You’ll soon be able to access the audio book catalogs of top publishers via Overdrive simply by upgrading to the latest software.  Publishers include Random House, Penguin Audio, BBC Audiobooks, Tantor Media and others.
In June, when users upgrade to version 3.2 of the Overdrive software on Windows PCs, they’ll be able to start easily transffering their books to their iPod, other Apple devices, Microsoft Zune and other PMPs.
"iPod-compatibility instantly adds value to digital media catalogs powered by OverDrive and further expands the collection to the millions of iPod owners …

CNet is reporting that Microsoft has officially confirmed that the Zune HD will be released this fall.  Set up to go head to head with the iPod Touch, MS spokesman Chris Stephenson said that Zune buyers will be able to playback HD content on their TVs via a dock.
From the CNet article:
The Zune HD, which will be available in the U.S. only starting this fall, features an HD Radio tuner as well as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) touch screen, Microsoft said. It is based on Windows CE and …

Zune Scene is today reporting that Microsoft is going to unveil an upgrade plan for Zune owners starting in June.  The plan apparently is targeted at owners of out of warranty Zune 30s which will no longer be sold.  It doesn’t appear however that it will be limited to those owners.
From Zune Scene:
The source also indicated that extended warranty purchase for all Zune 30′s will no longer be available, the upgrade plan appears to be a sort of replacement for that option. Fortunately all Zune upgrades will come with …

Reading here, you know I love my Zune.  But, there is one thing I absolutely hate about it and that’s the fact that Microsoft refuses to allow you to convert and sync certain video codecs and containers.  A lot of MS products are like this so it isn’t really a surprise.  The same goes for iPods and other portable media players (PMPs.)  They each only support the file types that the company has decided to support, but I want to be able to watch my content on the go.  Luckily …

There’s some Zune news leaking out and to be honest, I’m not sure what to make of it.  Several Zune blogs and other news sources are quoting @officethemovie, a twitter account supposedly linked to the new Microsoft Office 2010 website which has posted the following tweets:
 

May 11th – June 2009 will be an important month for Zune lovers.
May 12th – @Gilly2468 @Chimerica @clubdirthill @serenecloud New product launch, that’s all I’m allowed to say. Hold off from buying an iPhone/Pre.

Does this mean we can expect a Zune phone …

That’s what MS wants you to believe and while technically it is true I suppose, I don’t think anyone in their right mind would pay out $30k to fill an iPod.
I am an MS fan though so I must say that it is nice to see them hitting back at Apple where they can:  Price.  I’ve complained here before about the iTunes software and given that you have to pay at least 99 cents a track never attracted me either. 
Apparently MS has decided to go with the strengths …

Cnet has the details but I wanted to get them out here quickly too.  If you’re looking for an MP3 player for yourself or for someone else, Newegg has a great deal for you.  Until the end of May you can an 8GB Zune and free car pack for $79.99 and free shipping.
To let you know, an 8GB normally goes for about $140 and the car pack for $70.  A rip but totally worth it.  For you, it’s all together.  If I I didn’t already have a Zune 80 …

I still can’t figure out why so many people use iTunes to get their music fix.  After installing it to manage the Entertainment 2.0 I found the interface clunky, slow, and just a pain to navigate.  Add to this the fact that Apple charges a premium for DRM free content and I’ll never understand.  I personally love using my Zune software and my subscription.  Unlimited access to the catalog plus 10 tracks to keep, DRM free, each month. 
Ed Bott has decided it’s time to compare some of the …

If you’re looking to show your support for Microsoft’s portable media player than Zune Thoughts has the contest for you.  Until May 4th all you have to do is comment on the post with the details over on the site and let them know what music you groove out to with your Zune.  What’s loaded right now and gets you moving?
Prize package includes:

Manhattan Portage shoulder bag, customized with the Zune logo and the "hello from seattle" phrase
Limited-edition grey Zune t-shirt (size large)
Copy of Lost Ones, the Zune-comissioned graphic novel

 
Head …

If you’re like me then your Zune gets a lot of use.  Between yard work and carrying it back and forth to the car, there’s always a chance that your device will slip from your hand.  While the screen on the device is glass and pretty hard to break, it’s still possible. 
It used to be that if this calamity befell you, your only options were to DIY the thing or to go out and drop the money on a new Zune.  However, it seems that MS has decided …