Visit our podcast page over at the Zune website. You can subscribe via the Zune Marketplace or by using our feed in your favorite feed reader. Or download the MP3 file here.

• Hosts: Marques Lyons and Kaitlin McGaw
  
• Running Time: 30 minutes
• Intro and outro music by Shohei Urata
• Server space provided by Travis Pope and Paige Aiden

• In this episode Marques enjoys a Saturday afternoon conversation with Kaitlin McGaw, a singer/songwriter, founder of Alphabet Rockers, vocalist for The Simple Things and Senior Project Manager for the San Francisco chapter of the Grammy Recording Academy. In this chat we discuss the Grammys, Alphabet Rockers, experiences with musicians, the Simple Things and cooking skills, amongst other schtuff.

• Kaitlin's Official Website
• The Alphabet Rockers website
• Flashback: My interview with The Simple Things
• Pick up a free MP3 from "The Simple Things" here at Inside the Circle
• The Grammys
• Purchase the "Alphabet Rockers" or "Simple Things" album on Amazon

Thanks for listening!

Enjoy this vocal performance by Kaitlin.

The song is called "There's Only One Life"

An eagle-eyed member of our zune.net forums was able to find a workaround for those who want to use the Windows 7 RC. It's actually quite simple. Normally, when you try to install the update it will say that you need to update the computer first, but the computer won't have any updates. What's happening is that the computer wants you to move from the Win 7 RC to a retail version of Windows 7.

To bypass this, change the compatibility mode of the installation package to Vista SP2. To perform this right-click on the installation exe file and go into 'troubleshoot compatibility' or some variation there of. Change the compatibility mode to "Vista SP2" then try to run the installation.

It's also recommended that you download the full package install here instead of the small package install over at zune.net.

Much appreciation to CoolGamer512 for the suggestion. If it works for you, head over to the forums and give thanks to him.

Update: While I thought this was a good workaround, primarily because I figured it was using a function of Windows that makes applications compatible by making it work pretending you're using a different OS, Matt Akers was kind enough to break it down about why people with Win 7 RC are running into the non-installation issue.

Now color me crazy, but um: If I'm looking at this listing correctly there's an album with a video underneath it. Since the video seems to be numbered right after the album (and it's for one of the songs in said album), that could only entail that for 800 points you get the album and the video together. If that's the case, that's a pretty sweet deal.

I don't know how many (or what other) albums in the Marketplace seem to offer this (I was browsing around the Marketplace when I stumbled onto it), but I think that IS pretty cool.

I guess if you see an album cover with that symbol in the upper right (hadn't seen that symbol before), guess that means you'll see an offer like this. Thought that symbol, at first, meant that the album isn't available, but I guess not.

I do wonder if such a thing could work under Zune Pass, though, given that Zune Pass is for music only. Maybe they keep the video as 'album only' in that instance.

Can anyone else find albums in the Marketplace that have this type of listing?

Click the picture to enlarge it, if you need to.

Zune Nation is excited about the Zune 4.2 Software update. What was labeled as a maintenance update has turned out to provide more than expected as many websites are reporting on new features and future possibilities that arise from this update. While it is not my goal to cite every article on the subject, I did try to get the originator. Overall, I wanted to give you a rundown of what has changed in this update as seen through the websites of Zune Nation. In no particular order, here is what we have:

Twitter user Christo27 asked about something we discussed in Episode 12 of our podcast. His question turned out to be answered. The colors for playlist tiles have changed in the software from a flat pink to a black gradient. Since the Zune HD did not receive a firmware update, tiles on the device remain pink. A few other Twitter users also confirmed this fact. Yes, the Zune Team does listen.

 

 

Over at Curelworld’s Lifestream, Josh has a post about the Zune software now supporting AVI video files. While the software may support the files, he notes they still need to be converted before viewing on a Zune device.

 

 

Long Zheng, of istartedsomething, has some interesting looking product IDs for devices listed as phones in the new Zune drivers that were released as part of today’s update. The other interesting part is the fact that vendor IDs point back to Microsoft. This second part is corroborated by ZD Net columnist Ed Bott via his Twitter account. Also, Paul Thurrott hopes to see the Zune service on Windows Phones sooner rather than later.

 

Not everything is rosy in Zune Nation as UK blog My Microsoft Life reports that some features previously available internationally have been removed, it seems like only features related to Zune’s online services got the axe.  Switching to a US locale fixes the issue. Site owner Michael Gillett remains optimistic that an international version of the Zune software is soon to be released.

 

The same blog as above, My Microsoft Life, reports that Zune 4.2 brings a new Windows 7 library into the picture, Podcasts. They also report that the Zune software now supports all other default Windows 7 libraries for media management. Zune Spring is also happy to see the arrival of native Libraries support to the Zune software. If you have media that is monitored in a Windows 7 library but not in your Zune software collection, be prepared for a potential influx of files.

 

 

Finally, Zune Team Member Thomas Mis has posted a helpful FAQ about Zune 4.2. It appears the FAQ is directed to those who are unable to re-download previously purchased content or are wondering why protected WMA tracks can no longer be played in the new software. While addressing some Xbox specific Zune Video-related questions, the FAQ hints at a future Xbox update to address some console-related preview and purchase scenarios. Most suggestions, recommend calling Zune or Xbox Support. Overall I would take a look at the FAQ to see if it applies to you.

 

So, we see that today brings more than just a maintenance update to the Zune platform. Personally, the new updates are welcome. What about you? Are you missing any previously purchased tracks? Are you stoked about AVI support in the Zune software? Tell us below.

Don't get all crazy on me here.

Circle This: Episode #12: January Happenings in #ZuneNation

Visit our podcast page over at the Zune website. You can subscribe via the Zune Marketplace or by using our feed in your favorite feed reader. Or download the MP3 file here.

Show Notes:

• Hosts: Marques Lyons and Neville Williams
• Running Time: 37 Minutes
• Intro and outro music by Shohei Urata
• Server space provided by Travis Pope and Paige Aiden

Topics Covered:

• Zune Tune Playlists in the Zune Marketplace
  • Check out: ‘Zune Tune: Grammy Song of the Year’ Playlist [zune marketplace]
• Zune Nation “Sunday Drive” Community Playdate
  • Date: Sunday, January 31st
  • Time: 5-8pm PT / 8-11pm ET
  • Game: Burnout Paradise (regular or DLC version)
  • Hosts: tromboneforhire, King Quagmire, harlemS, Ultraman1970, gremlin job
• What would you want to change about Zune? Or, what should be added to Zune?
• REMINDER: Zune Service going down at 10pm PT / 1am ET for maintenance update
• Want a free t-shirt and a free month of Zune Pass? Answer the question in the podcast or on Twitter.

Link List:

• More about Zune Tune
• 1/31 ZuneNation Community Playdate on Xbox Live
  • Quagmire’s Kingdom run by King Quagmire
    • Xbox
    • Twitter
    • Homepage
  • Zune Spring run by HarlemS 
    • Xbox
    • Twitter
    • Homepage
• Twitter on Bing
  • 90 Days to Beat Google
• Our 2010 MVP Summit Coverage

Marketplace Recommendations:

• "Above the Rim" by Bell Biv Devoe [zune marketplace]
• "Invincible" by Adelitas Way [zune marketplace]
• "Take the Wheel" - Pacha Massive [zune marketplace]
• "Masiteladi (Feat. M)" - Amadou & Mariam [zune marketplace]

Thanks for listening!

LOS ANGELES – January 21, 2010 – Slamdance today announced a worldwide video content collaboration with Microsoft on both Zune and Xbox platforms. The initiative will launch during the Slamdance Film Festival (January 21-28, Park City, UT) on January 27, 2010 with a four film, 7-day program providing video rental throughout North America.

Zune video Marketplace will make the selected films available on video-on-demand across North America on both Zune and Xbox platforms. During this 7-day period movie fans have the opportunity to rent some of the same films being screened at the Slamdance Film Festival on their computers or through Xbox LIVE. Price per film rentals during the festivals will range from 600 to 880 Microsoft Points*.


Thereafter, the video content from Slamdance will expand worldwide through the Zune Marketplace with year-round programs featuring download to own and rental videos to the more than 20 million Zune and Xbox LIVE members. The first films in the collaboration include two documentaries and two narratives, showcasing Slamdance’s range of emerging diverse and independent voices.

Additional Slamdance films will be added to the program throughout the coming enabling Slamdance to give an international audience the Slamdance programming experience without being in Park City.

“We’re very excited to be the exclusive digital presenter of the Slamdance Film Festival and bring its unique festival experience to our millions of marketplace users,” said Paul Davidson, manager of Global Video Content for Zune Video Marketplace. We share their passion for nurturing and supporting new talent and by offering the films in the marketplace; we hope to do just that.”


Slamdance President and Co-Founder Peter Baxter says, “Slamdance has a true independent identity and proven track record of unearthing great films. It’s time now to be progressive and unleash our film programs outside of the festival and directly help filmmakers find popular, worldwide audiences. The standard of Slamdance films deserve this much and we believe the audience will respond.”

Films selected for Zune and Xbox distribution are:

Making its US premiere, American Jihadist (directed by Mark Claywell) examines the life and times of Isa Abdullah Ali, and African-American Muslim from the ghettos of Washington, DC, labeled a “known terrorist” by the U.S. Defense Department though he’s never been charged with any crime. Ali fought for six years in Lebanon and Bosnia and was shot multiple times for his religion. What makes a person willing to pick up a gun for their religion? Are the underlying causes purely religious? Or might religious militancy be a means of addressing chronic social, economic and political issues?  And what do the answers mean for the wider Islamic World? These questions underlie American Jihadist.

Adam Barker directs the documentary Mind of the Demon: The Larry Linkogle Story, a brutally honest look into the life and mind of one of the most out-spoken, forward-thinking, visionaries ever to come out of the motor-sports industry. Larry Linkogle is a world-record holding dirt-bike legend whose off-the-cuff antics and aggressive "never sell out" attitude was the spark that kick-started the entire freestyle motocross revolution. But as the new sport took off beyond expectations, so did Larry’s battles with his inner demons. A heart-wrenching account of the demise of the sport's most infamous legend, Mind of the Demon's timeline is told through incredible archival footage, and interviews with every top industry name. Past and present storylines intertwine to drive the film toward one of only two possible conclusions: the most unlikely inspirational comeback story of all time or a nosedive into a black hole of self-destruction. Narrated by Lemmy Kilmister of Motorheard, the film features interviews with sport talents including Carey Hart, Christian Fletcher, Mike Metzger, Seth Enslow and Jeff Emig among others.

The Scenesters is an innovative and quirky murder mystery that both honors and deconstructs the conventions of the classic 'who-done-it?' film noir. A dark comedy that uses the 'found footage' approach to storytelling, the film compiles supposed 'real' clips from a variety of sources - courtroom transcripts, crime scene videography, news reports, etc - all detailing how a group of Los Angeles twentysomethings got mixed up in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with a prolific serial killer. The film's soundtrack (and plot) features indie-rock favorites The Airborne Toxic Event, The Cribs, The Sonics, Wallpaper, Le Switch, and many many more. A film by Todd Berger, the film also stars Sherilyn Fenn, Suzanne May, Blaise Miller and Jeff Grace.

Making its world premiere, a modern medieval saga The Wild Hunt tells the story of Erik Magnusson, a young man who decides to follow his estranged girlfriend Evelyn into a medieval re-enactment game when he discovers that she has been seduced by one of the players. As the down-to-earth Erik treks deeper into the game in search of his love, he inadvertently disrupts the delicate balance of the make believe fantasy-land. Passions are unleashed. Rules are broken. Reality and fantasy collide. The good-hearted game turns into a tragedy of mythic proportion. Directed by Alexandre Franchi, the film’s cast includes Kaniehtiio Horn, Mark Anthony Krupa, and Ricky Mabe.


About Slamdance
As a year-round organization, Slamdance serves as a showcase for the discovery of new and emerging talent and is dedicated to the nurturing and development of new independent artists and their cinematic vision.  For the 2010 Festival, Slamdance received a record number of over 5,000 submissions. Slamdance Film Festival, presented again by Kodak, will run concurrently with the Sundance Film Festival, January 21-28, 2010 in Park City, Utah. Slamdance lives by its mantra: "By Filmmakers, For Filmmakers."  No other festival is fully programmed by filmmakers. Slamdance counts among its alumni many notable writers and directors who first gained notice at the festival, including Christopher Nolan, Marc Forster and Jared Hess. Oren Peli’s “Paranormal Activity” originally acquired from Slamdance has since grossed over $100 million at the Box Office and become Paramount’s most profitable film ever. New filmmakers and writers today realize Slamdance is a great place to launch their careers. For more information, log onto www.slamdance.com and follow Slamdance on Twitter and Facebook.

* Microsoft Points can be purchased on Zune.net, Xbox.com, from the Zune PC software or Xbox LIVE. Microsoft Points are available in the following quantities; 500 Microsoft Points for $6.25, 1000 Microsoft Points for $12.50, 2000 Microsoft Points for $25.00, 5000 Microsoft Points for $62.50 (USD)

Can't sleep. But I'm sure I'll knock out as soon as I get to bed.

And here you go...

[Image Source: Telegraph.co.uk]

No, there are no Zombies coming to the Zune Marketplace… at least not yet.

Seriously, there is some downtime coming up. On Monday, January 25, after 10pm Pacific Time (1am for the ‘Right’ Coast) all Zune services (Marketplace, Zune.net, Zune Pass, Zune Video on Xbox) will be inaccessible on account of scheduled maintenance. All services should be online again within 24 hours. In the meantime, plan accordingly and be sure to get any music, movie, TV show, podcast available in the Zune Marketplace, at Zune.net, or Zune Video on Xbox before 10pmPT/1amET on January 25th. For the media already on your Xbox, PC, Zune, everything should continue to be playable during the downtime. Albums scheduled to be released on Tuesday, January 26, will be available as soon as all Zune services are back online.

When Zune services come back online all Zune users will need to update their PC software. In addition to the new software, owners of first and second generation devices (Zunes in the 4, 8, 16, 30, 80, and 120 GB flavors) will have a required firmware update. Zune HD owners will not have to update their devices’ firmware. It is important to note, this update is not related to new features announced at CES 2010.

Consider yourself informed and once 10pm/1am rolls around, Zune with caution. For more information keep it tuned to the Zune Forums.

We are now less than a month away from February 16th, 2009. Why is that important? It's the date by which hundreds of Microsoft MVPs descend on Bellevue, WA to participate in this year's MVP Global Summit. The Global Summit is a week long event by which MVPs can have face-to-face meetings and discussions with the various product teams. It's a time when we can directly offer feedback from our communities while, at the same time, getting information about the current roadmaps that the product teams plan to take.

You can see my coverage of the 2009 MVP Global Summit here.

Last year was a pretty awesome experience as the Zune MVPs got to talk to the product team about the future of Zune and what you in the community were saying that you wanted to see in future iterations of the product. Since then we've had the Zune HD, Zune 4.0 and Zune on XBOX 360. Each of those events were well received so one can only imagine what will be part of the plans for 2010.

Neville also pointed out that the Mobile World Congress will be taking place during the same week as MVP Summit. It is during this event that Microsoft will start to peel back the covers and show people what they are planning as far as the next version of their Windows Mobile software. It's also during this time that the 2010 Winter Olympics will be going on up north in Vancouver.

Last year, I made it a point to give you guys a chance to start locking down any feedback that you wanted brought up during our 2 days of meetings with Zune. This year is no different. Feel free to leave in the comments ideas, thoughts, concerns and comments about what you wish Zune would do this year? Do you want to see digital copies of movies more easily accessible and easily transferred to Zune devices? Do you want to see a Zune Pass for video? Is there any way the Marketplace can be improved? How about your experiences with Zune Social? Do you even HAVE experiences with Zune Social? How's Smart DJ working out for you?

Feel free to leave any and all thoughts. They will be collected and taken up to the Summit with us. We'll try to address as many of them as we can and we hope to once again come out of the Summit as excited about 2010 as we were when the Summit took place back in March of 2009.

So let's hear it... what would you like to see?

Most remember a long time ago, when myself and Shane DeSeranno, from the Zune team began this community hashtag called #zunetune. The idea was that people via Twitter could submit songs to this large community-generated playlist of music for others to check out. While Shane was great in making a bit of software that could harness those tweets and create a playlist, the problem was that people had to routinely check for the updated file and place that file in their playlists folder.

The wonderful folks at Zune have taken the #zunetune hashtag and asked members of Zune Nation to submit songs that they thought should've been nominated for Grammy "Song of the Year". 15 of those songs have been officially made into a Mixtape under the Zune Tune umbrella.

To reach it, when you open the Zune software, click on Marketplace to Music to Playlists. It should be under "New Additions" (at the time of this writing) and is officially called "Zune Tune: Grammy Song of the Year".

If I may say it's so fantastic to see a community-generated playlist (especially a #zunetune playlist) get into the Marketplace so that anyone with the Zune software can check it out.

Kudos to #ZuneNation and Zune. You hit one out of the park!

All three days look pretty kick ass. I would absolutely love to go see Them Crooked Vultures, Calle 13, Vampire Weekend (download Horchata for free), Passion Pit. Muse, MGMT, Aterciopelados. Gorillaz, De La Soul, Matt & Kim.

I'm sure Marques wouldn't mind seeing deadmau5 and Kaskade in desert heat.

• The official Coachella website
• Their Facebook page
• Tickets go on sale 22 Jan 2010
• Get your Tweet on
• The place for friends
• YouTube
  

Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to Hermosa Beach, CA (through the rainy weather) to check out an acoustic guitar performance by Thomas Ian Nicholas at the Saint Rocke venue. If that name kind of rings a bell with you, he's the guy who starred in "Rookie of the Year" and "American Pie I, II and III". Yes, that guy. Turns out he also has a love for music as well as acting. This particular performance wasn't with his full band, but you can best believe that he has a great energy and charisma on stage.

Thomas (T, as he's known to some) performed both songs from his recently released album "Without Warning" and tracks from a forthcoming album due April 2010. Incidentally one of those songs "Color Outside the Lines" seemed to be the big hit with the crowd as people were already wishing they could have that in the car to play on the way home. I have to admit that I found the song to be catchy and cool myself.

Throughout his set (which for my money was way too short), Thomas was able to interact well with the crowd and show great fire during his performance. At one point he even started a song a little too fast but was able to cover it up, kick it off at the right tempo and blaze on through. I also have to give great kudos to the sound guy who did a fantastic job blending the guitar and the voice so that one didn't overpower the other.

Prior to, and after, the show I had the chance to have some conversation with Thomas -- Yes, folks some actors can be down to Earth people who don't mind chatting with you over a drink. He told me this funny story about a group that was so excited to be performing with him that they had the movie "Rookie of the Year" playing in the background during the performance (Yes, I would refrain from such tactics).

Before leaving, I scored Thomas' "Without Warning" CDs (both the acoustic and the full band versions). I know most people would've tried to score a free one or something like that, but I gladly offered to pay full fare for this. It's what you do when you're showing support for musicians and their craft: you purchase their merchandise, tell your friends, show up at the shows, have a good time, congratulate them at the end.

I want to thank Thomas for the great way to cap off a weekend and especially for signing the two CDs that I purchased from him. If you have the chance to check him out when he's in your town, I highly recommend it.

If you want to know more about Thomas Nicholas as an actor, click here or as a musician, click here!

Visit our podcast page over at the Zune website. You can subscribe via the Zune Marketplace or by using our feed in your favorite feed reader. Or download the MP3 file here.

Show Notes:

• Hosts: Marques Lyons and Neville Williams
• Running Time: 45 Minutes
• Intro and outro music by Shohei Urata
• Server space provided by Travis Pope and Paige Aiden

Topics Covered:

•  Marques' recent trip to CES
• The various booth setups
• 3D technology
  
• The Microsoft booth
• Playing with XBOX Game Room
• Showcasing Bing!
• Checking out the Zune display
• The various parties and nightlife events
• ....and more
  

Link List:

• Some video from the show floor 
• Marques pictures from CES 
  

Marketplace Recommendations:

• "Party in the USA" by Miley Cyrus [zune marketplace]
• "Full Circle" by Miley Cyrus [zune marketplace]
• "My Boobs Are Ok" by Lene Alexandra [zune marketplace] [music video]
  
• "That's Not My Name" by the Ting Tings [zune marketplace]

Thanks for listening!

So a good friend of mine, Mike (by the way, ask him about his DJ mixes -- boy's got some talent) took me to see three of our favorite house music DJs last night. Now I've been a club goer for a good few years. I've been to dive bars, upscale clubs, you name it. It was finally at the club we went to last night that I finally realized there are certain things that can totally ruin your nightclub experience. So indulge me while I rattle off a few things that just gets under my skin.

Also note that everything here isn't necessarily because of the club last night. This is just stuff I've noticed in my years of hanging out with friends and such.

The pretentious "look at that line" scenario: Geez, this is retarded. Let me get this straight: we will have a bunch of people stand outside in 45 degree weather because to the few people that flow by (who are smart enough to be on their way to a much better venue) our place will look super busy and they'll want to stop and see what's going on. You know what? Stop the madness. You know how to make your club look busy? Let people in to actually do stuff. No one has time to be standing outside turning into an icicle hoping that you'll be kind enough to let them pass through your 3 stages of hell to get in your front door.

Let groups of guys in: I know that sounds crazy, but let's just pretend for a second that these groups of guys showed up with money. Oh wait, they did. And you know what? Men are dumb. If they even remotely think they have a shot of getting laid later in the evening, you best believe they're buying shots and drinks for everyone in sight. So why are you letting this batch of cash waddle and wander on the outside when they could be inside giving your girl bartender enough tips to pay for tuition simply because she bends forward really well while making a Long Island Iced Tea?

Money for nothing and say what? You know, for the amount of money I just spent trying to get through your front door, you think they would at least greet me with a free cocktail: Parking: $25, Cover charge: $20. That's $45 bucks, son. So can a brotha have a complementary Adios!?

Ladies, get over yourselves: Just because I'm bumping into you trying to make my way through the dance floor doesn't mean I'm trying to brush against your breasts or feel your butt. Matter of fact, I'm trying to duck for cover since you seem to have no sense of direction and enjoys dancing like you have no skeletal frame. And don't ever ask yourself: "Why do all of these men have to keep looking at me?" It's probably because you're basically naked and you're 'dipping it slow, bringing it up slow, rolling all around, pop it out and all of that'.

Men, get over yourselves: Geezus, fellas, can we just make our intentions any more obvious? Why don't you just walk up to the girl and place your face between her breasts and give her a brumsky!? Seriously, what are you waiting for? Why not just whisper in her ear the great words of Ludacris: "If I take one more drink, I'm gon end up fking you!"


Quit fkn with the DJ: Hey, drunkie! The DJ is trying to spin. They can't spend every waking second trying to give you a hi-five, or a wink and a nod. They don't have time to hear your story about how you first listened to them when you were 12 (you know, 4 years ago!). Ease back and enjoy the music. Think you can do that?

Let the photographer do his thing: What's with people actually stopping the photographer and saying "Take my picture". If he/she wanted your picture, they would stop YOU. So now the photographer has to try and make you look good on camera, while you're trying to make the best "See really, I'm not drunk" expression that you can (and failing). Really, let the photographer walk around and get the best shots of people enjoying themselves. Let it be their discretion.

Just a few other things!

• Men, wash your hands before leaving the bathroom! You already screwed up the aim now you want to show people where it REALLY landed. No son, use the sink, soap and towels!
• Please don't yell out how much you like a song and then mumble your way through the lyrics. You don't like the song, you like the beat.
• Dear clubgoer who is lost in the music and dancing the night away: God bless you. We need more folks like you!
• How is that I could be standing on the dance floor, you come in my space, start dancing, bump all into me and then blame me for ruining your flow? Can I say then that you ruined my eyesight by wearing that imploded Skittle bag you call an outfit!?
• That's right! The valet guy is going to be retrieving my TOYOTA COROLLA! What!?

These are a few of my favorite things. Do you have things about going out that irritate you? Please share.

More free music to satiate your MP3 sweet tooth...

I've been visiting with my extended family in Arizona since the 21st of December.. I didn't know it could get so cold here. Central AZ is mostly known for its excruciatingly, unbearable heat; 36ºF at night is not something I expected.

I hear that some parts of the country are covered in some cold stuff called snow.



Maybe these free downloads will keep you warm:

• The free five from Urban Outfitters
• Tony Dize (pronounced "dice") featuring Don Omar and Ken-Y with El Doctorado remix

  

A friend asked me about how to get more recommendations from the Picks section of Zune’s Marketplace. Mostly, I wrote what is in the talk bubble:

“To see another pick, click the right-most arrow from the controls that pop-up when you pause your cursor over an album or artist recommendation.”

However, I thought I would share how to go about this as I am sure she was not the only one to have this question. Remember, the more music you listen to, the better Picks will get at recommending tracks. Just because you happen to play and download one rap song (Got Money by Lil Wayne), recommended by a friend, does not mean you should be content with seeing rap recommendations in your Picks. A tip to consider for rocker chicks who want their rock and roll.

Ok, that title was a bit far-fetched I know, but you're reading the post now so let me get right to it. Everyone's now trying to read tea leaves on a wall. Recently folks have been fixated on some comments by Robbie Bach about the potential of Zune as a media service and where it could possibly end up stamping it's name. It's nice that people are talking about Zune in this fashion, but I can't understand why people still act like it's something entirely new or earth shattering every time folks like Robbie Bach open their mouth.

Remember, Microsoft is talking about a "3 screens and a cloud" strategy. Zune is already on 2 of these three screens. The PC (through the Zune software) and the TV (through the XBOX 360). But wait, you say, isn't it on 3 screens because of the portable Zune HD? Yes, you would be correct, but I don't see Zune HD as the penultimate portable device. Granted, the Zune HD is a great product, which -- quite frankly -- I wish was the 2nd Gen device, but Microsoft, remember, has a much larger imprint on the mobile space.

Zune as a software+services solution has been talked about for a while now. The Zune HD, in my opinion, serves as a way to show mobile device makers the kind of potential things you can do when you make Zune your media conduit for consumers.

Yet, where would you find the largest concentration of on-the-go people who want access to their media? Folks with a mobile phone!

What's the benefit? Zune HD is something that's great, but you have to be in a WiFi hotspot (or connected to your PC) to really benefit from some of the features. Phones, on the other hand, are "always on". They are always connected to the internet (albeit through data plans) and, as such, would be able to consistently access to the Wi-Fi Zune Marketplace and all of its content offerings.

Imagine being able to turn on your mobile phone and saying that you wanted to check out the latest Jay-Z album (The Blueprint X, maybe!?). You wouldn't have to wait to get to a Starbucks. Just fire up the Zune mobile software on your phone (let's say) and check out the new album. Will that be done by streaming? Don't see why not. Will that have downloading capabilities? With the way the mobile devices are consistently upping the amount of storage available, maybe you could nab yourself a few albums to try.

Then you think about something like Smart DJ, which has been announced will be part of the firmware within the Zune HD device. Now you'll be able to have the Zune HD go out into your synced collection and the Zune Wi-Fi Marketplace and create on-the-go playlists based around music that you like. Again, when you're in Starbucks that Wi-Fi connection is all well and good. But you know we're such an ADD society, we would want that instant gratification. What if you wanted your content while riding the bus? What if you wanted it while in the car on the 15 Freeway headed to Vegas?

Now, I myself am just reading tea leaves and trying to piece together what could possibly happen given what's been going on in the past and as of late. Will any of this pan out and materialize only time will tell, but sometimes you just have to really look at the dots on the sheet of paper and try to figure out where they best connect.

All of this, also, lends itself to plenty of questions: What about video? podcasts? Will devices be designed to handle things in the same fashion as the Zune HD does (with having the Tegra chip at its core)? Will Zune Social play any larger role in these scenarios (meaning will it update the plays that I do from other mobile devices). How will those mobile devices that I would like to use work with the Zune software?

Visit our podcast page over at the Zune website. You can subscribe via the Zune Marketplace or by using our feed in your favorite feed reader. Or download the MP3 file here.

Show Notes:

• Hosts: Marques Lyons and Neville Williams
• Running Time: 57 Minutes
• Intro and outro music by Shohei Urata
• Server space provided by Travis Pope and Paige Aiden

Topics Covered:

• Congratulations to Travis Pope on becoming a Zune MVP(!)
• Check out 360 Junkies’ forums to talk music with moderators Marques and Travis
• Writers wanted
• CES 2010 thoughts, including Zune news
• Zune Tips on managing music on your device:
• Using Smart DJ Playlists
• Using Zune Marketplace channels
• Sync Groups and sync settings
• Making smart syncing choices with podcasts and videos
• Using Auto-Playlists
• Syncing Zune cards
• Using multiple devices
• Favorite Movie and TV shows in the Zune Marketplace

Link List:

• 360 Junkies
• Twitter
• Homepage
• Forums
• Travis Pope MVP Profile
• Zune Spring
• Twitter
• Homepage
• Forums
• Zune.net Syncing FAQ
• Our CES 2010 Coverage

Marketplace Recommendations:

• “Manteca” by GRP All-Star Big Band [zune marketplace]
• “Lifeline” by Papa Roach [zune marketplace]
• “The Girl Got Hot” by Weezer [zune marketplace]
• “Sleepyhead” by Passion Pit [zune marketplace]

Thanks for listening!

Bringing you weekly doses of free music goodies...

I remember starting these things called "Social Soundtracks" where people would submit songs around a given theme. It was actually one of the first things I created when I became a member of Zune Social. So I thought I'd bring it back for a moment.

You see, I'm going to be driving to Las Vegas. So I'm looking forward to leaving my house at 5am (6am, if I decide on breakfast) and heading out onto the 15 Freeway towards the bright lights, the blackjack tables and the Consumer Electronics Show.

So here's where I could use some input. What are some good songs that would be ideal for on-the-road listening. You can submit whatever songs you want. I'll create a playlist out them tonight (and tomorrow morning, before I leave).

So tell me, #ZuneNation, what are some good road traveling tracks!?

I figured this would only help those who want to view our site through some sort of mobile device. The actual URL to access our mobile site is long (currently, too long for you to be typing in). Therefore, in your favorite mobile browser, take a few minutes and type this TinyURL: http://tinyurl.com/yc2yksq. When the mobile site loads, go ahead and bookmark it.

This was put to the forefront because I'd like to access the blog through my mobile phone, so why not make it easier for myself and for everyone around me? :P

It's powered by Google Reader and I hope this helps our readers on-the-go access our content better.

Thanks, guys!

Instantly create a customized playlist through the PC or Zune HD player (new; spring 2010) simply by selecting a song, album or artist.

This little tidbit was hidden in the fact sheet that talked about Zune. Sounds to me like that's saying you'll be able to create Smart DJ playlists soon using the device and not having to create through the software first. Oh, and in the fact sheet Facebook will be available sometime in January.

Discuss.

I know there are people who think that Microsoft MVPs all got advanced copies of the Ballmer and Bach keynote for CES, but um, we didn't. I'm gonna be like everyone else at home, checking out the live stream of the keynote tonight and seeing what Microsoft has to unveil. They're setting the tone for the CES show, the year 2010 and the start of a new decade, so I'm hoping that they bring the thunder.

For corn's sake Microsoft don't go all WWE on us and get complacent. You have a Monday Night War brewing with Apple and Google. Show us some meat, make it sizzle, put some A1 steak sauce on that sumbitch! That's good eatin'...

Zune-wise, I could only think that they would announce any new important partnerships for the TV and Movie side of Zune Marketplace or any other important integration with XBOX 360 -- specifically, allowing Zune to do something about that God-awful music interface that's sitting there now on my XBOX dashboard. Am I the only one who would totally enjoy having the now-playing stuff on my XBOX 360 instead of those acid-trip visualizations that they use now?

Everyone also seems to be giddy about Windows Mobile 7. Interesting because I own an HTC Pure, with Windows Mobile 6.5 and I don't even use the actual WinMo UI. I use the HTC Touch Flo UI. So I'm curious to see what they plan to do to finally bring themselves into 2008, er 2010 -- you know what I mean.

One thing I hope they don't do is that mess of a presentation where they try to show you what the future could look like. You know, where they say shizz like "If I decide I want to hear a bedtime story, I could walk over to my wall, touch it and up pops a virtual bookcase. I touch a book and a soothing voice (presumably an audiobook) begins to play over the 9.34 surround sound in the room. Should I decide I want to take that audiobook with me, I put my ZUNEXBOXHD360 on the nightstand and in the morning the entire book is all sync'd and ready to go".

Yeah, you know what? Stop telling me about that unless you can deliver it within 2 years.

Now overall, I expect to see some wonderful things coming out of CES, from Microsoft and all of the tech companies. This decade could be one of great innovation and design. I think companies are shooting for something like the "consolidated living space" where you don't need tons of different tech plugged everywhere to get the best experience. I think companies are shooting for having you get one or two devices that will do everything you need it do. It'll be the firmware within these devices that really push them forward and give them longevity.

On an unrelated note, the People's Choice Awards are tonight as well. You can join me on Twitter as I proceed to skew the entire show :-) I've enjoyed doing this with award shows, so let's see what goes down at the major event where, according to them, the people decide who are the real winners and losers.

I hope you listen to different genres of music and music from different parts of the world in different languages.
If not, I'm sure you've figured out that this site is a good start.

From Chocó, Columbia, 2009 Latin Grammy nominated Choc Quib Town periodically offers their fans some free music.