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Zune HD: yes, it plays Doom
No matter how weak or powerful the gadget, one brave soul will always broach the all-important question: can it play Doom? Just four days after hacking the Zune HD and unleashing the OpenZDK, the Zune community has received its answer. ZuneBoards forumgoer Netrix has opened the portal to the familiar alien hell, where gamers will writhe in agony as they struggle with tilt and touchscreen controls. Those who persevere regardless will find the app runs any of the original Doom WAD files. Full installer available at the source link; see OpenZDK's power in action after the break. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Zune HD hacked, OpenZDK now available to developers
Well, it looks like the first 64GB Zune HDs landing in customers' hands may not be the biggest Zune news today after all. As proudly announced the ZuneBoards website, the Zune HD -- and all earlier Zunes, although the potential there is a tad more limited -- "have been hacked." While obviously not the first hack of any sort for the devices, this is described as the "first true hack," and it has made the concurrently-released OpenZDK possible. That effectively gives developers "access to everything XNA withheld before," which more or less opens to doors to any type of application that can run on the Zune hardware -- games, emulators, app stores, you name it. Of course, there's not a ton for average Zune users to play with at the moment, but developers can find all they need to get cracking at the source link below. [Thanks, jhoeforth & Dilpickle1]
Microsoft's Zune HD 64 starts sliding out, unboxing proves the bump in capacity
Microsoft's extra capacious Zune HD just went on sale last week, and already orders are hitting the doorsteps of eager music lovers. A tipster with a commendable level of kindness dropped us a gallery's worth of unboxing photos, and as you'd expect, nary a thing has changed on the outside. On the inside, however, things are downright zany. Zany, we say! Have a look below if you're curious, and be sure to let us know in comments if / when your own Zune HD 64 arrives. [Thanks, Jp3009] %Gallery-90988%
Kin is basically a Zune HD inside, can go for a weekend on a charge
In a discussion with Kin product manager Derek Snyder this afternoon, we've confirmed that both the Kin One and Kin Two are built on the same foundation as the Zune HD -- in other words, they're running NVIDIA Tegra silicon, and there's no reason that anything you see on a Zune HD couldn't run just as well on a Kin. Of course, that's a purely theoretical statement at this point since Zune apps don't work on Kin as it stands -- the platform's completely closed, though Microsoft has been insistent that we should keep a close eye on its over-the-air updates after launch as features evolve. Either way, that's a marked (and curious) departure from Windows Phone 7, where Microsoft's been taking an all-Qualcomm, all-the-time approach. Realistically, we've gotten the impression today that Kin doesn't come close to tapping out a Tegra's horsepower, but that might be by design: Snyder also mentioned that a key goal of the development phase was to make sure that the phones could go a whole weekend without a charge. Running a Tegra at full bore 24 / 7 doesn't lend itself to miserly power consumption, so the overall simplicity of the UI -- and the lack of 3D gaming -- might play a role there.
Zune HD 64 goes on sale early
Well, it's not April 12th, but it looks like you can now order a Zune HD 64 nonetheless -- straight from the Zune Originals website, at least. As expected, the device runs $349.99, and the 16GB and 32GB models have now also been knocked down to $200 and $270, respectively -- all of which are naturally available in the usual range of different colors, and with custom designs for an extra $15. You'll also, of course, get the latest v4.5 firmware pre-loaded on the device, which packs new features like SmartDJ that Microsoft was recently kind enough to demonstrate for us. [Thanks, Henry and Jonathan] Update: Turns out the Zune HD 64 won't come pre-loaded with the v4.5 firmware -- you'll be prompted to download it when you connect the device.
Zune HD v4.5 firmware now available
It seems a handful in the Twitterverse have already discovered, but in case you're among those not in the know, so to speak, Microsoft has rolled out firmware 4.5 for the Zune HD. To recap, that includes Smart DJ mix, personalized recommendations, Marketplace support for TV, and expanded video codec support, a number of those features you can see in our hands-on piece (video embedded after the break). As usual, the update runs via the Zune desktop software, so plug in and enjoy! [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
64GB Zune HD launching April 12th for $350, current models reduced $20
Let's just be nice and feign surprise, okay? Good. With that out of the way, Microsoft has announced a 64GB version of Zune HD, due out April 12th via the Zune online store (and later via other retailers) with a handful of color options and a strapping $349.99 price tag. Not to be outdone, the 16GB and 32GB will each receive a $20 cut on the MSRP, to $200 and $270, respectively -- whatever Amazon and Newegg slash beyond that is up to them. It seems "as soon as possible" is the motto for when the price drop is taking place, so if your favorite online / brick-and-mortar retailer isn't yet honoring the extra Andrew Jackson in your pocket, have patience. So now we're left with a v4.5 firmware release date as the remaining piece in this puzzle, but Microsoft promises to solve that riddle wrapped in an enigma "in the coming days." Right. Press release after the break.
Zune HD v4.5 firmware 'coming soon,' adds SmartDJ, new codecs, and Marketplace access via AV dock (update: video!)
We know you've been waiting at the edge of your seat for that added codec support and SmartDJ for Zune HD, patient ever since its CES unveiling, and now we're here to assure you that it's coming with the next firmware update, version 4.5. We had a chance to preview both SmartDJ and Marketplace access via the AV dock connection this afternoon (video coming soon) -- the former being very smooth and easy-to-use, the latter being convenient except for having to input text using the simple remote and an on-screen keyboard. According to Marketing Manager Michael Yaeger, there's nothing in the cards right now for a new, more text input-friendly remote. While we had his attention, we also asked him about Mac support and international Zune HD releases -- neither of which he could answer definitively, but it doesn't sound hopeful in the near future. As for release date, we couldn't get anything more specific than within the next few weeks, but at least it's next on the docket. Press release after the break; so with that out of the way, how about some answers on that 64GB model, eh Microsoft? Update: Now with a video demonstration, after the break. %Gallery-89254%
Zune HD 64 makes surprise appearance
The link's dead now, but there's no mistaking the appearance of a Zune HD 64 on the official Zune website. Hey Microsoft, got something you want to tell us? A 64GB Zune HD, perhaps, doubling the capacity of your previous top-ender? How about global availability? Click the source link to see for yourselves... go 'head, don't cost nothing. [Thanks, David H.]
Talkin' Windows Phone 7 Series gaming with Microsoft at GDC
We already got a look at Microsoft's little XNA show-and-tell as relates to Windows Phone 7 Series, but our colleague Andrew Yoon over at Joystiq had a chance for longer sit-down with Xbox Live general manager Ron Pessner and XNA Game Studio manager Michael Klucher at GDC today, and he's been kind enough to share the interview with us. The main topic of conversation was the company's plans regarding Xbox LIve and, specifically, how it would be integrating it into Windows Phone 7 Series. And believe us, there was plenty to discuss -- including the sweet science of porting games from Zune HD to 7 Series phones ("it's 90, 95 percent code reuse... in an hour or couple of hours, we're taking games that were written for Zune HD and putting them on the phone"), the importance of maintaining a consistent gameplay experience amongst different hardware, and the reasoning behind limiting devices to asynchronous multiplayer. What are you waiting for? Hit the source link to embark on this miraculous journey of discovery.
Facebook app now available for Zune HD (update: it's also broken)
You've been up nights, we know, and now Microsoft has finally ended your torment: the long-promised Facebook application is now available for download to the Zune HD. Go wild, but not too wild, alright everybody? Update: So we just got a chance to download and play with the app a little -- and just like the Twitter app, things don't seem to be quite fully baked at launch. We couldn't get anything of the tabs to load apart from our personal photos, and there wasn't any confirmation when we sent in a Zune music status update -- although it did show up on Facebook, so it obviously worked. The photo viewer lets you leave comments, but you can't pinch-to-zoom -- or zoom at all, actually. We're sure Zune HD owners will be happy -- it's free, after all -- but we're going to assume Microsoft and Facebook have something far better planned for Windows Phone 7 Series. Update 2: It's not just us -- the official Zune Twitter account confirms that the Facebook app is "experiencing some issues accessing data." We'll let you kow if we hear anything else. %Gallery-86801% [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Microsoft Zune music / video services going wherever Windows Phone 7 Series goes
Hear that, globetrotters? Just months after your hopes and dreams were obliterated, we're now hearing that the Zune HD and its associated music / video services are going international, and it could happen by the end of the year. At least that's the word given to Mary Jo Foley from Casey McGee, Microsoft Senior Marketing Manager. In a recent sit-down, Casey noted that the company's Zune music / video service "would be available in all countries where Windows 7 Phones will ship," and while it has yet to make that full list of nations publicly available, we already learned that the new mobile OS has gained support from mobile operators all over Europe. Putting two and two together can be difficult at times, but hopefully we aren't reading too much into this (painfully simple) equation.
Zune HD drops $30-$40 at Amazon, Newegg
This looks like it may be more of a price war than an official price drop, but anyone in the market for a Zune HD may one to pay a visit to Amazon or Newegg fairly soon, as they're now both selling the device for what appears to be the lowest price yet. While there's no telling how long it'll last, you can now snag a black 16GB Zune HD for $189.99 ($30 off the MSRP), or a 32GB Platinum Zune HD for $249.99 (a discount of $40). As of this writing, most other retailers seem to be offering nothing more than $20 discounts, though we have a suspicion that may change in the near future. [Thanks, Keith]
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.
Zune 4.2 update released, what's new?
We're receiving word from multiple early-bird readers indicating that they've received the 4.2 update on their Zunes and that, now that they're out of that nasty maintenance window, all is right with the world. That said, our tipsters are not spotting any major differences, and neither are we, certainly nothing as exciting as 4.3 brought to the Zune HD. What about you? Have you been granted access to 4.2 yet? If so, let us know in comments if you've found anything fresh and exciting. And, if you haven't, feel free to discuss the weather -- it sure has been a little crazy 'round these parts lately. [Thanks, Brent R. and Bryan]
Scheduled Zune maintenance could last for up to 24 hours
Regular Zune users may have already noticed the alert warning of some impending downtime, but those that haven't should know that Microsoft is advising folks that some maintenance scheduled for tomorrow could last for as long as 24 hours. That will begin at 10PM PST on January 25th, and will affect all Zune services, including Zune Pass, Zune Marketplace, Zune.net streaming and Zune video on Xbox Live. Once the service is back up, users will also have to update their PC software, and users of Zunes other than the Zune HD will also have to update their device's firmware. This scheduled maintenance is also apparently just that, maintenance -- although Microsoft is promising that things like Smart DJ and other features announced at CES, as well some as "unannounced features," will be rolling out in another update sometime this Spring.
Zune HD getting Xvid, Smart DJ, ever more appealing
We know you were put off by the whole Twitter censorship debacle last month, but Microsoft and the Zune HD have moved past that (honest) and they want you to come along as well. They're enticing everyone to forget about that bone-headed move by, well, throwing everyone a bone and adding in Xvid support, part of full compatibility with MPEG-4 part 2 Advanced Simple Profile. DivX will not be coming out to play, but Smart DJ will be, a feature that isn't so much new but is newly portable, providing a counterpoint to the iPod's Genius and, since you can use it to stream content from the Zune Marketplace (when connected via WiFi) it begins to approach the functionality of apps like Pandora or Slacker Radio. Tasty, indeed, though at this point we're not sure when Microsoft will be throwing us this juicy firmware update.
Zune HD Twitter app updated, dirty words no longer censored
Microsoft promised us it would remove the silly content censorship from the Zune HD Twitter app ASAP, and here we are a day later with version 1.1, which lets you see all the schoolyard swears you could ever want. High five, assholes. Unfortunately, we're not seeing a huge performance improvement: it's a tiny bit snappier, but we're still seeing unresponsive buttons, laggy scrolling, and random WiFi disconnects. On to version 1.2! P.S.- Screenshot of the new non-censoring app in action after the break. Be careful, it could damage more delicate constitutions.
Microsoft updating Zune HD Twitter to stop censoring tweets
Microsoft definitely copped some of Apple's lame App Store antics with its tweet-censoring Zune HD Twitter app, so now it's time for the infuriatingly vague PR-speak backtracking -- Redmond just pinged us to say it's "identified the issue" with the Twitter app and that a naughty words-enabling update is coming "as soon as possible." That's a pretty lame response, considering the "issue" is that the app is coded to actively censor tweets -- not exactly an "oops" moment, you know? Here's the entire statement: 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. Flack silliness aside, it's still the right step -- let's hope this update addresses the performance issues we noticed as well.
Zune HD Twitter app now live UPDATE: it censors tweets!
It was a slow rollout today, but the promised Zune HD Twitter app is now live in Marketplace. We've been playing with it a little since we got it, and while it's definitely one of the more attractive mobile Twitter clients we've come across, it's also distressingly laggy: it's stalled out several times just scrolling a list of tweets, button presses go ignored, and refreshing data seems to cause all sorts of consternation -- our Zune's dropped its WiFi connection several times now. Not sure what's going on with that, but we've definitely seen some far more polished apps running on the Zune, so we're hoping these glitches get cleaned up soon. Update: Turns out there's a bigger problem here than just poor performance -- as reader Scott Zero points out, it censors naughty words out of tweets in your timeline. (Seriously -- here's his original tweet that we've highlighted above.) Sure, it's a free app, but this kind of active content censorship just rubs us the wrong way -- even worse than Apple's various Twitter-related App Store shenanigans. Bleh.
