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Michael Gannotti on SharePoint + > Categories
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12/26/2008This Christmas the Gannotti's had two new Xbox 360 games games under the tree and both have already proved to be big hits.
Lips is another Karaoke style game that comes with a number of songs that include music videos, two wireless controllers, and loads of fun. The big differentiation has been that you can plug your Zune directly in to your Xbox and access and use songs that you already own. My kids caught on to this and spent several hours engaging in singing battles using music from our music collection. Great fun!
The second game though is really cool and my favorite of the two. Your In The Movies comes with the Xbox 360 camera and allows you to act as a director and create movies if you desire. The other option, and one we played for several hours of family fun is the Movie Making mode. In it you play a a series of competitive games that use the camera for motion detection and scene inserting (hoola hoops is awesome for an ab workout by the way ;-) As you complete various games the system records your actions and then puts them together to make some wacky videos. Once done you can save the videos or better yet upload them. Once uploaded the system sends you and email with a link so you can download the video to your PC (ours are on our Media Center) and you can then upload to share to the video service of choice (Soapbox, Facbook, YouTube, etc.) As you progress you unlock more and more video options and can also download additional ones as well as director scripts. Very, very, cool game and a blast for family fun. Definitely a big hit here in the Gannotti household. Below are two examples of videos that the system output from the games we played. They feature my daughter Mary, my son Sam, and myself.
Made of Men
 Fours Company - In The Movies12/2/2008Yesterday we had another of the monthly Open Forum Sessions with Michael and this one was a special holiday edition. In it I ran through the components that make up the Gannotti eHome and fielded questions around this area. The video below is a recording of that session. I have also included a link to the slides that show the devices covered as well as the games the Gannotti family will be enjoying this holiday. Don’t forget to tune in this Friday as we resume our SharePoint Weekly Webcast series. This Friday’s session will feature special guest Michael Rich presenting part one of Microsoft Office and SharePoint Tips and Tricks.
Open Forum Webcast Video
Share this Post:    11/22/2008This week Microsoft delivered a major update to the Xbox 360 and in this video you can watch the magic of software happen. Then check out all the cool new things with this update here. Can’t wait for Christmas! Ordered my copies of Lips and You're in the Movies and they will be under the tree this year for the family and are sure to provide a lot of fun times here in the Gannotti household. 
Xbox 360 Update Video
Share this Post: 11/21/2008
Update 2: This is a must read for those asking why Zune over iPod, why subscribe to Zune Pass. Zune Pass Pricing Is Insanely Cheap.
Update: Wow! I ust posted this a little more than an hour ago and have already gotten several emails asking how to access Mixview in the Zune software (just a little reminder, even if you dont have a Zune device yet you can still download and use the Zune software to manage your music, access Mixview, subscribe to podcasts and more). You can access the online description of Mixview as well as how to access it (when you read how you are gonna slap yourself in the forehead and say DOH! because it was already staring you in the face ;-). Click here to access the description and directions then happy Mixing!
I am due to put out a holiday season video showing what we do here in the Gannotti eHome as well as what I am looking forward and wishing to bring on board. In the meantime though there has been a couple of exciting things happening on the Microsoft gadgets, gizmos, and games front. I wanted to get you up to date on two of my favorites that get pretty extensive use here in the Gannotti eHome, Zune and Xbox 360.
Zune: A few months back Zune released new devices at the top end range at 120 gb as well as a 16gb model in the small form factor. As with all Zune's both devices are premium for rendering audio, images, and video. The real magic in the Zunes though apart from FM radio capability and wireless in all devices though lies in the software. Software updates continue for both the PC install base as well as for ALL hardware models. That’s right, even the original 30gb models are still being upgraded with the latest and greatest features. Well just in time for the holidays Zune has updated their software yet again to bring new features and value and done some other great things that increase the value to its customers. Namely:
Xbox 360: Just the other day the Xbox 360 got a complete makeover. Gone is the old blade interface and in is a completely fresh new look complete with new social features, exciting new entertainment features and new social features. On top of all this there are new 360 exclusive games just released that are sure to be family fun for the holidays. Oh wait there is one more thing…. I cant believe I am still running across folks who haven't heard this yet. The prices on the Xbox 360, the most powerful, versatile, game rich console on the planet, make it also the most affordable this holiday season. (That doesn't even factor in the fun factor of getting to whup my proverbial behind on Xbox Live… look for MasterG). Xbox holiday madness includes:
- Price Price Price!!! Gaming consoles haven’t been exactly cheap the last few years. Well the Xbox 360 Arcade Edition is $199. That’s $50 smackers cheaper than that Wii wi character.
- Media Center Extender. The 360 continues to be a great way to access the Windows Media Center experience in any room in the house including Live and Recorded TV. Oh and guess what…. this same great experience will continue when Windows 7 and the whole new MCE experience gets a significant update. The magic of software baby!
- 360 Update. The update practically gives you a new machine with features like: Netflix instantly streaming in HD, Xbox LIVE Party, Personality plus-Avatars, New On-demand entertainment, Your personal game room-Arcade Classics, Games for the community-by the community. To learn more see Welcome to the New Xbox Experience (I will be posting a video showing the update experience on one of my own 360s either today or tomorrow)
- New Games. With the largest catalog of games of any of the latest gen consoles Xbox 360 has games to please everyone. Two games that are on the list for the Gannotti family this holiday are family focused and 360 exclusive. “Lips is an all-new music franchise exclusively for Xbox 360. Lips is the only singing game that offers wireless, motion-sensitive microphones and the ability to sing to a diverse list of included songs representing multiple musical genres, ranging from pop, rock and dance to hip-hop, country and R&B, as well as compatible songs from your music collection.” (Oh and yes you can hook your Zune up to your 360 and use music from there! Rockin'!!!!) See Lips here. “You're in the Movies brings out the movie star in everyone this holiday season with its release exclusively on Xbox 360 November 18. It's the first and only game of its kind that transports players into a magical world of cinema and hilarious improvisations. Using the Xbox LIVE Vision camera, friends and families choose a script, act it out and in minutes watch the often hilarious, always entertaining results.” See You're in the Movies here. Of course for those hard core gamers who still like a little frag fun there is the just released Gears of War 2. Need more games head on over to the Xbox 360 site for a listing of all games or get a sneak peak as to more games on tap by checking out the list of upcoming games here.
Zune and 360 can put a smile on some family faces this holiday and are sure to treat your wallet right. Not only that there is all kinds of integration goodness with the PC investments in your house I haven't even touched on. If you want to learn more about how Microsoft can supercharge you eHome in ways the “other guys” can’t even begin to touch then be sure to join me December 1st from 12 noon to 1pm eastern time, for a special edition of my monthly Open Forum with Michael. Well time for me to run. Got a full plate for the day. Ciao!
Share this Post: 11/19/2008
So I got up bright and early this morning and to get my morning right fired up my Zune software to select a nice morning wake me up music playlist and ……. Shazaaaam! What greeted me? A Zune update. The update was both my software as well as my Zune players (and yes the update worked for my original 30gb models as well. Gotta love the continued support and updates for them as well as newer editions). I also saw an article on CNET around Zune and some apparent good news for holiday shoppers looking to stretch their money a little further this holiday season. You can check out that article here. There is also a post on the update over at Zunerama “Zune 3.1 out today, with new games, and “like-minded” social feature.” They also have a post on the price drops Price drops on Zune flash players! In it they mention the price cuts are also reflected on Zune Originals. If you haven't checked out Zune Originals you should if you are thinking of getting a new Zune. I purchased my daughters 8gb model there and it was best decision I made. The order arrived promptly complete with laser engraved artwork I chose and custom text. Like she likes to say, it’s one of a kind (and she loves to show it off to all her fellow 10 year old classmates who think its waaaay cooler than a Nano ) Best of all it didn't cost me a dime extra for the customized Zune from Zune Originals.
So right now you might be saying “Mike, just why do you like the Zune so much. Why don’t you get an iPod?” Fair enough question. Here are my top reasons for LOVING the Zune.
- The Gym – At our health club they have a bank of big screen TVs in the front of all the treadmills/bikes and under each is a brass plate with the FM station number for the audio. With my little 8gb model I can hop on a treadmill and tune in to the channel of my choice courtesy of the FM radio capability in every Zune model. Rockin!
- Wireless – Every Zune has wireless capability and the ability to share content across other Zune's (it’s the social). You can also use the wireless to play multiparty games with other Zune's. Again Rockin!
- Secure Podcast Support – Heck this is a feature EVERYONE should be checking out. You don't need a Zune to download and use the Zune software. With the Zune software comes the ability to subscribe to secured extranet podcast feeds. That’s right you read correctly secured feeds. So if your organization wants to put up anytime anywhere podcasts, oh on a solution like Podcasting Kit for SharePoint, then you can and secure the content while allowing users to use the Zune software to still subscribe and access that content seamlessly. It is what we do here at Microsoft with our own instantiation of the Podcasting Kit, Academy Mobile.
- Zune Pass – Okay I have the Zune pass which gives me access to ALL music on the Zune marketplace for our family Zune's. It is great because I don't have to worry about the kids going on a purchase binge. They just synch what they want and I have a flat fee paid every three months.
- Synch with Media Center Recordings – This is HUGE when heading on family trips. We have Windows Media Center in our house with dual TV tuners and record all sorts of stuff. TV Series, TV movies, etc. The best part is we can synch any and all of those those shows to our Zune's and guess what? Doesn't cost us a dime! :-) I love that and so do the kids… especially the kids who load up their Zune's for family trips.
- The Social – The Zune has a whole corresponding online social experience that you can embed in sites like Facebook and MySpace. Let’s you see and sample what your friends are listening too. It is very cool.
- FM to Marketplace – Okay for me this was ne of the absolute coolest things! As I mentioned previously all Zune's have FM Radio. So There you are listening to an FM station when you here a song you love and gotta have. Right from within the interface you can have it identify the song/artist then, via wireless mind you, check the Zune Marketplace and since I have Zune pass, BAM! grab it. No waiting, writing down on paper, forgetting. Hear/Like/Grab. It’s a beautiful thing.
All right well gotta get on some work waiting for me. I will have more to say on Zune, Xbox 360, and some other Microsoft goodies later. In the meantime if you want to check out what I am listening to these days on my Zune check out my Zune Social by clicking here http://social.zune.net/member/MasterG .
Ciao!
Share this Post: 9/27/2008
Looking for a cool new background for your Zune? Did you know that the Zune team actually maintains quite a collection of Zune backgrounds, properly formatted, ready and waiting for your download? Well the do and you can grab them here off of their Zune Backgrounds page. Check them out then trick out your Zune today Then once you have tricked it out start using your Zune as the premiere Podcasting device for accessing Enterprise audio and video podcasts. Whether on the Internet like this blogs audio and video podcasts ( to subscribe to my videos with Zune click on the icon on home page upper right and to subscribe to my audio podcasts with Zune CLICK HERE), or via the Podcasting Kit for SharePoint, Zune is THE rocking way to span your personal media fun with your business training and communication needs.
Technorati Tags: Microsoft, ZuneShare this Post: 9/20/2008Haven’t been over to Channel 10 for a few days and boy have they got some goodies posted, including one which is right on time for me (great update to a powerful application for photos). Below is a listing of some must sees as well as a great video on the latest and greatest with Zune by Tina Wood (thanks for this video Tina, Zune rocks!)
Posted By: Tina Wood
Zune
Share this Post: 9/16/2008
I am going to make a little video of my own later but right now am digging through mountains of email. However, I just got an email pointing me to this slick video highlighting some of the features of the new Zune 3.0. I do have to say having finally made the jump to Zune pass ($14.95 a month for unlimited access to all the Zune music) has me totally pumped now that I can access the Zune Marketplace any where with a wifi connection. Just wait till I show some of what you can do there especially with FM radio to Marketplace. It is very cool. So in the meantime enjoy this video posted to YouTube here.
ZuneOverview
Technorati Tags: Microsoft, ZuneShare this Post:
Just a quick lunch update of the Zune 3.0 release. In case you missed it. Now when you update your Zune (any version…. yes unlike some competitors we give love to all our Zune owners, not just those willing to fork over for the latest shiny hardware) you get free wifi access for your Zune at McDonalds. “I’ll have a happy meal and some Zune tunes please.” Sweet, now I can go for lunch and pull in podcasts from my SharePoint site or corporate Extranet instance of the Podcasting Kit for SharePoint.
Read up on this here at CNET Zune 3.0 to debut with 'extra value meal'
Technorati Tags: Microsoft, Zune, wifiShare this Post:
Zune 3.0 launched this morning and everyone, even those with original Zune devices (yes we upgrade even the oldest of our devices unlike some other makes who often force you to buy a new device to get the latest shiny features) can update their devices to get the latest features. Even if you dont own a Zune device you can still download the software to get the latest in multimedia entertainment, podcast subscriptions, and the online social experience. Oh yeah…. and you can use the Zune software to subscribe to my own video postings here at Michael Gannotti on SharePoint + (see the icon on home page right hand side) You can also use the new Zune software in tandem with the Podcasting Kit for SharePoint.
New features with Zune 3.0 include:
Device features:
- New capacities
We've added 16GB and 120GB devices to the lineup, both with a glossy black front and a black metal back.
- Buy from FM
Hear a song you like while listening to the radio on your Zune? Your device will identify it, and download it the next time you sync.
- Browse Zune Marketplace wirelessly
Download music directly to your Zune: at home, at a café… wherever there's a wireless hotspot.
Zune has partnered with high-speed Internet access provider Wayport to let customers wirelessly shop Zune Marketplace on their player at more than 9,800 McDonald's restaurants across the U.S.
- New Zune Originals
Even more designs for you to personalize your Zune.
- Zune Channels
Combining the best features of podcasts and playlists, subscribe to channels by Billboard, The FADER, and radio stations like KROQ and KEXP.
- Games
You can now play games on your Zune! Devices come preloaded with Texas hold 'em and Hexic.
- Audiobooks
One of our most-requested features is here: audiobooks on your Zune, from Audible.com and OverDrive.
- Clock
You'll never again wonder what time it is.
Read more about Zune players in our User's Guide.
Software features:
Social features:
Head on over to the Zune site to learn more.
Technorati Tags: Microsoft, ZuneShare this Post:
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