The Zune desktop software will also be getting some improvements with Mixview and a new Now Playing page which both offer new graphical and interactive ways to browse and view your library. And the new firmware will also bring support for a couple of games, audiobooks (supports Audible), and real ebooks through OverDrive. Most of those are great, but I wouldn’t recommend trying to read a whole book on a Zune. Anyways if you are interested in getting a new Zune, starting on September 16th, pricing will be set at $250 for a 120GB HDD model, $229 for a 80GB HDD model, $199 for a 16GB SSD model, and $149 for a 8GB SSD model. Apple is also rolling out new iPods today, so I might suggest holding off until the end of the day if you happen to be deciding between the two.

Links: Zune.net

Microsoft announced two new Zune players today in addition to new software, social features, and marketplace store. Both new Zunes will sport features such as a new touch-pad technology labeled “Zune Pad” and wireless music sync with network computers. The first model is available only in black, holds 80GB of media on a standard hard-drive, has a 3.2-inch screen, is 1/3 thinner than the original, and comes with “premium” headphones. The second announced Zune is flash-based, available in 4GB & 8GB capacities, has a 1.8-inch display and is offered in pink, green, black, and red. In addition to supporting playback of music, photos, and videos both Zunes have a built-in FM Tuner.

The most notable feature by far is the Wireless Sync, which allows owners with wireless networks to setup automated sync with their computer. With this feature, the Zune can keep up to date with the latest downloaded podcasts or any new media added to the computer. Songs can also be shared between Zunes wirelessly and can be kept without time restrictions. Since the new devices are also compatible with Windows Media Center, any recorded show can be transfered seamlessly to a Zune. The unit now supports MP4 and H.264 formats in addition to WMV.

The upcoming upgrade to the Marketplace will include a directory to thousands of podcasts, millions of DRM-Free songs, a new layout, social networking features, and plenty more. The new Zune Pass, costing $15/month, will offer access to unlimited amounts of music downloads. The best part of the new announcement may just be the fact that Microsoft will continue to completely support the original Zune by releasing a firmware upgrade which will include all the the features the new Zune has. As for the new models they will be in November costing $250 for the 80GB model, $200 for 8GB, and $150 for 4GB.

Links: Zune.net (Offical Site)
Pre-Order: View All Zunes

UPDATE: Microsoft has just confirmed that the Zune will be available on November 13th!

Shure recently introduced the more affordable SE110 Sound Isolating Earphones, which are aimed more towards average consumers. This is great purchase for iPod, ZEN, and Zune owners plus for those who wish to listen to music on their computers. Even though these earphones are the furthest down on Shure’s product line, with their MicroSpeaker and Sound Isolating technologies, these will offer an incomparably better performance than generic headphones included with your media player.

In addition, as always, Shure will include a variety of Sound Isolating Sleeves (aka. earpieces) in three sizes to ensure that they will fit your specific ear. The headset’s cable is also modular, including a 3-foot extension for personal customization. Other than extra ear pieces and cable, Shure also throws in a carrying case. And finally it come standard with a Two-Year Warranty.

The SE110 will be available in stores in just two weeks, September 17th to be exact. It’s MSRP is set at $119, however will be available in retail stores for just $99! Shure also offers a variety of accessories including music phone adapters. We’ll be getting a pair to review very soon, so check back! Meanwhile, please take a look at our review of Shure’s $150 SE210 from earlier this year.

UPDATE: Shure SE110 Earphones Review

Links: Shure SE110
Related: Shure SE210 Review

Bill Gates started off the Microsoft CES keynote with his thoughts on the rapid advancement that the technology market has undergone in recent years, and quickly tied it all into the release of Windows Vista and the importance of the new operating system. Other than Vista’s features, the keynote included information about their new Windows Home Server, Live Anywhere, Xbox IPTV, and a big deal with Ford Motors.

Vista’s ShadowCopy:
A neat feature, showcased by Justin Hutchinson, is called ShadowCopy, which in essence provides Vista with another safety net from human error. In short, it allows users who accidentally saved an incorrect version of a document or overwrote the wrong file to “restore previous versions of [the] document with just a couple of clicks” The feature is a lot like the current System Restore, but works on an individual file level. “It’s better than going back in time,” joked Justin (referring to OSX’s Time Machine).

Vista’s GroupShot:
Continuing with Vista, Hutchinson described how the Ultimate version of Vista will include downloadable extras for those of us willing to shell out the extra money for this particular version. One of the more impressive downloadable programs is Groupshot, which allows users to select parts of different pictures and combine them into one for a better overall image. The aim of this program is to fix awkward facial expressions of an individual in a series of group shots, where the face of a person in one image can be transplanted over onto his or her face in another image.

DreamScene Backgrounds:
Another Ultimate Extra is found in the form of DreamScene, which allows users to use full motion video as a desktop background. This feature will probably only be recommendable for those who have enough graphics horsepower to spare after having turned on Aero Glass, not to mention the patience to deal with a distracting video playing in the background.

Virtual Earth 3D:
After a brief Vista discussion, the topic changed to the Virtual Earth 3D technology that’s part of the Windows Live network. Using an Xbox 360 controller, Hutchinson was able to fly a camera around in a fully three dimensional recreation of Sin City. The concept felt a lot like Google Earth with SketchUp, but it’s always nice to see competition.

Windows Home Server:
The next item of interest was the mention of a project that Microsoft has worked on with HP, called Windows Home Server. As the name implies, this will be network attached device that will be available to multiple PCs, Xbox consoles, the Zune music players and any other compatible devices. They can be used for backups or additional storage. Expect to see the HP Media Smart Server in stores later on in the second half of this year.

“Live” Anywhere:
With Windows Vista, Microsoft will be introducing the concept of Live Anywhere, which basically amounts to being able to play a game, like Uno, on your Vista machine with someone else playing on their Xbox 360, and vice versa. In the future the service will support more “hardcore games.”

Xbox 360 Gets TV:
The entertainment experience doesn’t stop with Live Anywhere. Microsoft also plans to provide its customers with a wide variety of TV content, which it will soon be offering in four different ways.

• 1) HD-DVD – the new addon for the Xbox 360 will provide HD video. More units will be shipped out since they are in “incredibly high” demand.
• 2) Media Center PC – recorded and live TV content can be accessed on the Xbox 360 by networking it with one of these PCs.
• 3) Xbox Live Video – the recently launched service allows users to download HD and SD movies onto the console. The service already has a thousand hours of content. And it’s really simple, because the Xbox is already on the internet and, it’s connected to a big [screen].
• 4) IPTV – with just a simple internet connection and a Xbox 360, you soon can receive standard TV channels (live) over the internet. Microsoft is planning on turning the 360 into a Top Set Box soon after gaining support from third-party telephony companies such as AT&T, Deutsche Telekom, C-Com and SwissCom.

The new IPTV service will be able to handle both standard and high definition streaming for a variety of different channels. The software includes picture-in-picture support, recording, and other TiVo-type features. The service will NOT be free, but will be much cheaper than paying regular cable and extra equipment. (great for college students)

Ford Motors:
The final major announcement to come forth from the CES keynote was that Microsoft has partnered up with the Ford Motor Company to offer a “fully integrated, voice activated, in-car communications and entertainment system for mobile phones and digital music players.” This Ford exclusive, called “Synch”, will support Bluetooth, phone book syncing, three way calling, and text-to-speech reading for text messages. Not only will it be compatible with the Zune and the iPod, but as a bonus there will also be a USB port for Flash Thumb Drives.

Watch: Bill Gates’s Keynote (requires Windows Media Player)
Links: Microsoft at CES 2007
Related: CES: Verizon – Mobile TV

Are you a sick of the current Windows XP theme? Well you are in luck. Microsoft has released a second theme package for WinXP called the “Zune Theme”, which was created to help promote their iPod-like mp3 player, the Zune. Other than for the background, which can obviously be changed, there is no hidden Zune advertising embedded anywhere. The theme is simply a modification of the Royale Theme, which we mentioned earlier this year, except that it is a glossy black theme instead of blue.

Installation is quite simple. Just run the “.msi” installation file and once complete right-click on your anywhere desktop and select properties. Choose the “Appearance” tab and under “Windows and Buttons” select the new style. Hit apply and wait a few seconds for the theme to load.

(P.S. Click image at the top to get a larger view of the new Zune Theme in action)

Download: ZuneDesktopTheme.msi
Related: Royale Theme For Windows XP

In case you don’t already know, Microsoft’s stab at Apple’s iPod, the Zune, will be released on November 14, 2006 for a retail price of $249. The Microsoft Zune features 30GB of storage, WiFi for sharing music, photos, or videos, a FM Tuner, and a bright 3″ LCD display. The Zune supports playback of WMA, MP3, AAC, and music purchased from the “Zune Marketplace”. (also supports WMV, MP4, and H.264 video formats) As displayed in the image above, the Zune will initially be available in three colors: black, brown, or white. Unlike iPods the Zune will only be available in one storage capacity size, 30GB.

The Zune does in fact offer some better features than the iPod. These include WiFi for sharing media and a much larger and brighter screen for video playback. The Zune is reasonably priced at $250, which is the same as that of the 30GB iPod, making it a possible competitor to the Apple iPod. Even so, it is unlikely that Microsoft will win this market, since the Apple is already on their 5th generation iPod, while Microsoft is just pushing out a first generation device. (also need to explain what a “zune” is)

Links: Microsoft Zune $250 (white)
Related: Microsoft Zune PressRoom