You can get Zune games easily, and even for free. You just have to know how!

Is it just us, or do the folks over at Microsoft not have a clue about how to set up a marketplace? Well yes, we think they do (after all, its hard to not know about iTunes!) So there has to be some other explanation for their appallingly badly designed marketplace. And we think we've rumbled it.

They seem to be following the "I'm a doofus" marketing strategy (where the slick operator pretends to be a bumbling, likable clod - the opposite the the kind of pushy salesman we all despise (eg how Apple has behaved in 2008) - but IS in reality the shark we all despise) - otherwise known as "the hustler" maneuver.

How else to explain how a leading internet company could provide such a shamefully poor online marketplace!  

And its not just the Zune marketplace! Microsoft came up with the great idea to provide a Community Game platform so that developers can get their games tested, reviewed and in front of Xbox (and to a lesses extent) Zune gamers faster and more cheaply. But….

Whilst the Community Game site no doubt is easy for game developers to follow, the same cannot be said for the average Zuner who might be interested in getting a game. Explanations like:

To download a Community Game, navigate to the Games Marketplace channel and enter the Xbox Live Marketplace. Once inside the Marketplace, navigate to the Community Games channel, and select your preferred method for browsing available titles.

Notice they do not provide any links for us to make it easy to get there! And then there the instruction they provide so that we can start programming games for our Zune, which they start with an encouraging:

All you need is the XNA Game Studio 3.0 CTP and any model of the Zune media device

And follow with Three pages of instructions!! All of this is a ploy to show us that we can have games, to get us to the game marketplace and to buy buy BUY,  - because the alternative look so forbidding.

Well, we can do better - as Wowzune has written about elsewhere! But if you would like to try getting some free games for yourself, here is a great video tutorial on how to go about it:

And the follow up tutorial is also worth watching:

If you decide to have a go at this method, do let us all know how you go with it. 

Share

Well the last week shows that the Zune team are not just busy partying with celebs! they are also busy promoting Zune as an attractive option for Christmas gift shoppers.

With software updates, improvements in the look of Zune marketplace, upgraded subscription deals, three new free games and lower prices for both the hardware and accessories, it looks like Zune is seriously targeting our Christmas wish list.

Will they succeed? Well, that depends. Current Zune owners get the Zune 3.1 update and a better looking Zune Social online social community, That might mean they are inspired to buy a Zune for a loved one.

However, the bid to make the Zune Pass subscription service more appealing, by giving subscribers ten free songs to keep a month, is unlikely to get much excitement.  Not everyone is impressed with this offer - and frankly we agree. As we have  outlined before, there are better options (cheaper (or free), with better choices)

But the final bit of news is the most likely to get a Zune on the Christmas shopping list because Microsooft has reduced prices on most of its Zune device hardware by $10 to $30 per unit!That will cover the cost of customizing the unit - really a must-do for a gift! (But have your order in by 19th December to get it in time for Christmas)

Share

Zune is continuing its huge commitment to support Latin artists as shown with its solid presence at the Latin Grammy's last week, with artist receiving Zune Originals custom Gibson guitar. Zune set up a venue at "Zune Houston", where musicians performed and art works from the Zune Originals were on display (check out the art in the background of the firs video - look familiar?)

But its the following video that really gives us a feel for the intense color and vibrance of the performances at this event. 

Share

If you are planning to give a Zune as a gift for Christmas then you should definitely go the extra mile and ad one of the latest Zune etchings. Its just a few bucks extra and you can choose some really classy designs. 

 

The latest Zodiac series has been designed by Catalina Estrada (above) and Iosefatu Sua (below) - both were part of the Zune Original series.  This latest series is stunning, so check it out.

  

 "Virgo" Etching and Wallpaper by Catalina Estrada

You can see more of Catalina's work here (and she even has a few items you can buy online)

Iosefatu Sua was born of Samoan parents in New Zealand but moved to US when he was 14 years old, and now lives in Seattle.

has always painted, beginning with graffiti in the streets. He combines bright,

tropical colors with political statements that jar the viewer’s attention.

. 

"Year of the Dragon" Etching and Wallpaper by Iosefatu Sua

Above is a sample of his Chinese astrology designs from the latest Zune Zodiac series.

Share

There is a lot of hype right now about the latest Xbox game Gears of War 2. And, because Zune is a member of the Microsoft family of gizmos, its been roped into the fan fare. With the release of Gears of War 2, a special-edition Zune 120 has been released which comes  laser-etched with the "Crimson Omen" and comes with the soundtrack, concept art, etc.

The hype around the Xbox game has fermented a variety of interesting giveaways - perhaps the best of which is the one on offer from Paul Thurrott from Supersite.

 Paul is offering this Special Edition Zune as a prize:

"To win, you'll need to compete with or against me in a Gears of War 2 multiplayer match online (My Gamertag is Paul Thurrott)"

So if you fancy yourself as a player - this may be your lucky day. If you are quick, you will have a 1/50 chance of winning this great prize. To find out the details of the contest, just visit Supersite. 

Share

 
Now you see it…..now you don't

 
Take a look at these two news items - barely a month apart:

REDMOND, Wash. — Sept. 16, 2008 ….To allow customers to take full advantage of the new wireless functionality, Zune today announced that it is working with high-speed Internet access provider Wayport Inc. to deliver Zune users free, wireless access to the Zune Marketplace from more than 9,800 participating McDonald’s^® restaurants across the US           (Source: Wayport News)

and

AT&T Acquires Wi-Fi Operator Wayport For $275 Million; The deal expands AT&T's Wi-Fi network to nearly 20,000 hotspots in the U.S. by adding locations at some Wyndham, …. plus McDonald's!

    (Thursday November 6, 12:33 pm ET, By Matt Kapko)

Share

A cool Christmas preso - If  you are 18 years of age or older, a students enrolled at an accredited two or four year college or university, and a legal resident of the 50 United States (or know someone who is) - then listen up…

Zune have set up a contest with a fantastic prizes on offer:- an incredible Microsoft and Dell Connected Entertainment Suite featuring a flat-screen TV,  Laptop, Xbox 360®, Zune Player with free Zune Pass - and much more. There is a second and third prize as well - with even the third prize being well worth the effort to enter the contest. No purchase necessary to enter or win!

The contest has just started and finishes on November 30 - and as you can put in one entry a day, that means you alone can put in 60 entries between now and the end of the contest - and if you can get your doomroom mates to enter as well you can increase your chances by an order of magnitude!

You do have to sign up to join Zune Social but that is pretty easy to do. Clearly Microsoft want to get you checking out Zune Social - but that's OK, because the prize is fantastic! and Zune social is fun anyway.

Now, there is a limit of one (1) entry per person and per email address per day for the entire duration of the Promotion Period. There are a few other rule you need to know, but its all straight forward.

The potential winners will be notified on or about December 16, 2008 - so this will be a great Christmas present for the lucky winner and the two runner ups.

Share