Microsoft’s “iPod Killer,” called Zune, is less than two-weeks away from being released (November 14) and they finally launched the product’s website. It has all sorts of information on the media player but nothing too exciting.
The big thing, in my opinion, is the new Zune theme for Windows XP that is located on the Zune Software page. The screenshot above shows what it looks like and it can be clicked on for a full size view. Look familiar? You bet it does! About a week ago a theme was leaked to the Internet that was a black version of the Royale Media Center theme. This theme looks to be the completed version of what was leaked. In fact, I find it a little odd that they still decided to make the close button red in the Zune theme because everything else is orange and black. Oh well, still an awesome theme and I wish the Vista Basic theme looked this good.
Wanna know something kinda funny, too? You’ll notice that the Zune homepage is located at Zune.net which is probably because Zune.com was already taken by someone else:
Registrant:
Zune
GATE MARKET RESEARCH LIMITED
20-22 BEDFORD ROW
LONDON, LONDON WC16 4JS
UK
Domain Name: ZUNE.COM
Record expires on 21-Jun-2009
Record created on 22-Jun-1998
Looks like Microsoft couldn’t plan that far in advance. Zune.com currently says that it is under construction and their hit counter shows 165,936 visitors at the time I am writing this. Alexa shows that it has had some peaks that look like they happened around the time Microsoft announced the Zune. So how many millions do you think Microsoft will be forking out for that domain?
At last, those inactive window titles are NOT absolutely black (unlike unofficial “Royale Noir”). That’s good.
But orange Start button looks a little wired. Because ORANGE color on XP taskbar is usually used for flashing updated windows. So, orange Start button attracts my attention too much.
Also, Windows Explorer sidebar (a.k.a. “Common Tasks”) still NOT skinned. It looks exactly like in “Windows Classic” theme.
Wait a minute, the “Common Tasks” WAS skinned in “Royale Noir – Black”. So why it is gone in the final version?
I just don’t like it as much. I’m going to have to switch back.
It also appears to have got rid of the leaked version and also has changed my desktop. Not something I appreciate.
You shouldn’t apply this theme via Display Properties / Themes (this window appears automatically at the end of theme installation).
Instead, press [Cancel], and go to Display Properties / Appearance, and select “Zune Style” theme. This way, it will not change your wallpaper.
BTW, i’m working with this theme for some hours now, and I found it pretty comfortable. (I’m usually VERY critical about XP themes). This theme is good, IMHO, better than “Royale noir”.
You’re switching back to the Royale Noir or the standard blue theme?
There is no “Common Tasks” sidebar skin, but “Search” sidebar skinned! Very strange…
nice theme… thx
the theme has a small bug which is the reason the “related-tasks” side-bar isn’t skinned. Follow the instructions here [skattertech.com] to fix the problem if you have already installed it.
It only takes about 10 seconds to, just involves moving files to a different folder.
thx.