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!

You know they are coming, you've seen the videos, some of us have actually played with them, and now everyone can. (with a bit of work)

For info on how to do this, head over to Zune Boards.

Wow. This is just amazing. 1st off, let me tell you that 100% of my music and movies are legit, I think. I don't do the file sharing thing, I don't rip friends CDs, etc... Even though I don't, I know that many folks out there do. I don't think that its right, but who I am to tell them not to. Let them suffer the consequences if they are caught.

What does all this mean? Why are you talking about this nonsense Chris? Simple. According to NBC in an interview, Microsoft is working on working in a "Copyright Cop" into Zune software.

When asked why NBC left Apple and went with Microsoft...

Second, Apple refused to cooperate with NBC on building filters into its iPod player to remove pirated movies and videos.

Further down...

Similarly, the copyright filtering system is still in development and its exact form has not been set.

Mr. Perrette said the plan is to create “filtering technology that allows for playback of legitimately purchased content versus non-legitimately purchased content.�

So, I don't support or agree with you guys that jack free movies and music, but I still do not think that it is the hardware company's job (or business) to police what people play on their device. That is utter BS.

Link to the Article. Thanks Jaxim.

UPDATE : Cesar has posted a statement on this subject...

We have no plans or commitments to implement any new type of content filtering in the Zune devices as part of our content distribution deal with NBC. 

We think some folks in the industry were expressing hopes for how the entire industry, not just Microsoft, would come to look at content distribution, and some speculation has ensued.  Again, no plans are in place toward this end.

Whew, that makes me feel better.

If you've been itching to check out all the new Zune 2.5 software improvements but haven't had time to go through everything yourself, fear not. Jason Dunn over at Zune Thoughts has done all the heavy lifting for you and created a few videos detailing what's new and exciting in the software upgrade. This first video gives an overview of most of the new features (minus The Social).

The second video goes specifically into the new features of The Social (which he wasn't able to access in the first video)

Source

The folks over at Zunited.net got there hands on some interesting info. It appears as though the zune software contains evidence of a Black-Backed Zune 80, and a black-backed red 4/8. On top of that, the 4/8 seems to have a black touch pad.  Could this be a developer exclusive like the citron zune? We can't be sure now, but no matter they are, they look great. Any thoughts?

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Yes, you read right, the Zune is coming to Canada! Our lucky neighbors to the north will be getting the Zune 4/8/80 models. The 4 and 8 will be available in red, black, and pink. The 80 gets red and black. Prices range from $140 to $250. Canadians can download the Zune Software from Zune.ca.

source: http://www.zuneboards.com/zune-news/zune-arriving-at-canada-on-june-13.html

Hey, I am off to work though, I thought I would have time to get it loaded up and play a bit before I left for work, but... I woke up to my office being quiet. That meant all my machines were powered down. We must of took a power hit last night.

So I get powered up and pop up the software, no problem. I SEE A VIDEO TAB!!! All of a sudden, Internet Explorer starts to start a new window over and over again. 20 new windows later, I had to do a restart to stop it. I left for work. I'll deal with it tonight. I am not sure what caused it, hope it's not Zune 2.5.

Talk to you all later. Work Calls.

So, tommorow you can try it all out, but just off reading all this info pouring in about tommorow's launch, what do you think? Come on, Gapless... Autoplaylists, cool features for the Social... you have to have some opinions, right?

I'll share more about my feelings tommorow after I get to see it on MY PC live.

In case you like reading all the goodies from a press release, I decided to throw you a bone here... Read on for the press release...

Zune Expands Beyond Music to Deliver Integrated All-in-One Entertainment Experience

New software updates bring popular television shows to online store, enhancements to online music community and subscription service.

REDMOND, Wash. — May 5, 2008 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that Zune, the company’s all-in-one digital entertainment brand, is adding new software features and content to the Zune online store, music community and Zune Pass monthly subscription service. Zune is expanding its video store to include downloads of popular television shows from COMEDY CENTRAL, FUNimation^® Entertainment, MTV, NBC Universal, Nickelodeon, Starz Media (including Magna Entertainment), Turner Broadcasting, Ultimate Fighting Championship^® (UFC) and VH1 that consumers can sync to their device and enjoy on the go. In addition, by further integrating the Zune music community into the core experience, the new software makes it easier for people to find and listen to the music they want, share it with friends, and take it with them wherever they go — whether they choose a Zune Pass or a la carte MP3 downloads. Zune Pass subscribers can now set up automatic, real-time feeds of the music their friends are listening to and add those songs to their collection or Zune device.

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