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Microsoft has just posted a mysterious picture of a yet unannounced Microsoft branded hardware on Twitter. From the looks of it this could be anything: a trackpad, a new Zune, a phone (kinda looks like the back of an HD2) but this is all speculation at this point. Don’t get your hopes up thought as this will probably something in line with what the company currently sells so I guess that this will probably be some sort of trackpad or Wacom style inking tablet especially after reading what was said:
Here’s a hint for you: “Don’t be so touchy…flat is where it’s at.” We’ll share another glimpse of our upcoming product with you tomorrow.
Here’s your second clue to our next product release: http://twitpic.com/2baujg . Any guesses as to what it might be?
Continue reading Mysterious Microsoft hardware teased on Twitter →
Those of you who live in the US and use Microsoft’s Zune marketplace may have notice that the service was down today for a “scheduled maintenance”. This so called scheduled maintenance is actually the launch of Microsoft’s new Bing Music service later today. Bing Music will allow people to search for an artist or song on Bing and directly get a link to a streaming version of the song and the possibility to purchase this song without having to use anything but the search engine.
Continue reading Bing Music coming soon (in a few hours…) →
Two new games and one stopwatch application have been made available today for the Zune HD on the Zune application marketplace. The first one is a basic Stopwatch application:
The second one is Labyrinth puzzle game similar to HTC’s Teteer and countless other games on the iPhone/iTouch where you have to use the devices accelerometer to get the ball rolling:
Finally the last game is the famous Solitair card game:
you can download them now for free via the Zune desktop application.
Via: Twitter
OpenZDK has just been released and enables developers to develop homebrew applications/games for the Zune HD and original Zune players. Basically what that means is that the original Zune players and the Zune HD have finally been hacked to make it possible to easly install homebrew application developed in XNA Game Studios 3.1:
This makes it possible to, for the first time, run applications directly on top of the Zune firmware, with full access to everything XNA withheld before.[...]This initial release of OpenZDK is primarily intended to give developers a starting point for building next-generation applications. However, we have published an OpenZDK Quick Start Kit that includes example programs that you can try right now, including a 3D demo that offers a small taste of what hardware-accelerated 3D graphics have to offer.
First you will have to install VS2008 Express edition -> install XNA Game Studio 3.1 & XNA Game Studio 3.1 Zune Extensions -> Adding your Zune to Device Center & Running the Exploit Deployment Tool. Head over to the Wiki page for detailed instructions. Here’s a link to the download page.
Source: ZuneBoards
I asked Microsoft if they could tell me which Tegra chipset was used in the KIN handsets and finally got an answer: it’s the Tegra APX 2600. I basically wanted to make sure that it was not the 2500 version (see full KIN specs here). The APX 2600 is indeed the same SoC used in the Zune HD so it should be pretty clear now that the underlying OS used on the KIN handset is closer to the Zune OS than it is to WP7 (which doesn’t use the same Kernel). One has to wonder why Microsoft didn’t announce some kind of A/V connector for the KIN Phones to output HD content bought in the Zune Marketplace orsShot with the 8Mpix camera of the KIN TWO. It would be great if their was a HDMI dock similar to the Zune HD one IMO.
When it comes to world wide availability of the handsets, Microsoft has already announced that Vodafone is set to launch them in Germany,Spain, italy and the UK. Microsoft didn’t ink a deal yet with French operators yet, but they expect/hope to release them this fall. It will be interesting to see how Microsoft is going to deal with the nearly simultaneous launch of Windows Phone 7 and KIN in Europe. The Zune Pass/Marketplace will also officially launch in Europe at the same time. Unfortunately this doesn’t mean the Bing is going out of beta in those countries (expect in the UK where it’s already out of beta), Microsoft told me that the Bing roadmap isn’t tide to the Windows Phone 7 and Kin launch in Europe.
The much anticipated 4.5 Zune HD update is finally available right now. You’ll just have to connect your Zune HDto the Zune desktop software, go to Settings -> Device -> Player Update and you’ll have the option to update your device. Here’s a video of the features in action:
Ever since the launch of the Zune HD people have been asking for a 64GB version of the player, today Microsoft is finally announcing it for $350:
We’re excited to share that Zune fans will be able to purchase a new 64GB capacity of the popular Zune HD device for $349.99 starting April 12th through ZuneOriginals.com. By increasing the Zune HD capacity to 64GB, users will be able take up to 16,000 songs, or 20 hours of high definition video from Zune Marketplace, or 25,000 pictures* on the go! Customers will be able to customize their Zune HD 64GB through ZuneOrginals.com, available in their choice of Platinum, Black, Blue, Red, Green, Purple and Magenta colors.
In addition to introducing the new 64GB capacity, we are also reducing the prices of the 16GB and 32GB devices. Starting today, price lists are being distributed to retailers, setting the Estimated Retail Price (ERP) for the Zune 16GB device at $199.99 and the Zune HD 32GB device at $269.99.
With its OLED multi-touch screen, built-in HD radio, HD video out capabilities and Internet browser, Zune HD is a full-function media player which has received accolades from press and consumers. We’ve also announced details of an upcoming firmware update which will add even more features to the device, such as Smart DJ auto-playlists directly on the Zune HD, ability to browse, stream and acquire music from Zune Marketplace on your TV (while the device is connected to a TV set through the A/V dock) and expanded codec support allowing users to play more video formats natively from the device.
We are excited to be offering a great range of storage capacities for the Zune HD at a competitive price point and will be sharing more news on the availability of the 4.5 firmware in the coming days.
*Music estimates based on 128 Kbps WMA files with length of 4 minutes each. Pictures transferred to Zune will be optimized for Zune screen size; video estimates based on 500 Kbps WMV files with 128 Kbps WMA audio tracks.
The only unknown now is what is exactly going to happen to the Zune HD ounce the Windows Phone 7 Series handsets launch later this year? Remember that applications build for WP7 won’t be compatible with the Zune HD players. Thankfully the release of the upcoming 4.5 firmware update tells us that Microsoft is still support the player…for the time being.
Microsoft has just issued a press release announcing the imminent release of the v4.5 firmware for the Zune HD players. As reported earlier this new update will bring Xvid / AVI (MPEG-4 Part 2 Advanced Simple Profile) support, enabling user to play those videos without any transcoding. The SmartDJ functionality (which was introduced in the Zune desktop software) is finally making an appearance on the player and the ability to access the Marketplace on the TV while being connected with the AV-Dock is also included in this firmware.
It’s been an exciting few months for Zune. We launched the Zune HD device last September which has been receiving press and consumer praise for its OLED screen, HD Radio, HD video out and key music discovery features, which become even more powerful with a Zune Pass subscription. We also expanded the Zune service to additional platforms. We brought Zune video to Xbox LIVE in November, giving consumers access to instant on 1080p HD with 5.1 surround sound and the ability to buy content once and play it on the TV through Xbox LIVE, on the PC through the Zune software and on the go on a Zune device. We also announced last month that Zune will be an integrated feature on Windows Phone 7 Series and we’re looking forward to sharing more details about the Zune experience on Windows Phones in the coming weeks and months.
Earlier this year, we also shared that we’ll be introducing a Zune HD firmware update this spring. We’re excited to be bringing even more features and functionality to Zune users through this update, and wanted to share some additional details around what will be introduced.
- Smart DJ on Zune HD: Zune has always been committed to helping people discover new music. We added “Smart DJ” to the Zune software last fall and now we’re bringing this popular music discovery feature to the Zune HD device. Smart DJ on Zune HD will let you create an instant playlist mix whenever the inspiration strikes direct from your device. Just choose a song or artist from your collection or from the Zune Marketplace catalog and press the Smart DJ icon to build a new mix based on your selection. If you have a Zune Pass music subscription it will pull music from your existing collection and the Zune Marketplace catalog to create the mix. If you don’t have a Zune Pass subscription you can still use Smart DJ to build a playlist from the collection on your device.
- Picks on Zune HD: Picks is another popular music recommendation feature in the Zune software which we’re extending to the Zune HD device. The Picks algorithm analyzes what you listen to and compares that to millions of other Zune users to make personalized recommendations. With this update, you’ll be able to access these automatic recommendations directly on the Zune HD device as well as on your PC.
- Browse and Stream Music from Zune Marketplace on your TV: Using the Zune HD A/V dock, you can connect your Zune HD to your TV to play your favorite videos and music from your device on the big screen. With this software update, you’ll also be able to browse and stream music from Zune Marketplace directly on your TV to find and listen to your favorite music from the comfort of your couch. You can browse New Releases, check out recommendations from your Picks page, search for a specific song or artist, or even create a new Smart DJ playlist on your big screen – a great way to make an instant soundtrack for your next party.
- Expanded Video Codec Support: With expanded support to include MPEG-4 Part 2 Advanced Simple Profile (ASP), which includes Xvid and AVI support, you’ll be able to immediately enjoy a broader range of video content natively on Zune HD – no transcoding required.
The update will be offered as a free download in the next few weeks, and we’ll be sure to let you know when it’s available. In the meantime, we wanted to share an image of the Smart DJ feature on the Zune HD device which is attached here; All a user needs to do is press the Smart DJ icon on the far right of the screen to build a new mix based on their favorite music.
Here’s a video of the new features in action:
Just incase you missed it; Windows Phone 7 Series natively supports the following codecs:
| Codec Type |
Decoder Support |
Container |
| Audio |
WAV (PCM, MSADPCM, IMAADPCM, G.711) |
WAV |
| Audio |
MP3 |
MP3 |
| Audio |
WMA Lossless |
ASF (WMA) |
| Audio |
WMA Pro |
ASF (WMA) |
| Audio |
WMA Standard v9 |
ASF (WMA) |
| Audio |
AAC-LC (Low Complexity) |
3GP, 3G2, MP4, M4A |
| Audio |
HE-AAC v1 (AAC+) |
3GP, 3G2, MP4, M4A |
| Audio |
HE-AAC v2 (eAAC+) |
3GP, 3G2, MP4, M4A |
| Audio |
Adaptive Multi-Rate Narrow Band (AMR-NB) |
3GP, 3G2, MP4 |
| Audio |
Adaptive Multi-Rate ide Band (AMR-WB) |
3GP, 3G2, MP4 |
| Audio |
Qcelp |
3GP, 3G2, MP4 |
| Video |
WMV (VC-1) – Simple Profile |
ASF (WMV) |
| Video |
WMV (VC-1) – Main Profile |
ASF (WMV) |
| Video |
WMV (VC-1) – Advanced Profile |
ASF (WMV) |
| Video |
WMV v9 |
ASF (WMV) |
| Video |
MPEG-4 Part 2 – Simple Profile |
3GP, 3G2, MP4, AVI |
| Video |
MPEG-4 Part 2 – Advanced Simple Profile |
AVI, MP4 |
| Video |
DivX 4.x/5.x/6.x |
AVI |
| Video |
MPEG-4 Part 10 (MPEG-4 AVC, H.264) – Baseline Profile |
3GP, 3G2, MP4, M4V |
| Video |
MPEG-4 Part 10 (MPEG-4 AVC, H.264) – Main Profile |
3GP, 3G2, MP4, M4V |
| Video |
MPEG-4 Part 10 (MPEG-4 AVC, H.264) – High Profile |
3GP, 3G2, MP4, M4V |
| Video |
H.263 |
3GP, 3G2 |
| Images |
JPEG |
JPG |
| Images |
PNG |
PNG |
| Images |
GIF (both GIF87a and GIF89a) |
GIF |
Unfortunately Microsoft won’t be able to please everybody with Windows phone 7 Series . The lack of multi-tasking shouldn’t come as a surprise especially given that I (with PPCGeeks) was the first to post the full specs of WP7 more than a month ago (one week before the official announcement, thanks again anonymous tipster..). We all expected this and today Microsoft confirmed it to Mary Jo Foley; third-party apps won’t be able to multi-task but will have the ability to use the push-notification services (just like on the iPhone). This doesn’t really bother me given that I rarely use a task-manager to jump from one app to another. Additionally, the Metro UI and design helps to make the whole UX free of any multi-tasking needs.
But what bothers me is the total lack of file explorer and access to the file system (and build-in storage on the phone). First-off, removable storage cards are out. WP7 devices will come with non-removable Flash memory (minimum 8Gb) and the only way to install an app will be through the Marketplace (enterprise customers will be able to deploy apps without going through the Marketplace). Secondly it looks like the phone’s internal memory will be encrypted (like the Zune HD & iPhone). This means that the only way to transfer data to your phone from the PC will be via the Zune software (you can no longer use your handset as a USB HDD). Also remember that on the Zune HD and iPhone, pictures transferred to the device are always automatically resized and compressed (it’s still not know if this is going to be the case here though).
This is obviously the first release of a new OS and Microsoft has already announced that OTA updates with new features & improvements will be pushed out on a regular basis. My only hope is that Microsoft allows third-party developers to build file explorers (I’m not holding my breath tho..)
The Zune HD Facebook application is fainally out and available on the Marketplace. The application was originaly expected to be launched at the same time as the Twitter application but was puched back to a later date. From the looks of it this is probably how an “official” FB app would look like on WindowsPhone 7 Series…Head over to the Zune Marketplace to grab it.
- Update Status – Click on the home icon to access the home page from where you can update your status and see the latest activity.
- View Profile – Tap the Profile icon to use this feature. Using this option, you can view your wall, photos, videos and other items.
- View Friends activity – Use the Friends icon in case you want to update yourself with the activities of your contacts.
- View Inbox – Yes, click the inbox icon and read/write/send messages as per your requirement.
Yesterday I had the chance sit down with to Audrey Zolghadr, Windows Mobile Manager at Microsoft France, to discuss the Windows Phone 7 Series announcement and the company’s future in the mobile space. It wasn’t really an interview given that I knew that I wouldn’t get any answer if I asked question about all the features that were not shown yet. Instead we talked about how much of he UI design inspiration that came from the Zune HD and the fact that what we are seeing here was started only 18 months ago when Joe Belfiore joined the Windows Mobile Team (keep in mind the WM7 development started back in 2005/6).
Continue reading Microsoft at MWC 2010 →
 Old Windows Mobile 7 concept shot Microsoft pushed a new firmware update for the Zune HD today (version 4.2.202.0) and it didn’t take long forIstartedsomething to dig into it to it to find some clues about what’s exactly new. Here’s what he has found in the USB INF file:
[Microsoft.NTx86]
%Zune.DeviceDesc% = ZuneMTPZUSB, USB\MS_COMP_MTPZ
%Zune.DeviceDesc% = ZuneMTPZUSB, USB\VID_045E&PID_0710
%Zune.DeviceDesc% = ZuneMTPZUSB, USB\VID_045E&PID_063E
%Phone.DeviceDesc% = ZuneMTPZUSB, USB\VID_045E&PID_0640
%Phone.DeviceDesc% = ZuneMTPZUSB, USB\VID_045E&PID_0641
%Phone.DeviceDesc% = ZuneMTPZUSB, USB\VID_045E&PID_0642
%ZuneIp.DeviceDesc% = ZuneMTPZIP, umb\urn:microsoft-com:device:mtpz:1
; Localizable strings
Msft = “Microsoft”
Zune.DeviceDesc = “Zune”
…
Phone.DeviceDesc = “Phone”
Long believes that this confirms that a Zune phone is in the making, but given that it cleary says “Zune.Device” and “Phone.Device” (never “Zune.Phone” or “ZunePhone”) I will have to disagree with him here. To me it just looks like the Zune services are now probably finally implemented into Windows Mobile (7?). Let’s wait t’ill MWC next month..
Update: Here’s a list of Vendor IDs, as you can see Microsoft has tons of WinMo devices with IDs even-though they have never manufactured or sold one.
Source: IstartedSomething
According to CNet’s Donald Bell Microsoft is planning to add XviD ( MPEG-4 part 2 Advanced Simple Profile ) video support to the Zune HD in the upcoming Firmware update scheduled to launch this spring. Zune’s SmartDJ feature will also be part of the firmware and Microsoft re-assured him that the Facebook application is going to be launched early this year.
Source: CNet
It was announced last night and it’s now finally available for free on the Zune Marketplace. Nothing too fnacy but seems to be great for a 1.0 version. Hopefully this means that we will see more of theses apps from Microsoft heading to Windows Mobile 7 once the two marketplaces are merged together.
The Zune team just announced that the Zune HD Twitter aplication should be out tomorrow.
Zune Nation! The Twitter App for Zune is coming tomorrow – more details in the morning! ^BJ
If I remember correctly a Facebook was also promised, hopefully it shouldn’t be too far off.
Source: Twitter
Microsoft quietly launched the Zune HD in two new colors today. You can now order it in Purple or Magenta if you didn’t like the original red, green black blue, & platinum colors. You will also get a free one-month subscription to the Zune Pass. The pricing is still the same, $220 for the 16GB & $290 for the 32gb.
Source: ZuneStore via Electronista Thanks for the tip Sam!
Here are two videos of the newly released 3D games on the Zune HD:
PGR & AudioSurf:
PGR, VanSk8:
Source: Engadget & WMexperts
We were expecting them soon after the 4.3 firmware update and they are now finally here and available for free in the Zune HD marketplace:
•PGR: ferrari edition, a 3d racegame
•Lucky lane bowling, a 3d bowling game
•Vans Sk8: Pool service, a 3d Skate game
•Piano, a simple piano where you can play your own tunes on
•Audio Surf: Tilt, ride your music – you choose a song that the game will turn into a roller coaster track for you to ride
•Checkers, I don’t think you’ll need a description for this one
Over the weekend we pushed out a Zune HD firmware update, version 4.3, which enabled 3-D gaming on Zune HD. Today six new games are available in the Zune Marketplace. The new games take advantage of Zune HD’s beautiful multi-touch OLED screen and accelerometer and some (Project Gotham Racing: Ferrari Edition, Audiosurf Tilt and Vans Sk8: Pool Service) utilize the powerful NVIDIA Tegra processor to deliver immersive, 3D gaming to Zune HD. As with the other games offered for Zune, these games are available for free to Zune HD users and feature a short ad at start-up. In addition to existing games on Zune HD the new games include:
* Audiosurf Tilt: Audiosurf creates a rollercoaster ride from any song. Choose any song from your music collection and watch Audiosurf turn it into a unique roller coaster track for you to ride. The song you choose determines the shape, the speed, and the mood of each track. Tilt your Zune like a steering wheel to collect colored blocks and avoid speedbumps. Unlock more than 30 designs, each with its own special theme and color palette.
* Checkers: Enjoy the classic game of Checkers in a beautiful outdoor park setting. Play against the computer or against a friend.
* Lucky Lanes Bowling: Bowl in different game modes: exhibition, blackjack, golf. Play in five different bowling alleys with unique themes, all with the swipe of a finger. Choose from twenty different bowlers and twenty two different ball styles. You can play against the computer or play with up to four friends.
* Piano: Play your own tune, or play along with your favorite music on this electronic piano.
* Project Gotham Racing: Ferrari Edition: Tear through the streets of London, Tokyo, and New York in the Ferrari of your choice using multi touch controls and the built in accelerometer.
* Vans Sk8: Pool Service: From the Admiral to the old abandoned rec center pool, Bucky Lasek and Omar Hassan know a good bowl to skate. Hit the pools and put these Vans skaters to the test with all the tricks in their bag and achieve hero status once you unlock their pro model skateboards.
We’re excited to be bringing these games to Zune users today. And, as we’ve said in the past, we will be delivering additional applications for Zune HD including Facebook and Twitter in the future.
UPDATE: Here’s a video of Project Gotham:
Source: Hellofromeurope via Engadget
Microsoft has just released a new firmware (version 4.3) for the ZuneHD which adds support for the upcoming 3D games & applications and a wider touchscreen keyboard among other bug fixes/features:
Browser:
•Faster performance in navigating web pages
•Option to render pages as Desktop or Mobile (Option in settings)
•Better Tap-To-Zoom
•Better ability to scroll when typing a message online
Keyboard:
•Predictive Text
•Auto capitilization
•Dedicated Settings Menu
•Wider keyboard in landscape mode
Music:
•Artist bios now contain links to songs, other artists, and other albums
Radio:
•Choice of seek method (presets or seek) in settings
Other
•Apps load slightly faster, and the accuracy of the touchscreen is improved during game play.
•Apps close faster
•The power off says ”slide down to power off” instead of just ”Power Off”
•Faster Startup (less than 15s) or maybe not (see comments below)
Source: Zune Forums via Chinster
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