Ex-Microsoft exec and shepherd of both Xbox and Zune, Robbie Bach, has admitted that the Zune PMP was a cavalcade of mistakes, though argues his entertainment division team did try to replicate its successful gaming strategy with its iPod rival. Speaking at a Northwest Entrepreneur Network event in Seattle, Geekwire reports, Bach described the Zune project as "probably universally viewed as less of a success" than Xbox, though denied that either had succeeded or failed because they were part of the Microsoft behemoth.
Read The Full Story
- Why I Think Apple Will, Indeed, Launch A Television
- Diablo III Review Part I: Your Quest Begins
- PureView: The Tech Behind Nokia’s Salvation
- Which Company Has Contributed More to Gaming: Sony or Nintendo?
- Nokia 808 PureView Explored: Hands-on Samples
- Men in Black 3 VFX pros describe “an onion” of imagination
- HTC EVO 4G LTE vs HTC One X
- SlashGear 101: What is So.cl?
‘Zune’ Stories
Xbox father blames Zune failure on blinkered music industry
Microsoft to ditch Zune for new Woodstock music service
Microsoft’s Zune hardware met with an ill-fate, but the software ecosystem has managed to coexist happily with other such services thanks to the unlimited music plan paired with the ability to keep 10 DRM free songs per month. The Verge reports that Microsoft is set to revamp the Zune service, unveiling the replacement at E3 2012.
Read The Full Story
Nokia Lumia 900 software fix instructions live
There's now a fix for you early adopters of the Nokia Lumia 900 Windows Phone on AT&T, and it couldn't be easier to update your device and make it happen. This past week it was discovered by consumers (and Nokia and AT&T) that there was a bit of a connectivity issue with Nokia's newest hero device, the Lumia 900 - that issue is now fixed, and all is well: but you have to make it happen or it wont happen for you! To get this fix for your device, you've got two options, both of them quite easy to accomplish.
Read The Full Story
Microsoft branding cull leaks plus Office 15 tablet UI tease
Microsoft is set to retire the Zune and Windows Live brands with Windows 8, it's reported, as well as offer a switchable tablet/desktop UI in the Office 15 apps for increased finger-friendliness. The so-called "Touch Mode" button has been spotted in the Office 15 technical preview but is not yet functional, according to ZDNet's source, but which will presumably boost icon size among other tweaks for those using the software in Metro mode on tablets and touchscreen all-in-ones.
Read The Full Story
Micorosft reportedly ditching Microsoft Points in favor of real currency
If you still can't figure how much that Zune download or Call of Duty map pack costs in actual US currency, there might be some hope for you. It's being reported that Microsoft wants to nix its Microsoft Points platform and will start showing prices in local currency for digital content. That's right; the days of consulting a calculator to figure out how much digital money you have might soon be coming to an end.
Read The Full Story
Zune HD finally dead as Microsoft kills zombie PMP
Microsoft has seemingly hammered shut the casket on the Zune HD, despite the PMP's reluctance last week to stay dead. The news was confirmed in the official Windows Phone Blog Radio podcast, and the contentious support page that originally tipped the end of the hardware line - and which Microsoft subsequently said was posted "in error" - has been restored.
Read The Full Story
Zune HD not dead after all claims Microsoft
Microsoft has apparently flip-flopped on the Zune HD again, resurrecting its PMP hardware from the dead and claiming axing the media player lineup was never its intent. After first squashing rumors that the Zune hardware line had been killed, then promptly admitting that the Zune HD was, indeed, dead, Microsoft's support team now insists that "no official info has been released stating hardware is being discontinued."
Read The Full Story
Windows Phone 7.5 Mango Review [Video]
It’s time for the second coming of Windows Phone 7, a mobile OS that by all means deserves a fair shot at the global market share, but hasn’t quite risen to the ranks of iPhone or Android glory – at least not yet. What we’re going to do in this post is give the first really big refresh of Microsoft’s current mobile OS, Windows Phone 7.5 Mango, a good rundown and review. Because the vast majority of our readers are not yet Windows Phone users, I’ll be padding the review with some features that’ve already been in place for some time – but the focus will, indeed, be on the new list of upgrades as presented in this newest, tastiest flavoring of Windows Phone.
Zune HD is dead confirms Microsoft
Microsoft has officially confirmed that its Zune PMPs – including the Zune HD - have been axed, despite having denied yesterday that such a decision about the media players had been made. “We recently announced that, going forward, Windows Phone will be the focus of our mobile music and video strategy,” Microsoft’s Zune Player support page claims, “and that we will no longer be producing Zune players”
Microsoft restores Zune HD page, not axed yet
When Microsoft unveiled its Zune Pass price drop with a new splash page showing the service working for PCs, Windows Phones, and the Xbox, the company appeared to have pulled any reference to its Zune HD mp3 player. This quickly sparked reports that it was the end of the road for the device. But not so, says Microsoft, clarifying today that the whole thing was a publishing mistake.
Read The Full Story
Microsoft Zune Pass price drops, 10 songs a month along with it
Starting on the 3rd of October, those hoping for a lower price point for the Zune Pass unlimited music service will be jumping for joy as $14.99 turns into $9.99. With this price cut comes a few other cuts as well, including the option to download 10 songs per month that you can keep for your own forever. This price cut will take place on October 3rd, 2011, and will be available to Canadian Zune users as well. Will this cut finally convince you to jump in on the Zune revolution*?
Read The Full Story
Bill Gates speaks: Yes to Zune, No to Microsoft CEO job
Dr. Evil impressions, Zune defensiveness and a willingness to give away $28bn dollars: can you blame us for liking Bill Gates? The Microsoft chairman has been talking to UK paper the Daily Mail, and while the focus is the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization which kicks off today, there's still plenty of time for gadget anecdotes and singing Travie McCoy's Billionaire.
Read The Full Story
REVIEWS
VIDEOS
- POPULAR STORIES THIS WEEK
- MacBook Pro 2012 model release tipped by price drop
- "I want you to run Motorola. Can you let me know by tonight?" asks Google CEO
- iPhone 5 and iPod touch panels leaked
- IBM blocks Siri on its networks
- iPhone 5 supply purchases tipped for 2012
- IBM blocks Dropbox and iCloud as well as Siri
- Activision/Bungie legal documents oust potential PS4, Xbox 720 dates
- Absinthe 2.0 iOS 5.1.1 jailbreak released for iPad, iPhone and iPod
- RECENT COMMENTS
