One of the features on Microsoft’s Zune that users have praised is the capability to wirelessly sync files and share music. Up until this point, that’s really all that the wireless was used for but now news is starting to unfold that Microsoft will be utilizing the wireless for games. That’s right, games for the Zune. It looks like Engadget was the first to report that XNA Studio Developers will be able to use the Zune as a multi-player wireless mobile gaming platform. The idea that the Wi-Fi can be used for something other than sharing songs and syncing has already got Zune owners excited, despite the lack of details.
While I was looking for more information, I came across an article over at Windows Now that gives us more insight. Robert McLaws says:
At their GDC ‘08 Keynote, Microsoft showed off Zauri, a “top-down shooter” built using XNA Game Studio… running on a Zune 2. Microsoft’s Chris Satchell did the demo, and he said that games would be portable across the Microsoft entertainment ecosystem, “from Windows to Xbox to Zune.”
Here are a few additional details:
- Local ad-hoc wireless play with up to 8 Zunes
- User can customize in-game music from selection on the Zune
- Cross-platform multi-player is not supported (unfortunately, wouldn’t it be great if someone on their Zune was able to play with someone on the Xbox 360?)
When Microsoft announces more information, we’ll be sure to keep you updated. Sounds neat though, doesn’t it?
Any support for Zune 1 owners? Nice to see them actually use the wi-fi on it too, wi-fi syncing is kinda dum, I mean why not take 1 sec to plug it in rather than 30 sec to snyc it wi-fi?
Well got to see how that is going to be possible. No D-Pad and no buttons that are configured for gaming. Might be simple games similar to Tetris.
My brother actually loves the WiFi syncing because he leaves his Zune in the car for the most part. With the WiFi syncing he can grab new songs before he pulls out of the driveway.
I imagine it will be simple games much like the ones available for the iPod, but they will probably still be fun.
Wow, didn’t know it went that far. It’s a bummer you can’t sync video to it since I use my Zune for some video podcasts.