Michael Yaeger of the Zune team tweeted the following earlier today. Smart DJ is like Apple’s Genius, allowing you to create auto playlists. Later this spring we’ll be seeing it on the devices instead of just the software.

“I’m showing off Smart DJ on the Zune HD at CES…plans to release this to the public later this spring.”

Costco has leaked that the new Wireless N network adapter for the XBOX. The question is what will be coming on that day besides it.

Microsoft has said that new apps for the Zune HD would be coming this month sometime, and the 10th is a Tuesday. The typical day for Microsoft to send out Zune Updates.

XBOX is also supposed to be getting an update sometime this month. So will we see the new stuff out this month on the 10th? Only time will tell.

The above picture is from the FCC filings of the Zune HD. The Earbuds used in their tests were the Zune Premium Earbuds V2. So are these the ones that will be included? Click on them image to show it better…

Microsoft has released a beta version of their free security software today. The limited beta is limited to 75,000 downloads. So this is very very limited on the number they are giving out. I have grabbed a copy for my netbook.

Quoting LifeHacker

Also according to ZDNet, you’ll need to be in the U.S., Israel, or Brazil to try out the beta, and like most early downloads from Microsoft, you’ll need to sign in with a Live account to get rolling (I also had to complete a Microsoft Connect registration and a survey). MSE is available for Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7 (including both 32- and 64-bit for Vista and Windows 7).

Another thing worth noting is you must have a genuin version of Windows.

Microsoft Released a Ad last Friday into the world showing off how great of a deal their Zune Pass is. They also released a New Site to the world ZunePass.net that features a calculator to make you realize how much money you possibly have poured into the apple bowl over time.

People around the web are complaining that the ad is not good because it does not take into account pirating. My thought is with Zune Pass it is cheaper, 100% legal, and it’s high quality. Stay legal folks it is the honest thing to do.

[via Gizmodo / Zunited]

We now have “confirmed” features of the Zune HD. Neowin.net posted a pretty complete feature list today on their site. The following are the “confirmed” features the device will have.

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• 3.6 inch-ish OLED full touch screen.
• NVIDIA Tegra powered.
• 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, and 120GB? versions.
• HDMI Connection to stream straight to your TV.
• HD Radio.
• Web Browser.
• WiFi compatible, with wireless marketplace.
• Released, early fall.
• International release of the Zune device itself.
• Home AV packs, Car packs, Charge packs.

None of these come as a shocker to me except the 4GB version. I just ask myself “WHY?”. I guess it goes with Microsoft’s ever need for tons of Windows versions. The next section of features are more of rumors at this point they have not been confirmed.

• Camera?
• Company insiders tipped us off with the possibility of a limited edition dock accessory in various colors.
• 3D Xbox Game Support?
• Windows Mobile 7 preview bits included? (Maybe these reports mean an early WinMo 7 beta?)

Are any of those things actually necessary? No not really. Why would one care if their media player had a camera? The rest of it I am not even going to comment on.

Quoting Neowin:

There has been a tremendous amount of buzz created throughout the past week regarding the Zune HD, with a ton of speculation regarding the device. We were asked by some members of the Zune team to remember, the device is still months away. The specs, UI, and the device form factor itself can change before the launch later this year. We’re excited, just as many of our international viewers are excited.

The entire Zune platform is being completely overhauled, just as Steve Ballmer mentioned back at CES earlier this year. You’ve got the software division and the hardware division. There have been reports and speculation that this could possibly be the last Zune release, however I’m very confident that Microsoft is going to be competitive this time around with the Zune.

They then say something very interesting at the end of the article:

Quoting Neowin:

Keep your eyes open on May 14, your Zune software might just be updating.

[via Neowin]