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Microsoft sure has been busy with their Zune lately.  First, they announce a new 3.1 software update which includes a few free games and now they are set to cut prices on the Zune. 

The price cuts aren’t jaw-dropping, but they are pretty nice, nonetheless.  Price cuts around the holiday season might just do the trick to persuade some potential PMP buyers to go with the cheaper Zune.  The 4GB version’s price goes down to $99.  Meanwhile, the 8GB model goes from $149 to $139.  The last model, the 16GB model, goes down by $20, from $199 to $179.  If you want to pick up some Zune accessories to go with your new Zune, then you will be happy to know that Microsoft has also cut prices on several Zune products. 

More after the break.

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Today, Microsoft has officially released the new 3.1 update for the Zune, which comes with a few major additions such as four new games as well as some general improvements. 

First, let’s begin with the new game updates.  Checkers, Sudoku, Space Battle, and a multiplayer version as well as a single player mode of Texas Hold’em have all been made available for free.  Apple has many more games available, but some of them cost money.  I’m sure Zune users will be happy to know that they can get some free high quality games.  The above picture of what the Texas Hold’em splash screen would look like on the Zune.  Continued after the break.

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One of the things Apple has on Microsoft (among many) is that they have a fully functional online store available in many countries around the world.  Not until recently, Microsoft only had online stores set up in countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and Korea.  However, they unveiled a website for the United States, which sells many Microsoft products such as Office 2007, games, Xbox 360 components, and Zune products. 

Microsoft essentially has two ways of getting the products you requested to you.  The first way is the traditional shipment delivery method.  Basically, after you order something, it will be shipped to your within however much time it specifies.  The other way, which is more modern, to get what you purchased to you is via download.  Continued after the break.

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Sections: Computers, Desktops, Laptops, Gaming, Accessories, Games, Web, Downloads, Websites

Usually, Canada has to pay more for the same technology we Americans enjoy for a cheaper price.  We can often be thankful that we can get the same item for cheaper here than Canada.  However, a Canadian retailer, Future Shop, has put up a listing for the Microsoft Zune Second Gen 8GB player - one that will make you pretty surprised. 

Future Shop is listing the 8GB player 149.99 CAD, but after a 50 CAD discount, it becomes 99.99 CAD.  That price, 99.99 CAD, is equivalent to about $82, which is more than $50 cheaper than any 8GB Zune you can find in the United States.  In case you live in Canada and want to take advantage of this offer, you better do it quick because in a few days, the price for this Zune will go back to 149.99 CAD. 

Read [Future Shop]

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Even though the new Zune 3.0 firmware is set to be officially released on the September 16, a Wal-Mart in Harborcreek, Pennsylvania already has the new Zunes on sale. Thanks to a recently surfaced image, we can now see that at least this Wal-Mart has begun selling the Zune 80 for $198, which is $50 cheaper than what it used to sell for and it shows the new Zune 120 for $250. In addition, the Blue Zune 16 was also said to be in stock, however, it is not pictured above. Well, it looks like some stores have manged to get the new Zunes, as well as drop the price of the older Zunes. Let us know if you spot any cheaper or new Zunes in stores near you.

Via [Engadget]

• New Xbox Experience features Street Fighter II Turbo “branded destination”
• Microsoft to offer free virus protection
• Apple and a gaming console?

Remember the good ol’ FCC leaking out the new Zune 120GB? Well, now there have been some pictures released by the Canadians that show off two new larger capacity Zune players. The image includes a 16GB flash based model and the new 120GB model.

The pictures show up pretty clear considering they were taking from a phone, and you can see that the 16GB Zune has a glossy screen. It would make sense that Microsoft is updating their Zunes, as there have been rumors of what Apple plans to do come their special event. If Apple decides to update their nano, Microsoft will want to have something updated in their Zune line up as well.

Stay tuned for any further developments.

Via [Zunited]

• Microsoft to offer free virus protection
• Apple and a gaming console?
• New Xbox Experience features Street Fighter II Turbo “branded destination”

This is where we call out by names the actions and companies that seem odd, out of touch or just plain straight up smokin crack.  Technology is an odd realm where PR speak doesn’t hold a lot of water if the 1s and 0s don’t line up.  This week sees posturing, positioning and flat out insanity.  Here is what caught my eye this week:

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Not much to go on here, but Zunescene is reporting phone giant Nokia is working with the Zune team to gain access to the Zunestore content.  This would be an inroads for Microsoft which current sits atop 0% of Nokia phone OS share.  Clearly, Microsoft wants to get on Nokia phones but is Zune the way to do it?

In my mind -and I am willing to say that I may be alone- Zune is a dead brand.  It represents a me-too attitude that got forgotten before it started. I’ve said before, much to our editor, Robert Nelson’s dismay, the Surface brand would be much better to bring in, especially if touch is the design make up.  Surface is still interesting and full of potential.  Zune, not so much.

So whether MS hopes to get its OS into european hands in a very big way or get their content sales up, it seems from this rumor, Nokia is interested.  Can Nokia resurrect the Zune brand?

Read [Zunescene]

• New Xbox Experience features Street Fighter II Turbo “branded destination”
• Microsoft to offer free virus protection
• Apple and a gaming console?

It is always good to get your story out, especially when something rather large is being announced by a competitor.  Robbie Bach, Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division President has dominion over a very large range of products.  Things like Zune, Windows Mobile, Xbox, Media Center are all his babies.  SF Gate sat him down for some rather pointed q&a.  Here are the highlights:

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Somewhere in BritPunk Heaven, Ian Curtis is all smiles as he awaits the June 17th release of the Joy Division 80GB Zune media player. Available for $399 from zuneoriginals.net, the limited edition player (only 500 will be made available) not only sports a design courtesy of noted graphic artist Peter Saville, who provided artwork for both Joy Division’s albums, it also serves as a handy promotional tool for the new Joy Division documentary DVD; the movie will be pre-loaded on the player.

All we need now is for Apple to come out with a New Order Special Edition iPod if Steve Jobs truly wants to stick a burr under Microsoft’s pop culture saddle. New Order, of course, is the band that Joy Division became after lead singer Curtis’ suicide in 1980. Dueling commemorative media players would prove Joy Division only half-right: love, and technology, will indeed tear us apart.

Read [Spin]

• New Xbox Experience features Street Fighter II Turbo “branded destination”
• Microsoft to offer free virus protection
• Apple and a gaming console?