Entries tagged with zune - Channel 8

Zune Insider goes deep on Sync Groups

Max — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 22:45:00 GMT

Our favorite Zune Insider, Cesar Menendez, does a great job keeping up with the Zune community by keeping them in touch with the latest news, showing off cool features, and most importantly... answering questions. This time around, he noticed a lot of forum chatter going on related to Sync Groups.

He went ahead and wrote an in depth look at the Sync groups including: what the heck is a sync group, why do I care, and how can I make the most of this??

So head on over, oh and tell him Max said hi.

Zune 4/8 Cases Round-Up

Max — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:41:00 GMT

Working close by my favorite Zune Rocker, Cesar, is Drew, the Zune 3rd Party Accessories Product Manager here at Microsoft. He set me up with a few of the slick cases available for the Zune 4/8 to see how I like them. What do you guys think??

So we have two covers from Incipio, a Belkin leather case and arm-band style gym cover, and an Agent 18 armband/belt clip hybrid. Let's check them out.....

Incipio Duke Wallet Case for Zune 4GB/8GB:

Pros:

Adds a classy feel to otherwise sometimes bland cases
It feels pretty well made, I don't think it will fall apart after a few clips in and out
Even though it flips to cover the screen, it still includes a plastic clear screen guard for when you do open the cover

Cons:

Since this is personal opinion, I'll be honest and say it's just not really my style... feels a bit more like what you ladies would use and keep it in your purse. I keep my Zune in my pocket, so I would prefer a sportier/slimmer case
The snap-top, while a nice-looking format, is not the quickest way to access the Zune controls

Incipio Orion Slim Sleeve Case for Zune 4GB/8GB (Pink):

Pros:

Mega-simple design... you slip it in, you're done
I love love love the flap on top to remove the Zune from this case; many of the other cases are very snug and make it tough to remove easily... all you do is pull it up and a little cloth patch inside the case pushes up on the device without damaging it. Bonus points for being clever!
Not too thick, yet still slightly padded

Cons:

It is what it is... purely a case without access to any controls while the Zune is inside
It's pink... but you can get it in other colors, so that solves that problem

Agent 18 Scorpion Diamond Kit for Zune 4GB/8GB

This case definitely has an interesting approach... as you can see, it doubles as a case with a belt clip and it fits snugly into an armband holster as well. I originally thought a metal-clip would be uncomfortable and perhaps even dangerous, but it was actually light and non-intrusive. I also found this to be one of the best form-fitting cases I played with. The buttons matched right on and it felt like the overall protection was pretty good.

Pros:

Doubles as a belt-clip case or an armband sports holster
Form fitting soft rubber
Easy access to all the buttons and connectors
Light, non-intrusive

Cons:

You cannot remove the belt clip to fit it into the arm holster, makes it kind of large
The screen has no cover... the good news is, it is very easy to see, the bad news is it could get scratched etc.
While black rubber is the new rage and all, this entirely covers whatever color Zune you may have

Belkin Leather Sleeve Case for Zune 4GB/8GB

Pros:

Really simple to use... put it in, connect, go.
Belt clip is covered in leather, so no need to worry about scrapes or cuts
Screen cover
Can still use the touch capability of the squircle since it is uncovered

Cons:

This one is just weird a bit... when you use the clip, the Zune is upside down! This may be by design so that the headphones jack is facing up... but this may disorient your no-look-buttoning
Slightly difficult to get the Zune out once you put it in, although since this is meant to be functioning case, this may be ok

Belkin Sports Armband for Zune 4GB/8GB

When it comes to armbands, this one is tough to beat. I really liked the thought that went into this Belkin model in particular as evidenced by the level of detail they achieved. For example, the velcro bar is continuous so you can set the tightness pretty much as you please. The material is a very fine synthetic stretch that doesn't feel abrasive or intrusive. For me working out, that part is very important. I also liked the extra features like a place for your key so all you need when running is this armband, your Zune, and a house key (oh and some pants, too). The slit on top to put the Zune in and out is very tight and it all fits snugly inside with excellent visibility. I think this really may be my favorite armband style... the only lacking factor is I cannot use it as a belt clip or anything, it is an armband and nothing else--but it really hits the spot for what it is.

Pros:

Very comfortable and adjustable, great materials
Well designed for the Zune 4/8, fits very snugly
Clearly visible with access to the most important buttons
Covers entire device but still maintains visibility on screen and color
Extra slot for holding a key
Stylish, almost futuristic like design

Cons:

Just an armband, no other option really
Getting the Zune in and out can be a bit tricky, but is not too difficult once you get the hang of it
Makes you feel like a pansy if you don't have big arms (that's Laura's arm in the pictures)

So what do you guys think?? I'm going to have to say my favorite vote goes for the Belkin Sports Armband... what's yours?

Zune Game - N.A.M.E

cykho — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:14:00 GMT

Now that Legendary Studios has completed N.A.M.E - their first xna 3.0 game for the Zune - Paul's guest blogger series on How to Make a Zune Game have come to an end. You can download the free zune game: http://codeplex.com/Name/ To modify it simply download XNA Game Studio Express 3.0 CTP and have at it! Its truly amazing how far this has come since the announcement of XNA 3.0 at GDC 08. Overall, we've gotten some GREAT feedback from the community. Also, we got a ton of requests for a trailer and a demonstration of how to download a game to a Zune have come in. So, we made them!

For those of you who can't wait to play a game on your Zune get the free download and get started with this video!

Here comes the new XNA!! Bring the party to your Zune

UrJiT — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 18:48:00 GMT

So finally Microsoft has brought the gamer party to zune..

While still on the frying pan, the CTP for XNA 3.0 has created quite a lot of stir. Especially for the Zune lovers and developers who have upgraded to Visual Studio 2008, its Happy hours again. This link will take you to the homepage of XNA 3.0 CTP, but its not useful for development for the Xbox. For that you will have to work with the final release of XNA 2.0. Talking of which, XNA 2.0 does not support the project format of its 1.0 ancestor, but the XNA team has the "Upgrade wizard" available. Personally, I did not quite like the change in the project architecture from 1.0 to 2.0, not for any technicality but because the upgrade wizard doesn't upgrade solutions having more than one projects. When I was working with the first version of XNA, I hit a bottle neck when I wanted to print text on screen in a easy manner but there was no support. But the 1.0 Refresh gracefully handled the issue. But at the same time, keeping up with the updates is tiring :(
In India, there are not many students into Game Development and thats where XNA comes in. All in all, zune lovers are in for a ride, with great games, perfect for the long boring bus queues, recharge your batteries every day !!

Zune Insider Cesar Menendez shows how he uses the Zune 2.5 Update

Max — Thu, 29 May 2008 01:27:00 GMT

By now you have probably heard about the spring update to the Zune which included web, rich client, and firmware upgrades (now at version 2.5) to the device itself.

Obviously, I had to go meet up with Cesar Menendez, the real Zune Insider, to see how someone really uses all the new features and tweaks the Zune team has made in this latest release. He walked me through the new dynamic interface on Zune.net, the extensive integration of Zune Cards into the client, and some features (like the syncing of a Zune Card) that make the Zune Pass much more attractive.

Make sure to stay tuned to the very very end for the BONUS SCENE: "Cesar teaches you to dance, part II."

And if you're curious, check out Cesar's first dance move from a while back.

Spice up your Zune Card with Channel 8

Max — Tue, 06 May 2008 15:06:00 GMT

As you guys know, I like to customize things ranging from shoes to wallpaper. And since I'm a big Zune fan and of course the social aspect of it, I thought I would create a little Channel 8 background for my Zune Card since it shows on my site and even on my facebook.

Download it while it's hot!

I expect to see a few of your own submissions from the usual suspects :)

Zune 2.5 Software Release... now with more Social

Max — Tue, 06 May 2008 01:00:00 GMT

In today's Spring update, bringing us to version 2.5, the Zune software takes a big step forward in the "social" experience particularly. The improvements can be seen throughout the web, the local client, and the device itself.

The main features added include:

The ability to transfer a friend's Zune Card to your device which will keep an up to date list of that friend's most recently played songs, favorites, and top plays. If you have a Zune Pass, then you will be able to play the songs from your client and they will automatically be synced to your device. Best of all, it will keep this list updated so you can think of this as an automatic DJ playing your friend's tunes for you.....
Video store to download and take TV shows etc. on the go
Client/Player enhancements like creating autoplaylists, no gaps in the playback, multiple Zune sync, and easier editing of track information

Some really cool scenarios come to mind with these new features. For example, my best friend Nick and I have similar taste in music but he is usually a little faster at finding the good stuff. If I just sync his Zune Card, I am all set to get the best and latest music that I have a much better chance of liking than if I try to find just the overall top 40 songs from the radio.

There are even going to be "super" friends that you can add--which won't take up one of your 100 maximum friend slots--that will be experts at choosing music based on certain genres. I'm imagining it like a radio station on-the-go, but will have to try it to find out.

The video you see is the new TV ad that is about to hit airwaves... I like it much better than other Microsoft TV ads (can you say "the 'wow' starts now??").

Some screen shots:

Now you can see more social information directly in the Zune client... And yes, that's a "friends of friend" row at the bottom for you to further explore

The "autoplaylist" feature helps quickly put togther music based on artists, genres, etc.

The video section will have some of your favorite shows like "The Office" or "Heroes."

Even the Zune Social homepage got a little visual tweaking...

Microsoft hits it big on Webware's top 100 Web Applications for 2008

Max — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:20:00 GMT

The voting is complete and the winners are posted from Webware's top 100 web apps chosen by the community (that's you!). The list is full of really great products and services that I have found to be invaluable tools for everyday Internet use. It was also nice to see some of Microsoft's recent advancements in the online space on some of the top 10 lists. Zune side by side with Pandora. Live Search up there with Google. Windows Live next to Skype and Yahoo! Mail.

Some of these services are pretty new have had rocky starts but are definitely contenders today as can be seen by how the community feels. If you haven't checked out Live Search lately, give it a shot. The results are MUUUUUCH better than they used to be and it has actually become my homepage. I personally use Pandora all the time but have augmented my music knowledge-base considerably with the Zune Social capabilities.

This is pure speculation, but I wouldn't be surprised if Live Mesh took a few winner's slots in the near future :)

Zune Rocker shows us Zune Social and the new FaceBook application

Max — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:01:00 GMT

I'll be the first to admit that the first generation Zune was not my favorite digital player... I have two of the Zune30 models and they serve their purposes in my car or on long plane rides, for example... but for everyday out and about use, I much prefer my new smaller, touch pad controlled, shiny red Zune8. Oh and did I mention wireless syncing?? NIIIICE.

Anyway, Cesar Menendez (my favorite Zune Rocker) has shown me how the Zune team has taken music back to its pre-digital roots when people used to gather at record stores and tell each other about the latest and best ways to rock out--or mellow out, depending on your style. It's called the Zune Social and it really is an interesting concept that leverages the back end from the XBox Live infrastructure and allows you to create a profile that displays your songs played, favorites, and friends. From there you can find out what others are listening to, get a taste of it, and share it with others... very cool stuff.

My favorite part is when Cesar sent me a recommendation for a band he likes... it came as a message to my Zune Social section in which I ended up purchasing the album all within 30 seconds.

And to top off the Zune Social with a nice cherry: you can now add it to your FaceBook or MySpace profiles. Cesar shows you how, so check it out and let us know what you think!