zune for windows mobile 7

Two Weeks In With WP7 & Zune

November 30, 2010 | By Gretchen

Well, I’ve had my WP7 for over two weeks now, and it’s still rockin’ my world. I’ve been showing it to friends and family, and I’ve worked out a bit of an informal presentation: I start with the Netflix tile, move on to the People tile, and then wow them with the Zune tile. I show off how easy it is to get to my music, and then I’ll ask them to name a song and BOOM- it starts playing off my phone in no time. Showing off with a quick demo is one thing, though- how has the phone been on a daily basis?

Overall, I’m really happy with the phone. But I write about Zune, so I’ll focus on that. I’ve been using Shazam to identify songs I hear while out and about and then finding them on the Marketplace. It’s also been useful when I’m hanging out with friends- someone will be talking about a song, and I can bring it up on the phone pretty quickly. The speakers on the phone make it really easy to share music with a group, opposed to passing a pair of headphones around with an MP3 player. I still use my Zune HD every day, though. I listen to it at my desk at work, and I plug it into the Zune Dock at home. To use some outdated technology in a metaphor: WP7 is my boom box, but Zune HD is my record collection.

I’d like to hear from you guys about your own experiences with WP7 and Zune: Is it everything you thought it would be?

Photo: Gretchen Lilly

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Zune & WP7 at the Microsoft Store

November 24, 2010 | By Gretchen

A Microsoft Store opened up last week at one of the malls in my area, and of course I had to check it out (in the name of research, obviously). I was interested to see how the WP7 and Zune were being displayed and marketed. There were two separate displays of the phones, and one was Zune focused.

This video was sped up a bit, so no, it doesn’t react that quickly.

I thought you all might also like a quick video of the store overall:

There were lots of people in the store looking around, and lots of staff on hand. Of course, this was the opening weekend, and there were also local soccer stars in the store for a promotion. I’d like to see how the store looks on a random Wednesday morning. Hopefully the new Microsoft retail stores will help spread the word for WP7.

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Taking Full Advantage of Your Zune Pass

November 23, 2010 | By Gretchen

As Daniel at WMExperts says in the video above, he isn’t a conspiracy theorist, but it looks to him like Microsoft was trying to hide the unlimited download feature on the Zune for WP7. I don’t know if the folks at Microsoft were trying to hide it or not, but this video seems to confirm that when it comes to WP7, when in doubt, hold your finger down on something, and a menu will pop up.

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Video Review of Zune on WP7

November 22, 2010 | By Gretchen

Booredatwork has posted this great video that takes you through the Zune Marketplace and player features on the Samsung Focus. It’s great to see a real person in real time use the device. For those of you thinking about buying a WP7, this is a great overview of what the Zune on WP7 can do.

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New videos show the power of Zune on the Phone, PC and Xbox

November 21, 2010 | By rush24

The Zune HD and software have always been an underrated but excellent media platform. With the introduction of WP7, that is set to change and I hope that Microsoft will spend some of that $500 million budget putting ads like the one on the video above on TV in addition to all the WP7 ads now playing. The ad does a great job showing the Zune player and WP7 in a compelling way that will certainly make any casual observer want to try it out. The videos are currently only available on the Zune.net website and there is no way to embed them as far as I can tell. Click on the links for a higher quality versions of Zune on WP7, Zune on the PC and Zune on the Xbox 360. You need to have Silverlight installed to view the videos.

Thanks to @gilly2468

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Zune Pass Primer Part 2

November 19, 2010 | By Gretchen

After reading the comments section, I thought we could all do with a second post about the Zune Pass. First off, I think I was a bit wishy-washy in my definitions of streaming and downloading using the Zune Pass, so hopefully this clears it up:

10 downloads a month- You can download 10 songs a month, and they’re yours to keep forever. These are MP3 files, and you can burn them to a CD, and put on unlimited devices. They are Digital Rights Management (DRM) free.

Unlimited downloads- These have DRM, meaning, the license only allows the music to go on three devices and three computers. You must sync your device to the Marketplace at least once every 30 days to keep this license going. You cannot burn this music to a CD or a computer. This music will stay on your devices and computers as part of your collection or play lists. In terms of your every day use on your Zune player, you can’t tell that these songs are any different than the 10 “keepers”. This music will disappear once you stop paying for a Zune Pass (annoyingly, the song titles will still be there, but you can’t play them).

Zune.net streaming- You go to zune.net and log in with your Live ID and can stream music over the internet via ANY computer (ie: your work computer, your cousin’s computer, etc.). This doesn’t count towards the “three and three” rule.

All of these features are only available in select countries around the world where the Zune service is offered: http://www.zune.net/en-US/products/learningcenter/zunemarketplace/about/marketplacecountries.htm

Another question that popped up in the comments was about the process of linking multiple devices (for the sake of this article, WP7s) with the Zune Pass. When setting up your (or a family member’s) phone, you need to sign in using a Live ID that is associated with your Zune Pass. If you’ve already set up your phone, go to Settings> Email & Accounts> Windows Live to change it. Microsoft also has a document that goes into detail about Windows Live ID http://www.microsoft.com/windowsphone/en-us/howto/wp7/start/which-windows-live-id-should-i-use.aspx.

Image via: zune.net

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A Zune Pass Primer

November 18, 2010 | By Gretchen

A Zune Pass is a monthly subscription that allows you 10 downloaded songs a month to keep forever, and an unlimited number of songs to stream. You can play your music on your Zune device, WP7, Xbox 360, and your PC. It’s $14.99 a month- so you can think of it as paying $10 for 10 songs you can keep forever + $5 for an unlimited number of songs you’re borrowing. As long as you’re a Zune Pass subscriber, then all of the music you’ve put on your device stays on your device. If you don’t use all of your 10 song credits in a month, you lose them (AKA: they don’t roll over).

I’ve had a Zune Pass the entire time I’ve had my Zune HD, and I’ve never considered canceling it. The Zune Pass is usually one of the features that gets iPod users thinking about jumping ship.

I put music into two categories: “Classics” and “Trendy”. There are some songs I know that I’ll love forever, and other songs are just a flash in the pan. I use my 10 monthly credits to buy the songs that are keepers, and the unlimited downloads get used by songs I’ll be sick of hearing after a few months.

I’ve also used the Zune Pass when I know I like a few songs on an album- the credits go towards the few songs that I like, and the rest of the album is filled in by the unlimited downloads.

One thing you need to be careful with is how many devices and computers you use your Zune Pass with. The official Zune Pass rules are here: http://www.zune.net/en-us/products/learningcenter/zunepass/features/threecomputers.htm; as it says on the official page, “Three computers, three devices”. You can change one computer, and one Zune device every 30 days, too. You can also stream music from zune.net via your web browser when you sign in.

The language on this is kind of vague- it doesn’t explicitly say that the three & three need to belong to just one person (the assumption being that three computers and three devices would belong to multiple people), but the official terms of service (http://www.zune.net/en-US/legal/termsofservice.htm) kind of imply that the Zune Pass is for an individual. I’m not a lawyer, but I haven’t heard of a family getting busted for sharing a Zune Pass.

Overall, I’m a fan of the Zune Pass because it allows me to just enjoy music. I never need to worry if a song is “worth” getting; I just use my unlimited downloads. I think I’ve actually expanded my musical taste because of it.

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Can Zune on WP7 replace your MP3 player?

November 17, 2010 | By Gretchen

If you’re looking to replace your current MP3 player, you may have thought of just buying a Windows Phone 7 and killing two birds with one stone. The Zune feature on WP7 is nearly* as good as a Zune HD device. Ultimately, though, it comes down to your personal preferences:

Do you wish your MP3 player could also make phone calls, check email, and socially network?

Buy a Windows Phone 7.

Do you use your MP3 player while working out?

Buy an MP3 player; WP7 is probably too big and heavy for exercising.

Do you want speakers built into your MP3 player?

Buy a Windows Phone 7.

Do you listen to your MP3 player all day?

Buy an MP3 player; the last thing you want is to be unable to make a phone call because you killed your battery listening to John Tesh’s Greatest Hits on repeat.

Do you want less clutter in your life?

Buy a Windows Phone 7.

Do you want the ability to add content to your MP3 player over 3G?

Buy a Windows Phone 7.

Do you like new, shiny toys?

Buy a Windows Phone 7.

Personally, I’m not planning on ditching my Zune HD any time soon. It’s still a really good MP3 player, the battery life is great, and I like how lightweight it is. For those of you still using your first generation Zunes, I can see WP7 being a smart investment.

*Currently, Zune on WP7 is missing the Smart DJ feature, HD radio, and the ability to tag songs on the radio for purchase. There are rumors that a future update will remedy some of these issues.

Photo: Gretchen Lilly

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So You Want to use the Wireless Sync Your Phone….

November 16, 2010 | By Gretchen

The Zune on Windows Phone 7 has the ability to wirelessly sync the collection on your computer (music, podcasts, photos, etc.) with your phone. Super cool, right? Well, it depends on what you want to get from your Zune/ WP7 experience.

First of all, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of setting up Wireless Sync with WP7:

Microsoft says you should do this: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsphone/en-us/howto/wp7/music/sync-files-with-my-phone.aspx AND http://www.zune.net/en-US/products/learningcenter/sync/usingsync/setupwirelesssync.htm (Go ahead and click the links, I’ll be here when you get back).

I followed Microsoft’s directions, but it wasn’t working. Now, I can only speak from the HD7 experience (I’d love to hear from Samsung and Dell owners in the comments), but after some trial and error, I found what needed to be done. The issue seemed to revolve around the fact that I’d already configured my phone to connect to my home WiFi network. Here’s what I did to get Wireless Sync working:

First off, I deleted my home wireless network on the phone. Next, I connected my phone to the computer. I then went into the Zune software to start the Wireless Sync set up. The software told me to set up the wireless on the device, which involved selecting my home WiFi network on the phone. I followed the prompts on the Zune software (where it verifies your home network) and clicked Done.

Next, I plugged my phone into the wall AC outlet. I went back to my computer, and on the Zune software, I dragged a new song on to the grayed-out icon of my phone. After a few minutes, an icon popped up in the lower right corner of my computer screen- drivers were being installed for a new device. The icon of my phone then filled in (turned black) and the song began to sync. Success! (Note: For you Zune Pass subscribers, make sure you’re signed into the Marketplace to sync any songs you don’t really “own”.)

So after all of this blood, sweat, and tears, what exactly is the benefit of a Wireless Sync? The phone is supposed to be charged at least 50% to even start the sync, and it needs to be plugged into an AC outlet. I really don’t see that as any more convenient than just plugging the phone into my computer. Additionally, you can’t force-start a Wireless Sync.

Perhaps the USB outlets on your computer are difficult to get to- then I can see the advantage of an AC outlet. Or maybe you have a phone charging station set up in a certain area of your house, and you don’t want to constantly be taking the one USB cord that came with the phone between your computer and your AC outlet.

I can only hope that a future update will eliminate the need to have the phone plugged into an AC outlet, and to have the ability to initiate the Wireless Sync.

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Zune Social – Music as a social network: Lessons from the Apple Fall Music Event Part 1

September 6, 2010 | By rush24

avett_brothers

The Apple fall music event came and went and with it, the IOS platform, through the freshly minted iTunes 10, introduced a “magical” social component called Ping. The conference room was filled with tech bloggers and journalist but from all the cheering and clapping during several occasions by the audience as Mr. Jobs introduced yet another new feature or device to the platform, one had to wonder what kind of objectivity they would have when time came to write articles about the event. Setting that aside, the introduction of Ping validated Microsoft’s effort with the social aspects of the Zune ecosystem and shows that Apple is paying attention and perhaps a little worried of what WP7 will bring to Zune as a whole.

On November 13, 2006, Microsoft unveiled the Zune with the tagline, “Welcome to the Social”

As Microsoft launches Zune this week, the goal is not to manufacture another digital music player but to create a shared, social experience that will be shaped by the collective imagination of consumers and will inspire discovery of new music and artists.

When you read articles about the Ping service, you will be hard pressed to find one (although cnet does in this article) that mentions that the “un-innovative” Microsoft had a social music feature almost 4 years ago! After the initial fanfare about Apple’s social aspirations, most people are finding out and writing that it is basically a dud as it now stands and needs a huge upgrade for it to be of any relevance at all in the future. That Microsoft’s press release for the Zune four years back went on to say this

Zune features wireless technology that enables friends to spontaneously share full-length sample tracks of select songs, homemade recordings, playlists or pictures among their Zune devices. The full tracks of these songs can be listened to up to three times over three days, and, if the recipient enjoys the song she hears and wishes to buy it, she can flag it on her device and easily purchase it from the Zune Marketplace, which features over 2 million songs. A consumer has the choice between downloading individual songs and "Zune Pass" subscription plans. This is especially attractive for the MySpace generation, who frequently use the power of community to share common interests and promote social networking.

Very prescient words in the light of last week’s developments I must say! This however does not mean that the Zune team needs to seat on its laurels. In fact, it should act as a catalyst and elicit a sense of urgency for them to build and improve on the already great foundation with competition now nipping at their heels. I recently proposed a deeper integration with Facebook together with ability to purchase tickets and event notifications. However, I would like to delve deeper into music discovery and local bands/artists promotion for this post.

Continue reading →

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Microsoft still working on getting content for European Music Service on Windows Mobile

February 14, 2010 | By Surur

In likely the last rumour post regarding the Zune phone, we bring you this job posting from the Entertainment and Devices Division.

EDD is looking for European Business Development Manager to acquire music content for use on Zune, Xbox and also Windows Mobile.

This should be good news for European readers who have so far been left out completely from the ZuneHD party.

Hopefully we will learn A LOT more tomorrow directly from Microsoft.

Business Development Manager – Music Acquisition(259539 -External) Job

Date: Feb 13, 2010

Location: London, GB

Location: United Kingdom, London
Division: Entertainment & Devices Division
Business Development Manager – Music Acquisition, EMEA, Content Acquisition & Strategy Team (“CAST”)
Media & Entertainment Group (“MEG”)

The Entertainment & Devices Division (“E&D”) is seeking an experienced business development professional to drive European content licensing in digital music. This is an exciting opportunity to make a high-impact contribution as part of a rapidly growing business in digital entertainment. The position will support E&D divisions including Zune, Xbox and Windows Mobile.

The Content Acquisition & Strategy Team (“CAST”) is tasked with securing content for E&D’s music service efforts globally. The team’s primary functions are:
• Work closely and effectively with E&D product teams to inform their product planning by helping them balance the need to innovate while having a high likelihood of successfully securing content that will be attractive to consumers and meet business objectives.
• Generate enthusiasm and excitement for E&D music efforts with target content licensors by engaging and communicating opportunities effectively
• Negotiate and execute content licensing agreements with target content providers with terms and conditions that meet or exceed E&D’s business needs
This individual will work within this organization and have the following specific responsibilities:
• Drive local music content acquisition efforts in EMEA
• Own the relationships with EMEA-based Microsoft subsidiaries and product teams
• Own and manage music content licensing relationships with key local licensors and music distributors.

This individual will work closely with the Director of Business Development, CAST to develop and coordinate partner priority, negotiating strategies and closing positions. All CAST members are expected to work closely and successfully with internal and external counsel as well as external consultants retained to assist in execution. Success for this position will ultimately be determined by this individual successfully securing high value content for distribution over E&D’s music service platforms in EMEA under terms that both Microsoft and our partners believe support our business goals.

Candidate must have demonstrated experience leading negotiating teams for music content licensing agreements. Inbound major label music licensing and digital experience is preferred. In addition the candidate must have excellent analytical, oral/written communication, problem resolution, and decision-making skills. The ability to effectively manage ambiguity and interact with multidisciplinary teams across the company in order to negotiate successfully with counterparts at content companies is critical to success. Candidates must be based in London. Candidates must have a minimum of an MBA or JD and extensive related content licensing experience in the music industry.

Read the job posting here.

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Pure and Turtle Zune phones proven again, Microsoft’s denials notwithstanding

January 29, 2010 | By Surur

Microsoft’s vociferous denials of making a Zune phone is starting to sound more and more hollow, given the evidence unearthed in their latest Zune 4.2 software.

The software has references to the Pure and Turtle phones leaked by Gizmodo some time ago , and also makes references to managing your pictures and video taken by your phone at Studio, a url which redirects to Zune.net.

The likelihood is that these devices represent a new generation of the Sidekick platform, and not real smartphones as we know it, and could therefore be released much sooner than we expect, possibly soon after Mobile World Congress.

Zune 4.2 software now features international language support, presages worldwide Zune Market roll-out?

January 27, 2010 | By Surur

The recent 4.2 release of the Zune media player continues to deliver. Yesterday the software revealed drivers for a Microsoft Zune phone, and today Arne Hess from theunwired.net has noticed that the software now supports international localization.

The software will now default appropriately to German when installed on a German language PC for example, something which makes little sense of Microsoft did not intend for the Zune service to roll out internationally.

So far Microsoft has disappointed non-US users by not bringing the excellent software and hardware combo of the ZuneHD and the Zune software store to the rest of the world, but this is not something which is sustainable if the Zune player will form an important part of a future Windows phone.

The Zune media player can be downloaded here, but as of yet the Zune store is not accessible from non-US locations.

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