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Zunited Podcast 92 - Long Zheng Interview; ZunePhone Discussion

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Published on 02-07-2010 Number of Views: 363

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Episode #: 92 | Date: 2/7/10 | Title: Long Zheng Interview; ZunePhone Discussion | Time: 46:06

We have Long Zheng of http://istartedsomething.com with us, who first identified Zune 'Phone' in the Zune software. We interview him about being a blogger and his thoughts on what it means. Then, we of course, go on a rampage about why ZunePhone is good or bad; we then read your emails, of the same topic, so thanks for that. Make sure to email us podcast@zunited.net

Interview/ZunePhone
-We interview Long Zheng
-Move on to MWC
-Transition to ZunePhone

Emails

Dear Zunited podcasters:

Although I didn't have any questions for the interview with Long Zheng, I did have a thought on the whole ZunePhone idea (that is, the idea that there will be Zune integration with Microsoft's next mobile OS.) This could bode well for those who have been complaining since the Zune HD's release that there needs to be an app store. In fact, I second this notion, thinking that to have apps to satisfy the masses would do a great deal to bring the Zune to a higher level of appreciation. After all, the concept of a unified application marketplace to cater to both Windows Phone and Zune owners will ultimately benefit from that. At any rate, I've probably just restated what was already posted on the site, but I am very impatient to see something new on my Zune. Is that bad? I barely use the apps I have, and I really want more. Maybe what I'm really hoping is that the Zune hasn't outlived it's usefulness before complimentary wifi becomes something of a norm and I can just hop on while I'm sitting at Taco John's, check my Facebook, check out the Zunited page, et cetera. I can only play Sudoku for so long. At any rate, thanks for the timely info; keep it coming!

Dedicated listener,
Rob

Hello Zunited, I have become a little woried of the News that the windows 6.5 phones wont be updated, other then the HTC HD2, From Gizmodo.com http://gizmodo.com/5450142/rumor-win...ws-mobile-apps of that WinPhone7 would not work with Windows mobile 6.5 that Saying, I just bought a New windows mobile Phone two mouns ago, It's the HTC PURE, and i have a Contract with AT&t for two years. So I just have one question, Is their hope for me to get and upgrade, Or am i stuck untile the Two years are up? So thank you for Reading My email, and keep it up, I cant wait for the 100th podcast!

-Mat

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Microsoft discontinues Xbox LIVE for v1 games, consoles

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MichaelCollado

Published on 02-07-2010 Number of Views: 278

Microsoft, early Friday morning (12AM in fact), posted that it would be putting an end to its Xbox LIVE services for all version one Xbox systems and respective games. That is, v1 systems will not be able to connect to the network and v1 games, even if played with an Xbox 360, will not have access either.

On April 15 we will discontinue the Xbox LIVE service for original Xbox consoles and games, including Xbox v1 games playable on Xbox 360 and Xbox Originals. I want to start by saying this isn’t a decision we made lightly, but after careful consideration, it is clear this will provide the greatest benefit to the Xbox LIVE community.

The cut-off of service, per Marc Whitten's words, is a change that needs to be made "to reach [their] aspiration" in evolving the Xbox LIVE service, and sadly, the new changes will be "incompatible with [the] original Xbox v1 games." It almost sounds like the Zune firmware updates; Microsoft officially stopped supporting older Zune models after the Zune HD's release because they didn't have the power for what they wanted to put in the software. Although, it feels much different, seeing as LIVE is a service that most render Xbox useless without.

Most notable for Microsoft is the shunning of Halo (Halo 2) which will not be compatible come April 15th. The franchise arguably made Xbox what it is today, so much so, Whitten references it in his post.

Time to play 'til your thumbs are numb or upgrade.

[Thanks to Joey (aka Chewy) for the email]

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Zune HD v2! ...Well, a rumor atleast

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tfreak10108

Published on 02-07-2010 Number of Views: 775

Categories:

Before you all explode with excitement, I'd just like to clarify that this is a RUMOR! Great, now lets devour the turkey...

The report as of now is that there will be BIGGER (I know you all like that word) storage capacities, and MORE colors. It's said to be wielding the nVidia Tegra 2 processor, and to be coming out in the fourth quarter....cream yet?

Ok, ok, I'm sure your all excited, but not interested in getting ANOTHER Zune? Your probably thinking "I JUST bought THIS ONE!" Well, I have news for YOU as well...

As we all know, spring is coming, and with spring comes the Zune Update. It was skipped last year, so were hoping for some really good stuff this year. How about a video pass for just $10 a month? $10 a month seems a little low, but AWESOME! It is also rumored that the Zune Music Marketplace will slip its way over to the Xbox, along with the Zune Pass. Finally, we're fairly sure that there will be a wide assortment of codecs on their way.

Lots of news...Take a breath, and make sure to come back to Zunited.net as more news on this comes in!

via [zB here]

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Zunited Podcast interviews Long Zheng of istartedsomething, ask questions here

by

MichaelCollado

Published on 02-06-2010 Number of Views: 123

The Zunited Podcast will be interviewing Long Zheng, of http://istartedsomething.com fame, who incidentally was the first to break the story about finding 'Phone' in the Zune software just a couple of weeks ago. The interview will be taking place tomorrow, February 7th, 2010, in the early evening EST as part of a special Zunited Podcast episode centered all around the elusive ZunePhone... if there is one.

So what to do? Post an idea for a question that you would like answered below or through email. The question can be about the Zune"Phone," how it was discovered in the software, what it means to be a blogger, or anything really (but relevant).

Also, make sure you send us your thoughts about ZunePhone to podcast@zunited.net, but you don't have much time left! Look out for Zunited Podcast #92 to be released late tomorrow night.

Possible WinPhone7 details leaked: Full Zune integration, shared Apps?

by

Redwing

Published on 02-06-2010 Number of Views: 887

Many mobile tech sites have recently reported some leaks concerning the nature of Microsoft's next mobile OS. This news may be good for Zune HD owners, but possibly bad for Windows Mobile enthusiasts.

We've already heard some reports of Windows Phone 7 breaking compatibility with 6.x Apps and moving into a different standard. While this would make all of your Windows Mobile applications purchased or downloaded so far obsolete, it does provide an opportunity for Microsoft to clean up WinMo's infamous name and start from scratch. It also provides a possibility that I'm sure any Zune HD owner would jump for joy over: future Windows Phone 7 devices could actually share an Application Marketplace with Zune.

The main hints come from the leaked details (remember, these are unverified. Take them with a grain of salt):

-WP7 supports both Sliverlight (out of browser) and XNA
-XNA apps can be developed using XNA GameStudio 3.1
-No MS manufactured device, however much tighter control of manufactring process, so as an example each device has a 3D processing chipset, and MS provide all of the device drivers. So no platform builder. This enables OTA updates and simplified model for ODM’s
-WP7 will use the Zune software for music, videos, photos sync
-WP7 only supports app installation through service based delivery i.e. marketplace, so no side-loading
-Marketplace will now support “try before you buy” as well as an API
-The UX of WP7 is based upon a theme called “METRO” and is similar to Zune HD, but with a completely new “Start” screen.
-OEMs cannot modify Start screen.

For some, this is bittersweet. After all, if it's true, that means the end of multitasking and side-loading apps. But, it's also pretty close to how the Zune HD operates now. Microsoft seems to be taking more control of the hardware requirements, which suggests that they might be trying to create an iPhone-iPod Touch situation. If that means that Apps are shared, it could finally propel the Zune HD past the 1000-app mark... or the 100 mark... or even the 20 mark... you know.

Source: Mobile Tech World

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Zunited Podcast 91 - In Soviet Russia, Phone Zune You

by

MichaelCollado

Published on 02-03-2010 Number of Views: 630

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Episode #: 91 | Date: 2/3/10 | Title: In Soviet Russia, Phone Zune You | Time: 01:04:16

We brag about the Zunited Podcast stats, Microsoft Tag was released, Zune HD prices drop, Windows 7 is the fastest-selling OS; then we have to talk about the iPad once again, and the Zune Phone... yeah, pretty much confirmed. This episode was taped yesterday. Welcome to the Zunited Podcast!

Zunited:
-Zunited Podcast #12 in all podcasts, #4 in audio, #1 science & tech, #2 in gadgets, and recommended.
-Book Club
-Broke most people online

Microsoft:
-ZunePhone... yeah, it's gonna happen; stuff found in software, "spanish site" confirms
-WMC coming
-WinMo 6.5.3
-Microsoft Tag
-Zune HD price drop
-Windows 7 fastest-selling OS

ALTERNATIVES
Apple:
-Stephen Colbert's iPad
-Windows 7 on iPad
-Jobs doesn't give a [explicative] about Flash or Google

-Emails

14 Comments