This weeks Zune Skin is the new Advantage skin protector for Zune from Decal Girl. With soccer and hockey moms so popular in todays news it appears our friends at DecalGirl decided it was time to freshen up the line up with some new designs for Zune. The high color graphics look really nice on this Zune skin and with mine over a year and a half old now I can attest to the fact they really do last a long time.

Click here to buy a new Zune Skin from Decal Girl.

Popularity: 15% [?]

More reviews of the Xbox Experience play up the new NetFlix movie options but claim that the new Xbox interface is less than revolutionary and not a big deal fore most users.

I disagree in that I think that adding new content sources such as NetFlix movies and Zune music make the 360 and all around home entertainment device and far more than another game console.

I’m going to have to try out netflix just to see what the movie watching experience is all about.

New Xbox interface is more about movies - Games - msnbc.com

Microsoft says its “New Xbox Experience,” which rolls out Nov. 19, will “change the face of home entertainment for every Xbox 360 owner.” It doesn’t.

In reality, the New Xbox Experience is more appropriately described as a new menu system. It won’t revolutionize your console, but it will improve your experience. Ironically, the most interesting feature about this revamp to a game console’s user interface has nothing to do with games. It’s about movies.

Popularity: 13% [?]

Searching for ink cartridges or othe3r discount printer supplies? Look no further than Inkdeals.info for great deals on discount ink cartridges and other printer supplies. From basic print supplies to specifics like a Cyan LC51C Compatible for Brother DCP 350C, InkJetDeals.info offers top savings and super value over purchasing your ink and printer supplies at retail stortes locally and can even save you over the cost of other online shopping destinations.

InkjetDeals.info offers discounts on top ink cartridge suppliers such as InkGrabber, 123Inkjets and InkPlusToner to name but a few. What they offer are additional discounts on ink and printer cartridges from websites which already sell the products at a discount when compared to retal stores such as Walmart and Office Depot.

Ink and print cartridges can be the most expensive consumable item in a small office and shopping around online will help any small business owner looking to save over the cost of professional printing and purchasing print supplies at retail. Online ink dealers use the same grade of ink in their cartridges and what you get is an equivalent to the OEM products your printer manufacturers specify in their products manuals.

Discount printer supply stores can save you on brand name printer inks for top names such as Brother, Canon, Dell and HP. These cover about 85% of the printers on market and they are offering over 50% in discounts over the regular price of print cartridges. You could save a lot using a discount site like InkjetDeals.info so check them out next time you need print cartridges.

Popularity: 11% [?]

Here is an article from October 3, 2008 on how there will not be a Zune Phone. The article is clear Zune will not manufacture phone hardware but goes on to say Zune will be available on other mobile devices. I guess adding Zune software to a phone will not make it a Zune phone according to this writer.

Zune phone plans shelved for good | News | TechRadar UK

Steve Ballmer has told the world that a Zune phone is not coming in the future, with Microsoft instead looking to bring the brand name to mobile handsets via its Windows Mobile platform.

He told Reuters “I do not anticipate us building a phone. Sorry, we are not going build one”.

Here is an article from October 8, 2008 on how there will be a Zune Phone. Once again this article is clear there will be no Zune hardware but you can add Zune saoftware to a number of mobile devices and that will make them a Zune phone according to this writer.

Absolute Gadget - 200810081765 | Microsoft chief touts Zune phone | Phones | News

While Microsoft shies away from the prospect of making their own phones, it will go head-to-head with Apple’s iPhone by bundling in its differently successful Zune into a future version of Windows Mobile.

MS boss Steve “the quiet one” Ballmer told CIO magazine that the company has advanced plans to squeeze in a Zune player into smartphones in the future.

I guess I agree with the second writer. If you add Zune software to any mobile phone you can call it a Zune phone. This makes great sense for microsoft when you realize how they are attempting to use their software to generate revenue through enhanced services. Microsoft realize software sales are flat and dying, they see a future in providing services such as Zune Pass and Zune Live to keep the company in the red well into the future. How this will workl for them is a gamble we all wait to see play out.

Popularity: 11% [?]

I can’t wait to see this new Xbox experience on my console some day soon. I have always thought the Xbox GUI was kinda lacking and I am hoping to see some radical new things in this version.

It looks like icons and avatars are taking over the GUI and a push to language neutral navigation makes the device more universal.

Hands On with the New Xbox Experience - News and Analysis by PC Magazine

Gaming devices like the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 are no longer all about the games. And Wednesday’s announcement of the New Xbox Experience (NXE) goes another step toward putting game consoles at the center of the home-entertainment universe.

The Xbox 360 has had several firmware updates since its introduction in 2005, but Microsoft has made no major changes to its operating system and Xbox LIVE online portal, until now. The New Xbox Experience abandons text-heavy drop-down menus for a new graphics-laden GUI that is full of new features and options. The new OS is highly customizable and makes the 360 much more of a multimedia hub, and less of a strictly gaming device.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Keeping in line with our holiday shopping tips I found another coupon site with some great deals for holiday shoppers. Shopping online has been gaining in popularity and analysts are expecting a huge year for purchasing on the web. The global economy is tight and so are shoppers budgets and everyone is looking for a better deal to help lower the cost of their gift giving obligations.

Discount shopping and coupon sites such as 1-Coupons.com offer additional discounts on gift ideas available from national retailers as well as\niche shopping sites for everything from electronics and gadgets to clothing and housewares, jewelry and just about anything you can buy online.

For tech gifts such as computers and electronics devices you can save big with coupons to TigerDirect and take advantage of savings from the webs leading supplier of computers and electronics deals. With PC’s as low as $299 and your favorite Zune mp3 player on sale why shop for electronics locally when you can shop and buy online with lower prices and free shipping on many items.

If you can’t find what you are looking for at TigerDirect then you can always try big box retailer Best Buy which offers deals on all home entertainment including home stereo systems, flat panel and lcd televisions and of course the wide array of cell phones and digital cameras available. Best Buy is well known for offering great prices on electronics and these discount coupon codes make them this much better.

If thats not enough they have other great deals including free shipping on gifts including top toys of the season from walmart.com. If you need like the rest of the world need to save a few bucks then shop online at discount coupon sites like 1-Coupon.com and find unique gifts for bridesmaids, groomsmen, babies, business associates, couples, bosses, family and friends.

Popularity: 12% [?]

Here are instructions on how to change your Zune battery from BatteryShip.com. These easy to follow instructions will assist Zune owners

Zune Battery Installation Instructions
PLEASE NOTE: Patience and care, along with very strong technical and hand tool ability, are required for the successful
replacement of a Zune battery. Read all instructions and back up your data BEFORE beginning. Excessive force may
result in damage to your MP3 player. The instructions below come with no warranty or guarantee. By utilizing these
instructions, you agree to hold BatteryShip.com blameless and unaccountable for any and all damages, problems, or
personal injuries that may or may not arise by your use of these instructions. Replacing your Zune battery may void your
warranty.
Make sure your Zune is off and your hold switch is activated.
Using the included plastic pry tool or the included 1mm mini metal flathead screwdriver, pry off the bottom dock port cover
so that the port and the screws on either side of it are exposed. Make sure to start on either the right hand side or the left
hand side of the cover, not in the middle (above or below the dock port). Proceed very carefully to avoid scratching your
device. Set the cover aside for reassembly.
Use the mini Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws on either side of the port. Set them aside for reassembly.
Beginning on either side of the Zune, use the included plastic pry tool to separate the back Zune case from the front. You
can create the initial opening by inserting the plastic pry tool (or the larger metal flathead screwdriver VERY CAREFULLY
if necessary), then use the metal flathead to maintain the opening while prying the rest of the case open with the plastic
pry tool.
CAREFULLY pry open the Zune case, moving around the Zune from your starting point. Be very careful around the
location of the headphone jack. Open that portion of the case last and very cautiously to avoid damage.
Lay the Zune with the screen facing downward, and carefully lift off the back case of the Zune, taking care not to break,
stretch or damage any ribbon cables in the process. Set aside the back case for reassembly.
Make sure that you are grounded before coming into contact with the Zune’s internal parts.
Note the location and orientation of the original battery within the Zune. Then note the location of the battery connector
that attaches the ribbon cable coming from the battery to the motherboard. There is a very small clamp, usually brown or
dark grey in color, which holds the ribbon cable down. You will need to open this clamp VERY CAREFULLY by prying the
small top piece slightly upward using the corner of the plastic pry tool, the tip of a pen or stylus, or a fingernail.
Once the clamp is opened upwards, the end of the battery ribbon cable should come out easily. Remove it carefully.
Remove the original battery from the battery compartment using one of the pry tools to assist if needed. The battery may
be glued down. Be very careful not to bend or break the battery as you remove it, and also take care not to damage any of
the ribbon cables around the battery. Set the original battery aside for disposal.
Take the end of the ribbon cable coming from the new battery and insert it into the battery connector with the white side of
the connector facing outwards. Close the clamp to hold the new battery in place.
Place the body of the new battery into the space above the hard drive so that the battery is oriented as the original battery
was.
Make sure that all of the wires are straight (not twisted) and out of the way of the sides of the Zune. Make sure that the
hold switch is aligned correctly, then replace the back cover. Replace the two screws near the dock port and the dock port
cover. FULLY CHARGE your new battery before use. (Allow at least three hours).

Popularity: 10% [?]

The Cucusoft Zune Video Converter Suite is an all-in-one Zune video Conversion software application designed to simplify the process of converting your DVD collection to a format your Zune can easily use.

This easy to use and affordable software suite includes “Cucusoft Zune Video Converter” and “Cucusoft DVD to Zune Converter”. With this top quality Zune Video Converter suite of tools you can now easily convert both your DVD’s and just about any any other kind of video files to your Zune video device.

Now everyone can watch their favorite DVD’s and video movies on their Zune media player as a portable DVD Player and the best part is that everyone can get this Zune Converter Suite at a very competitive price just by clicking the link below.

Popularity: 15% [?]

As many of us expected the Zune has gained in popularity at the expense of other media players and not the iPod. Studies show that the iPod gained in popularity with teens from 80 to 84% this year with 79% of those claiming they will buy a media device in the next year saying it wil be an iPod.

No shock here as these numbers are right in line with the last 2 or 3 but the real surprise here is that of those considering a new media device in the next year a full 15% of them expect to purchase a Zune. That leaves about 6% of the market for the other guys and shows that Microsoft and Apple now dominate the mp3 player market.

Zune’s popularity increases in teen survey

Piper Jaffray’s bi-annual teen survey includes some positive news for Microsoft’s Zune music player.

Picture

Yes, the survey says that Apple’s share of the portable media player (PMP) market among high school students increased to 84 percent, up from 80 percent a year ago.

And, yes, a whopping 79 percent of teens who said they planned to buy a music player in the next 12 months said they expected to buy an iPod, up from 78 percent a year ago.

But the Zune’s share of the teen market is up as well — to 3 percent, from 2 percent a year ago.

Moreover, 15 percent of teens surveyed who said they planned on buying a music player over the next year said they expected to buy a Zune, up from 13 percent a year ago.

Popularity: 14% [?]

Hosting websites is not rocket science but it seems like lots of web hosting companies just cannot get their services straight and we still have trouble with bad hosting companies and unscrupulous business owners.

I received a phone call about a week ago from a man who had a Zune domain he was prepared to build a site on. He got the domain from his web hosting company. He should have done some research on web hosting using one of the many web host review sites online because his hosting company cost him dearly.

The company offered free domains with hosting packages and this guy prepaid for two years on a great Zune domain (soon to be released as our new hacks site) but somehow never used it. He had the account and was told he needed to renew his domain. He paid the hosting company who I assume was supposed to pay the domain fees but they failed to do so and ended up going out of business before this guy could get his domain back.

I bought the domain on the domain aftermarket and he contacted me rather upset that he had lost his domain. I told him I was going to build the site and use the domain in conjunction with my plans to expand this site. He says he’s going to sue his web host for the money they charged his credit card but he is no longer looking for his domain.

If you find yourself in similar circumstances it may pay to find a better web hosting service using review sites like WebHostingGeeks.com

Popularity: 11% [?]

PC Mag has done a review of the Zune MarketPlace and although they recognize its not as large as iTunes yet they see how it does allow for discovery of new music in an easier fashiopn than iPod.

Thye remark on how nice the Zune FM stereo is and the of course love the idea of being able to grab songs over any Wi-Fi connection with your Zune Pass. I have been very happy with the new updates to the Zune MarketPlace and I am very happy with my Zune Pass. Anyone buy a song from the radio yet?

Zune Marketplace (October 2008) - Wi-Fi Hi-Fi - Reviews by PC Magazine

One sweet addition is that your Zune can now connect to Zune Marketplace from any public Wi-Fi hot spot, giving you access to some three million tracks on demand. While Apple’s refusal to add a music subscription service to iTunes 8 made some sense, given the low adoption rate of such services to date, Microsoft’s approach takes subscriptions to a level previously occupied only by niche MP3 players like the SanDisk Sansa Connect.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Online shopping has grown each year since the first transaction was placed online and there is no sign it will slow down even in these tough economic times. As a matter of fact many financial analysts think this year could be one of the best for purchases online with the number of shoppers looking for the best deals and the most information they can about a product before they actually buy.

Many expect the holiday shopping season to start early but there are lots of other reasons to shop online and even purchasing a Halloween costume can save you quite a bit over local retail establishments. Buying a kids costume may not be so bad but many adults actually dress up for Halloween parties and buying a nice Mans Halloween costume can set you back $100’s just to impress a boss or coworker at the company party.

Shopping online would give you a greater range of costume styles and more options for a better savings. You can even find Plus Size Costumes for sale online for a more personalized fit for the big guy around the house. Buying a costume locally may be more difficult if you do not live a large city with a specialty retailer stocking costumes and buying online may be your only choice.

Popularity: 10% [?]

Here is the RSS link to mp3 and mp4 files from the ZuneInsider podcast. These Zune downloads are available for free to anyone looking for free downloads for their Zune or even their iPod.

Just click on the link below and you can either subscribe with your Zune player using the settings you have in your Zune software. You can also use your favorite RSS reader such as Google Reader or my favorite Firefox.

http://zuneinsider.feeds.zune.net/rss

Popularity: 17% [?]

I wonder if the Zune could ever be used as a dating device? We have the capabilities to share music and videos with other Zune users. How about a Zune party for singles where you could share a selection of your favorite songs as a dating resume? Do you think it would work?

The reason I ask is I have a friend in desperate need of a date and about all he does is play around my house with my Xbox, my laptop and my Zune. It’s not that he wants to be me he just likes to play with my stuff. I think he needs a girlfriend. I may find him one at one of those online dating services.

Hold one let me find one, here we go. Great Expectations Dating Service offers a zip code search and free profile review and more. Their site states : If you are tired of internet dating sites and ready to meet real singles, then you are ready for Great Expectations. We provide members the accessibility of a national network, but our main focus is connecting singles in your local community.

Is it ethical to fill out the profile myself and have someone contact him? Can I build a better online dating profile for him and hook him up with something a little better than he may have on his own? I don’t know, it seems like you can do just about anything you want to online today. Why can’t I find a date for my friend and maybe save his life?

Actually it looks like Great Expectations offers a different type of dating service. They seem to be advertising themselves as a local dating service with offices in 36 different locations. I guess a local dating service would be a better choice if I actually cared about this guy but what I really want is bozo on his own toys. If I find him a girlfriend I’ll probably then have to loan him money so he can take her out. That’s going to cost more than letting the guy play with my Zune.

I don’t think I can cheat on a profile for a local dating service but maybe I could use a new girl. I wonder if they have an office close to me? Maybe I should get a makeover and a date with Great Expectations and change my life instead of my friends right?

Popularity: 13% [?]

This weeks Zune Skin is the new Acid Flames from Decal Girl which is a very cool wet look black with green flames design that will certainly set your Zune apart from the rest. This unique Zune skin offers your Zune additional protection from harmful scratches and also adds some much needed personalization options for Zune owners.

Click here to buy a new Zune Skin from Decal Girl.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Ever since I bought my first Zune player at Walmart on November 15th, 2006 I have been in love with the larger screen. I just love the space as much as I appreciate the 22 monitor on my desktop and this 19″ laptop I’m blogging with right now. I simply love a big huge screen for everything I work with and it’s the same thing with my Zune.

I have carried my Zune with me to a lot of places and to do a lot of things. I have been very careful not to scratch the screen and for most of it’s life my Zune has been covered in some sort of case or screen protector. The screen on MAX has a couple of nics in it but it’s still a thing of beauty.

With the Zune 3.0 update I have more navigational options than screen length so we actually have to scroll down to get to my Zune Games but playing those games on Zune and watching movies on the Zune are actually quite fun. Many have commented on watching movies on Zune and although it is not ideal it does work well for us with the kids. I don’t know that they can actually watch a feature length movie on Zune but we try to keep them better entertained than that.

Here is a video tutorial on how to fix or replace the Zune 30 screen. You can visit our Zune repairs site for more information on buying Zune parts and where to get your Zune fixed should you need to do so.

Popularity: 17% [?]

In what may be the creepiest example of big brother watching the Obama campaign has begun in game ads for select games on the Xbox 360 console. Not only are these new ads just purchased and inserted into the games but they can also geo target the states with early voting.

IndyStar.com | Geeking Out | The Indianapolis Star

How important does Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic candidate for president, think Indiana is in the upcoming election? So important that he’s made it one of 10 states to receive in-game ads in the Xbox 360 version of ‘Burnout Paradise.’

Popularity: 13% [?]

I spent 6 days in the hospital with a broken leg and if it were not for my trusty friend MAX the original Zune player I think I would have lost my mind. I have had this trusty old Zune for almost two years now and never was I so glad to have it with me then the time spent in a hospital in Montego Bay recently.

I was in a car crash and spent the first two days moving about but once I settled into Cornwal Regional in Montego Bay I requested my wife bring me my Zune so I could listen to my music which I gladly did for the first day or so until I realized how bored I was with all the songs I had on it. It’s been two months since I used the Zune and it’s got lots of my old faves on it but no new music. I was in the mood for something fresh and with no net access the built in FM radio was my best choice.

I ended up using the radio a lot over the 3 or 4 days I spent on my back waiting for doctors to tell me what was wrong and what we should do. In the end I got a cast and I’m back home listening to my old Zune again but this time I’m using the Zune Marketplace to download songs from some of the music I heard on the radio. I wish I could tag songs on the radio here like listeners can in select merkets around the States but I can’t. For now I’m forced to figure out who it is I am listening to and then I have to go search for what I want to hear.

The Zune is proving to be a great music discovery device and I am glad to see Microsoft so focused on the music.

Popularity: 17% [?]

Almost all businesses today have some need for software of some sorts. Business software applications can range from simple word processors and math calculators to more sophisticated applications for taxes, inventory and employee management. Software for managing employees is a growing segment with performance tracking and time management software as examples of cost cutting business management applications useful to every size corporation.

Timesheet Software is often used to streamline the data entry, tracking and billing of timesheets and expense report across any organization. The right timesheet software can provide a company with powerful capabilities to automate the data entry process while also offering information tracking and reporting of timesheet and expense management. These added features offer increased productivity and efficiency for business owners and are a growing trend in the business software market.

Online Timesheet Software offers the advantages of a powerful employee management tool and the universal convenience of the internet. Industry leaders like Atlantic Global have built a suite of timesheet management services that offer access to a global workforce allowing companies to grow beyond physical borders and as far as the digital world allows.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Here is another Zune Review with details on how to convert video for Zune players. Getting video onto your Zune can be a trick if you do not know how to rip and convert DVD videos. Downloading videos online seems easy enough but once again if they are not in the proper format all is lost in translation.

How to convert video for the Zune | MP3 Insider - CNET Reviews

Microsoft struggled through two rounds of Zune before hitting the nail on the head with the third generation of the MP3 player, but the company got at least one thing right from the start. Even the first pass offered a larger-than-average screen, clocking in at 3 inches diagonally, and the latest version packs a video-worthy 3.2-inch screen. Of course, getting video content was a bit of a challenge at first, but the Zune Marketplace continues to expand its catalog, which now offers TV shows from several major networks such as NBC and Comedy Central.

Popularity: 14% [?]