An anonymous tipster sent in a direct link to the Zune software so that anyone can download and use it…even if you don’t have a Zune! I’m not sure where they found it or how long it has been available but I didn’t see a link on the Zune.net site.
The setup file is only a small portion of what you have to download and once you get that running it will download the rest of the installation files. Here is what the initial setup screen looks like:
It isn’t anything really special but I did notice after it completed the download for the installation files that it also downloaded the firmware for the Zune. A little while later it finished doing everything (no advanced installation options available) and I was able to start playing around, but no until I restarted my computer. 
Honestly, I can’t tell that much of a difference between this and Windows Media Player (WMP), which is exactly what I expected. The library and options all appear to come from WMP which makes me wonder why they didn’t just make the Zune work with WMP 11 in the first place?
Here is a screenshot of the interface for those of you who aren’t able to get it installed or just don’t want to install it:
It also appears that some Best Buy’s have started to sell the Zune a little early…I wonder what Microsoft thinks about that! 
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Tags: Freeware, Hardware, Newly Released, Software
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Maybe they are trying to make the Zune look more like an iPod by giving it its own iTunes clone.
More likely, they don’t want to require that people are running Windows XP in order to use a Zune
.
Good call, I didn’t think about the minimum requirement of Windows XP. I have also heard that the software doesn’t work with Vista yet but I didn’t care to try it on my Vista machines.
Why they made separate software is mind-boggling. One of the most ridiculous things they have done. They could’ve made WMP “zuned” and multi-platform quite easily.
You forget, not all music available through WMP is usable on a Zune, and MS wants people to buy their music through the Zune Marketplace. Not only does this simplify things for the customer, but it gives the Zune more of an iPod/iTunes feel, which is what MS has wanted from the very begining. Also, while the current Zune software only works on XP, MS could still change their minds before (or even after) launch, while MS has stopped making versions of WMP for OSs before XP.
Also, WMP 9 works on Mac, and MS wouldn’t want Mac users to be able to use a Zune, now, would they? (This would explain why WMP music doesn’t work on a Zune
).
Never really thought about it before but it would be interesting to see Microsoft target the Mac AND Linux market by developing cross-platform software. I think Linux users may especially like the result of a media player that works out-of-the-box.
Hi @all!
Can anyone give me a a url of a good, reliable US-onlinestore who shipps to germany?
Since we here in Europe have to wait until end of 2007 ’til release I’m planing on buying one online. Compared to the ipod and creative’s zen vision:m the the zune is still cheaper – even with estimated shipping costs of 30$-50$.
thanks in advance,
regards from a cloudy, rainy germany
gluon
Hi Guys,
Is there anyone here knows when will it be available in Asia Region?
Thanks
~java
The first place that pops into my mind is [newegg.com] If that one doesn’t work for you let me know and I’m sure I could think of another one.
Unfortunately I don’t know what the other release dates will be.
You can find the full version of the Zune software on our site (48.7 MB rar file) to download.
Also you can see a high quality video or screeshots from the Zune Marketplace
[zune-online.com]
– Zune-Online.com Share your Zune Experience!
I downloaded and installed the Zune software, but for me the prices are in Euros. Is the markeplace available today the European and not US marketplace?
I made an error, they are Microsoft point prices which that symbol confused me for the euro symbol as it was too small.
A not so glorious review of the Zune on CNN: Zone vs Shuffle….
[youtube.com]
With the Zunes Wi-Fi function does anybody know of possibly putting a Internet Browser on the device like the PSP has? And also, Does anybody know of any possible downloads for being able to select songs off of another Zune? I cannot find anything so far if anybody knows it would be greatly appreciated. Email – Ltsplayskate@yahoo.com
I’m not sure about being able to selectively download songs off of another Zune, but I would guess that would be possible. That would probably mean that you could connect to anyone’s Zune and “steal” their songs.
The browser has not yet been developed but I heard that one is in the works.