Zune podcast

[clayphd]

You can add podcast that is not in the marketplace... it is very easy you just press the "Add a podcast" button and put in the RSS feed... Not sure why the show said you could. I watch Tekzilla on my Zune software, and have added many podcasts that way.

[dsrtsng]

I was also qute surprised to hear that other non-Marketplace podcasts could not be added. "Add Podcast" is in a very obvious place.

With respect to getting video content for the Zune, I think there is a significant feature that was not mentioned in the show, and that is importing recordings you make in Windows Media Center. I record a TV show in Media Center, transfer it to the Zune the next morning, and it is ready to watch anytime the next day.

[jeftek]

I was surprised that Patrick did not click the "Add Podcast" button in the Zune Software, even when it was so prominently displayed in the video they showed during the demonstration. Interesting enough you have to CTRL-V to paste in the link since command menus do not seem to work with that dialog box.

Since Zune updated it's firmware with the new features, and added podcast support Podcasts have replaced what I listen to at work, and what I watch in my free time.

My father in law loves taking digital photos, and showing them off to friends and families. I had hooked him up with a Zune 30 awhile back to carry as a portable photo album to show to people. We had also set him up with a Zune dock and remote in his living room so he could do slide shows for people who came over.

The side effect of the new Zune 30 firmware is the wireless syncing to his desktop in the basement. So now with the podcast support, it's a rather convenient video display device on the TV for podcasts! So since the Zune will wirelessly sync when in the dock, all his podcasts as they update are available in his living room to be viewed on this TV. So now he has the option of a portable media device AND an integrated media device to his living room.

The only downside is on the Zune 30, is that when you have TV out enabled, the wireless is disabled. I am not sure if this is the same thing as the Zune 80. This is a minor annoyance though, as it just means you have to disable TV out, or re-enable it when you use it.

I think many people are not connecting the dots here with what MS is doing, and thinking outside of the common iPod syndrome. The Zune has the potential to best the iPod, Apple TV, and even Microsoft's own Media center for those who just want to view their own content, or view podcasts without all the additional software and hacking, etc.

I think this would make an interesting Tekzilla segment, by taking common devices that extra mile for better solutions than what they may have originally been designed for.