Zune HD Facebook app will be ready when it's ready

Sit down, child, we've got some bad news. This is going to come as a real blow, but the Zune HD Facebook app, the one promised to be here by the end of January, isn't going to make it in time. Microsoft has said it's "still coming soon" but that it just isn't going to be done until at least February. We realize how hard this will be for you, since there are just so few ways to log into your FB account (or someone else's) right now, but you're just going to have to be strong. It'll be here eventually, and when it does that den of sin will finally turn into the profanity-free social network we've always talked about.

[Cynical Hippie Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:10AM]

I absolutely loved my Zune 8 GB.

But, i kept it in my front jeans pocket, and the screen cracked. I called saying the product was still under warranty and the customer representative told me flatly that it won't be covered under warranty. And I would have to pay for it.

I even agreed to that and she told me its going to cost around $100
and its better if I just buy a new one.

Zune people, I love your products, but seriously fix your customer service. I am now using my cellphone as my mp3 player

[3rdman Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:19AM]

@Cynical Hippie

I don't know ,uch about warranty, so don't take what I say as 100% right, but if you broke the product, then its not their problem to replace it, and you have to fund the repairs, right?

PS: This is about the facebook app delay, not customer service, no need to post stuff like this, tho its better than posting stuff on the BF2 beta like the commenter below you did :D

[CJ Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:23AM]

@Cynical Hippie

Ugh, I did the same thing to my first-gen iPod Nano. Bent the whole backplate out of shape.

I was told I could either buy a new one, or deal with it.

[Axitaxiwaxi Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:24AM]

I know many of Zune people are anxiously waiting for me to purchase a Zune, and have been very patient. Thank you. However, I need to ask a small favor .. just hold out a little longer. I know I said by the end of January, but I want to make it the best purchase and it will take a bit longer. Again, thank for understanding.

[Cynical Hippie Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:32AM]

@3rdman

I just felt like ranting, granted this isn't the right place. But I wasn't wearing tight jeans. They were pretty baggy. I was sitting and listening and I heard a crack, and the screen cracked.

I wasn't moving, the temperature wasn't too cold either. Sigh, nevermind, my loss and Zune for losing a customer.

Zune is like my ex. I hate the fact that I still like it

[owned66 Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:17AM]

bad company 2 BETA is gona be on steam tomorrow :)

[JS Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:17AM]

I know many of you are anxiously waiting for me to post a really insightful comment, and have been very patient. Thank you. However, I need to ask a small favor .. just hold out a little longer. I know I said by the end of January, but I want to make it the best comment to you and it will take a bit longer. Again, thank for understanding.

Instant credibility.

[NAME Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:18AM]

Whats this about the new iSlate from Apple?

[indy2424 Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:18AM]

Sorry I had a ZUNE and it was horrible. the software it uses for syncing is not efficient at all. I am a PC guy but seriously buy and Ipod Touch you will be much happier.

[3rdman Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:21AM]

@indy2424

What do you mean by not efficient? I've had no problems with it at all. iTunes is much slower, though not as bad as people say it is. If you can use iTunes, you can use the Zune software.

[LAY Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:22AM]

@indy2424

That's nice, but apparently you don't seem to know this concept called "personal experience", where you, after doing X, decide to do Y, because you like Y better.

But see, others do X and like X, because it works better for them.

Where you went off the tracks is that you assume that because you did Y, EVERYONE should do Y.

[CJ Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:21AM]

Uuuuuuhmmmmmmmm........K

For most people, this isn't going to be their primary mobile-internet device (it's not a phone, for starters), so there's probably not a huge percentage of users who are hanging out every minute to hear news about the Zune facebook app.

On the other hand, it could mean that Microsoft are spending less time on social networking apps and concentrating on other... ahem, Zune-related software.

[ElectronicRage Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:22AM]

I have a Zune HD also I agree with the syncing very annoying.

A lack of apps (even monthly) people can say it's not meant for that perhaps so, then why tease me with the likes of Audio Surf and PGR which look better than any game I've played on my 3GS or Nexus 1.

So much unfulfilled potential with this device they need to allow 3rd parties, xna devs etc into the scene and I think the Zune could grow exponentially. Although everything I said could be coming to a rumoured ''Zune Phone'' so I'll sell my Zune HD and wait for the big surprise. If not got my two phones which more than do the ''total job'' I want.

[Delta Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:29AM]

@ElectronicRage

The fact that there still isn't a freaking facebook application on the Zune after 4 months highlights exactly what you are saying. I'm still holding out that Windows Mobile 7 apps will work cross platform with the Zune HD. From everything we've heard, Silverlight is going to be a huge component in coding for WinMo 7 apps and pretty much every Windows platform can run Silverlight.

I keep my Zune HD because it's so damn good at what it does. The battery lasts for ages (I listen to music for 3-4 hours a day and only charge my Zune once a week), and the video playback is so crisp and clear on such a small screen. OLED is amazing.

[ElectronicRage Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:52AM]

@Delta

Win Mo 7 apps working cross platform would be great news.

I also love my Zune HD don't get me wrong it does what it says it can do extremely well but there isn't new content out on a weekly basis iPhones and Android users are been spoon fed apps and games on a daily basis. The battery life I agree is phenomenal I can play on the apps and listen to music at the same time for a good 10-12 hours.

It's all well and good having a great device though but if you're not fulfilling the devices potential why have such great hardware and features built into the device. (No flash support, No Facebook, No 3rd party dev support allowed) it just reeks of self ignorance and lack of care for the consumer.

All I'm saying is that what my Zune can do at the moment so can the two phones I own among hundreds of other things. That could definitely all change with the release of a Zune Phone and that is what I will wait and hope for. Perhaps even a Tegra 2 or 3 chip (with actual dev support) and we are talking about a monster of a device.

[MONKEY Posted Jan 27th 2010 10:04AM]

@Delta I have the same exact feelings. The Zune HD itself is brilliant - a very strong competitor to the Touch. Microsoft's support so far, however, is far less impressive. We still are missing complete Wifi support, a sizable amount of apps, and a better web browser. Come on MS, you built an excellent product, now keep us Zune fans happy. I'm seriously losing patience (and Apple's announcement today could be the tipping point).

[shanoboy Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:24AM]

With all the Facebook smart phone apps out there, do you really need one for Zune HD? Especially given that all the Zune HD has is Wi-fi. It kind of limits its usefulness.

If I'm out and about, I can pull Facebook up on my phone, if I'm within Wi-fi range, I can pull it up on the laptop.

[Kid Red Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:27AM]

And three fanboys shed a tear.

[LAY Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:28AM]

I'm sorry, but this is really a moronic posting from the Zune people.

It reads like it was written by some indolent intern that was supposed to have a simple project ready by a certain date, but assed off for weeks, listening to Coldplay and playing Call of Duty.

"I need to ask a small favor .. just hold out a little longer. I know I said by the end of January"

I fully expected him to say "dont worry, dawg, i'm good for it".

[Delta Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:31AM]

@LAY

You'd rather responses to community requests were written in bureaucratic double-speak? Really?

[LAY Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:47AM]

@Delta

No, I guess not.

At least they are being honest and upfront. But is a Facebook app that darn hard to do?

[mex Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:35AM]

wow! Zune is going to be the real iPod killer!

Well done big M


meeew

[scwtech Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:41AM]

not anxiously, you microsoft f*cktards. eagerly.

[edk99 Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:42AM]

Does anybody even care about the Zune? I have never met someone or seen someone using a Zune. and yes I do get out.

[LAY Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:51AM]

@edk99

Does anybody even care about the Zune?"
Yes.

"I have never met someone or seen someone using a Zune."
Unless you are God, your circle of friends would fit in a standard city bus.

"and yes I do get out."
Apparently not enough.

[gonintendo Posted Jan 27th 2010 5:35PM]

@edk99 zunes are really popular at my high school (chicago suburb) I have seen a few zune hd's and countles 8/16gb zunes.

[whatpoint77 Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:44AM]

DUKE NUKIN!

[mr703 Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:46AM]

I really considered getting this, but continue to shy away from the idea (although the coming xvid support almost sold me)

The major problem i've come to realize from reading around is that all Zune HD apps are built using XNA development kit. A game development kit. And I don't know why, but apparently it is very difficult to code these simple apps that every other media device has.

So instead of being able to send out kits to developers and have them go wild making apps, they're using the wrong base for everything in the first place and making it difficult for even THEMSELVES...IN HOUSE to write .

Facebook, i could care less about. But you just can't throw out a media player today that doesn't have the ability to get apps people want in a relatively timely manner.


Here's a quote from Dave who's on the Zune HD team about it:

"Remember that ALL apps for the Zune HD are written in XNA. The XNA software development kit was designed to allow developers to write games, right? Notice how the majority of apps for Zune HD are games - especially the home-grown ones? The hardware, drivers and SDK are all tailored to develop games.

So - how did we develop Twitter? What about Facebook? The weather app? The calculator? Yes, we had to make fairly substantial updates to the SDK to support non-game apps. We've had to develop libraries to support the keyboard, internet access, menus, app GUI, etc... When you ask about YouTube or Pandora or ShoutCAST - you're talking not just about keyboards and GUI and menus, but streaming audio or video over HTTP via an SDK designed for video game development."

http://www.anythingbutipod.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51368&page=4

[ElectronicRage Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:55AM]

@mr703

Very insightful post, I didn't know they had such a laborious process to get the apps onto their marketplace all their own doing though. It explains the lack of speed when it comes to ''announcing and then releasing'' Twitter and PGR among other things.

[mr703 Posted Jan 27th 2010 10:02AM]

@ElectronicRage

Exactly! I don't know if they chose XNA because they thought it would be easier to integrate with their living room experience in the Xbox 360 or if they thought it would just be a media player that can play games and then switched directions towards something more, but it looks to me like it was a bad decision....and one that they can't go back on.

[ElectronicRage Posted Jan 27th 2010 10:28AM]

@mr703

It certainly seems that way, is it also plausible to presume they wanted to move it onto developers who had been working on Xbox Live Indie titles until they saw the development and engineering draw backs they had brought onto themselves.

Guess I'll have to hope Win Mo 7 changes the ball game and they announce their Zune Phone with it.

[chewbacha Posted Jan 27th 2010 10:43AM]

@mr703

Actually I disagree, XNA is a joy to write in. I've written several Zune apps for myself (www.questionmarkgames.com there's only a single one up there right now, the others were just messing around).

I think the real concern is that XNA does not come with a UI out of the box. You must code your own UI when you make an application. This is where the real pitfall is. Making games is fine, making a complex feature rich app is harder.

But lack of UI APIs does not mean that the framework is bunk, it's a very strong framework that they've supported on the Zune for at least 2 years. They just need to push out an SDK for the framework.

[grumpyOldMan Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:49AM]

#### ! Gosh #### it !

In all seriousness, maybe their off figuring out ways to duct tape a gsm antennae to a Zune HD? Then it's OK if they're late on their facebook page.

[JakeMG Posted Jan 27th 2010 9:51AM]

Here's to hoping it doesn't suck as bad as the Facebook for Android app!

[Ops Posted Jan 27th 2010 10:04AM]

if its anything like the winmo app, this is going to suck dog balls

[AstroSeven Posted Jan 27th 2010 10:09AM]

this is bad news, I was really hoping to get my stalking groove on whilst on the road

[kstagg Posted Jan 27th 2010 10:14AM]

I love my ZuneHD but I agree with what others have said in here. What's the deal with everyone going crazy over facebook on the Zune? Is that the only way you can get on there? Do you not have a phone app for it? How about access to a computer? I mean, really? Is that what you want on your zune?

Everyone say it with me - Smart DJ on your zune! Yeah, I know, you can of course do these on your pc and transfer the playlist to your zune and is a breeze to do. But how about making them directly from your device? THAT is something that I would have liked to have seen now but are rumored to have this functionality coming in the spring.

Don't get me wrong - I bought my ZuneHD without this feature and I shouldn't expect to get it at all - but as far as new features go - would you rather have THAT or a freaking Facebook app. I mean - c'mon.

[kstagg Posted Jan 27th 2010 10:16AM]

Quit borrowing your mom's ipod and buy your own media player.

[SHFT Posted Jan 27th 2010 10:34AM]

facebook is dead!

[humanerror Posted Jan 27th 2010 10:47AM]

Not that much of a big deal - if i'm out and away from my pc/laptop, then i'll usually have my phone with me, which has a facebook app. If, god forbid, my phone battery dies and i'm near wifi my zune can still use facebook mobile if i'm really THAT desperate to get to facebook - the mobile web interface isn't that bad, so i don't see an issue here.

[Hiprocksoul Posted Jan 27th 2010 11:48AM]

I've been holding out for a 64gb ZuneHD but that doesn't look like it's coming. The battery in my Zune 80 died so I bought an ipod 120gb and that was the biggest mistake I've ever made. iTunes took over my computer and killed my HD space. After trying to like iTunes for several months I realized that Zune is the best media experience around.. Now I have an ipod 120gb that's in the box waiting to sell on ebay and I use Zune software for my media.. I can't wait to get a Zune HD.

[rayray1983 Posted Jan 27th 2010 11:59AM]

who cares? touch.facebook.com is not bad at all. its pretty good ! sure i would like to have the app but its not like its the end of the world

[aimran Posted Jan 27th 2010 12:46PM]

That's ok. Because everyone is pretty much waiting for Mobile World Congress now where WinMo 7 and the 'Zune Phone' will be reveled. It is most likely that Facebook will be released the same day WinMo 7 is revealed.

[FallenArms3 Posted Jan 27th 2010 2:23PM]

You know what, if it's anything like the Silverlight Facebook Client, it'll be worth the wait. I mean, look at this thing:
http://zunited.net/content.php?87-Microsoft-s-Facebook-for-Silverlight-A-preview-of-the-long-awaited-Zune-App

It's beautiful.

[RandyS Posted Jan 27th 2010 7:24PM]

@FallenArms3

I like how the "Install Silverlight 4 Beta" link for Macs explicitly says "OSX (Intel)".

SOL "Hackintosh"?

[pstomike Posted Feb 16th 2010 7:22PM]

@FallenArms3 -- THANKS FOR THE POSTING. I really like the new app. You were right, it is beautiful. And oddly, much more useful and simpler than any other FB app I have ever seen. I am really looking forward to this on my Zune HD. Then on my Win Mo Phone Series 7 (a mouthfull, huh).
Again, thanks for the heads up. I will use this everyday now.

[FallenArms3 Posted Feb 16th 2010 8:00PM]

@pstomike Don't go too crazy. I said it might be like it, but there's no guarantee. In the end, I think Zune HD will end up getting a very close repertoire to WP7.

[lebeau Posted Jan 27th 2010 5:26PM]

I have a Zune Hd and not having facebook NOW isn't really a big deal. I mean I have it on my phone, any on my computers and even XBOX 360. It's just not that important. If it was an app I couldn't get anywhere else maybe that would be different. @FallenArms3 I've been using that Silverlight FB Client since yesterday and u r correct, if it's anything thing like that it's worth the wait!

[hogwash Posted Feb 28th 2010 2:43PM]

I guess this isn't coming. :(

[bradbodily Posted Mar 1st 2010 11:38PM]

@hogwash

No, not coming... it's here NOW