First Impressions: At first sight the tx mi skin/case isn't a big shocker. First pulling out of the mailing package it has a texture to it unlike any other skin I have seen for the Zune 4/8 or even the 80. It is similar to a 'tropical' thatching you would see on a Corona hat. After taking a further look at it, it has almost no profile to it. (VERY thin) And as we had predicted it uses a 3M no-residue glue to firmly apply to the device.

Application: Application is very simple and most likely a success on the first try. No bubbles form and if they do they roll out easily. The removal of the skin is also simple... just peel it off. And I have tried re-applying it and it goes right back on. Here is a tip from the maker himself, line the skin up with the buttons not the sides. It will line up perfectly anyways and it makes the zune look that much better.

Everyday use: When using the Tx mi in everyday life is really nice. Especially when running. Have you ever noticed when using your Zune while running makes your hand slippery and prone to dropping? Well the grip that this skin provides is astounding in the category for sports use. Another great thing is that the case is not flush with the buttons and squircle. This is great for blind operation in a pants pocket or purse.

Aesthetics: When the skin was all applied nicely and ready to go it looks really professional and nice. It really blows decal girl out the window along with Unique skins. One complaint that was stylistic and functional is that it has no screen protection. I am one to be careful being the owner of a Zune 30 (Plastic screen) but you should have nothing to worry about.

This has been my review of the tx mi skin by Sketchy62. Here are some specs...

Name :  txSkins
Price: 10$
Shipping: US only
Payment: Paypal only


Accessory type: Textured Skins
Texture types: 
(Real Textures, not just graphics!)
+Embossed Gold (The one pictured and reviewed)
+Embossed Blue
+Black/brown Suede
+Orange Football
+Corrugated White/Green/Black
+Black/Brown Crocodile skin
Adhesive: Non-residue

Overall I think this skin would be a great investment in the protection of your Zune!

Episode #: 25 | Date: 8/17/08| Title: Cases Galore | length: 24:27 |

Description: When there is no Zune news, what is there to do? Design Cases. Today we talk about cases and more. Also, we've added some underscoring music, let us know if it's too annoying. Im unsure whether I like it or not.

Zune:
Cases Galore
Blue but now Green Zune
Sub Pop 20 Launches Exclusive Content on Zune

Zunited:
STAFFS CHANGING! -Zuneboards
Changes to Zunited after TheMBC's Departure
E-Mails
New Members

I hope you all enjoyed this podcast!  For feedback or to discuss this podcast please visit the Zunited Podcast board.

Teccom747

Episode #: 24 | Date: 8/10/08| Title: Zunited Mailbag! | length: 41:56 |

Description: Today we read ALL your emails/hatemails. We discuss the latest Zune News, announce two new segments to our podcast and TheMBC says good-bye.

I hope you all enjoyed this podcast!  For feedback or to discuss this podcast please visit the Zunited Podcast board.

Teccom747

Microsoft is said to be looking to Hollywood to get ahead in the portable media market.  Zune, which reported by NPD, is number two in HDD player sales, however not number 2 in flash sales and no where near number two in overall portable media players.  Microsoft seems to want to give Zune an advantage with the Zune software and its video content.

Reportedly, they are in an exploratory phase with adding Zune-Only videos in the Zune Marketplace along with the lisencing content they already provide.  These videos will not only add an exclusivity to the portable media player's image, but should also add functionality to the Social.

"What we would be looking to do with any form of original content is the added component that Zune could provide that iTunes or any competing service couldn't," Winn said.  "The thing we've all been looking for is what is that we can do that is a little more interesting than just looking at a piece of video."

The senior partner at Interactive Broadband Consulting Group, Shahid Khan, doesn't think this new strategy will have much impact in Zune's sales or how people perceive them.  Last we heard, Zune sold 2 million devices since November 2006 while Apple says they sell 3.5 million devices per month.  Khan notes that Zune will be asking for potential buyers to "take a leap of faith" and rely on video content they've never seen or ever heard of...and that's not all: to pay for that content.  That is of course if it's the same amount of money as licensed video content which is $1.99.

Khad says, instead of original content, Microsoft, who has the money and power to do so, should implement a Zune Video Pass, which would be an all-you-can-eat video download service for a monthly fee.

"If anyone could pull it off, it's Microsoft because of the amount of investment they can put into it," Khan said. "They need something radical to push the video on Zune." 

[via The Hollywood Reporter.]