WYNK: What You Need to Know: Zune

The Zune "Pink Cloud"

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 21:43:02 GMT

Has anybody ever noticed how the "pink cloud" on the bottom of Zune software works like a mini visualization when music is playing? I was sitting back on my chair just looking around my room and then looked at my screen to see it move. At first I thought my eyes were simply trying to adjust or my glasses were causing some weird distortion, but no, I looked closer and noticed that it moves to the music.

I just like how the Zune team puts all these little extras and doesn't really talk about them and leaves them for us to discover. Much better strategy than creating hype and under-delivering.

Don't see the "Pink Cloud"?

Under Settings > Software > Display > Screen Animation, make sure "Show screen animation" is checked. Voila! Enjoy.

Video of the "Pink Cloud."

- Albert

New "Zune is..." Commercial

Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:49:33 GMT

Here's one of the few I've caught on Cartoon Network's AdultSwim.

- Albert

Music meta data and album art problems on Zune software

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 02:50:32 GMT

Due to the popularity of this issue, here's Microsoft's solution to the meta data and album art problems that many Zune users have been having. Luckily (or not so much), because I sold my Zune 30 and I was planning to buy a Zune 80 (and I haven't been able to because of the shortage), I haven't downloaded the newest version, so I'm OK for now. It seems like Microsoft last updated the knowledge base article today (November 19, 2007). So, without further ado, here it is. Good luck!

"Music tracks may become associated with incorrect albums after you upgrade to a newer version of the Zune software

View products that this article applies to.

Article ID: 945319

Last Review: November 19, 2007

Revision: 3.0

Important This article contains information about how to modify the registry. Make sure that you back up the registry before you modify it. Make sure that you know how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up, restore, and modify the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

322756 How to back up and restore the registry in Windows XP and Windows Vista

SYMPTOMS

After you upgrade the Zune software on your computer, you notice that music in your collection that was previously categorized correctly is now associated with incorrect album titles.

CAUSE

This problem occurs when music files become associated with the incorrect album art or with other metadata information during the upgrade process from an earlier version of the Zune software.

THINGS TO TRY

Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall the operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.
To resolve this issue, try the following methods in the order in which they appear.

Notes

• These steps rebuild your collection by creating a new music database by using information from metadata that is embedded in your media files instead of migrating your old database.

• These steps will remove any existing device relationship and any podcast subscriptions.

Method 1: Rebuild the media database

1. Exit the Zune software.

2. Open the folder where the Zune software stores its media database:

• Windows Vista
C:\Users\<USER NAME>\Application Data\Local\Microsoft\Zune\

• Windows XP

Note It may be either of the following folders:

C:\Documents and Settings\<USER NAME>\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Zune\
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Zune

3. Right-click ZuneStore.sdf, and then click Rename.

4. Type ZuneStore.sdf.old to rename the file.

5. Right-click CurrentDatabase_365.wmdb, and then click Rename.

6. Type CurrentDatabase_365.wmdb.old to rename the file.

7. Restart the Zune software to rebuild the collection database.

If these steps did not resolve the problem, follow the steps in Method 2.

Method 2: Rebuild the media database and reinstall the Zune software

1. Exit the Zune software.

2. Back up the CurrentDatabase_365.wmdb file. To do this, follow these steps:

a. Open the Zune data folder:

• On a Windows Vista-based computer, click Start. In the Start Search box, type %localappdata%\microsoft\zune, and then press ENTER.

• On a Windows XP-based computer, click Start, click Run, type the following command in the Open box, and then press ENTER:

%userprofile%\local settings\application data\microsoft\zune

b. Click to select the CurrentDatabase_365.wmdb file.

c. Press CTRL+C to copy the CurrentDatabase_365.wmdb file, and then press CTRL+V. This step renames CurrentDatabase_365.wmdb as "Copy of CurrentDatabase_365.wmdb."

3. On a Windows Vista-based computer, click Start, click Control Panel, click Programs, and then click Programs and Features.
On a Windows XP-based computer, click Start, point to Control Panel, and then double-click Add or Remove Programs.

4. Click Zune, and then click Remove.

5. Delete the ZuneStore.sdf file. To do this, follow these steps:

a. Open the Zune data folder:

• On a Windows Vista-based computer, click Start. In the Start Search box, type %localappdata%\microsoft\zune, and then press ENTER.

• On a Windows XP-based computer, click Start, click Run, type the following command in the Open box, and then press ENTER:

%userprofile%\local settings\application data\microsoft\zune

b. Right-click the ZuneStore.sdf file, and then click Delete. If you are prompted, confirm that you want to delete the file.

6. To reinstall the Zune software, visit the following Zune Web site, and then click Get the software only under Download:

http://www.zune.net/setup

7. Run the Zune setup package. When you are prompted to Launch or Close, click Close.

8. Rename "Copy of CurrentDatabase_365.wmdb" as CurrentDatabase_365.wmdb. To do this, follow these steps:

a. Open the Zune data folder:

• On a Windows Vista-based computer, click Start. In the Start Search box, type %localappdata%\microsoft\zune, and then press ENTER.

• On a Windows XP-based computer, click Start, click Run, type the following command in the Open box, and then press ENTER:

%userprofile%\local settings\application data\microsoft\zune

b. Right-click CurrentDatabase_365.wmdb.old, and then click Rename.

c. Rename the file as CurrentDatabase_365.wmdb.

9. Modify the Zune software registry entries. To do this, follow these steps:

a. Start Notepad.

b. Copy and then paste the following text into Notepad:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Zune\Groveler]
"LegacyImportComplete"=dword:00000000
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Zune\MediaStore]
"OverwriteAllMetadata"=dword:00000001

c. In Notepad, click Save As on the File menu.

d. Select a location to which you want to save the file.

e. In the File name box, type ZuneMetaData.reg.

f. In the Save as type list, select Text Document (*.txt), and then click Save.

g. On the File menu, click Exit.

h. Use Windows Explorer to locate the folder where you saved the Zunesync.reg file.

i. Double-click the ZuneMetaData.reg file to merge the file into the registry.

10. Start the Zune software, and then select go right to my collection. You will see notifications at the bottom of the screen as the Zune software analyses your collection. Wait for this process to be completed.

11. Wait another 10 minutes. Then, check whether any updates are displayed in the notification bar on the bottom of the screen. When no more notifications are displayed, you can use the Zune software."

- Microsoft Help and Support

Good luck!

New Zune Ad: Tina Pink

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 02:12:15 GMT

I just found this on the Zune.net website. They also seem to have launched a new Zune marketing site, Zune Journey, which is almost 100% flash, but very, very cool! More news as it comes along, it seems like this is just surfacing. Enjoy.

Zune Clock Already Exists?

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 03:12:16 GMT

I don't know if this has already been made public or someone else has written a post about this, so I'll go ahead and still talk about this little "discovery" I made. So since I'm in Mexico at the moment, I've had to find ways to entertain myself during the long days I'm usually not connected to the Internet. Well, I was listening to my Zune while I was in the shower, and when I came out, I still kept playing it (using some small speakers) while I got dressed. By the time I was done, I noticed it had been quite some time since I had charged my Zune.

I turned on my computer, knowing I was going to have plenty of Internet-less time to organize some Zune songs, charge it, organize some more, etc. So, I go ahead and open Zune, connect my dying Zune player, and whoa, I get this dialog window I had never seen before.

It could just be referring to the DRM technology used in the Zune player, but then it leads to some questions:

Is the "device clock" purely for DRM purposes?
How often does this "device clock" "retrieve the current time?"
Is this "device clock" mentioned in the Privacy Statement? (I'm not connected to the Internet as I type this in Windows Live Writer)
Do Zune Freebies expire after a certain time period? (Since I haven't purchased any music from Zune Marketplace)
Where in the "Internet" does it "retrieve the current time" from?
Is that Internet source ever going to have another purpose than for DRM-related purposes?

and finally,

Is it that hard to use this "device clock" as a display clock on our Zune device?

Any idea? Or have you ever seen this before and just think I've taken this too far because I'm suffering from web withdrawal? You tell me.

- Albert

Red Zune: Pictures

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 04:50:16 GMT

It's official. The pictures are out. Watermelon anyone? Well, that's the color name that most sites are using to refer to the new Red Zune, which is slated to be released exclusively to Target and Amazon June 10th [Zune Insider]. They say that pictures are worth a thousand words, so here are some pictures.

- Albert

New Zune Ad

Tue, 08 May 2007 21:36:55 GMT

The video says it all, no need for me to explain anything here. For more info about the new marketing campaign, check out a recent post here. Enjoy.

- Albert

Pink Zune

Sat, 07 Apr 2007 05:30:39 GMT

Soon after Microsoft's marketing director for the Zune confirmed that a Pink Zune was going to come out this May, Cesar over at ZuneInsider posted some official images of the Pink Zune to finally shed the light on the real appearance. Pink Zune is set to be part of an only 100,000 unit plan and a Red Zune will be coming out a month after Pink Zune launches.

- Albert

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Pictures: Click To Open

Zune Brand Update

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 00:29:19 GMT

Good news Zune enthusiasts! Thanks to Priya Ganapati over at TheStreet.com, the many questions that we have been having about the Zune have just answered. Her article, "Microsoft in the Zune" talks about the Zune, the brand, plans, and marketing. Here are some of the major points made in her story.

new marketing and advertising plans

"'We have a second wave of marketing and advertising coming out next month,' says Jason Reindorp, Microsoft's marketing director for Zune."

After many complaints over at the ZuneInsider blog, the team has finally listened and decided to completely re-establish Zune marketing with a more sell-the-features kind of theme. This I believe is one of the best steps taken to establish the Zune brand amongst a wider spectrum of people.

new color models

"The Zune, which is currently available in white, brown and black, will soon sport prettier colors. A baby-pink version will be available in May, and another vibrant color will be introduced a few weeks later."

Another great step. By providing more color choices, which many of my friends have been asking for, Zune provides more options to chose from and less reasons to not buy one. Although the black, brown, and white colors already have an amazing and attractive appearance, more zesty colors are needed to sell the player to the large population of people who seem to be attracted to them.

flash-based model plans

"Reindorp couldn't confirm the company's plans, but admits Microsoft is clearly thinking about a flash-based device. 'They are certainly popular amongst consumers -- and therefore, in the industry right now -- because of the cost, capacity and size benefits they bring with them, so yes, we are indeed considering if they might complement the Zune device family,' he says."

By far, if not the best, most successful move the Zune team is taking! Way too many people complain about the Zune's size, and why they will hold off for a smaller model or buy an iPod. The great truth is that people are not as loyal to the "iPod" brand as many critics claim. People who have seen my Zune do not care if they do not have the iPod that everyone else has, what they care about is that the product has the three S's (Small, Sleek, and Simple).

games, podcast, movies support details

"'We are developing Zune as an 'entertainment' brand, which means it will include music, video and games,' Reindorp says. 'But will there be Xbox-like games on the device? We don't know yet. We are still thinking through our games strategy.'"

Almost a requirement, and more like playing catch-up. This is a great sign that Microsoft is devoted. Providing support for games, podcast capabilities, and movies will most likely just catch them up to the competition, but with Microsoft being one of the greatest partnering companies in history, who knows what surprises might await us.

new features details scheduled to be released in the "upcoming holidays"

"Reindorp hints Microsoft may have some big announcements ready in time for the holiday season. 'We will add features to the device, and by the upcoming holidays we will have news around TV, video and podcasting support.'"

I'm not sure by what "upcoming holidays" they are referring to because the Christmas holiday season is far from being "upcoming," but I guess to a long-term planning company (great sign), "upcoming" could be as relative to us as "next week." Apart from that, this kind of statement provides a source for excitement and enthusiasm for the Zune-devoted community.

Zune Marketplace success

"The response to the Zune Marketplace shows consumer interest in the product is strong, says Reindorp. The number of overall downloads increased 60% from January to February, he says, and overall subscriber base rose 65%."

Something Microsoft should be proud of and taking advantage of. By realizing the potential of a subscription-based distribution, huge success can be made in this area.

So, if that isn't enough to get excited again and begin telling your friends to hold-back on purchasing an iPod, then I don't know what is. In a world filled with bogus and rumored-filled blogs and sites, I appreciate Ms. Ganapati's work with this Zune article by obtaining information from an actual Microsoft employee. By reading her very interesting 3-page article, I'm sure that once again, you will be on your way to selling the Zune brand to your less-techie friend crowd.

- Albert

Zune's Market Share

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 04:41:53 GMT

NDP has just released some hard-drive based MP3 player market share numbers for January and Zune comes in at 9.9%. Additionally, the Zune Marketplace subscriptions-user-base grew by 60%, with individual Zune Marketplace downloads increasing by 65%. Cesar from ZuneInsider released this information with the following words:

"NPD numbers are out again, and in the harddrive MP3 player category, Zune has the number two spot, with 9.9% of the market in January. Also, the Zune Marketplace subscriptions user base grew by 60%, with individual ZMP downloads increasing by 65%.
It's also worth noting that Zune is sold in more retail outlets than NPD currently reports on: for example, Amazon (which actually only accounts for a very small percentage of Zune sales), Wal-mart, the club stores - Costco and Sam's aren’t reported by NPD, and some others. NPD also doesn't report on the Apple Stores, where Zune isn't sold, (obviously ;). So the actual market share might be different, but to report on the category, we’ll stick with NPD."

Here are several thoughts I have with the data that NPD released and is being used to determine Zune's market share are:

Amazon, Wal-Mart, Costco, Sam's Club, Apple Stores, etc. do not account for the market share, which is leading people to believe that Zune's market share is relative because iPod sales would greatly affect Zune's shares if Apple stores were counted.
This is not true, as you can easily ask any iPod owner where they got their Zune from, and they will say Best Buy, Circuit City, etc., much like they would with a Zune.
I'm not so sure how much would the huge retailers listed like Wal-Mart and Costco would affect the market share if they included the numbers from Zune and iPod sales, I guess it would make the current 9.9% differ by a tenth or so.
9.9% might seems small to some people, yet considering the fact that Zune has only been out for almost 4 months, it can be considered a success for its very short time out in the market.
The Zune Marketplace Subscriptions success is continued proof that subscriptions do attract people's attention and could very well help stimulate Zune growth.
Comments/Ideas/Disagreements?

- Albert

So what about the Zune?

Wed, 07 Feb 2007 04:08:58 GMT

The following is an essay I wrote for my english class for a persuassive assignment. It was written prior the Zune major launch.

A Social Alternative

"Welcome to the Social:" a sentence without grammar? No. It is the product of Microsoft Corporation's marketing campaign for its newest much-anticipated gadget. Currently Apple holds more than half of the MP3 player market-share and it has led it to become extremely popular and somewhat too "standard." In fact, it has become so prominent that the brand itself has confused people by its incorrect usage to refer to any MP3 as an "iPod." Well, things have changed now and Microsoft's new Zune is going to provide consumers a much better and cooler alternative. In other words, Zune is Microsoft's answer to Apple's ubiquitous iPod, along with it come several reasons why you should definitely not ignore and instead desire it. Why has Microsoft decided to take on your extremely popular music device? Simply, Microsoft doesn't like being #2 in anything, and that's good.

Today, success in any product relies on content. If a product has content that customers want, find interesting and worth their dollar, then we have feasible success. Apple's example of this is iTunes, and honestly, it's a great and successful product. Yet, "great" does not mean amazing nor outstanding and that's what we are aiming for. Microsoft promises that Zune will be driven by content and it plans to deliver it using Zune Marketplace, the equivalent of iTunes. Why should iTunes be afraid of Zune Marketplace? Well, although at the moment it may not seem as a threat to iTunes because it still does not offer video, but rather just a collection of over 2 million songs, there is still one huge reason why it should: partners. Microsoft is the king of partnering with other companies and content providers. It has been said that as we speak Microsoft is partnering up with companies such as 20^th Century Fox Film Corp., Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Universal Pictures, Warner Bros., Lions Gate Entertainment and MGM Pictures and for TV content: A&E, Animal Planet, BBC, The Bio Channel, Cartoon Network, CBS, Comedy Central, Discovery, E Entertainment, Fox, MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1 and many others. Although this was just a rumor a while back, already we are beginning to see evidence of this via a new service Microsoft has just launched for its Xbox 360 Live service where users are able to download movies and shows from practically all of those providers. Sound enticing? It should, considering that iTunes only now offers Disney-related studio movies and hit TV shows.

Of course, after the content the next most important concept is the device itself. Apple has done quite a phenomenal job with its iPod design, but only in terms of attractiveness (the first day or so that it remains intact of scratches and fingerprints). Besides having a double-shot beautiful paint finish, the Zune has a matte/rubbery/smooth coat that is very scratch and fingerprint resistant. It doesn't stop there. While you suffer when trying to tell if the movie you're watching now has a new character or a fingerprint you just created on the miniscule screen, I'm enjoying my 3-inch wide, extremely-sharp and crisp screen. The color choices add even more to the device concept as well, you can chose from white with a clear double-shot, black with blue, or (get ready) brown with green. Yes, you just read brown; Microsoft is promising that "brown is the new white." But the coolest and most compelling feature is the wireless sharing capability. That's right, instead of letting me borrow your wax-covered headphones and having me go home and trying to remember the song title because I lost the piece of gum wrap I wrote it on, you can just go ahead and "DJ" it to me wirelessly. After sending it to me, I then have 3 plays or 3 days to listen to it and download it at home when I want. Hey, have a cool photo album on your Zune, send me that too, but of course I get to keep that forever, no limits. Amazing isn't it? Can your iPod do that?

But of course, there is no way even a ground-breaking device and all of the content in the world can be the best without an excellent service and brand to complete the equation. First of all, you must be aware that the people responsible for the exceptional success of the Xbox and the Xbox Live service were also involved in the development of Zune. So while many may expect Zune to fail (just like they did with the first Xbox), they will again be proven wrong (Xbox is now competing head-to-head with the big honcho Sony and on its way to beating the Play Station 3 with the Xbox 360). Through the use of the same talent, some great concepts where able to fuse over to Zune Marketplace, including a paid-subscription system. On average, a legitimate music consumer spends well over $15 monthly, either via music CD's or downloading tracks using archaic $.99-per-track systems, like iTunes. But if you wish to use Microsoft's Zune Pass, a subscription service with a $14.95 monthly rate, you then have access to the over 2 million songs at your fingertips, download as many as you want, whenever and however you want. Zune Marketplace still offers the $.99-per-track service for people to choose (key word) what they want.

In a world of MySpace's Facebook's, profiles, blogs, and addicted text-messengers, how is it not obvious that a more social system is needed? Zune offers a completely different ecosystem that apparently fits today's world and with its wireless feature powered by 802.11 b/g connectivity and firmware that can be easily updated on the device to provide new features as they are demanded by the consumer, how is that not better? The content is there and more on the way, the device has received "thumbs-up" by everyone (including iPod users), the brand is currently in the works through a huge marketing campaign and the image of the product is as clear and perfect as of the Xbox's. Now, you may still disagree with me and think that the Zune is just another MP3 to have to deal with; on the contrary, Microsoft is finally providing actual competition for Apple's iPod, something that is good for consumers. Once you have two huge companies fighting to have the best product in people's hands, the only winner is the consumer. Microsoft sure doesn't like being #2 so make sure your iPod is still under the return policy because you might just want to give in. Am I being too biased? Maybe I am, but I know that for sure you are now too. Don't blame yourself, everyone wants an alternative. Welcome to the social.