How to Use DiVX Files With Zune

By default the Zune software will not accept or transcode DiVX, XViD, and MPEG files with .AVI extensions. Zune Scene forum members have developed a couple ways to circumvent the problem, the simplest is a registry hack that will allow the videos to be added to the Zune software:

Windows Registry Editor Version5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\
Microsoft\Multimedia\Zune\Extensions\.avi]
“Extension.Handler”=”Microsoft.Zune.1.AVI
”"MediaType.Description”=”Video Clip”
“MediaType.Icon”=”C:\\Program Files\\Zune\\ZuneLoc.dll,-736″”Extension.MIME”=”video/avi”"AlreadyRegistered”=”no”
“Runtime”=dword:00000007″PerceivedType”=”video”
“Permissions”=dword:0000000f
“UserApprovedOwning”=”no”
@=”"

After importing file to the registry DiVX files can be dragged and dropped into the software. The files can then be synced with the Zune device which will force the Zune software to transocode the files to the native .WMV format and allow them to be played on the Zune.

XBOX Zune Docking

The XBOX 360 can perform all the functions of a Zune Dock home AV kit. It can charge the Zune batteries and access Zune music, photos and videos. The XBOX controller can be used as a remote control to navigate the Zune folders. Unlike the official Zune dock, you can leave your Zune inside your aftermarket case while docked. Read about XBOX Zune Docking

Battery Life on Zune After Upgrading

Good news for Zune 30 users! Following the Nov 13 firmware upgrade, a lot of people are noting an improvement in battery life. To achieve this, we improved the Zune 30 codecs so they are more power-efficient, hence the better battery life.

That said, we have seen some reports of a separate battery issue related to the upgrade. This problem occurs when users suspend their Zune hard drives by holding down the play/pause button – in some cases the battery continues to drain. It seems to be affecting only a small percentage of Zune users at this point, but we’re working on including it in our December update (similar to last year) – stay tuned for details and specifics.

Zune 2 Review from CNN

Having survived its freshman hazing, the Zune is back for its sophomore revenge, and the iPod has every reason to be frightened. The Zune 4 (4GB, $149) and Zune 8 (8GB, $199) offer a leaner, lighter version of Microsoft’s full-size Zune 80 MP3 player (80GB, $249).
art.zune.jpg

With a new hardware and software design, wireless sync capability, subscription music compatibility, and integrated support for audio and video podcasts, the Zune 4 and Zune 8 are poised to compete directly with the third-generation Apple iPod Nano.

Design

The Zune 4 and Zune 8 are Microsoft’s first foray into smaller, flash memory-based MP3 players. Zune 4 and Zune are identical to one another in every way but storage capacity, and both come in red, black, green, and pink. Measuring a slight 3.6 inches by 1.6 inches by 0.33 inch, the flash-based Zunes are considerably slimmer than their 80GB hard-drive-based sibling. In the overcrowded marketplace of flash-based MP3 players, however, the dimensions of the Zune 4 and 8 are hardly noteworthy. That said, the Zune 4 and Zune 8 have a nice shape, which feels reminiscent of the first-generation iPod Nano.
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One design feature that distinguishes the Zune 4 and Zune 8 from the competition is Microsoft’s decision to use a glass-covered LCD instead of plastic. The 1.8-inch glass screen not only lends the device a sophisticated feel, it also provides a more scratch-resistant surface with less optical distortion than the ubiquitous plastic variety. Although the 1.8-inch screen seems minuscule compared with the opulent 3.2-inch screen on the 80GB Zune, the oversized font on the main menu affords a legibility rarely found on pint-size MP3 players.

Another unique design feature is a completely new navigation control that Microsoft dubs the Zune Pad. Think of the Zune Pad as a cross between a standard four-direction navigation pad and a laptop’s touchpad. With the Zune Pad, users can navigate menus by either pressing or sliding their finger in four directions and select items by clicking the middle of the pad. We were initially skeptical about the Zune Pad’s usability compared to the tried-and-true click pad of the first-generation Zune, but after just a few minutes we found the Zune’s old interface to be positively archaic. Navigating lengthy song lists is a breeze, especially with an accelerated scroll kicking in when the pad is held down. The new Zune Pad interface also lets you skip through songs, photos, and radio stations with just a light brush of the finger. Buttons for play/pause and menu still flank each side of the Zune’s control pad, and behave exactly as they did in the first-generation Zune. It’s hard to say whether the Zune Pad interface is actually better than Apple’s patented iPod wheel navigation, but it is certainly comparable. We found the Zune Pad made scrolling long lists of artists much easier than using a scroll wheel, but the iPod’s center select button is more reliable than the ambiguously defined button found on the Zune.

The entire Zune product line uses a new graphic user interface that no longer looks like a rehash of the Portable Media Center operating system found on the Toshiba Gigabeat S. While the critically beloved “twist” interface of first-generation Zune remains, the main menu has been replaced with stunning, oversized text that takes readability to the next level. You can customize this same main menu with a background image from your digital photo collection. Existing Zune loyalists will be happy to know that Microsoft is offering the new Zune operating system as a free upgrade to all first-generation Zune owners.

We’re also happy to see that the back of the Zune covered with rugged, matte-finished aluminum, etched with the Zune logo. Microsoft has also partnered with a handful of graphic artists to create custom-etched versions of the 4, 8, and 80GB Zunes, which can be ordered directly from Microsoft at ZuneOriginals.net.

Features With subscription music support, video playback, Wi-Fi music sharing, a high-quality photo viewer, an RBDS-enabled FM radio, and composite video output, the features on the first-generation Zune were already impressive. The second-generation Zunes maintain all of the compelling features of the original and also includes new features such as audio and video podcast support and a unique ability to automatically sync content over a home’s wireless network.

Zune 80 players on the way says Microsoft

Anyone who has been searching for a Zune 80 will soon be able to make that purchase, despite recent reports of shortages the Zune 80 will be available and will remain in-stock for the holiday shopping season. Cesar over from the Zune Insider has given us the heads up, it turns out that the Zune 80 will soon be available and should be “widespread” in about 7-10 days.

After talks with the product management and retail teams Cesar was able to conclude that based on “forecasts as well as early retail orders” that Microsoft had decided to focus their efforts on the flash-based Zune 4 and Zune 8 models, which meant that the Zune 80 was in limited supply for launch day. Since the launch the Zune 80 has received a “strong reaction from the press and consumers” which lead to higher than expected sales and in turn caused the shortage.

Zune 80 official battery test result

Our CNET Labs have just published the results of their Zune 80 audio-only battery drains and the numbers are somewhat disappointing. Microsoft rated the Zune 80 for 30 hours of audio playback with the Wi-Fi feature turned off. Lab testing revealed that the Zune 80 is realistically capable of 22 hours of audio playback with the Wi-Fi feature turned off, or 18.5 hours with the Wi-Fi feature enabled.

Zune Scene in New York Times

"Physically larger than the iPod, the Zune has a hard case finished in a rubbery matte coating. Its 3-inch color screen is larger than the 2½-inch screen of video iPods, but the biggest difference is the built-in Wi-Fi transceiver that lets Zune owners (Zunis?) share music, photo and video files. It also has a radio receiver, and users can choose any photo from their files to put on the color screen.

Although the Zune has inspired several fan Web sites, including ZuneScene.com, zunemax.com and zunely.com, some industry analysts question its drawing power." NYTimes Nov 1 2006