Posted on Sep 15, 2009 02:13:21 AM |
Today, Zune 4.0 hits. Zune 4.0 comes with awesome new devices (the Zune HD), new software, and new online services. For the complete announcement for today’s release, see this press release [Link coming soon] or see this post by my Zune pal Brian Seitz over on Zune Insider.
There’s been a lot of talk about the amazing Zune HD. Having the honor of using one for the last few weeks, I can say it truly is one great device. However, I want to talk about what’s in new Zune software update. The Zune Team has put a lot of work into the software update – including optimizing it for Windows 7! More on that in a bit…
The Zune 4.0 Software Update brings in several key new features designed to make discovering new music and playing music in your collection even better.
Quickplay is a new screen in the Zune software that gives you quick access to your content.
Here, you can pin your favorite content (up to 6 items), see new music and videos added to your collection, and view your history of recently played music, podcasts, and videos. Quickplay also showcases 5 Smart DJ mixes of your favorite artists or bands you pick.
Speaking of Smart DJ…
A Smart DJ “mix” automatically creates a playlist of music from your collection - but goes the extra mile by ALSO mixing in music from Zune Marketplace. These Smart DJ mixes are available by right-clicking on an artist, a song, or an album in your collection. When a Smart DJ mix is created, it pulls in music from your own collection and also the Zune Marketplace. If you have a Zune Pass, all songs including those from Zune Marketplace will play for you. If you don’t have a Zune Pass, “suggested” songs in the Smart DJ mix will be grayed-out.
If you prefer not to see “suggested” music from Zune Marketplace in your Smart DJ mixes, you can unselect a radio button and only your personal collection will be listed.
You can also choose to save the Smart DJ queue as a playlist, with finite control in the “edit playlist” setting, for listening at a later date.
The below screenshot of the Smart DJ mix for Weezer playing shows what playing a Smart DJ mix looks like with the options to save as a playlist and the ability to choose not to play songs from the Zune Marketplace.
But wait, there’s more!
The Zune software now comes with Mini Player Mode. This allows you to keep the player always on top of other applications while browsing the Web, checking email, or whatever else you might be doing on your PC.
And if Mini Player Mode doesn’t do it for you, you can also add playback controls to the Windows Taskbar (right-click on taskbar, choose Toolbars, and then choose Zune).
As I mentioned above, the new Zune software is optimized for Windows 7. That means it takes advantage of key Windows 7 features!
Using Jump Lists in Windows 7, you can access albums you’ve “pinned” under Quickplay as well as your preconfigured Smart DJ mixes of 5 of your favorite artists or bands. It also lets you shuffle all music and resume playing music if on pause.
With Taskbar Previews (just hover your mouse over the Zune button on the Windows Taskbar in Windows 7), you can move to the next song, go back to the previous song, and pause your music and rate songs!
And with Aero Snap, you can resize the Zune software to the top or bottom, left or right of your screen.
Zune now also features for the first time download-to-own, or rent full movies in combination of their growing TV show library. These movies and TV shows can be downloaded in standard definition (SD) or high definition (HD). A remember, Zune Pass is only $14.99 and now comes with unlimited access to streaming music online! Oh and you also get 10 MP3 song credits a month to redeem too.
Give the new Zune software a try for free by clicking here.
Disclaimer: My music tastes do not represent that of Microsoft 
[Source : Windows Experience Blog]
Posted on Sep 15, 2009 02:13:21 AM |
Today, Zune 4.0 hits. Zune 4.0 comes with awesome new devices (the Zune HD), new software, and new online services. For the complete announcement for today’s release, see this press release [Link coming soon] or see this post by my Zune pal Brian Seitz over on Zune Insider.
There’s been a lot of talk about the amazing Zune HD. Having the honor of using one for the last few weeks, I can say it truly is one great device. However, I want to talk about what’s in new Zune software update. The Zune Team has put a lot of work into the software update – including optimizing it for Windows 7! More on that in a bit…
The Zune 4.0 Software Update brings in several key new features designed to make discovering new music and playing music in your collection even better.
Quickplay is a new screen in the Zune software that gives you quick access to your content.
Here, you can pin your favorite content (up to 6 items), see new music and videos added to your collection, and view your history of recently played music, podcasts, and videos. Quickplay also showcases 5 Smart DJ mixes of your favorite artists or bands you pick.
Speaking of Smart DJ…
A Smart DJ “mix” automatically creates a playlist of music from your collection - but goes the extra mile by ALSO mixing in music from Zune Marketplace. These Smart DJ mixes are available by right-clicking on an artist, a song, or an album in your collection. When a Smart DJ mix is created, it pulls in music from your own collection and also the Zune Marketplace. If you have a Zune Pass, all songs including those from Zune Marketplace will play for you. If you don’t have a Zune Pass, “suggested” songs in the Smart DJ mix will be grayed-out.
If you prefer not to see “suggested” music from Zune Marketplace in your Smart DJ mixes, you can unselect a radio button and only your personal collection will be listed.
You can also choose to save the Smart DJ queue as a playlist, with finite control in the “edit playlist” setting, for listening at a later date.
The below screenshot of the Smart DJ mix for Weezer playing shows what playing a Smart DJ mix looks like with the options to save as a playlist and the ability to choose not to play songs from the Zune Marketplace.
But wait, there’s more!
The Zune software now comes with Mini Player Mode. This allows you to keep the player always on top of other applications while browsing the Web, checking email, or whatever else you might be doing on your PC.
And if Mini Player Mode doesn’t do it for you, you can also add playback controls to the Windows Taskbar (right-click on taskbar, choose Toolbars, and then choose Zune).
As I mentioned above, the new Zune software is optimized for Windows 7. That means it takes advantage of key Windows 7 features!
Using Jump Lists in Windows 7, you can access albums you’ve “pinned” under Quickplay as well as your preconfigured Smart DJ mixes of 5 of your favorite artists or bands. It also lets you shuffle all music and resume playing music if on pause.
With Taskbar Previews (just hover your mouse over the Zune button on the Windows Taskbar in Windows 7), you can move to the next song, go back to the previous song, and pause your music and rate songs!
And with Aero Snap, you can resize the Zune software to the top or bottom, left or right of your screen.
Zune now also features for the first time download-to-own, or rent full movies in combination of their growing TV show library. These movies and TV shows can be downloaded in standard definition (SD) or high definition (HD). A remember, Zune Pass is only $14.99 and now comes with unlimited access to streaming music online! Oh and you also get 10 MP3 song credits a month to redeem too.
Give the new Zune software a try for free by clicking here.
Disclaimer: My music tastes do not represent that of Microsoft
[Source : Windows Experience Blog]
Posted on Sep 11, 2009 04:56:06 PM |
I have been playing with the new Realplayer Superpass the last few days from the free 14 day trial and it is hands down the coolest thing I have played with on my computer in awhile.
Superpass by Real Networks Inc. offers a new, integrated way to use your computer as an entertainment center. Having a monthly subscription to Superpass allows you to get games, stream video, downloads to videos, music and more. While Superpass has many advantages, we did not find a wide selection of movies available for download.
The selection of movies offered with Superpass could be improved greatly. Most of the movies offered are documentaries, along with some classic and independent films. We’re not saying these are bad movies, but the average movie watcher is probably looking for something with a little more variety. Superpass does change movies often so you don’t find yourself watching the same films repetitively. Overall, the selection of movies is fine for those with more of an ambiguous taste but leaves more to be desired for the rest of us.
Superpass also offers a small selection of television shows. This, too, could use some remodeling. The shows are very classic and some would call them dinosaurs. For example, My Favorite Martian is one of the headlining shows. If Superpass wants to use the television and movie section to get more users they are going to need to do a little bit of work on them.
On the plus side, the radio and music portions of Superpass are not to be taken lightly. There is a wide range of stations available. The radio stations offered are ad free which users will really enjoy. Also, the monthly membership includes $10 in music downloading. A current favorite is the live feed to the Big Brother house.
The Superpass support team responds promptly to any questions or concerns e-mailed their way. Though the replies to our e-mails were short and left a little to desire they overall answered any question we had and provided links to the help pages of Superpass.
Being a product of Real Networks Inc., Superpass obviously plays in RealPlayer. It is almost always easy for users to play video and such on RealPlayer and that is the case we found when playing streaming video and then a radio station. We really liked how organized Superpass is with tabs labeled across the top of the program.
Without becoming a member of Superpass it may be difficult to find out information about the program from Real Networks Inc.. Their website is designed to lure you in and quickly sign up for a trial before you have the chance to investigate further details. Also, the free trial sign up requires you to enter your credit information so if you choose to continue using Superpass you will automatically be charged once the trial is over.
Superpass is a good program and subscription to use for those interested in an all-in-one entertainment center online. But if you’re looking primarily for a movie selection and player this is probably not what you’re wanting at the time. Give Real Networks some time and I believe they’ll improve the variety offered.
Superpass by Real Networks offers a new, integrated way to use your computer as an entertainment center. By joining Superpass you get games, streaming video, downloads to videos, music and more. While Superpass has many advantages, the average user will be in love with all the great content available from games and fun unmatched anywhere else.
They could use a few more movies to choose from. Most of the movies offered are documentaries, along with some classic and independent films. We’re not saying these are bad movies, but the average movie watcher is probably looking for something with a little more variety. Superpass does change movies often so you don’t find yourself watching the same films repetitively.
You can also watch the behind the scenes time on Big Brother, a current favorite is the live feed to the Big Brother house.
Get Realplayer Superpass and get 10 Free songs.
Get a 14-day Free Trial to SuperPass
Superpass also offers a small selection of television shows. This, too, could use some remodeling. The shows are very classic and some would call them dinosaurs. For example, My Favorite Martian is one of the headlining shows. If Superpass wants to use the television and movie section to get more users they are going to need to do a little bit of work on them.
On the plus side, the radio and music portions of Superpass are not to be taken lightly.
There is a wide range of stations available. The radio stations offered are ad free which users will really enjoy.
The Superpass support team responds promptly to any questions or concerns e-mailed their way. Though the replies to our e-mails were short and left a little to desire they overall answered any question we had and provided links to the help pages of Superpass.
It is almost always easy for users to play video and such on RealPlayer and that is the case we found when playing streaming video and then a radio station. We really liked how organized Superpass is with tabs labeled across the top of the program.
Get Realplayer Superpass and get 10 Free songs.
Get a 14-day Free Trial to SuperPass
Bookmark at:
StumbleUpon | Digg | Del.icio.us | Newsvine | Spurl | Furl | Reddit | Yahoo! MyWeb
[Source : PC911 Blog]
Posted on Sep 11, 2009 04:56:06 PM |
I have been playing with the new Realplayer Superpass the last few days from the free 14 day trial and it is hands down the coolest thing I have played with on my computer in awhile.
Superpass by Real Networks Inc. offers a new, integrated way to use your computer as an entertainment center. Having a monthly subscription to Superpass allows you to get games, stream video, downloads to videos, music and more. While Superpass has many advantages, we did not find a wide selection of movies available for download.
The selection of movies offered with Superpass could be improved greatly. Most of the movies offered are documentaries, along with some classic and independent films. We’re not saying these are bad movies, but the average movie watcher is probably looking for something with a little more variety. Superpass does change movies often so you don’t find yourself watching the same films repetitively. Overall, the selection of movies is fine for those with more of an ambiguous taste but leaves more to be desired for the rest of us.
Superpass also offers a small selection of television shows. This, too, could use some remodeling. The shows are very classic and some would call them dinosaurs. For example, My Favorite Martian is one of the headlining shows. If Superpass wants to use the television and movie section to get more users they are going to need to do a little bit of work on them.
On the plus side, the radio and music portions of Superpass are not to be taken lightly. There is a wide range of stations available. The radio stations offered are ad free which users will really enjoy. Also, the monthly membership includes $10 in music downloading. A current favorite is the live feed to the Big Brother house.
The Superpass support team responds promptly to any questions or concerns e-mailed their way. Though the replies to our e-mails were short and left a little to desire they overall answered any question we had and provided links to the help pages of Superpass.
Being a product of Real Networks Inc., Superpass obviously plays in RealPlayer. It is almost always easy for users to play video and such on RealPlayer and that is the case we found when playing streaming video and then a radio station. We really liked how organized Superpass is with tabs labeled across the top of the program.
Without becoming a member of Superpass it may be difficult to find out information about the program from Real Networks Inc.. Their website is designed to lure you in and quickly sign up for a trial before you have the chance to investigate further details. Also, the free trial sign up requires you to enter your credit information so if you choose to continue using Superpass you will automatically be charged once the trial is over.
Superpass is a good program and subscription to use for those interested in an all-in-one entertainment center online. But if you’re looking primarily for a movie selection and player this is probably not what you’re wanting at the time. Give Real Networks some time and I believe they’ll improve the variety offered.
Superpass by Real Networks offers a new, integrated way to use your computer as an entertainment center. By joining Superpass you get games, streaming video, downloads to videos, music and more. While Superpass has many advantages, the average user will be in love with all the great content available from games and fun unmatched anywhere else.
They could use a few more movies to choose from. Most of the movies offered are documentaries, along with some classic and independent films. We’re not saying these are bad movies, but the average movie watcher is probably looking for something with a little more variety. Superpass does change movies often so you don’t find yourself watching the same films repetitively.
You can also watch the behind the scenes time on Big Brother, a current favorite is the live feed to the Big Brother house.
Get Realplayer Superpass and get 10 Free songs.
Get a 14-day Free Trial to SuperPass
Superpass also offers a small selection of television shows. This, too, could use some remodeling. The shows are very classic and some would call them dinosaurs. For example, My Favorite Martian is one of the headlining shows. If Superpass wants to use the television and movie section to get more users they are going to need to do a little bit of work on them.
On the plus side, the radio and music portions of Superpass are not to be taken lightly.
There is a wide range of stations available. The radio stations offered are ad free which users will really enjoy.
The Superpass support team responds promptly to any questions or concerns e-mailed their way. Though the replies to our e-mails were short and left a little to desire they overall answered any question we had and provided links to the help pages of Superpass.
It is almost always easy for users to play video and such on RealPlayer and that is the case we found when playing streaming video and then a radio station. We really liked how organized Superpass is with tabs labeled across the top of the program.
Get Realplayer Superpass and get 10 Free songs.
Get a 14-day Free Trial to SuperPass
Bookmark at:
StumbleUpon | Digg | Del.icio.us | Newsvine | Spurl | Furl | Reddit | Yahoo! MyWeb
[Source : PC911 Blog]
Posted on Sep 4, 2009 03:46:22 PM |
If you happened to be searching for “pizza” on Twitter Search yesterday or are following the @mswindows Twitter account, chances are you witnessed the kickoff of #WinWin7. The Windows Outreach Team kicked off 7 weeks of Windows 7 by sending 7 piping-hot pizzas to 7 lucky Twitter followers.
And it won’t stop there.
Throughout the next 7 weeks, @mswindows will be giving away prizes all based on the number 7 (for Windows 7). Winners must take part in the challenges and are encouraged to invite friends to join in on the fun which all culminates on launch day - October 22nd.
Make sure you’re following @mswindows and tell them Brandon sent you. Oh and watch for the official #WinWin7 hash tag too.
Speaking of the Windows Outreach Team, how about meeting the supporting cast? You may have seen them on some of your favorite blogs and forums and didn’t really know who they were. Let’s change that.
Jeff D, Cody G and Ron S, are a savvy team tasked with reaching out to users and creating a real resource within the communities on the Web.
Along with Josh T on the @mswindows account, these team members bring a wealth of knowledge (both consumer and even a bit on the “techy” side) to the table. Anywhere from gaming to watching your media across your home network, these guys have been there and tried out the fixes and know what works and what doesn’t. You can bet on them to offer advice and an open ear, not a sales pitch and a bottom line – oddly enough, none of them wanted to be a snake oil salesman growing up.
So, keep a lookout for the team on some of your favorite blogs and forums and feel free to say “hi” or just ask a question. They’ll be sure to help get you on the track to whatever it is you need.
If you have any questions for the Windows Outreach Team, just send a tweet to @mswindows. Or leave a comment here too of course.
NOTE: The Windows Outreach Team also runs the Windows Live Twitter account @windowslive too.
[Source : Windows Experience Blog]
