itmand88:

If the Zune has no GPU, how can it use the SpriteBatch? The SpriteBatch uses shader model 1.1

The public methods of SpriteBatch is a contract, the usage of shader model 1.1 is an implementation detail. On the Zune, it's just implemented differently.

That's precisly what i want to know too. I also have a windows mobile phone and in my opinion having the compact framework already on the mobile phones this could be relativly easy... I think :-). And that's something that i'm expecting with much antecipation...

Murdoc:

will it be Possible to Create other Programms for the Zune beside games, like a Webbrowser or an RSS-feed reader?

Doubtful since the hooks for http won't be available:

"All networking takes place over a local ad-hoc wi-fi network. However, the networking APIs are similar to what is available in XNA Game Studio 2.0"

I would think that it would be easier to bring XNA development to Windows Mobile... I would much rather see it for Windows Mobile than the Zune.  Maybe the wide range of hardware for WM makes it easier to do this for the Zune where you only have 3 devices to worry about.

"cross-platform networking between all three platforms is not supported"

The first thing came to mind with Zune XNA was to be able to use it as a controller for my 360 ie in a Adventure game where you would select questions and inventory using the touch pad on the Zune that would relay to the 360. That it could be used allow the game to be played insync with both then desynced alone. So your at home playing the game you sync the game with both Devices, leave for work on the train you can continue to play on the zune get home again and sync up the game continue on both

So this idea is impossible then?.

gsolid:

So this idea is impossible then?.

Yes, at least for what's planned for the next version.

is 3.0 out yet?

sh317on:

is 3.0 out yet?

Judging by the many replies stating the beta will be out in the spring... I'd say no.

I think this is definitely going to be one of the best (if not the best) things that has ever happen for the Zune. You guys are great! *hugs all of the developers*

I do have a question (a kinda nerdy one, too) that I was hoping you could answer; especially since you guys are probably some of the only people who can. I have worked extensively with the Zune (the original one anyway), and the one thing that I have found that limits it is its annoying tendency to check every important file placed on it (aka firmware) for a Microsoft Digital signiture. Since I don't believe there is a way to make the Zune run foreign executables as it is now, how did you guys work around it? Are you doing this project in cooperation with the Zune team itself (firmware + software)? Or is there some coding loophole that has remained a secret to average joes like myself?

I'm just curious because I would definitely like to see the horizons of the Zune opened up even more with third party applications, and now that I saw your game preview vid, I may not be able to wait!

Great job guys and thanks in advance for any response and/or future games!

most likely the same way it works on the xbox, operated in a safer environment, and not allowing direct access to the hardware. I'm sure it will use a type of game launcher just like XNA on Xbox.

PityOnU:

Since I don't believe there is a way to make the Zune run foreign executables as it is now, how did you guys work around it? Are you doing this project in cooperation with the Zune team itself (firmware + software)?

We worked closely with many other teams inside Microsoft (notably the Zune and .NET Compact Framework teams) to enable this new functionality for the XNA Framework.