We told you folks about Windows Live Messenger for Zune HD. Windows Live Messenger (formerly named MSN Messenger) is an instant messaging client created by Microsoft, Windows Live Messenger is one of the the largest instant messenger network in the world and has been part of Microsoft’s Windows Live set of online services. With a client on the Zune HD , its quite likely we shoulfd have something similar for WP7 available during launch. We are not sure if this will be a part of the core OS or if it will have to be downloaded from the WP7 marketplace as a standalone app for WP7.
Some of the standout features include
ability to log in to multiple device using the same account at the same time
Its no secret that the Zune Desktop app is going to replace WMDC / ActiveSync , but the version of the app that has the ability to sync with WP7 is not available to the public just yet ( the phones are not here yet so why the need to the desktop app ) but dont we like to get an early peek on how the app will look like. Well you lot are lucky coz the folks from beingmanan.com managed to grab a few snaps of a prototype Zune Desktop app that apparently has a Phone tab ( I haven’t used the Zune , so I am not sure how far this goes to prove WP7 sync ). According to them :
Yesterday at IndiMIX 2010 the last session ran into a technical snag where the ASUS Galaxy didn’t sync with Visual Studio. To try and fix the problem, the speaker launched the Zune desktop to re-configure the device. The Zune desktop gets a new tab under ‘Settings‘ called ‘phone’. When you start the sync wizard you’re asked to enter your Windows Live credentials for setting up the device.
Zune Pass is currently $14.99 per month for unlimited streaming and 10 DRM-free MP3s and according to Gizmodo Microsoft might be lowering the subscription price even further. No indication what that new price might be but looks like MS is doing everything right these days ( Other than the axing of the Courier Project ) to get to that 30 Million WP7 by the end of 2011.
There are some new games on the Zune HD and PocketNow has put together a short video which shows these games in action. We can expect games like these on Windows Phone 7. There is a Labyrinth game ( which uses the accelerometer ) and then the basic Solitaire game.
Here is some very interesting news from WMExperts. Most of us are not very happy about the closed ecosystem that will be present in WP7. One of the main reason is that there will be no side loading of apps imagine your windows mobile device with app available via Marketplace only … no 3rd part hack, mods and apps that are available from the likes of xda-developers. But dont lose hope just yet, some clever hackers have managed to bust open the Zune HD firmware, paving the way for side loading apps outside of the Zune Marketplace. So its not a matter of if but when WP7 will take this path of jailbreaking ( for the lack of a better word )
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.
According to gizmodo.com Zune HD will miss out on Windows Phone 7 Games and apps. Zune HD won’t be a part of the XNA Game Studio 4.0 so it won’t play those new mobile Xbox Live games for Windows Phone 7 unlike the Zune HD2 which could ship as early as this year. Its a good thing id Zune HD2 will be released before WP7, coz when Zune HD2 comes in to the market we should start to see games and apps for the platform and when WP7 hits the market there should be some games and apps waiting for us.
But support for Zune HD will continue according to Microsoft “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.”
Ryan: Its a good concept if this application covers every big city in the world. But for individual cities this concept has already been done. Check out Toronto Transit application by rybo mucking...
Sweet: I already have the beta of this app . METROFIED [Posted from the 1800PocketPC app]
AppTastic: Yanko – thanks for the concept! We’re looking forward to getting a lot more feedback from the users here. We’re committed to making AppTastic the best marketplace...
Tony: Looks so good. Please make a paid app – no ads.
Twimagic: http://www.Ringer.org is the best ringtone maker I’ve ever seen! Completely free, online, no registration!
Andrew Chobaniuk: Thanks for the heads up! [Posted from the 1800PocketPC app]
Emiel Zuurbier: I would like to see the posibility of making a trip that uses different kinds of transportation as from train to bus, bus to subway, subway to train. With a map and directions,...
MrVamosMuchachos: Nice idea. You could take some ideas from the application “SBB”. It is the public transport app from switzerland. [Posted from the 1800PocketPC app]
Ryan
Sweet
AppTastic
Tony
Twimagic
Andrew Chobaniuk
Emiel Zuurbier
MrVamosMuchachos
Skypirate
DeeDee
