent and being an auctioneer (36:15 -38:51).

The mp3 file is 26.6 MB and runs for a 39 minutes. Subscribe to the podcast in Zune 4.0 software here.  Download the audio file directly here - Stream it

Episode 46 dated November 13th, 2009 of the Zune Insider Podcast is now live and is hosted by Matt Akers (skipdeez) and Jessica Zahn (jetherealz).

Show notes:
Zune Insider podcast hosted by Matt Akers (skipdeez) and Jessica Zahn (jetherealz). Jessica and matt talk about getting dressed up for planning presentations : (0:00 - 2:30),  Pete from the device software team talks about the new features in the Zune HD firmware 4.3 update and new 3D game Apps : (4:30 - 17:55), Tweets and listener questions : (18:30 - 21:45), Music and Shout outs! : (21:50 - 23:38), New Movies and TV shows in Zune, Star Trek Movie is coming to Zune on Xbox: (23:37 - 25:02), Say Booyah: (25:05 - 25:50). 

The mp3 file is 17.8 MB and runs for a 26 minutes. Subscribe to the podcast in Zune 4.0 software here.  Download the audio file directly here - Stream it