March 9th, 2010 by Travis Pope   Tags: Software, XNA Games, ZuneHD Apps

With just a week left until Microsoft’s MIX developer conference Microsoft’ employee Michael Kulcher is now talking publicly about what devices and services will be compatible with it’s forthcoming XNA 4.0 software. True, you could read the entire article but we’ll sum up why you might want to read it closely;

When we first announced XNA was a development platform for the Windows Phone 7 Series last week and followed up with some real-time Twitter Q&A (@WP7Dev), we got a lot of questions about Zune/Zune HD and how that will work with XNA Game Studio 4.0. Development for the Zune and Zune HD will continue to exist in XNA Game Studio 3.1, however, in XNA Game Studio 4.0, we’re encouraging you to migrate your games over to the Windows Phone 7 Series platform.

Yes, you read right. Microsoft will leave the ZuneHD attached to the current version of XNA, but before you read too much into it, read on.

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March 3rd, 2010 by Travis Pope   Tags: Marketplace, Nick Rewind, TV Shows

It’s been a while since I’ve gotten all hyped over a networking entering the Zune Video Marketplace. Don’t get me wrong it’s a great place to discover new TV Shows that you want to get into, however for a while there not many old favorites of mine were available so imagine how far I jumped out of my seat when I noticed Viacom’s Nick Rewind today.

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March 2nd, 2010 by Travis Pope  

With a new Zune software release planned sometime this spring to unleash .avi support on all Zune devices, we’ll also be hopefully seeing a 5.0 release sometime this fall. Having spoken to Matt Akers about how they decided what features and would not make it into the software I think it’s important that we make our imprint on the Zune 5, so tell me your wish features for the software and i’ll collect all the info and send it off to Matt. Post your’s in our forum here, or here in the comments.

March 1st, 2010 by Travis Pope   Tags: Apps, Facebook, Release

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Facebook app is now coming to a Zune Marketplace window near you. You can all get a grip now.

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March 1st, 2010 by Travis Pope  

Each week we chronicle hot up and coming independent artists available for rent or purchase. Ladies and gentlemen let’s rock.

Some will tell you that the first step to finding new artists is being open to new kinds of music, or new sounds that you haven’t quite liked before. I disagree, fresh tunes are like a minority in the Arizona suburbs. You don’t have to worry the music (or the cops) will find you.

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February 27th, 2010 by Travis Pope  

Two weeks ago we recommended to you one of the most funniest looks at religion this decade and asked that you just watched it for it’s comedic value. While only a few of you were unable to do that, (believe me, I got those emails), I thought it would be great to do another documentary however this time without a small riot ensuing. Well how about Chris Rock interviewing hair stylists, about black hair?

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February 20th, 2010 by Travis Pope  

Have you ever run into one of those products that attempt to be both useful and beautiful? I usually stay away from anything that appears to be to pretty after all, good looks are great, but usually aren’t useful. With past experiences in mind, i approached the usefulness of the Microsoft Arc mouse from that same point of view.

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February 19th, 2010 by Travis Pope  

While I’m in my sixth hour of waiting for my flight, I’ve been getting some major music listening, and site work in. A few months back I got the idea to create a category inside the blog the focused on other things then Zune. A kind of what I’m using, and thinking blog, only available here. I let someone talk me out of the idea a few months ago but now I think the time is right. Besides who’s going to stop me? The editor?

February 19th, 2010 by Travis Pope  

Last week we heard from ZuneInsider podcast host Jessica Zhan, that new movies and televisions shows from Fox would be making their way to the Zune Marketplace sometime soon. Well soon is now.

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February 19th, 2010 by Travis Pope  

Earlier this week Microsoft pull the sheets off of what very may well be the finest mobile operating system they have ever created. True we’ve got more details to hear about but according to the good folks at Engadget it’s exciting stuff. Here’s a hint, Zune on a phone anyone?

February 19th, 2010 by Travis Pope  

Greetings from MVP Summit 2010 everyone! Just as I promised I would for the rest of the week I’ll be posting about my experiences each day. If you’re looking for information and new Zune releases you should move on. I’m not interested in breaking any NDAs or entertaining any questions on what may or may be coming to Zune.

I arrived in Bellevue at about 10 PST on Monday so I didn’t get that much site seeing in at all to tell you the truth. I will say this though, Delta Airlines has made a life long customer out of me, both of my flights were on time, and arrived early to both my connection and my final destination.

First thing Tuesday morning Wolfgang, and I (my summit roommate) grabbed breakfast at nice open air, restaurant. Nothing too shabby, either. This was the moment I realized how true all the rumors of Washington state’s legendary habit of always being polite, really was. I never saw on person frown in front of me. Not once. Did I mention the downtown Bellevue, is perhaps the most awesome urban setting I’ve ever seen. Our high rise hotel was connected to an indoor mall. Yes classy, I’ve promised I’d keep you guys informed of all the stuff not covered under my NDA but to be honest all things related Zune are, so if you were looking for inside info it’s really not going to happen this week, or any other week for that matter. Tomorrow more on my trip to Microsoft’s Redmond Campus.

Oh and check out my day one pictures in the ZuneSpring Flickr gallery.

February 16th, 2010 by Travis Pope  

I’m not sure how long this has been going on since I was on a plan half the night skipping time zones, however as of right now, Zune users may find that they are not able to access their accounts via the Zune Marketplace, Zune.net or in some cases we’ve heard of Xbox Live. I’ll ask around and see what I can dig up. I’ll update you once the service returns, or I’ve heard anything concrete.

Update: This is affecting all services that use the Live Passport login system. (The system that allows you to use one email account for all Microsoft websites.) It seems to be an unplanned outage though. Again I’ll keep you posted.

Final Update: The issue seems to have been resolved. All Microsoft properties should be working correctly now.

February 14th, 2010 by Travis Pope  

Those who follow the ZuneSpring on my personal Twitter will know that tomorrow starts a big week for us. First at Mobile World Conference Microsoft is preparing for what could very well be the keynote to make or break Steve Ballmer’s career as well as change the face of both Windows Mobile & Zune alike. Also I’ll be heading to Microsoft’s Redmond Campus for what surely will be one of the most exciting experiences of my life, the MVP Summit. Because of both of these event’s I’ll be taking the week off from my full time job. You know what that means, an entire week to bring ZuneSpring up to where it should be without interference from the real world. Tell me what new areas you would like to see, or where no frontiers you would like us to venture into. I will not stop until this site is the best it can possibly be and that involves each and every person who reads, and enjoys what we do here.

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February 13th, 2010 by Travis Pope  

With Mobile World Conference just days away, why not speculate and let our minds go crazy? Why not get carried away with anticipation culminating in a massive outburst of overzealous excitement? Because that wouldn’t be the ZuneSpring way, instead we’ve called in friend of the show MaryJo Foley of ZiffDavis to give us all the dish on how Microsoft might attempt to knock our socks off on Monday. All that plus your MailBag questions, Social Report, and FreePicks! Remember to email us travis@zunespring.com Check out the podcast here.

February 12th, 2010 by Travis Pope  

With the 2010 MVP Summit due to start next week I’ve finally gotten around to mailing down cotent we might be able to provide during the summit. Are any of you interested in a possible video podcast from the road being updated daily? What about an episode of ZunSpring Live with other who are attending? Let me know what you would like to see in the comments and I’ll see what I can put together.