Not many people know that the Zune 2.1 software release was a complete re-write of the software. We wiped the slate clean and started over. So, it wasn’t as simple as porting features over, we literally had to re-write the application from the ground up. Features like autoplaylists are no simple task to implement, and while we wanted them in the first 2.1 release, it just wasn’t possible. Now we have them, so it’s moot point, but I wanted to enlighten you as to why they weren’t included until now...

My name is Justin and I'm a developer on the Zune Client Shell. Before your eyes glaze over, let me say that it's the coolest job in the world–I get to turn artist's concept drawings of how the Zune software looks and make it real. For example, that cool button color animation that goes across when you buy a track in the marketplace? I made that. It's all part of the experience. Music Outwardly, there’s little indication it’s happening. Perhaps the eyes close slightly; the body slowly rocks to the...

Howdy! My name is Matt and I work on the Zune client (software) team as an SDET. I have been working full-time at Microsoft for just over a year now and love working for the Zune team! Before that, I did contract work for Microsoft on products like Windows Media Player 11, and Expression Media Encoder. Needless to say I am a media fanatic and love working on media related projects. Cesar also recruited me to bring a different perspective to Zune Insider and bring more transparency to our processes...

Jason over at 'Thoughts put together a great video on how to create and use sync groups - a new feature in the Zune Spring Update. Check it out: