Apparently Microsoft has so much confidence in the Zune, they're already selling these on Overstock.com, king of hawking stuff that nobody wants. We mean really, the player isn't even out yet and you're already selling these packs for $10 less than MSRP?
Though we gotta say, a few things are priced higher than they were in the official Microsoft announcement. The car charger and IR remote, for example, are $5 more, and the sync cable is $10. Maybe they're overcharging for some to cut prices on others? – Jason Chen
Overstock [Thanks Matthew!]

Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video
Epigon is putting together all the pieces for what it's calling the "Versus," a new WiFi streaming media player, according to the EE Times. Now of course, this is just a reference design at this point, which means it could turn into any of a reported six possible branded devices. From what we can tell, the Versus is aiming to be what the Zune isn't. That is to say, it'll have real WiFi, according to CTO Jayakumar Singaram, who told the EE Times: "We think the most important feature such a player needs is Wi-Fi connectivity, and so have an on-board Wi-Fi based on silicon from NXP [Semiconductors], so that users do not need to connect to a computer via Ethernet or a USB to download." Beyond WiFi, the Versus may even have an Ethernet jack as well, in addition to the traditional USB jack option. Another fun piece of trivia: Epigon was the India-based company that was really behind the MusicGremlin MG-1000, and hopes to take ...

Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

So, it's been awhile since we've seen or heard from the Archos 604 WiFi, that new wireless-enabled portable media player may well put the Zune to shame. Well, we're here to give you some happy news -- according to TechWeb, this bundle of sexiness will be released in US in the next fortnight. To review, the Archos 604 WiFi is loaded up with a 4.3-inch 480 x 272 touchscreen, a version of the Opera browser, and Windows file sharing; so gather up your cash over the next two weeks, as this will likely drop for something in the neighborhood of $500. 
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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time

Cesar from Microsoft has done a little interview with the Creative Director behind the Zune. Thomas is the guy in charge of all the pics and videos on the viral marketing site, comingzune.com So tell the Zune Insiders about yourself. Who are you? Where’d you come from? Hi there, my name is Thomas Market. I am [...]

Not content in overcharging for home stereo equipment, Monster will now enter into the Zune accessory business, making sure that your player gets the best gold-plated AC adapters that money can buy.
The six Monster accessories for Zune are:
1. Carplay Wireless Plus: FM transmitter that "can be tuned to virtually any clear FM station". $79 (Microsoft sells the official one for $69 and you can get cheaper ones for $20)
2. TVLink: 10-foot AV cable to hook up the Zune to your TV. $29.95. (Official MS: $19)
3. MusicShare: Headphone Splitters. $19.95. ($0.84 on Froogle)
4. StereoLink Car: Connect Zune to Mini Jack. $19.95 ($9 on Froogle)
5. StereoLink Home: $19.95 ($9.99 on Froogle)
6. SlimCharger: Slim AC adapter $29.95 (Official MS: $29.95). This one seems alright.
Official Microsoft accessories. – Jason Chen
Monster Jumps into Zune Accessories [Electronic House via Crunchgear]

Ever wonder the story behind those videos on http://www.comingzune.com? Me too actually, so I sat down with the guy behind them: Thomas Markert: (Thomas in my office. Holding a granola bar and a talking rain) He's the creative director on...

An "extremely well-informed exec" tells Trusted Reviews that the 6G iPod will be released in December, and it will be capable of 480p resolution. The source confirmed that it will be a touchscreen model with virtual click wheel control, but made no mention of whether wireless connectivity would be part of the package. Added the source, "This is why Jobs isn't afraid of the Zune."
We've seen the iPod touchscreen patent documentation, and we've entertained countless rumors and even reliable tips about the upcoming device; what we need to see now is a real picture of it. One thing's for sure, if this widescreen iPod is released in the next two months, the Microsoft Zune with its old-fashioned 4x3 screen and crippled WiFi will be slam-dunked. – Charlie White
Touchscreen iPod Comes This December [Trusted Reviews]

So I read the interview with Steve Jobs in Newsweek while waiting for my plane yesterday. I thought two things were very interesting. First, I was surprised that Steve would even mention Zune. Granted, the reporter raised the issue, but it was interesting that Steve felt compelled to comment once the topic was raised. Second, it was interesting that he felt compelled to elaborate on a feature that he hadn't tried out himself. He specifically mentioned that he has seen demos on the web and that transfer was slow. Nowhere does it say that he had seen this in person or tried it out himself. It reminds me of the old adage that you should never ask (or answer) a question unless you know the answer.

So, out of curiosity, I did a little informal testing with a couple of zunes I had sitting around (and no, I don't have any extra to give out). All the caveats apply (this is not a formal test, it is not "official," there are lots of variables, blah, blah, blah). I picked a ...

Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video
So unless you were one of the handful of people who woke up at the crack of dawn and pushed aside children and the elderly in order to secure a place near the front of a GameStop line, you probably missed out on the one of the few chances to secure a PS3 before the holidays. Well if you're looking to listen to a sad song while all your friends are having a blast with their next-gen consoles in a few weeks, we have a bit of news that might buoy your spirits somewhat: EBGames has started taking pre-orders on Microsoft's premiere entrant into the portable audio space, the 30GB, sharing-is-caring Zune. Don't have an extra $250 laying around? No problem -- just grab your synthesizer and put together a little ditty we can use as the Engadget theme song; assuming that your jingle wins us over, a complimentary Zune should do wonders in helping you get through the difficult PS3-free times ahead.

[Via MobileWhack] 
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I've been waiting for this: Jobs' first public discussion of Zune: http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=2143

Hey, I'm just happy we're making enough of a mindshare dent that he's having to talk about us. I think it's a mistake for him to bring up sharing at all. When Realnetworks' lead was huge, they never mentioned Windows Media at all until they were more or less forced, and then they referred to us a "brand X" for quite a while. Smart - why feed the competition's buzz?

I won't write a huge refutation, but some of the comments ring true to me: http://forums.appleinsider.com/showpost.php?p=982007&postcount=11. The leader can't get too cocky.