I'd been remiss to upgrade my Zune software as soon as it was launched last weekend but Saturday night, while waiting for dinner to cook, and having read some great feedback about the new features included in the Zune 3.0 update, I decided to upgrade.

I downloaded the software and installed it without a glitch (other than the fact that the new software didn't import my Podcasts - bugger), the firmware upgraded with no problems and without deleting everything from my player (BONUS) but I noticed that the Marketplace link was missing from the software. I thought that perhaps I'd had a glitch during the install so I re-installed it and still, no Marketplace tab. WTF? After a little research, I discovered that the new Marketplace, which features some of the best and cool new Zune upgrades, is not available to Canadians. Saddly, what this also means is that aside from not being able to purchase any music, I'm also not allowed to subscibe to podcasts or check out any of the cool free features. Disappointing. Yeah, I can still subscribe to the podcasts but not from the Marketplace which means discovering new music/shows, something which the Zune is getting great points for, is useless to me.

I'm really disappointed by this development but am hopeful that maybe, just maybe, they'll solve this problem soon by giving Canadians a version of the software. That major disappointment aside, I am liking the social aspect of the software which lets me be buddies with people, see what they're listening to and, if the Marketplace thing was working, I'd also be able to check out recommendations based on what I'm listening to. Basically, the same thing that Last.fm does for iTunes except already integrated into the Zune Social community.

I've also updated the sidebar with a "Listening To" widget that shows you exactly what I've listened to since I last synched my Zune!

UPDATE: Just upgraded the Zune software as prompted through the software rather than a clean download and no only did the upgrade not erase my podcasts, it also installed the Marketplace. WTF?

I love my Zune. I love my Zune so much I haven't bothered to go back to my iPod. I still have it but it's being used by hubby in the car - when he actually remembers to take it with him.

The folks at Podcasting News have some information on the recent upgrades to the Zune and the Zune firmware and though they're not all that impressed with the major announcement of the radio channels, I'm not quite so down on Microsoft. Bottom line, I don't use the radio feature all that often but am thrilled that I have that option if I ever do want to use it.

That said, the radio is the least of the updates I care about. The one that caught my eye is that users can now access the Zune Marketplace music store directly from their device when they are in a recognized Wi-Fi hot spot, or through a home wireless network. It's not a huge upgrade I realize, especially for me who hasn't bought any music from the marketplace yet, but it's a step in the right direction. What I didn't see on the list that would be great to do now would be to set up the marketplace to also take credit card payments because at it stands now, I have to buy a Microsoft Card for Credits that can then be exchanged for the mucis/tv - much like the XBox Marketplace.

We've been prepping like mad for hubby's bit trip to Irvine's "Spring Festival of LXs" (he leaves Wednesday). He has a list of things to pack, so that bit is under control and if you've been following my Twitter updates, you know I spent most of Saturday killing time at the mall waiting to pick up the vehicle from servicing (green light - all's well). The only thing left was to give the Mean Mary a kick ass cleaning and so we got to work yesterday.

After getting home from the early morning movie and after I had some excitement at getting my new toy, we headed off to clean the car. A good wash and dry and then on to the waxing. I've never waxed a car in my life and rather than get right into the 7 (or maybe it's 9?) step bar process we decided to stick to the easy, three step liquid application (my favorite brand too!): apply in small circles, let dry, remove in small circles, finish with clean microfiber cloth. The finished product is STUNNING:


That there is hubby with the supper shiny vehicle.

We also gave the car a super interior clean (including spraying of the seats). At some point, we must really invest in upholstery cleaning (especially of the roof - not sure how it got so dirty but my keen eye sure pick it up). While detailing the interior, I did notice something which gives me pause. Whoever cleaned the car before we bought it used Armor All on the plastic. Huge mistake. It's left streaks on the plastic and I can see exactly where they sprayed. I tried to get the marks off but they don't seem to be disappearing. Thankfully they're only apparent when the plastic is wet. If anyone out there has a solution for getting rid of them, please let me know. In the meantime, don't use that Armor All crap on your car. It does more damage than good. (Side note: worth noting that Armor all has a Charger on all of their bottles and even featured prominently on their website).

Finally, I also took some shots of the interior of the car. I didn't think to take any before pictures but essentially, it looked like this except that all of the brushed aluminum stuff was black. Hubby decided early on that he wanted to purchase a carbon fiber dash kit except that those things run well into the $140 range. Instead, hubby went the cheap yet spiffy alternative: stickers. We bought some carbon fiber auto stickers at Canadian Tire and hubby carefully cut and placed the entire center console, reading lights and the odometer and steering wheel accents. Throw in a very fancy new shifter (in black complete with carbon fiber design) and you have a finished look that looks like it cost a fortune but instead cost $40 and a little elbow grease.


I sure think it looks spiffy!

For more pictures of the interior and a few more shots of the super shinny car, head here.

We've also ordered some decals that didn't manage to make it before our install deadline so those will have to be applied when hubby returns from his trip. I'll post more when that's done!