Zune 3.1

Last week, I officially ended the use of my 120GB iPod Classic.  I ended up selling it to someone who could use it more than I, and I'm okay with that.  I'm back to using a Zune again, though this time an 8GB one.  Yes, I could go back to the 80GB, but I want something that fits in my pocket completely comfortably.  It's also forced me to whittle down my music collection to stuff that I really want to take with me, as opposed to everything I have.  The Zune makes it really easy to "vote songs off" by using a simple rating system.  Anything that I rate "broken hearted" automatically gets pulled off the Zune the next time I sync, making space for other songs that I might want to listen too.  Yes, with the iPod, I could create a Smart Playlist that only syncs songs of certain ratings, but this is much simpler and more intuitive.  The move from Leopard to Windows 7 (watch for an update on that soon) also means that I have wifi-syncing capabilities again (something that was broken while using VMWare Fusion under Leopard).  While not as fast as USB syncing, it is REALLY convenient.  Also back is the Zune Pass, allowing me to download any music I want, and opening up the possibilities of The Social.  Picks and Channels give me weekly updated plalists that expose me to new music.

Yesterday, Microsoft suprised us all with a .1 update that, on the surface, added some more games, but also improved syncing of media between the desktop software and the player.  I'm hoping this means that resume points in videos will now sync; I've been watching movies on my Zune 8 lately, and I noticed that when going to the desktop and watching the video, it doesn't resume (like iTunes and iPods do).  Here's Microsoft's official listing, care of Zune Insider:

"Starting today, Zune gets a little update which will bring a handful of free games, a refresh to Zune Social and incremental improvements to the software.
On the games front, we are giving away three new additions, Checkers, Sudoku and Space Battle, plus a new multiplayer mode and single player difficulty levels for Texas Hold’em.
The team also did some great work the Zune Social visual refresh to make it easier to navigate, as well as adding a new feature called “like minded listeners,” which will let you see how compatible your music tastes are with other listeners and friends.
On the more techie side we focused on improving overall stability and performance in the Zune PC software and device firmware, such as improved play count reporting and content synchronization between the Zune software and the Zune device."

 

They also tossed up a few screens of the new games:

   

While I can't speak for Soduku (I've never played it, IRL or on the Zune) or Checkers, Space Battle is insanely fun.  If memory serves me correctly, this is the game that was shown way back when Games for Zune was announced, and a game I've been waiting for.  Anyway, give it all a check out if you have a Zune and haven't updated yet!

 

Along with this announcement, Microsoft also announced a price drop on the flash Zunes (4, 8, and 16 modesl) along with most accessories.  It looks like they might be taking a serous aim at Apple this holiday season!

EDIT:
Microsoft today announced that Zune Pass subscribers will now get 10 free songs a month to keep forever!  If you have a Zune, why would you NOT be a Zune Pass subscriber now?  It greatly enhances the Zune, and you get free music to keep, even if you cancel your membership!  Microsoft is really turning up the heat, and now with 90% (according to them) of their Marketplace library being DRM free MP3 files, they are really positioning themselves to take on the iPod.  So let's recap: in the past few days, Microsoft has: A) updated the firmware for ALL Zunes (even back to first generation 30s), B) dropped the prices on the flash Zunes (4, 8, and 16 models) and most accesories and, C) added incredible value to the Zune Pass subscription. Apple, are you taking notes?  If Microsoft ever makes the Zune Mac (and possibly Linux) compatible, Apple might have a serious problem on their hands...