Map Of Zunes

Big day for Zune and Xbox fans…and anyone else out there still trying to decide if they should get a Zune HD and Xbox. This morning the Zune team launched Zune video to Xbox LIVE in 18 countries*. Zune video delivers a pretty amazing viewing experience with its ability to stream, instant-on HD video in 1080p and 5.1 channel surround sound. No waiting for downloads or buffering! The team also added a few more features such as Party mode, where you can watch a video with up to seven friends through voice chat and Avatars on your TV screen. There is a search function so you don’t have to scroll through tons of titles just to get to the one you are looking for, and for TV shows in the US…buy them once and you can watch them on your PC, Zune HD and on your Xbox!

*United States, Canada, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom

Your Zune HD is ready to play.

We just got a slew of new games available to download for your Zune HD. New titles include Project Gotham Racing, Audiosurf Tilt, Vans SK8: Pool Service, Lucky Lanes Bowling, Piano, and Checkers.

Check’em out, go to the Zune Marketplace and download them in the Apps section. Here is an overview on how to get these Apps on your Zune HD.

The Zune platform podcast directory is continuing to gain in use and popularity and as we move towards the September 15th launch of the new Zune HD and a software update.  It is time for me to do an update for all podcasters on how to take advantage of this new Zune device and software as we get closer to launch. 

Here are a few things that you should do as a podcast content creator to reach as many Zune podcast users as possible.
 
1) If your podcast is already in the directory then visit the below link and search by your podcast title to get link code and Zune icon to add a deep-link to your podcasts page in the Zune Marketplace software and to the podcasts page on our official Zune.net website at  - Click here to get the link code

2) If your podcast feed is not already in our catalog, then you can submit it to us on our web-based Zune podcast directory at http://www.zunepodcasts.com, it is a link that says “Submit a Podcast”.  You could also create a “1-Click Zune Podcast Subscription” link for your podcast feed URL by following these directions – Click here

We have also just started using a new domain name http://www.zunepodcasts.com that redirects to the front page of our web-based podcast directory.  We presently stream audio podcasts from these pages and you can subscribe to podcasts in your Zune Marketplace Software or on your Zune device through these pages as well. 

Zune's very own Brian Seitz makes an appearance on the popular gadget CNET podcast "MP3 Insider" on episode 156 and talks extensively about the new Zune HD.  Show hosts Donald Bell and Jasmine France really grill Brian with all the questions that many are thinking and asking about.  If you want to see this episode, then go download the FREE Zune media player software and subscribe to this great CNET podcast in Zune.  Here are links to this podcast in the Zune Software, Zune.net podcast directory and CNET MP3 Insider page.

Don't miss the Zune video and podcast coverage of the massive 2009 Comic-Con event in San Diego (July 23-26).  These videos are starting to roll into and if you are a big follower of the show but could not make the trip then the FREE Zune Marketplace software is a great place to see much of the happenings.  In the video store we have a FREE Xbox produced Comic-Con '09 video series in our GamerTV category - get it in Zune Video Marketplace or learn more about it on our website.  We also have a great FREE video podcast feed from G4 TV Attack of the Show that will offer great coverage - get it in Zune Podcast Marketplace or learn more about it on our website.  So don't miss out on Comic-Con and checkout the videos as they roll in all weekend and into early next week.  Early episodes are already live and ready for download.

We here at Zune are saddened by the news of the passing of pop legend Michael Jackson.  At this time of shock and grief we would like to point our Zune users to some of his groundbreaking chart-topping hits and tribute audio podcast called “Thrillercast” in our Zune Marketplace software, published by Sony BMG. 

The “Thrillercast” podcast is made up of 28 episodes and in each episode celebrities like will.i.am, LL Cool J, Herbie Hancock, Imogen Heap, Adam Curry, Quincy Jones and many others tell stories of how Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album changed their lives and impacted music for generations to come.  Thriller was the world’s biggest selling album of all time.

You can listen to the podcast right from our Zune.net website or download our Zune software to find his great music.

This week we unveiled a new HD video podcast themed area or page in the Zune Marketplace software.  Yes, Zune does have a growing selection of HD video content available. You don’t have to wait for the new software or Zune HD device to start enjoying this great crystal clear video content on your big laptop screen. monitor or on a large HD television.  The other plus is that it is FREE, yes FREE. 

If you don’t have the Zune Marketplace media player software installed then go now and indulge yourself – get it here now.  You don't need a Zune device to enjoy these great HD video podcasts.

We have been working hard on many fronts here in Zune HQ and one area that does not get much of the fan fare but gets us really excited is Zune integration in automotive. Back at CES we showed off a new Kenwood unit with native support for Zune, and today friend of Zune Michael Gannotti took his Zune 120 to show off native support for Zune in the new Chevy Camaro. Bumblebee just got a sweet upgrade! Keep an eye here and at your local dealerships for more Zune integration down the line.

Photo: Michael Gannotti

All 16 high-definition video podcasts from CBS-owned CNET are now live and playable in the Zune Podcast Marketplace software.  I am a big follower of CNET podcasts and have wanted to get the HD versions of CNET’s large selection of video podcasts playable for some time now. 

CNET is a pioneer in online digital media production and distribution dating back to the late 90’s lead by CNET Editor-at-Large Brian Cooley.  This line-up of new digital media offerings continues the tradition of innovation and pioneering effort online.  CNET has one of the largest selections of HD video podcasts being offered by any network large or small.  The image seen with this post is of Molly Wood who hosts many of these video podcasts.

Below you will find links to all the audio, standard definition and HD video podcasts available in our web-based Zune podcast directory and in the Zune Podcast Marketplace.

AUDIO

Buzz Out Loud – web/zune marketplace              

Car Tech – web/zune marketplace          

CNET News Daily Podcast – web/zune marketplace        

Dialed In – web/zune marketplace         

Digital City – web/zune marketplace      

The Digital Home – web/zune marketplace         

The 404 – web/zune marketplace

Gadgettes – web/zune marketplace      

Indecent Exposure – web/zune marketplace     

Inside CNET Labs – web/zune marketplace         

Larry Magid at Large – web/zune marketplace  

MP3 Insider – web/zune marketplace   

The Real Deal – web/zune marketplace

All CNET Audio Podcasts – web/zune marketplace      

VIDEO SD

The Apple Byte – web/zune marketplace

Buzz Out Loud Video – web/zune marketplace 

Buzz Report – web/zune marketplace          

Car Tech Video – web/zune marketplace

CNET Live – web/zune marketplace       

CNET News – web/zune marketplace    

CNET's Top 5 – web/zune marketplace 

Gadgettes Video – web/zune marketplace      

The Green Show – web/zune marketplace

How To – web/zune marketplace

Insider Secrets – web/zune marketplace

Loaded – web/zune marketplace

Mailbag – web/zune marketplace

Planet CNET – web/zune marketplace  

Prizefight – web/zune marketplace        

Product Spotlight – web/zune marketplace        

Quick Tips – web/zune marketplace       

The Real Deal Video – web/zune marketplace   

All CNET Video Podcasts – web/zune marketplace      

VIDEO HD

The Apple Byte HD – web/zune marketplace     

Buzz Report HD – web/zune marketplace   

Car Tech Video HD – web/zune marketplace      

CNET Live HD – web/zune marketplace

CNET News HD – web/zune marketplace

CNET's Top 5 HD – web/zune marketplace          

Daily Debrief HD – web/zune marketplace          

The Green Show HD – web/zune marketplace

How To HD – web/zune marketplace

Insider Secrets HD – web/zune marketplace      

Loaded HD – web/zune marketplace     

Mailbag HD – web/zune marketplace    

Planet CNET HD – web/zune marketplace           

Prize Fight HD – web/zune marketplace               

Quick Tips HD – web/zune marketplace

All CNET HD Video Podcasts – web/zune marketplace               

On Monday I had the chance to attend the Paley Fest in Los Angeles - the evening was all about Battlestar Galactica and the upcoming Battlestar spin off, Caprica.  The fans in attendance got the chance to preview the extended pilot of Caprica which was pretty cool. Ok full disclosure time...I have not watched any Battlestar! I know, weak! Well, actually I hadn't watched it since I had a haircut like Starbuck and packed a Cylon lunch box. By the time I was told how great the new series was, it was like season three and I didn't want to jump in the deep end. BTW when did Cylons turn into tall beautiful women? I digress. The evening was great. The panel discussion with the creators and stars of Battlestar and Caprica was really interesting...at least the parts I didn't have my fingers in my ears to avoid spoilers. 

We will have the panel discussion with the creators and cast in the exclusively in the Zune marketplace fairly soon so stay tuned for a pointer.  Check out the post from Marques here about the event and a great collection of photos from one of the Xbox MVPs.  Great snaps!

Photo credit: aceattorneymvp