Zune 3.0 Software Impressions

The new version of the Zune software and firmware came out. Much was improved in both, including the ability to browse the marketplace straight form the device and games on Zune including Hexic and Texas Holdem. The software is updated also including a new “Now Playing” screen which shows pictures of the current artist playing.

Also a new “Mix View” which allows you to view artists or users similar to the artist you are viewing. Much has been improved in the update making Zune a more stable PMP option for many (which I would recommend).

Video of some update features.

Also check out Zunerama and Zuneboards for the latest news.

From [Insane Central Blog]

Galactic Wars 3 (1.1)

New Zune game out, Galactic Wars 3. Here is the description from the site “Galactic Wars 3 is a space based overhead shooter. The goal is to protect various colonies from extinction by an evil alien race (w00h00!). And you get to save each one without any healthbar what so ever! Let too many ships by and your ability to continue will dwindle right before your eyes.” looks like one of the better games so far. You can see the official site here and download it here.

Zune Pong (1.1)

A new version of Zune Pong is out that has some nice features such as the ability to play a artist or playlist while you play. When multiplayer gets added to this game it should be a lot of fun with your friends. Check out the official site of the project here.

Font Error?

If you get a font error that requires you to have Segoe UI, you need to install it. Download it here and then install the font. In the Zip file there are about 20 versions of the font, install them all.

How To Install Zune Games

This tutorial will show you how to put games on your 2.5 firmware Zune. Not that this is the game testing phase and not really any really great games yet.

First you need these 2 programs:

- Visual Studio 2008 C# Express Edition (Scroll down, the green box)
- XNA 3.0 CTP Release (Hit Download)

Install Visual Studio 2008 C# Express, then install XNA 3.0 CTP.

After this is done restart your computer and open Visual C# 2008 Express

When the program is open you need to add your Zune to the program. First hit View then Toolbars and add the XNA Device Manager 2.0. After this is done hit the Monitor button the the bar.

Make sure your Zune program is not open and your Zune is connected, and hit add device then Zune.

After this you need to open a game into the program, which one can be downloaded here.

After you have a game open the .snl file. When using the files please unzip them to your desktop because the file sometimes get displaced by the program if you open it straight from the zip file.

Sometimes the game will be in a windows version and in a Zune version, You need to deploy the Zune version to your Zune by right clicking the project (on the right side of the program) and hitting deploy. If the game has no different versions you can just hit Build > Deploy and it will add it to your Zune.

Your Zune will show it adding the files and after it is done to put another game on you will need to restart your Zune (Hold Play) to add another.

Welcome to Zune Games

Here at Zune Games we will supply you with how to get games on to your Zune from the latest firmware changes. Remember to check back often because we will always have the latest games for you to put on your Zune!