techAU Podcast now available on Zune
From last week, Zune owners (predominantly US-based) can now get the techAU podcast. Both the MP3 and HD versions are available. Whilst Australians may be scratching their heads as to why this is important, techAU does receive a significant amount of its audience from the US.
With Microsoft’s announcement that Windows Mobile 7 will include Zune services, including podcasts, this will be important globally in the future.
techAU is always committed to delivering content in new and exciting ways. Giving users more destinations to consume our content ultimately helps to build audience, and improve the show.
More @ Zune.net
Zune coming to Australia, 17 other countries
Zune is finally going global ! A few hours ago Liveside posted about a Financial Times story that has details on Microsoft’s Zune brand going global to a total of 18 markets. Good news for Australians, is we’re on the list.
The Zune-branded service – which includes the most popular films from MGM, Paramount and Universal – will be available in 18 of its largest western markets, including the US, UK, France, Germany and Australia.
Given the introduction of the Zune Video Marketplace on Xbox (launching to public later today), it’s not entirely surprising. What this means for consumers is the introduction of the first subscription model for buying music. The big issue being price. Currently iTunes dominates electronic music sales in Australia, so I’d like to see Microsoft be aggressive with the Zune Pass pricing.
More @ LiveSide
Review: Xbox Live Update Preview: Zune, Facebook, Twitter
Yesterday was a big day for the Xbox, the arrival of one of the best (if not the best) racing game available – Forza 3, as well as the launch of the Xbox Live Update Preview Program.
If you applied, like me, then you may have received an email acceptance into the preview program.
Available in the update for Australia is Facebook and Twitter integration as well as the brand new Zune Video Marketplace.
Xbox Live Update – Zune Marketplace
Other than the Zune desktop software, this is Zune’s official introduction into Australia. The Zune Video Marketplace offers movies in 1080p that start streaming instantly. It’s recommended you have least 4mbps to get HD, given how Australia’s broadband speeds are tiered, 1.5Mb will be too slow, so your going to want at least an 8Mb connection.
Quality
I hired the movie Uninvited in HD to review the quality and was very happy. Let me precursor this with the fact I’m on an ADSL2+ connection. The movie did in fact start straight away, with lower quality, then after about 30 seconds, the quality kicked in and the video was indeed great quality high definition. Now this is still obvious a lower quality bitrate than Blu-ray, so for those HD purists out there, this may not be for you. But for me this is a great service.
With HD using a large amount of data, you may be concerned about your download quota being chewed up by renting movies. A number of ISPs will offer Zune Video Marketplace content unmetered. An official list has not yet been released, but expect most to do this, it’s the only feasible way this service will work for Australian consumers.
Catalogue
Lets make no questions about this, the current movie selection is horrible. It is important to keep in mind this isn’t a product that’s officially launched, so by the time this goes public, I’d hope the catalogue of movies to choose from is dramatically improved.
Australian Pricing
New titles
Old titles
Rent HD – 420 Microsoft Points (A$6.93)
Rent SD – 360 Microsoft Points (A$5.94) Rent SD – 300 Microsoft Points (A$4.95)
Xbox Live Update – Facebook
Xbox Live Update – Twitter
Overall
In terms of updates, this is a good one that actually ads a lot of functionality. As for Last.fm, there’s no sign of it.
The new Zune Video Marketplace with a better catalogue will become my movie rental service of choice. Compared to Blockbuster On Demand available through the TiVo, the Zune rentals are in HD and millions of Australians already have their credit card with Microsoft, lowering the barrier to entry. SD videos on Zune are 4 cents cheaper at $5.94 compared to $4.95 on Blockbuster or iTunes.
The social features are nice, but without the messenger kit add-on, i don’t see people contributing content via the Xbox much. It’s $29.99, will this be the new must-have accessory ?
MicZune MarketPlace 2.5 ads video store UI refresh
CrunchGear are reporting Microsoft’s Zune Marketplace has received an upgrade to version 2.5. The new version brings TV show downloads, similar to that already offered via the Xbox Live Marketplace. This seems like a natural extension, which would allow users to view the movie where they like (i.e. Zune, TV, PC).
Unfortunately Australians continues to wait for the Zune to reach our shores. You can download and install the Zune client version 2.5.
However you’ll be able to do little more than use it as a WMP replacement. Attempts to sign-in to the Zune service results in the following screen. “Not available in your region”.
Paul Thurott has a great screenshot gallery of the update – WinSuperSite.
More @ CrunchGear