Is Canada the Next Launch Area for the Zune?

[Jason Dunn]

<img border="1" src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/500/zt/auto/1194994803.usr1.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br />Ok, I may be way off base on this, but here goes: I was surprised to see French-language support in the Zune. English and Spanish make sense for a product released in the USA, but French? No insult intended to any French-speaking people living in the USA, but I've never seen language French support provided on a device that has <em>only</em> been released in the US. Maybe I'm wrong on that, but I can't think of any examples. So does this mean that with a device and product manuals in French, we might see the Zune be launched next in the Great White North? I sure hope so...I'm getting tired of pretending to be an American just so I can buy songs from the Zune Marketplace. ;-)

[idawgik]

I happened to notice last night while randomly looking through the manual for my new Zune80 (which I LOVE btw) that it makes references to both US and Canada in various places. Specifically in the warranty information and in compliance with the Canadian version of the FCC (I'm at work and don't remember what it was called).

I don't remember if the original Zune's manuals had that or not, but it might be a sign of impending release in Canada...

[Stinger]

I can't wait for MS for start rolling this thing out worldwide. I'm itching to use the subscription service and will jump on the bandwagon as soon as it's available in the UK and they sort out gapless playback.

[Mike-T]

"...I'm getting tired of pretending to be an American just so I can buy songs from the Zune Marketplace. ;-)"


Please Jason,

How do you do that? I live in Canada and I would like to try the zune pass

Thanks,

Miguel<!-- / message --><!-- message, attachments, sig -->

[mrozema]

How do you do that? I live in Canada and I would like to try the zune pass

I've done it too. I created a new Passport ID and made up a fake US address. Its been a while, but I think that's all there is to it.

Matt.

[asif2020]

I have been following the news on any signs of a Canadian release religiously. I really hope that these are indications that Microsoft will finally bring the Zune up North.

Asif

[Jason Dunn]

<!-- / message --><!-- message, attachments, sig -->How do you do that? I live in Canada and I would like to try the zune pass

I've been meaning to write up a full "International User's Guide" for a while now, but here's the short version:

1) Go to to www.passport.com
2) Register a new Passport account, putting in USA information
3) Buy Xbox Live points cards off eBay or get a friend in the USA to buy them for you - you can't use Canada Xbox Live points
4) Sign into the Zune marketplace using your new "fake" passport
5) Redeem the points cards

This will allow you to buy Zune Marketplace songs, but NOT have a Zune Pass account. Their billing system is linked to the billing address of the credit card, so you'll either have to get someone else to pay for your monthly subscription, or buy three-month Zune Pass cards.

But I've found out some interesting news...watch the front page. :D

[Lotheric]

imo, they have french because they are planning a canadian release and 25% of canadians speaks french (add to that Europe later on, they already have a few countries there speaking those three lnaguages)

[Jason Dunn]

imo, they have french because they are planning a canadian release and 25% of canadians speaks french

Well, I don't know if I agree 25% of all Canadians speak French, but I do agree that Canada is coming soon. ;-) Check the front page soon...

[Lotheric]

Why the delay ? You *can't* tease ppl like that lol :p

[Jason Dunn]

Why the delay ? You *can't* tease ppl like that lol :p

Well, us writers have to take a few minutes to craft our prose. :D Check the front page in 15 minutes...

[Lotheric]

woot! nice find!! :D