By sri on Sep 20, 2009 in Microsoft, zune, zune hd | 0 Comments
Looking that various reports from Engadget, Crunchgear it looks like Zune HD is a major sellout. It could be because of one following reasons, a) retailers afraid to stock up b) Microsoft trying to create a artificial scarcity or c) the response has been overwhelming. From the user feedback and reviews, I believe it is the c) .
Following stores have been sold out: Amazon( 32GB Ships in 1-3 weeks), Newegg (32GB ETA: 09/22/2009), BestBuy (32GB 1-2 weeks)
However, the following stores still seem to have them: Walmart, Buy.com, Microsoft Online Store and Zune originals
Personally, I would go with Zune Originals, where you can create custom inscription, pattern and more color choices. (the site takes a long time to load though)
via Engadget and Crunchgear
By sri on Sep 20, 2009 in Microsoft, SDK, XNA, zune, zune hd | 0 Comments
Now that XNA update for Zune HD has been released. If you interested in developing applications for Zune, here is what you have to do
1. Get the Visual Studio C# express and XNA Games Studio3.0
2. Get the Zune HD update for XNA Games Studio
3. Get yourself an Zune HD [ Amazon, Best Buy and prices from around the web]
4. To Connect your Zune HD and have it recognized by the Games studio follow the instructions here
5. Resources that can be useful
- General XNA FAQ:
- XNA Team Blog
- Good Books on Zune/XNA game development
- Some forums to discuss app development and other issues: Zunerama
If you find more resources, steps provide them as comments and I will update the post to include them.
By sri on Sep 20, 2009 in Microsoft, SDK, XNA, zune, zune hd | 1 Comment
XNA team has released an update to the XNA Games Studio to enable developers to write apps/games against Zune HD . [XNA Games Studio is IDE based on Visual Studio for developing games based on XNA framework]
From the XNA blog, this update adds the following
The ability to target and develop for the Zune HD media player.
The addition of new Touch APIs to the XNA Framework for use on the Zune HD.
The addition of new Accelerometer APIs to the XNA Framework for use on the Zune HD.
Well looks like Microsoft is sending conflicting information by saying 1) There will not be a third party App Marketplace and 2) by saying here is the SDK to develop Zune HD applications.
Hopefully, they change their mind on (1) and allow third party applications in the marketplace.
With the XNA update out, folks have already started developing interesting applications.
Via Engadget
By sri on Sep 17, 2009 in Microsoft, zune hd | 2 Comments
Well folks, the long awaited and much anticipated Zune HD has been finally released ! From the early reviews and user feedback it looks like this is absolutely stunning product and Microsoft might have gotten a winner here. I have ordered one myself and will post the detailed reviews once I have had chance to play with it.
Here are some of the reviews from top sites
Gizmodo Review:
Best of Breed
The Zune HD is the best touch screen PMP on the market. It’s got the most unique vision, the most impressive hardware and the most stylish software. It’s priced fairly at $220 for 16GB and $290 for 32GB, though I’d call the $90 dock a required accessory.
Ars Technica Review: 
Third time’s a charm: Ars reviews the Zune HD
Microsoft’s new media player won’t appeal to everyone, but for those with an interest in new music and subscription services, the Zune HD has become the device to beat.
The good: Excellent music discovery tools, artist metadata, useful WiFi features, clean design.
The bad: Flush-mounted buttons that perform common tasks, no Divx/FLAC support, limited DVR support.
Some of Amazon User reviews
Has come a long way since the "brick" Zune:
But for the first time, Microsoft has developed a Zune player that can finally use the words "downright sexy" to describe it.
Absolutely Fantastic,
The OLED display is so crisp and beautiful. Pictures don’t do it justice. It is extremely responsive, far nicer than my iPOD touch.
Easily the best PMP on the market!
All I can seriously suggest is be open-minded to the Zune experience. Just because all your friends/family have an iPod/iPod Touch doesn’t make it the best on the market right now. The Zune HD’s technology is superior in the marketplace right now
and many more that say :
Best MP3 Player PERIOD; Great player + Great s/w = Great product; Close to Perfect – This is a winner; A delight to own
Most common cons sited include
- limited Apps, not open to third party developers (no SDK)
- Limited Codec support (divx etc..)
- No Flash/you tube support
- No 64GB version
- Slow browser with no tabs
By sri on Sep 12, 2009 in Apple, ipod classic, ipod nano, ipod touch, itunes | 0 Comments
The last weeks big news is the “Apple’s 09/09/09 Rock’n roll event”. Below are the highlights of the event, followed by my thoughts
- New iPod Nano’s announced with camera, radio, pedometer, larger screen and new price
- New iPod Classic with 160 GB capacity announced same price
- iPod Touch updated with faster chips and new prices.
- iTunes 9 with iTunes LP functionality, app management, home sharing.
All the rumors about iPod Touch getting a camera, and iPod Classic being killed off were just that .. rumors. With Zune HD competition looming, it is very surprising that there was no major update to iPod Touch either by adding a camera or any other capability.
iPod Nano: Looks like Apple is going after the Flip market by adding video camera capability to iPod Nano’s. Also very strange that it is not capable of still photos and can only do video ! Radio is now built-in and the cool touch apple added is you can pause the radio for upto 15 minutes. Along with video camera and radio, iPod Nano flaunts a larger 2.2 inch screen , voice recorder with integrated mic, a small speaker and nike + pedometer. 8GB iPod Nano sells for $149 and 16GB for $179.99
Summary: I think Apple delivered a winner with this iPod Nano and has made a good product even better.
iPod Classic: Contrary to rumors, Apple has continued with the iPod Classic line up and has boosted the capacity to 160GB but at the same time maintaining the price point of $249.99. I still think Zune 2nd generation 80/120GB products (with a bigger screen) to be much better product than the iPod Classic. But with Microsoft stopping the production of Zune 80/120GB, I don’t think there are very many other alternatives (Archos). Btw there are great deals that are coming up on Zune 80GB/120GB (from Slickdeals)
iPod Touch: This is where my biggest disappointment for this event comes from. There was nothing announced for iPod Touch except that it now supports a faster graphics chip (same chip present in iPhone 3GS) and lowered price. The new price for 32GB model is $299 and that is still $10 more than Zune HD 32GB model! [There is also a 64GB model that sells for $399]
Summary: Disappointment !
iTunes: Hopefully this is a start of the much required updates to iTunes ! Making it look more like a rich media player and less like a Excel Spreadsheet. The latest update to iTunes adds “iTunes LP” and “iTunes extras” , basically these are album/artist bonus materials, videos, photos, exclusive interviews. Other features include previews from anywhere in the store, Genius mixes, App management ( u can manage the apps on your iPhone/iPod Touch directly from iTunes), and most importantly home sharing where you can share your library with other iTunes/computers in your home with ease. There is also some basic integration with Twitter and facebook.
Summary: Much overdue and welcome updates !
Via: Engadget, Crunch Gear, Gizmodo
