The XNA 3.0 CTP release was just 7 days ago, but already some cool applications are being created. The focal point of this release is of course gaming, but developers have also focused on making some simple, but useful applications for zune devices. Sure, zune gaming is fun, but it opens up many opportunity’s when developers do not limit themselves to programs only for the purpose of entertainment. As of now, there are just a few simple applications(being that the release was just a week ago), and these include a clock, a calculator, and a simple calendar. Overall, it’s great to see people taking it into their own hands to create applications that the zune does not ship with. As time goes on hopefully we shall see some more complex, and handy applications.

Clock

This is a slightly newer(Beta .5) version of the previously mentioned clock, created by TipTup over at zuneboards.

Calculator

This simple calculator was developed by Nurta at zuneboards, and although still in beta stages, is alright if you just need to complete some simple problems.

Calendar

This is a fully functioning calendar, with the one drawback being you cannot currently edit/add info to specific days. However, this has only been out for about 2 days now, so this is subject to change, just like the other applications.

Does anyone have any experience with a Wiki? I don’t, but I decided to add a Wiki for a couple of my sites at the request of one of my staff members. The problem is, I haven’t a clue on how to manage a Wiki. As I am told, it’s a community effort, but how do you police spammers and vandals?

The Gotzune.com ZUNE WIKI is online, but I haven’t done anything yet. Anyone have any direction for me?

http://www.gotzune.com/wiki

I know this is something that would be a great asset to all and I’d like to get rolling on it soon.

Well, I can’t say I didn’t see this one coming. TipTup300(A ZuneBoards Programmer) already has a beta release of a zune clock out. If you have games set up on your zune, and you’ve been wanting a clock , check it out over at ZuneBoards. Granted, you do have to access it through games menu, but at least it’s a start for  a zune clock.

As you know, the CPT release of XNA 3.0 is out, and free to download. The problem is, of course, finding games. For anyone looking to play games on there zune, here are a few helpful links:

Software

Windows Visual C# 2008 Express

XNA 3.0

Games

Alien Aggressor

Galactic Wars 3

Rock Rain

XNATetris

Collapse

Pong

Clock

MatchEm

Sir Tet(New version of tetris, very well made)

Pong 2

Breakout

Marblets

So, here’s what I’ve found so far. If anyone finds any other games, please share!

Got Zune is looking for a few good men… and women!

What are we looking for?
Basically Zune Fans that want to share news, views, and experiences about the Zune with others.

The ideal candidate would also get the priveledge to review accessories, cases, software, etc for Got Zune.

What are the Benefits?
Paid Medical, 2 weeks vacation… wait, nevermind. Benefits? What benefits? You would be part of a team of folks that enjoy the Zune and want to share the social with others. This should be compensation enough, right?

The only real requirements are the following:

Contact me for more info. Please let me know why you want to blog about Zune and tell me more about yourself! Thanks!

Just some quick news about XNA. A bit of info was released today, with one of the highlights being the fact that zune gaming will support up to 8 zune wireless networking. 8 people playing a first person shooter together, that’s something to brag about. Also, just to clear things up, the said to be 16 MB of game storage is in fact the amount of zune ram a game can use. Overall, looks like zune gaming is really coming along, and for anyone interested below is a video demonstrating a first person shooter being played between two people over Wifi. Thanks WetWorker from zunecards.net for getting it on youtube.

Remember, The Community Tech Preview of Zune gaming is said to occur Early-Mid May.

Source

First Impression’s:  To begin with, this case is very similar to the previously reviewed,  White Leather Flip Case , so it packs many of the same features, just with a different style. As you can see below,  it is a brown leather case(although also available in white leather), with a clean white stitching. What can’t be seen on the outside is the contrasting pink stitching in the interior of the case border, and the interior of the zune slip-in section. The pink stitching looks interesting, but overall this case has a bit more of a “rustic” feel than the white leather flip, and looks a lot like a wallet ( as stated in the name).

Sync cable and Earphones easily accessible.

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         Well, about 3 weeks ago I received my zune 8 original, only to be dissatisfied when it died before the initial sync took place. So, with only a lifeless zune, I called customer support for help. They had no answers(and persisted on telling me it was on hold) and then informed me of the grim news, I’d have to send it back for a repair. I attempted to demand a replacement, but because of the engraving a repair was required. So, within a matter of 3 days the box showed up and I sent it back. About a week later, there was still no news, the status being “received at repair center”. However, soon enough I received a call from a man at zune originals who explained how they had “lost my order info” and needed me to call them back. I’m not going to get into much detail here, but calling back was a disaster. To start off, they didn’t answer the phone, then once I finally got into contact, I was put on hold multiple times, switched to different people, and ultimately asked for the same info/explanations over and over. After about an hour, they explained I would have it back in 5-7 days. Being they lost my order info, and 5-7 days is the time for a zune originals order… I began to think they were sending a completely new zune. By the next Friday, the status on my zune was still “received at repair center”, and there were just 2 business days left until I was supposed to receive it. So, once again I called Microsoft customer support. This time a guy named Kevin answered, and when I questioned about how I was expected to have a zune within the next two days, even though it hadn’t been shipped yet, he answered with an explanation of the normal repair process. I tried to explain, but he just kept re-enforcing how it takes 3-5 days for box, 10-15 for repair, and 3-5 days to get it back. He stated I would not have it back within the next few days, it would in fact be around 2 weeks.

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So, I was at the Microsoft Company store and there was just nothing I could really talk myself into buying, so myself and some fellow MVPs popped down to the Visitor Center just below the store. This was a museum of sorts featuring the life of Microsoft. All that was fine and dandy, but I spent my time playing with the Zunes…

Please pardon the camera phone quality.

Cesar has pointed out some news regarding a combined effort between zune team and reebok to create the “Answer XI Zune”. Only 60 of this shoe+zune combo will be distributed, 12 going to each of the following stores: Complex/training day store(NYC), Commonwealth(WA), Major Commonwealth(DC), Wish(ATL), and The 400(Denver). The 300$ combo will include Limited edition Allen Iverson sneakers, a zune 8 with a sketch of AI engraved in the back, and a Zune x Reebok bag. Microsoft seems to like these special edition zunes, but it just seems like when it’s this limited, it simply doesn’t generate too much hype. What do you all think?

For more info check out Kixinthecity.com