Tag Archives: zune hd

Microsoft has added six new games to the Zune Marketplace, and if you are the proud owner of a Zune HD upgraded to v4.3, these games can be yours.

There’s Audiosurf Tilt, Checkers, Lucky Lanes Bowling, Piano, Project Gotham Racing: Ferrari Edition, and Vans SK8: Pool Service.

Neato, huh? Go log in and get ‘em kiddos.

Via Shack.

Zune HD’s free apps require you to view interstitial advertisements before using.

According to Ars Technica, one of the games called Goo Splat has a Kia Soul avert that plays while you wait 17 seconds for the game to load.

The Chess application also includes a video ad for the vehicle, and makes you sit through 30 seconds of it while the app boots up.

For now – if ever- there is not an option to skip the promotional material.

Just so you know. Free app on Zune equals sitting through and advert first.

Via Joystiq.

Microsoft’s put out XNA extensions for Zune HD, as you can see here.

The update adds the following functionality:

• 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.

Shit your pants right now, Apple. Actually, maybe hold off until Microsoft manages to release Zune anywhere else apart from America.

Thanks, Roybott.

Kotaku’s spotted a teaser for something called Project Gotham Racing: Ferrari Edition in a trailer for Zune HD that popped up on Monday.

There’s a very brief look at it in the video. It’s a 3D racer, obviously.

When? Dunno. Is it being done by Bizarre? No idea. We’ll ask, and shit.

A shot of a Crackdown 2-branded Zune HD just popped up – and here it is.

Pretty. All we need now is a UK release and we’re off.

Engadget has managed to snap up a promo video showreel of the Zune HD, which releases tomorrow in the US.

Now, about the 30 second mark, look closely. What do you see? A racing game for the portable, with the narrator of the ad stating you can “play games” on the device.

Considering Microsoft has been silent on having gaming capabilities for the Zune HD, this might be the confirmation needed.

More through the link.

Jesus. Steve Ballmer whipped out his Zune HD for Engadget at D7, showing off some video and the touchscreen.

Those journos will be doing sex wee over that for years. Salute them with page impressions.

The Guardian is claiming that Zune HD won’t launch in the UK, and will rather be a US-only affair.

Instead, European punters will be given only access to Zune Video via Xbox 360.

The press release does only say that the handheld will be “available in the US this fall”.

Existing subscribers to Xbox Live are expected to be offered unlimited access to Microsoft’s video catalogue for a single extra payment each month, says the report.

We’re checking with Microsoft now.

Here we go! Microsoft’s announced Zune HD “the first portable media player that combines a built-in HD Radio receiver, high-definition (HD) video output capabilities, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) touch screen, Wi-Fi and an Internet browser.”

Zune video content is to be made available on Xbox Live. The device which will be on show at E3 next week.

Says the release:

Zune will be a premium partner in the Xbox LIVE Video Marketplace, bringing an exciting catalog of TV and film to the platform. Zune will occupy the first slot within the Xbox user interface in the Xbox LIVE Video Marketplace, exposing the Zune brand experience to millions of new consumers for the first time. At the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) next week, attendees will see firsthand how Zune integrates into Xbox LIVE to create a game-changing entertainment experience.

Unfortunately, only America, the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain and Ireland will have access to Zune media on 360.

Full details after the break. It’s out this autumn.

More »

Oh, sweet jeepers. Via its Office 2010 Twitter account, Microsoft has told people to “hold off from buying an iPhone/Pre” and that “June 2009 will be an important month for Zune lovers”.

Let’s do some amazing detective work. E3 is in June. iPhone and Pre are phone products. Zune could be a phone if Microsoft put a phone in one. Miss Marple says Microsoft may announce a Zune game-phone at E3.

Might not, obviously. Might, though. We’re guessing at “might”.

Thanks, Engadget.