MP3 Insider 124: From firmware to concepts

A new firmware update to the Zune allows you to indulge in two-player games by linking two Zunes over Wi-Fi.

Donald and Jasmine discuss the latest Zune firmware, as well as their opinions on the current state of Bluetooth technology.

Also this week, an iPod concept that takes fashion gadgetry to another level, cute and tiny travel speakers from Sony, and thoughts on HD radio. Plus, the winners of our Burton prize giveaway are announced.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Episode 124

Zune 3.1 firmware unleashed: http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12519_7-10101088-49.html?tag=mncol;title

Sony announces new portable audio gadgets: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10101235-1.html?tag=mncol;title

Looks like a bracelet, plays like an iPod: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10097650-1.html?tag=mncol;title

Skullcandy Double Agent headphones: http://reviews.cnet.com/headphones/skullcandy-double-agent-headphones/4505-7877_7-33108244.html?tag=rb_mtx;item_0

Altec Lansing inMotion Max: http://reviews.cnet.com/mp3-player-accessories/altec-lansing-imt702-inmotion/4505-6519_7-33314859.html?tag=mncol;lst

----------BURTON GIVEAWAY WINNERS----------

1st prize (Burton jacket): Annie Huang

2nd prize (Q-bean wireless headphones): Paul Yang

3rd prize (Altec-Lansing Orbit MP3): Matthew Kjesbo

[LinuxRules]

Sorry Jasmine, HD radio does not stand for 'high definition' radio. When asked the owner of the patient HD radio, he first claimed it was for 'hybrid digital' because of the mix of digital/analog radio, but then he claims it does not stand for anything at all. Which drives me nuts because he deliberately choose HD to confuse people with 'HD' in HDTV. Very bad PR campaign, if you as me. The sound quality of FM is no different only the transmission is digital and the substations now available. On the other hand the AM is upgraded to FM status, but is only available during the day because of interference with ham and analog AM stations. And unless the stations use more power than the analog counter parts, just like HDTV, the distance the signal reaches is way less. Because the signal is being rejected by the equipment if it is not receiving more that 50-75% signal strength, where in analog you would be able to hear the station maybe with some static.