If Windows Live Messenger is your instant messaging program of choice you can now access the app from your Microsoft Zune HD. The program isn’t the most popular messaging application, but it was a bit surprising when the application wasn’t included on a Microsoft based program.

For WLM users you’ll find a version close to the desktop unit, not some scaled down option with little to offer. Users can show their friends list what music they are currently listening to and check up on Facebook Friends with integrated Facebook Chat, while also adding and removing friends and setting away messages among other basic features.

The best part? It’s 100% free from the Zune app portal or through a Zune Software upgrade on your PC. [SlashGear]

Windows Live Messenger Comes To Microsoft Zune HD is a post from: The Inquisitr

Microsoft is being sued by Illinois inventor Edward Yavitz. Apparently the application designer applied for and was granted a patent in 2002 which allows users to buy songs they hear over the radio by tagging those songs and then searching for them through other sources.

Yavitz claims that he attempted to offer the technology to Microsoft in 2006, but his attempts at reaching out to the company had failed. He allegedly sent the following message to Microsoft reps:

“THIS IS ALL POSSIBLE AND PATENTED … SO IPOD [sic] and Google CAN’T DO IT, but Microsoft can, if you take the time to talk to me.”

In 2008 the Microsoft Zune series gained the technology on non-touch based Zune’s, devices which were not big sellers for the company.

Microsoft has acknowledged the suit but has not said whether they will fight the allegations. If the case does move forward or if a settlement is reached, it will more than likely have some implications on Apple who released an RDS text and tag suite for their fifth-generation iPod Nano units.

Some Ford 2010 vehicles also include the iTunes Tagging technology which could be seen as a patent violation based on the precedent set by this lawsuit. [Electronista]

Microsoft Sued Over Zune’s Buy From Radio Offering is a post from: The Inquisitr

Microsoft let it leak on Monday that a Zune HD 64GB version is on the way. There’s still no pricing at this time, but what we do know is that Dell dropped the price of the 32GB version to $199 which may leave a bit of play for the 64GB version to come in around that capacities original pricing.

Rumors had been pointing to a 64GB model for quite a while now, however that release was held back for unknown reasons, which Electronista believes may have been related to cost and pricing factors.

Microsoft admittedly is a little late to the game with the Apple iPod 64GB version arriving almost one year ago, although that option was rather pricey and iPod’s still do not offer the 720p video playback featured on the Zune HD.

Despite claims, the Zune has never really played off Apple devices to grab their market share, they offer their very own distinct interfaces, features, applications, etc. So regardless of their lateness to the game, Microsoft should be able to move quite a few units.

Microsoft Zune HD Gets Some 64GB Lovin’ is a post from: The Inquisitr

Microsoft is about to pull an Apple and Google by hoping full force into the phone market, at least that’s the report that recently surfaced from MuyComputer which is reporting that the Zune Phone will appear at MWC in Barcelona this month and will feature a Nvidia Tegra setup.

According to Gizmodo, MuyComputer DirectorJ avier Pérez Cortijo said

“the Zune Phone presentation at Barcelona’s Mobile World Congress 2010 is 100% confirmed.”

According to that same report, the Zune Phone will offer a screen resolution of 480 x 272, although no size has been announced, plus HDMI video out and Windows 7.  It will also weight around 2.45 ounces. Just realize that the picture in this post is nothing more than an artists own rendering of what they think the Zune Phone will look like.

The image is a mockup, not the real thing

Zune Phone To Make Official Debut At MWC, Feature NVIDIA Tegra is a post from: The Inquisitr

The good news, though: The Zune freeze quickly dubbed “Z2K” is finally finished. At least in theory.

Zune’s Leap Year Bug

A “bug in the internal clock driver related to the way the device handles a leap year” led to all 30GB Zunes freezing on the loading screen with the logo stuck on screen, the company says. The issue should supposedly now have resolved itself.

Frozen Zune Fix

If your Zune is still experiencing problems, Microsoft suggests you take the following steps:

1. Disconnect your Zune from USB and AC power sources.
2. Because the player is frozen, its battery will drain-this is good. Wait until the battery is empty and the screen goes black. If the battery was fully charged, this might take a couple of hours.
3. Wait until after noon GMT on January 1, 2009 (that’s 7 a.m. Eastern or 4 a.m. Pacific time).
4. Connect your Zune to either a USB port on the back or your computer or to AC power using the Zune AC Adapter and let it charge. Once the battery has sufficient power, the player should start normally.

You may also have to resync your Zune with your computer to restore any DRM files after completing that fix.

Zune Battery Disconnect

Microsoft mentions that some Zune users followed advice in the Zune forums and disconnected their device’s battery. If you did this, Microsoft recommends the following procedure to get your Zune back in working order:

• Wait 24 hours from the time that you reset the Zune and then sync with your computer to refresh the usage rights; or
• Delete the player’s content using the Zune software (go to Settings, Device, Sync Options, Erase All Content), then re-sync it from your collection.

Zune Freeze: Leap Year to Blame, Microsoft Says is a post from: The Inquisitr

Users of Microsoft’s media player are finding their Zunes frozen and stuck on the loading screens. The widespread Zune failure is already being dubbed Z2K or Z2K9.

Zune Freeze: What’s Up?

The Zune freeze appears to be affecting the Zune 30GB models. It started right after midnight this New Year’s Eve. The Zune problems cause the devices to become stuck with the logo on screen and nothing else happening. A regular Zune reset or hard reset does nothing to solve the problem.

Microsoft Zune: Zune Troubleshooting

Microsoft has acknowledged the Zune problems and has issued the following statement:

“We are aware that customers with the Zune 30GB are experiencing issues with their Zune device. We are actively working now to isolate the issue and develop a solution to address it. We will keep customers informed on next steps via the support page on zune.net.”

You can access that Zune support page here. As of the time of this publication, the Zune news section has the following Zune help message:

“Customers with 30GB Zune devices may experience issues when booting their Zune hardware. We’re aware of the problem and are working to correct it. The Zune Social might be slow or inaccessible. Sorry for the inconvenience, and thanks for your patience!”

Zune Forums

You can communicate with other Microsoft Zune users about the issues in the official Microsoft Zune Forums here.

Zune Problems: Why Is My Zune Frozen? is a post from: The Inquisitr