Category: Technology

Zune Software and Firmware Updates Available

Zune Software

If you’re an owner of the first generation of Microsoft’s Zune MP3 player, you’ll probably want to head to the download page for today’s big launch of the updated software. After a year of using the original software, the latest version is faster and easier to use. It also includes support for podcasts, a missing feature critics have often pointed to.

The software also includes a nice bonus for owners of the original 30GB hardware in the form of a firmware update that will put the same software running on the newly released second generation Zunes, providing much of the same features on the existing equipment.

If you’re looking into purchasing a new Zune, CNet has video reviews of both the new 80GB and flash-based 4GB models, which they seem to like.

Zack & Wiki: Puzzler for the Wii

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One of the biggest complaints I have about my Nintendo Wii is the fact that most of the 3rd party games that have come out since the console’s launch have been little more than hastily created mini-game compilations.

Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros’ Treasure may have a clunky title, but it does make up for it with gameplay. The game is a puzzle point and click adventure that can be extremely challenging once you progress through the levels.

If anything, the cutesy characters, harmless storyline and wacky name may be a downside for a game that is possibly more difficult than the age group the art design seems to be targeting. But for adults, the challenge available after the first few levels will keep them interested and satisfy them with the “aha!” moments as they work their way through them.

The Wii control scheme feels like it fits the game, rather than merely being an add-on gimmick, though there are some non-essential mini-games available within the normal levels that will make you want to skip them immediately due to issues with controller lag. However, the motion sensing works fine for the regular game, so it’s not a game killer.

Portal to My Heart

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When I originally watched the above Portal trailer a few months ago, I figured that the game would be a mildly amusing, but short diversion with a gimmick that would quickly get old.

Instead, I got a near perfect three hours of puzzle game that beats all others in humor content and even gives Bioshock’s well-received storyline a run for its money during the end levels.