Quantcast

Don't have an account? Register Now! Forgot password?

Related Articles
News

Free Zune Apps Contain Static and Video Advertisements

Posted 09/17/09 at 08:01:51 PM  by Ryan Whitwam

comment Commentsprint Printemail EmailDeliciousDiggStumbleUponRedditFacebookSlashdot

Microsoft has managed to get a few apps ready for the Zune HD at launch. The only downside to this is that the apps show both static and video ads while starting up. Additionally, the start ups are agonizingly slow, resulting in lots of time spent staring at the Kia Soul. The chess game takes about 30 seconds to load. In all fairness though, the platform is brand new and there could still be kinks to work out.

There are currently only nine apps available for download: calculator, weather, Texas hold 'em, Sudoku, Space Battle 3, Shell Game... Of the Future, Hexic, Goo Splat, and Chess. While the ads may be annoying, all the apps are free.

Currently the utility apps, like weather and calculator, haven’t been showing ads. By all reports, the apps look nice, and you can’t argue with the price. Still, would you be willing to put up with these sorts of ads on the Zune HD?

zune
COMMENTS:5
TAGS: gaming, mobile, advertising, mobile computing, zune hd
COMMENTS
avatarI actually wouldn't mind a

Submitted by thegamepro on Sat, 09/19/2009 - 2:00pm

I actually wouldn't mind a free ad supported version for every app.  If the ads make these and future apps free, then I'm all for that option just as long as you have the ability to pay for no ads.

Login or register to post comments
avatarbuynowiwants

Submitted by quickone on Fri, 09/18/2009 - 8:23am

 I want one so much...  just 32 gigs is not going to cut it, my current collection of music videos and such puts me at 25gigs, going into it with only 7 gigs to spare just does not sit right with me.  Although I guess to keep the price reasonable they have to keep the storage low, I heard one cannot use a HDD with a touch screen so until those SSD come down I am left waiting, hoping, wishing, dreaming.. sigh

 

~~The difference between insanity and genius is merely succes~~

Login or register to post comments
avatarCalculator Feature App

Submitted by bingojubes on Thu, 09/17/2009 - 7:01pm

is it compatible with my 120GB ZUNE (not HD one)? the zune software updated, and when i downloaded the calculator app, it didn't load it. i'm guessing its only for the HD ZUNE.

Login or register to post comments
avatarIt says in a web banner like

Submitted by D.E. on Thu, 09/17/2009 - 7:17pm

It says in a web banner like notification on the Zune Software that Apps are only for the Zune HD.

Login or register to post comments
avatarHere's my review for the

Submitted by D.E. on Thu, 09/17/2009 - 6:26pm

Here's my review for the Zune HD. Now I am a zune diehard, but you should find that I am quite fair in observations.

http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showpost.php?p=11625370&postcount=1435 

 

Tl;dr: The Zune HD Is a really sexy, quick and delightful device with an excellent screen. The new Zune Software also got a number of major tweaks and is even sleeker than it was before but some things kind of could use a bit of time to beef up. Namely; more movies from more studios and more Apps. But what is great about the Zune is that it is never finished after launch. MS amazingly has stuck with their products to bring in new firmware updates and the Zune HD will learn quite a lot of new tricks as it matures. 

Login or register to post comments
This Month's Issue
Maximum PC
SUBSCRIBE NOW
AND SAVE!
FEATURE Build a Crazy-Fast $647 PCFEATURE Six Single-Band 802.11n Routers ReviewedHOW TOTweak BitTorrent and FirefoxFEATUREClose Look at ClarkdaleWHITE PAPERLCD Panel Technology