smartech

Tweet tweet, Zune HD finally gets a twitter app – now available for downloading via Marketplace, free of charge. Design wise it looks great, but once ending with registration process and firing up the application, this is where it start getting buggy and the UI performs a bit sluggish. Despite malfunctions, you can send tweets, follow your Twitter feed, view replies, search on Twitter, send direct messages and watch your favorites tab as long as you want – until it freezes up (no lists support at the moment).

Update1: Surprisingly, it forces you to be polite while using the app, otherwise your cursing tweets will snappily get trashed and brutally thrown out of the line. Stay tuned for more about that.

Update2: Microsoft has taken this Zune HD Twitter app censorship way too far from expected, and couple hours later, after setting the stage for turmoil, and getting knocked from every possible direction, it finally unleashed a statement, vowing to fix these chopped cuss words “issues” as soon as it finds a proper code line replacement. Here’s what Redmond had to say:

The recently released Twitter for Zune HD application has been abbreviating some explicit words in tweets when viewed on the device; however these explicit words do appear in their full text on the Twitter site or on any other Twitter client. We have identified the issue and are taking steps to update the application as soon as possible to ensure Twitter for Zune HD users are able to view tweets in their original state.

Update3: And one day later… Microsoft releases firmware update v1.1, which allows free Twitter expression, without any censorship or limitations. Bugs, lags and other malfunctions are yet to be fixed though.

[via Zune Insider; engadget]

Check this out guys, Microsoft has just rolled out firmware version 4.3 for its fabulous Zune HD players. The update, originally released in order to solve pesky playcount syncing issues, surprisingly adds/upgrades some neat UI features – amongst you can find the long awaited 3d games and applications support, together with a wider touchscreen keyboard and autofill text suggestion bot. Other improvements offer a faster browser and better webpages rendering engine, while apps and loading time have turned slightly snappier than before. The v4.3 release is now available when clicking “Player Update” in your Zune, so hurry up and make it vibrant.

Update: In addition to that new Zune HD firmware update, Microsoft has released a slew of pretty cool (and free) 3D games – already available through the Marketplace slot – amongst you can find titles like PGR: Ferrari Edition, Lucky Lane Bowling, Vans Sk8: Pool Service, Piano, Checkers, and Audiosurf. Full PR was added after the break, along with a gaming experience demo.

[Via MobileTechWorld]

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It’s here! Microsoft officially rolls out its highly rated Zune HD media player, and boy this thing looks good. Yes, we know, most details are pretty much known at this point, but still deserve a round of applause, aren’t they? And just in case you missed the buzz, those fancy shcmancy specs we get, include a beautiful 3.3-inch Gorilla glass 480 x 272 OLED capacitive 16:9 aspect-ratio touchscreen, which hides underneath a built-in HD Radio receiver, seating along with a wireless WiFi antenna connection and a fine batch of accelerometer sensors for landscape use. Excited? We are, but that’s not all, since Redmond has wisely tossed in Nvidia’s mighty Tegra processor, which is technically constructed from eight different sub processors inside, that flawlessly handle their tasks at a time. Now that’s a real beast, isn’t it? OH Yeah. Storage wise, you get to choose between 16GB or 32GB flash capacities that fairly priced at $219.99 and $289.99, respectively.

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With so many rumors and speculations floating around, it’s time to organize the latest details we know about the coming release of the Zune HD. Apparently, according to a Gizmodo tipster, the official debut is now scheduled to September 15th (one week past September 8th). In addition, both Zune HD 16GB and 32GB models are already available for a pre-order in Amazon and Newegg, priced at $219.99 and $289.99, respectively (requires a $25 deposit).  From what we know, the player itself will be equipped with a tiny impressive on-screen keyboard that brings up a nice small arch graphic whenever you tap a letter, to distinguish it from its neighbors (See image after the break). Other than that, the internet browser is claimed to be an Opera one, but we can’t be 100% sure, yet. Meanwhile, until things get more clear (and there’s not much time left), checkout the latest hands-on video from CrunchGear, or the Grand Tour video (courtesy of Tech Flash Videos), featuring Brian Seitz of Microsoft’s Zune team demonstrates the Zune HD. Hit the jump, to read the updates.

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After so many rumors and speculations floating around, Microsoft has finally announced the Zune HD, which suppose to make its first appearance somewhere this fall, competing head-to-head with Apple’s popular iPod Touch player. Regretfully, there’s nothing much to share in terms of specs or features, but from the very few fragments we’ve managed to collect, you briefly can figure out it’ll probably pack a 3.3-inch 480 x 272 OLED capacitive touchscreen, together with a built-in HD Radio receiver, 720P HD output (via dock station), integrated WiFi connection and accelerometer sensors for landscape usability. Additionally, you might find a designated Explorer browser for internet surfing purposes and hopefully, a mashup interface with Xbox / Xbox Live gaming consoles. Still, no pricing or capacity details to write about, although one should expect either 16GB or 32GB flavors inside, but this way or another those rumored images earlier published, make no place for mistakes – Zune HD is live and kicking. Full press release after the break.

Update1: The guys at Gizmodo have managed to put their hands on the freakishly new Zune HD while hanging around D7′s conference hall. First images indicate an incredibly thin-and-light design, combined with a stunning 3.3-inch OLED touchscreen, basic Zune UI, adjusted to the touch navigation mode and rounded edges, build with a big “Home” button placed at the bottom lefte.  Hit the jump to watch the video or their link for even more images.

Update2: Zune Insider has officially confirmed that Zune HD will be running NVIDIA’s Tegra chipset inside, which means – full high-def video compatibility in the palm of your hand. Still no word about final release dates, but we’re following.

Update3: Rumors around claim the new Zune HD will be priced somewhere betweem $249 and $280 for the 16GB version, while a 64GB modelis on the prep for a late release. Stay tuned.

Update4: Both BestBuy and Amazon have just listed up the Zune HD on their inventory system , priced at $220 for the 16GB model, and $290 for the 32GB version, coming on September 8th. It’s less than a month to go, so stay tuned.

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According to a tipster, Microsoft will presumably release a new Zune player with HD capabilities, somewhere this year. Naturally, we have no other details, nor any specs of the new device itself, but if this info is correct, and it sure looks reliable, the Zune 4th Generation should be available with a wide and sharp touchscreen, supporting high-def video and some other features, which you can find in the iPod Touch players. Stay tuned for more to come.

Update1: More uncertain specs show up across the cyber world, revealing a 16:9 AMOLED display with multi-touch usability (capacitive), joining the mini-HDMI output and the HD Radio feature, both bundled inside, along with a full HTML browser, to wirelessly surf the web. And while we have no special ability to determine “details accuracy”, you should take our word when we say it’ll be offered either in 16GB or 32GB capacities. However, In case you look for even more speculative rumors, Zune fanboys will also tell you the new HD device might support 3D XBox games, thanks to the integrated NVidia chipset, which we really hope to see included. Other than that, a worldwide release is said to take place somewhere around September, so stay tuned for real things to come.

Update2: May 12th 2009 – According to ZDNet, the next Zune / Windows Mobile device (AKA: Chassis 1) will feature a whole bunch of top-notch specs, including a 3.5-inch multi-touch display along with ARM v6+ processor, 1GB of RAM, OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics hardware, 3 megapixel camera, GPS navigation system, WiFi / Bluetooth connections, built in accelerometer and even Nvidia’s Tegra platform, integrated with TI’s OMAP 3  and “Qualcomm 8k” chipsets, to handle those strong requirements. Of course, these are just rumors, and we can’t take them that serious, although we do hold an opinion that Chassis 1 will be strong enough to match market demands.

[Via Engadget]

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Originally written on January 1st:

Surprising or not, the 30GB Zune players started suffering from serious fails just as we hit December 31th 2008. If you are one of those unhappy owners, you’ve probably noticed some murky crashes, locking your Microsoft devices, turning them unfunctional. No official word from Microsoft up to this point.  

Update1: seems like the problem comes from the internal clock and calendar. Redmond has issued an official respond:

“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 (zune.net/support). “

Update2: turns out it was a Freescale’s code bug that caused the same problems to other similar players with the same chip.

[via Engadget]

Zune owners already know they can add customized laser-engraved designs to their players via the Zune Originals website. However, if it wasn’t enough, Microsoft has decided to add 46 cool and refreshing designs to decorate the zune devices with your favorite theme, all for a few bucks.

[Zune Originals]

Shooting games are very popular among the gamers communities, specially when it comes to futuristic combat zones, which provide next-gen battle field experiences and top-notch weapons to handle. But the excitement, doesn’t necessarily, have to stay in our leaving rooms, in front of the game consoles,  It can also be shifted to our multimedia hanheld, as it was carried out by Microsoft, with the announcement of the “Gears of War 2″ Zune 120 special edition PMP, pre-loaded with tons of freebies, including 244 fragments from the game, the soundtrack, behind-the-scenes videos, making the art, and many more, all packed in a blackish version, engraved with a shady skull at the back, now available for pre-orders at Walmart.com and Amazon.com, if you can shell out $280 and wait for the shipping date, somewhere around November.

[via gmp3]

Following the new Zunes announcement, Microsoft has decided to variegate the collection with some new refreshing colors, as the Zune 120 will have blue and white flavors, joining the black version, while the 8GB Zune will be offered in red and white hues, together with the stunning blue flavor that we’ve already seen.

[via zuneboards]

Following last week’s Zune 16GB and Zune 120GB appearance, turns out there’s another kid on the block, joining the forthcoming lineup, a blue 8GB flash Zune, to be released in September with a 320 x 240 LCD display, wireless sync capabilities, Zune to Zune wireless sharing, an FM tuner and other alternative flavors, including black or silver. The new Zune supports wide variety of formats, like WMA, AAC, MP3, MPEG-4, WMV, H.264, or JPEG to play all your videos, music and images.

In addition, Microsoft will launch the Zune 3.0 platform, which includes some new features, such as Buy from FM, which lets you listen to your favorite FM radio stations and click to tag the songs you like for later purchase when you sync your device with your PC1. Zune Pass that lets you download millions of tracks, whole albums or playlists with Zune Pass subscription service. Device to Cloud that allows you to access thousands of wireless hotspots around the country to automatically update your collection, browse Zune Marketplace, refresh Channels, exchange favorites with friends, or buy songs you’ve tagged from your FM radio. Channels are custom programming stations that deliver personalized playlists to your Zune from a variety of sources you select, such as music experts, celebrities, or top radio stations. Games Zune Players now come with a selection of fun free games to choose from. Play the popular poker game Texas Hold’em or challenge yourself to a game of Hexic, and make sure you play your favorite song from your collection to create your own personal game soundtrack. Video/TV Shows you can choose from a growing selection of TV shows now available on the Zune Marketplace video store. Recorded TV shows or movies from Windows Media Center in Windows Vista can be imported and synced to your Zune.

The 8GB flash-based model will be available for $149.99 and we look forward to play with the new models.

Update1: Redmond has confirmed the new lineup, to be scheduled for September 16th. Prices, as expected, stand at $250 for the 120GB Zune, $199 for the 16GB flash version and $149 for the latest 8GB model. Mind you, the new Zune 3.0 software supports all Zune players, so if you hold in your pockets older devices, you’re covered. Hit the jump to see the video from CNET News, hosting Joe Belfiore from Microsoft.

Update2: As promised, Microsoft has launched Zune 3.0 update, now available to download from here. Mind you it’s one hefty file, sized 165MB(!).

[via Zunerama]

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Assuming those images are real, and we do get a confirmation from B&H they are, then Microsoft is about to launch two fresh Zune models, including a 16GB flash player and a 120GB HDD-based version, already available for pre-order for $249.95. Still, no info when exactly these new players will hit the stores but i guess it’s just a matter of month or so. Stay tuned for more to come.

[via zunited]

Microsoft joins the US presidential rally, introduces two limited edition Zunes, designed for the Republican and the Democratic National Conventions. Both players are equipped with 4GB of storage, while the Democrats get the green color, which refers to the “Green Delegates Challenge” for environmental responsability, and the Republicans, on the other hand, get the red flavor, marked with their elephant symbol and the environmental responsibility slogen. Not sure where you can get these, probably in the conventions.

[via Gizmodo]

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I’m sure Microsoft is planning a portable Xbox 360 device; after all, if Sony can develop one, Redmond can do it as well. Meanwhile, until it happens, we have a chance to look at an interesting portable concept that was emerged on T3 magazine, opening our appetite and our gaming imagination. This handheld concept features an all-in-one device, including a Microsoft Zune, XBox 360 and a mobile phone, packed in a sexy slim and sleek case, with gaming buttons on the right side and directions pad to the left. Honestly, I will be stoked having only an Xbox 360 portable device without the phone or the Zune included, so if people from Microsoft are listening, we do yearn for one of those.

[via yanko]

Zune 2.5 spring update goes live with some cool modish features, including a video store that houses 4,800 music videos and a wide vriety of TV shows (no movies yet), available to download for $2 each or 160 MS Points (from the libraries of NBC, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and Cartoon Network). In addition, Microsoft has integrated the Zune Card sharing, which allows you to build a social network, present your dynamic friends’ list and automatically grab their recent playlist, albums and favorite artists, as long as you subscribe to Zune Pass (similar to last.fm). Furthermore, the new update integrates Windows Live Messenger “now playing” function, album review fields, to let you express your personal opinion on different albums and publish it to the world, Auto Playlists, meta data editing, easy syncing controls and finally, Gapless playback support. Needless to say, the new 2.5 Spring Update is free of charge and ready for your downloads. Check the video after the break.

[via engadget]

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Microsoft plans to launch a Joy Division limited edition version of its Zune MP3 player, courtesy for the the band’s Unknown Pleasures DVD release on June 10th. To shed more info, Unknown Pleasures is the first album by Joy Division, released in 1979. In 2000, Q Magazine has placed this great album at number 19 in its list of the 100 Greatest British Albums Ever, as Pitchfork Media placed it at number 9 in its list of the 100 Greatest Albums of the 1970s, so it’s very exciting to see a company like Microsoft, making this nice gesture, by endorsing the band with a special Zune edition, that will be designed by Peter Saville, the original graphic designer behind the Joy Division album covers.

Update: There are 500 copies available in the US for $400, coming in a luxury package.

[via wired]

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Headstrong rumors claiming that Microsoft considers the opening of unique retail stores that will conspicuously market its own products. There is no doubt that Microsoft managers jealously squint at Apple’s success, thinking they can do the same, if not better. The only problem is that Apple has more hardware products to sell rather than Microsoft’s dominant software-based assortment. I mean, it’s not that Microsoft doesn’t have tangible things to offer, after all it does sell some great products like the Xbox 360 console, the Zune player, or complementary goods like video games and the accessories involved, not to mention the other peripherals such as webcam, keyboard or mouse. In addition, Microsoft sell retail software like Windows Vista and Microsoft Office, via affiliate partners and retailers. However, I’m not so sure it is the same variety as Apple’s products, including Mac, iPod and iPhone, with all the assorted accessories. Still, these are just rumors and I haven’t seen some major steps, coming from Microsoft direction, to carry out this project, but I am more than sure it crossed some Redmond minds. True or false, great or wrong, only time would tell.

[via macobserver]

Red zune 80 is back in stock and available to purchase via Zune Originals. The meaning is – no red Zune without a nice designed carving at the back, which will fetch Microsoft another $10 – $15. To customize your device, just log into the new Zune Originals store, pick your favorite engraved sign or three lines of text and get yourself a nice modified player.

[via Zune Originals]

Not long ago, we’ve reported that Microsoft is developing new games for Zune players, via XNA Studio 3.0. Now, you have a chance to cast a glance on the flash version for Zauri. This spacecraft combat game demonstrates the flawless Zunepad usage, enabling smooth and pleasant gaming experience. As mentioned earlier, this is just the beginning and we should look up patiently, for more titles to come around summer time.

[via engadget]

Check the video after the break.

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Microsoft inflames the masses, announcing games for Zune players, through XNA Studio 3.0. Although it is just an early announcement and most details are concealed, we know the games will be designed for both first and second Zune generation, with stress on trackpad capabilities in second-gen models. Zune owners will be able to play with their friends wirelessly, PSP style, though there are no plans for game sharing. XNA platform provides 2D graphics so don’t expect running Doom 3 or GTA IV on your Zune, but releasing a development kit might broaden the number of titles to offer. More details to be provided in Spring 2008.

[via tech2]