With the Consumer Electronics show just around the corner, speculation of the rumored Zune Phone suggest that Steven Ballmer of Microsoft will be taking the stage to announce the Zune Phone. This speculation surfaced when Steve Ballmer reserved a spot at the keynote for CES, which is usually reserved for semi-retired Bill Gates. Usually at the keynote, companies introduce one or two new products. If the rumors and speculations are true, they would coincide with prior Zune Phone rumors. But I guess the only way to find out is to head to CES on January 7.

- Geoff

[Source: Barrons]

Microsoft has just unveiled two new colors for the Zune 120, along with the original black model. The Zune 120 now also comes in a red color and a blue color. Microsoft is hoping to push the sales of the Zune players by giving the flash-based Zune a price cut and introducing new colors and new firmware updates to the Zune 120. The new colors are nothing to rave about, but they do give customers more options.

- Geoff

[Source: Zunerama]

After a Philidelphia City Paper writer stated that he saw Barack Obama with a Zune, Obama’s PR crew came out with an official statement putting all the rumors to rest. The Obama representative said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal that “President-elect uses an iPod”. This is good news for the rest of us, simply because we don’t have to talk about it anymore. He uses an iPod. He doesn’t use a Zune. And thats the end of it. Any questions?

- Geoff

[Source: Gizmodo]

Here is the thing about those rumors about President-elect Barack Obama using a Zune: who cares? I mean honestly. I know he was quoted as to saying that he was a Mac user. And many people think that the Zune player he was spotted with might not be his because they are not compatible with Mac computers. Apart from all the media hype, I really do not care if he is a Zune user or a iPod user or even a Sansa user. These mundane details do not help alleviate our economy troubles or shut down the Geneva Convention-defiant Guantanamo Bay. I mean its great that Barack Obama is very techno-savvy. It shows that he is cognizant to modern technology and shows his strong intent for progress. It gives us gadget geeks hope that he will attune contemporary businesses to more modern technologies. But whether or not he is a Zune user, a iPod user, or a Sansa user, we as citizens of this nation should care less. Instead, we should hope that the legislative plans that Obama preached about during his campaign are implemented. He campaigned on changing the United State of America. That should be our number one concern.

- Geoff

I am pretty sure all you Zune fans out there love the Zune Originals. They do give the Zune player a little more zest. Well the most popular Zune artist Catalina Estrada, who is from Barcelona, Spain, will be displaying her artwork in Seattle starting this Thursday. Microsoft said of Estrada’s work as being “among the most popular of those available at the Zune Originals online design studio”. Estrada’s work will be on display at the Gibson Showroom at 159 South Jackson Street, as part of Seattle’s Art Walk in Pioneer Square. The gallery opening is from 6 to 8 p.m. If you live in the Seattle area, make sure to go check it out.

- Geoff

[Source: seattlepi]

Cyber Monday is becoming a great day for all Zune fans. Earlier today we announced the Zune 8GB Cyber Monday deal at Circuit City. Well there are many more Cyber Monday deals that begs for attention.

Best Buy has three Zune deals: 1) Buy a Zune 80 for $229.99 and get a free case and 1 month Zune Pass with free shipping. 2) Get a free AC charger with a purchase of the Zune 120GB for $249.99. 3) Get a free Car pack with any flash Zune purchase..

Walmart has two Zune deals worth noting: 1) Get a free Zune accessory of your choice with a purchase of a Zune 4GB or a Zune 8GB with free shipping. 2) Purchase the Zune 120GB for $223.54 with free shipping to store near you.

Other Zune deals worth noting: At Amazon, when you purchase the Zune 4 or the Zune 8 with free shipping, you get a free accessory of your choice. At NewEgg, you can purchase the Zune 120 for $224

- Geoff

[Source: ZuneBoards]

In the market for a new MP3 player? How about a Microsoft Zune 8GB for $125? Yea that’s right, $125! Circuit City is having a great Cyber Monday sale on Zune players in general but their best deal yet is their deal on a green Zune 8GB media player for $125. With a capacity of up to 2,000 songs, an 1.8” screen and wireless sync capabilities this is a great deal. The Zune is a very capable MP3 and movie player and at this price it’s hard to find anything better. For those looking to take advantage of this awesome deal head on over to Circuit City’s website before these sell out.

-Ray

[Source: circuitcity]

Best Buy in Canada is having amazing deal on Microsoft Zune players, they’re offering their customers a free 8GB Zune if you buy a 16GB Zune player. This applies to black Zune players only however and this deal lasts all week or until supplies last. Microsoft already announced a price cut last week on their Zune flash players now it looks like they’re trying to give them away! This is only offered at Best Buys website however and not at their retail locations. Go to the Best Buy Canada site now to take advantage of this deal!

-Ray

[Source: htlounge]

More good news for those looking for a Microsoft Zune player on the cheap! Amazon is having an awesome deal on 8GB and 4GB Flash players. The Zune 8GB is going for $112 which also includes the new Blue Zune and the 4GB is going for $86. These are some amazing deals on a great Zune player, head on over to Amazon to take advantage of these deals.

-Ray

[Source: engadget]

Lately, there have been many ZunePhone rumors spreading all over the internet. Many Zune fans are hoping the rumors are true, and there are many reasons to believe they are true. The problem with these reasons is that we have heard them before. Jim Golman of CNBC has stated that a very “reliable” source has told him a ZunePhone was in the works and it could be unveiled as early as January and shipped at a later time in 2009. According to Jim:

“My source says that the new device falls under the codename “Pink” and that it will combine the company’s Zune and technology from Microsoft’s purchase of Danger Inc., the company that brought us the Sidekick flip phone available on T-Mobile.”

Now these ZunePhone rumors may be substantial because a few weeks back, Microsoft released Windows Mobile 6.5, and it looked very reminiscent of a Zune. But again, until Microsoft gives us an official statement, nothing is set in stone. All we can do is wait and hope.

- Geoff

[Source: ZuneBoards]