iHome has decided to enter the Zune accessories market with the introduction of the ZN9 Dual-Alarm Stereo Clock Radio. Yes, this is the first clock radio device for the Zune (which is kinda sad to think about considering how long the Zune has been available for now). Features of the ZN9 include letting owners gradually wake or sleep to music from the Zune, or via the radio or buzzer, separate weekly and weekend alarm times, an extra large backlit LCD display (for all you visually challenged folks out there - that includes me!), and Reson8 speaker chambers. The ZN9  is now available for a price of $99.99.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: ZN9 Dual-Alarm Stereo Clock Radio for Zune

Golla announced a partnership with Zune this week and has become a licensed 3rd party accessory partner for the Zune media player. Golla launched their main 2008 bag collection at this year’s CES 2008. The collection contain six product categories of which 2 are new - laptop sleeves and laptop backpacks. Golla bags are typically stylish with funky colors and print designs.

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Technorati Tags: Golla, Zune Bags,

The folks at the ZuneScene have published a review of the VAF Octavio 1 home entertainment system here on their website. The Octavio 1 comes an integrated Zune dock which allows you to play the Zune’s music through the integrated speakers or pipe the video output to a television set. You can also connect various sources to the Octavio 1 and instantly switch between them with a press of a button.

Specs include:

• 100 watt amplifier
• 200 mm (8 inch) bass diaphragm
• 2 - 130 mm (5.25 inch) long linear travel woofers with high damping synthetic rubber roll surrounds
• Low stray magnetic field
• Very powerful magnetic motors
• High power voice coil
• Measures 600 mm wide, 260 mm high and 110 mm deep

Here’s the verdict from the folks at ZuneScene:

In conclusion the Octavio earns it’s $500 price tag, it sounds as great as is looks. We’re looking forward to spending quality Zune and XBOX time with the Octavio 1 and will definitely be inviting friends over to hear it.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: VAF, Octavio 1, Zune Speakers, Zune

If you’ve been reading Krunker, then you know that I took a bit of a whirlwind trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas to attend CES 2007. I actually only spent a day at CES (on Monday) since I had to get back to work on Tuesday so I literally skimmed through the entire show looking for the major highlights.

While at CES, I did notice several Zune related items - first off - it was pretty clear that Microsoft was still heavily marketing the Zune. When you got off the bus at the Las Vegas Convention Center, you were immediately presented with ads galore!

At Microsoft’s main booth within the LVCC, the Zune had it’s own section complete with various 3rd party accessories on display. The following are the snapshots that I took of the Zune accessories on display.

Here’s an Altec Lansing product on display. Features include, Zune dock connector, digital FM radio (umm why?), wireless remote , works with CD and MP3 players, and 100 watts RMS.

Here’s an interesting product from iME (Integrated Mobile Electronics). It’s called the iME Docking Station and it allows you to dock the Zune within your car - letting you listen to music and watch videos from the Zune in your automobile. Features of the iME automotive docking station includes:

• Play high quality video and audio
• Connects to all entertainment systems in the behicle
• Remote control for your Zune (hands free)
• Seamless integration
• Charges the Zune

Next up are several Memorex products for the Zune.

Here was a Dual in-dash car stereo module for the Zune.

Some JBL speakers for the Zune..

Some Belkin accessories for the Zune..

Here’s that huge speaker system called Octavio 1 from VAF again…

Your friendly neighborhood DLO products on display..

BTW, I picked up a DLO Power Pack for my trip to Vegas.. and well. it works. What else can I say? (well I’ll give a review of the unit shortly.. as soon as I get around to reviewing the Zune finally too!)

The folks at iHome were certainly not going to be left out of the dark when it came to Zune products too. Here’s a picture of various Zune accessories.

Good ol Griffin Tech had some cool stuff on hand for the Zune..

And of course.. if you’ve never seen Microsoft branded stuff.. here they are:

Finally, Microsoft even set up a “Zune lounge” where people could come and relax and sit on couches. If you walked around CES then you’ll totally appreciate the notion of having a place to sit and relax!!

If you were at CES, let me know and post up a comment here! What did you think of it?

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If you love your new Zune player but you really wish it had a much larger hard drive on the inside, then check out this review over at ZuneScene.com of their new 80GB hard drive replacement for the Zune. The Scene purchased their 80GB HDD from the folks at iPodMods.com (ironic huh?). You can either install the drive yourself or you can have iPodMods do it for you - either way the installation of a new hard drive will mean no warranty from Microsoft - so be aware of that.

The 80GB hard drive is also a tad bit larger than the 30GB drive so installing the new drive means you’ll need to remove a protective metal casing on the inside of the Zune. Check out the review for tons of pictures of the installation process.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Microsoft Zune, Zune 80GB, iPodMods

This is probably old news to some of you but I never got a chance to write about this in the past. In case you didn’t know, Belkin has a full lineup of products designed specifically for the Zune. Most of these products (except one) are not quite available yet but should be soon.

Let’s go over the products.

TuneBase FM Transmitter for Zune

The TuneBase FM Transmitter for the Zune provides a convenient all in one solution for the Microsoft Zune. With this product, you can power, mount, and play your Zune while traveling on the road in your car. It has a flexible steel neck which makes positioning the Zune extremely easy in your car. The integated FM transmitter allows you to blast the music from the Zune straight to your car stereo. You can pick frequencies between 88.1 MHz to 107.9 MHz and the TuneBase lets you program three presets.

Here are the main features from the website:

• Charges your Zune while it plays
• Positions in either portrait or landscape mode–great for video viewing
• Holds your Zune at almost any angle
• Features a backlit LCD display that displays FM frequency and memory selection
• Lets you program the clearest frequency easily with one-touch preset buttons
• Features 3 programmable memory presets
• Operates on multiple FM channels from 88.1MHz-107.9MHz
• 3.5mm audio line-out for use in cars with MP3 audio line-in ports or cassette adapters

The TuneBase FM Transmitter for the Zune will be sold at a retail price of $79.99.

Belkin Acrylic Case for Zune

Sick of leather cases and looking for something a bit more solid (and see through?) Well there’s the Belkin Acrylic Case for the Zune. It features a detachable belt clip which also serves as a kickstand for the Zune. Having the kickstand makes it far more enjoyable to watch video hands free with the Zune.

The case is form fitted to protect the Zune and comes with a metal top. Here are the main features from the website:

• Comes with a Belkin Lifetime Warranty
• Features metal-topped, clear-acrylic, form-fitting design
• Keeps controls accessible with true-sense, pad protector
• Offers flexibility with detachable belt clip/kickstand
• Protects your screen with clear cover

The Belkin Acrylic Case for the Zune retails for $29.99

Belkin Holster Case for Zune

If you want a case that keeps everything easily accessible and comes with a top loading feature, then check out the Belkin Holster Case for the Zune. The case is made out of microfiber and leather and features a clear cover which protects the screen from scratches.

The main features from the website include:

• Comes with a Belkin Lifetime Warranty
• Features easy-care microfiber and leather
• Keeps all ports easily accessible
• Protects your screen with clear cover

The Belkin Holster Case for the Zune retails for $29.99 and is available now.

Belkin Folio Kickstand Case for the Zune

Here’s another microfiber and leather case for the Zune except it’s designed to unfold into a kickstand format allowing you a handsfree way to view videos and photos on the Zune.

Main features from the website include:

• Comes with a Belkin Lifetime Warranty
• Features easy-care microfiber and leather construction
• Protects your screen with clear cover

The Folio Kickstand Case for the Zune will retail for $29.99

Belkin Neoprene Sports Armband for Zune

Why anyone would carry the Zune on their arm is beyond me.. but in case you want to, there’s the Belkin Neoprene Sports Armband for the Zune. You’ll get a case that comes with a clear protective screen cover which also happens to attach to an elastic neoprene armband (although you don’t need to use the armband if you don’t want to).

The armband is machine washable and made of stain resistant microfiber.

The main features from the website include:

• Comes with a Belkin Lifetime Warranty
• Offers durable convenience with removable holster made of stain-resistant microfiber
• Features washable, stain-resistant microfiber and neoprene armband
• Keeps all ports and controls accessible

Belkin Sports Jacket with Armband for Zune

One armband case wasn’t enough for Belkin - they had to go out and manufacture the Sports Jacket Case with Armband for Zune. The form fitting case can be used by itself or in conjunction with the armband. The case features a  layer of rugged silicone rubber to protect the Zune.

The main features of the Sports Jacket from the website include:

• Comes with a Belkin Lifetime Warranty
• Allows easy, hands-free carrying with sports-sleeve feature
• Includes removable armband
• Features form-fitting design

The Sports Jacket retails for $19.99

ClearScreen Overlay for the Zune

If you’re truly paranoid about scratching the beautiful screen on the Zune, then you might want to check out the Belkin ClearScreen Overlay for the Zune. The ClearScreen Overlay is custom designed to fit the Zune and provides a clear shield to protect the Zune screen.

The main features from the website include:

• Comes with a Belkin Lifetime Warranty
• Eliminates glare
• Offers customized fit for your Zune display
• Includes one razor-thin polymer sheet and dry/wet cleaning cloth

Belkin TunePower for Zune

You’ve run out of power for the Zune and you’re nowhere near an outlet or a PC - what do you do? You plug in the Belkin TunePower for the Zune of course. The TunePower comes with an integrated rechargeable battery which adds between 6 to 12 hours of battery life to your Zune. On top of this, the add on comes with a foldout kickstand option making the Zune more comfortable to view on long trips.

The TunePower also features a protective case design for the dock connector. The included AC wall charger will recharge both the TunePower battery AND the Zune battery too.

The main features of the TunePower for the Zune from the website are as follows:

• Extends the playtime of your Zune digital media player by 6 to 12 hours
• Features a convenient foldout stand for hands-free video viewing
• Saves money and the environment with rechargeable battery
• Protects your Zune with custom-molded sleeves
• Includes AC power adapter

The TunePower for Zune will retail for $59.99.

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OK - I SWEAR - the last DLO accessory I’ll be talking about tonight (or this morning). This time it’s the DLO Power Pack for the Zune. This package basically gives you everything you need to power the Zune - no matter where you are. You get an AC Power Bug (AC Adapter) to wall charge the Zune, an Auto charger for the case, and a USB Dock Cable for Zune to USB connectivity and charging (in case you lost that USB cable that came with the Zune to begin with.)

The quick facts on this package is as follows:

• Includes Power Bug COMPACT AC ADAPTER FOR ZUNE
• Auto Charger, CAR CHARGER FOR ZUNE
• USB Dock Cable, ZUNE-TO-USB CONNECTING CABLE
• Power Bug folds away for easy storage and travel
• Extra USB cable for a handy back-up

The suggested retail price for the DLO Power Pack is $39.99.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: DLO, DLO Power Pack for Zune

Ah yes, the accessories are growing for the Zune (you gotta love it). While researching the Zune cases from DLO, I noticed that they had two other Zune related products. The first one is the DLO TransDock micro for Zune which is basically a Zune car charger, and FM transmitter all rolled up into one device.

The package also comes with a removable USB charge and sync cable that can be used either at home or on the road. The TransDock micro can broadcast on an FM radio frequency between 88.1 to 107.9 while keeping the Zune fully charged.

Finally, the TransDock micro has an auxiliary line input and output. The input port allows you to connect other audio devices to the transmitter while the output port allows you to plug the micro to a cassette adapter or a mini plug cable.

Here are the quick facts from the DLO website about the TransDock micro:

TransDock micro works with Microsoft Zune

• Broadcasts to any FM frequency in your car while charging your Zune
• Removable charge and sync cable can be used at home or on the road – an added $20 value
• Audio input to transmit the audio of any MP3 player or other audio device like a portable DVD player or PSP gaming system
• Auxiliary output for use with car aux input ports or a cassette adapter
• Allows a user to set up to 4 preset stations
• Easy-access, dash-based tuning buttons on each side of the unit
• Bright, dash-based LCD readout

[Check it out]

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Since I just mentioned two of DLO’s newest cases for the Zune being reviewed by Gizmodo, I thought I’d mention a bit more about the cases. DLO has three cases for the Zune. They are the DLO Leather for Zune, the DLO Jam Jacket for Zune, and the DLO Action Jacket for Zune. Let’s go over the main features of the three cases.

DLO Leather for Zune:

• Padded cover flips up to reveal complete access to all front controls and screen
• Connect headphones via convenient access hole located on top of case
• Clean, smart design fits in with suit & tie or jeans & a t-shirt
• Leather-covered belt-clip secures Zune on your hip comfortably
• Provides complete screen and front surface protection
• The suggested retail price is $34.99

DLO Jam Jacket for Zune:

• Soft, grip-able silicone case for your Zune
• Comfortable form-fitting scratch and slip protection
• Complete access to Zune controls and headphone port
• Charge and sync your Zune without removing it from the case
• Adds unique style to your Zune that makes it stand out
• The suggested retail price is $19.99

DLO Action Jacket for Zune:

• Neoprene case, rotating belt clip and workout ready armband in one complete package
• Padded, soft case fully protects your Zune during any activity
• Comfortable, workout-ready armband fits any arm size from toothpick to python
• Clear vinyl screen completely covers and protects Zune controls from dirt and sweat
• Belt clip securely attaches the Zune anywhere and rotates 180 degrees for a perfect ‘hipside’ fit
• The Action Jacket’s MSRP is $29.99

Technorati Tags: DLO, DLO Cases, DLO Leather for Zune, DLO Jam Jacket for Zune, DLO Action Jacket for Zune

My favorite case manufacturer, Vaja Cases, has introduced a whole new lineup of cases specifically designed for the Microsoft Zune (Yess!!). I was first introduced to Vaja many years ago when the iPod first came out. These cases aren’t exactly cheap but they are definitely of high quality - each one being handcrafted out of fine leather. The best part about Vaja cases? Their customizability folks.

The new lineup consists of four different case styles. They are:

The Vaja “Balance” case for the Zune which starts at 60 dollars and features:

• Removable front protector
• Full access to main functions
• Optional clip system
• Access to hold button and headphone plug
• Cutout for charge and sync

The Vaja “Classic Top” for the Zune which also starts at 60 dollars and features:

• Padded Lid
• Optional Clip System
• Snap Closure System
• Access to headphone plug
• Cutout for charge and sync
• Push through buttons

The Vaja “Classic” for the Zune which starts at $50 dollars and features:

• Access to main functions
• Optional Clip
• Push through buttons
• Access to hold button and headphones plug
• Cutout for charge and sync
• Screen protector

and finally, the Vaja “Classic Top Retro” which also sells for $60 bucks and features:

• Access to headphones plug
• Optional clip system
• Access to hold button
• Screen protector
• Full access to main functions
• Cutout for charge and sync

[Check it out]

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