Zune Skin - About Zune Skins

Zune refers to Microsoft's digital audio player, client software, and online music store released to the United States on November 14, 2006. The device plays music and videos, displays images, receives FM radio, and shares files wirelessly with other Zunes and via USB with Xbox 360s. The Zune Software allows users to manage files on the player, to rip audio CDs, and to buy songs at the online Zune Marketplace.

The device was created in close cooperation with Toshiba, which took an existing design mainly the Gigabeat S and redeveloped it under the name Toshiba 1089 as registered with the FCC. Xbox 360 overseer J Allard ran the project, codenamed 'Argo', which consisted of some XBox and MSN Music store developers, who worked on 'Alexandria' and finalized it as Zune Marketplace, then later unveiled both products united under a single brand in the U.S. market as the Zune. The Zune represents Microsoft's attempt to enter the lucrative digital audio player market, which is currently led by Apple's iPod.

The Zune's casing is made from rubberized plastic. Its controls include a circular controller with five buttons, a menu button to the left, a play/pause button to the right, and a hold switch atop the player next to the headphone port. The words "Hello from Seattle" are inscribed on the back of the case, possibly mimicking the message "Designed by Apple in California" on the back of the iPod. Some believe it was meant as a message to Apple; Microsoft calls it simply a greeting.

The consumer edition was initially offered in light black, chocolate brown, and pearl white, which came with a "doubleshot," or translucent glow in a different colour, of blue, green, and clear, respectively.

The limited edition came in different colours and artwork and were offered in three consecutive months. Red Zunes were put up for auction in various stores in the Los Angeles area on October 2006. Pink and orange Zunes,  in quantities of 100 each, were randomly inserted into Zune boxes along with a numbered certificate of authenticity.[ These devices were given to the Zune team as ship gifts. They had "Welcome to the Social November 14, 2006" written on the back and came in white packaging featuring Zune artwork then were released on the very same month."Ambassador" artwork Zunes were given to Microsoft's "Zune Master" college-student marketers on December 15, 2006.
Cesar Menendez from the Microsoft Zune team confirmed Pink Zune availability around mid-May for a limited edition production run of 100,000 units. In the same month, as of Friday, April 13, 2007, the Pink Zune was first available on several online stores.

There are many places already where you can download Zune movies, games, and songs. Other than the Microsoft's Marketplace. By using one of these services you can avoid restrictions if downloading directly from the Microsoft Marketplace. My favorite Zune download site is  is called ZUNE REACTOR, only costs $26 for a whole year. You will get unlimited downloads for Zune and a free Zune Converter. If you dislike Microsoft's Marketplace as much as I do check out Zune Reactor.