We've made our feelings known about the Zune:
we're not huge fans, yet. See, Microsoft has made it pretty clear they view the Zune as a work in progress, which they hope to improve in functionality through future firmware updates. So you can imagine we've been waiting on edge for the first Zune update to roll since its launch last month -- and that came today in the form of version 1.2 (the previous version was 1.1 build 322). According to the software installer "This required update will help enhance stability and performance," but we weren't given any more information than that as to what it actually does. So we popped in the Zune to our now fully-functional software, and it pushed through the update data in about six seconds, tops. And then we began to wait for the device to update. And wait. And wait some more. We waited nearly 15 minutes for the update to complete -- no luck. Even bad offenders like our Series2 TiVo doesn't take that long to update its software, so we had a choice -- pull the plug and risk a brick, or wait it out. We canceled the update and pulled the plug, and thankfully the unit still worked. So we tried the update again. No luck. And then restarted the computer and tried again -- and then the update took and we've got v1.2 goin' on. Looks like three time's a charm for us. Not a huge deal, but 10 minutes spent in limbo wondering if our Zune was about to brick is not really something we're so hot about. Oh, what's it do differently? Well besides loading icons and scrolling a tad faster through lists and menus, not much so far as we can tell.
[Thanks, Mike]
posted Dec 18th 2006 9:14PM
hey your zune is not fun to be with... this gadget suckz.......its the worse gadget that ive ever had...do not produce more zune coz many people will suffer...tnx
Hmmm.... Zune is definitely no iPod killer.
it wont kill but it will compete
You're wrong, the Zune is supposed to be an iPod killer, as Apple fanboys have told us. However, Microsoft fanboys quickly reminded us that the Zune was competing with the iPod G1 (first generation iPod).
So, if we follow both fanboys' logic, the Zune is an iPod (G1) killer.
Don't trust me? Check all of Engadget's posts about the Zune and read the comments! 100% authentic!!!
Okay.... so maybe it is.
"definately no ipod killer," huh? I don't see how this makes any sense. Sure this BRAND NEW product has a few bugs, but for the same price you get a bigger screen, a built in tuner, better sound, better headphones, and Wi-fi. It's better than an iPod, period.
.....wait, "...don't move or unplug..."???
Besides the enormous amount of periods in my question, does anything else about that seem really weird? How sensitive is that hard drive?
".....wait, "...don't move or unplug..."???
Besides the enormous amount of periods in my question, does anything else about that seem really weird? How sensitive is that hard drive?"
Your an idiot. Don't comment again until you find out what "firmware" is.
Same principle as the whole 'Don't unplug data cable' when trading Pokemon. If you unplug the data cable, the data gets corrupted. Presumably the Zune downloads and CRC-checks the data before burning it to a Flash ROM, much like most BIOS update programs do.
I'd say the update didn't take because part of the data got dropped and the CRC check failed, or something like that.
Mine did the same, I finally cancelled the update - and the Zune firmware was already updated to 1.2 when I plugged it in.
Ah well, it's the first firmware rollout for Zune, and at least it shows they're starting to roll out the upgrades. Maybe we'll see something more substantial in Zune firmware 1.3. Podcasting anyone?
Harvey
http://www.zunerama.com
i dunno why you guys have so much trouble
i got a zune 2 days ago
software installed quickly and easily without any problems
as did this firmware update
guess this is what you get with microsoft...
Like this is news...
Place in the file labeled: Obvious
Ya, but some of us had (not so high) hopes for this new update, I'm glad I was informed.
good to know that engadget is keeping an open mind
You guys must be unlucky or something, I had absolutely no problems installing the update.
I have had no problems with any Zune installations or updates.
I've owned one since day one and it's holding it's own. All we need is video content on Marketplace.
Mine went smoother than freshly polished lumber. haha.
Hmmm I think the Zune firmware in general needs to be edited. I think everyone has the .1 firmware and wants to upgrade to the .2 firmware.
You all laugh, but no retail hardware should be this buggy. If it had what I wanted (multiple file format support, wifi sync, Mass storage), then a few hiccups here and there I wouldn't mind because I'm getting a trade. But the Zune does as much as an iPod with 3 times the hassle and supports only half of the audience the iPod does.
And it's supposed to topple the iPod how? Maybe if a robotic Heidi Klum pops out and wants to service my hardware for free maybe.
And by hardware I wasn't referring to my computer.
Seems like tipping Engadget on new really works.. I didn't have any issues with this upgrade.
oh boy so one person didn't have any issues...well not everyone's wiimote strap broke and not everyones sony battery blew up but maybe that one that didn't makes all the other ones false...yea thats some good logic right there. way to go.
No problem installing it here. But I never had any of the problems previously reported here. Zune's been so far wonderful for me. No, I don't work for MS, never did and never will.
*news*
If I update can I still illegally change my shared songs by changing to jpg and then passing along?
I do not have a zune but from the logical viewpoint, yes it should, unless they apply the three day three play drm to pictures. But if the people at ipodlinux develop a zunelinux the possibilities will be endless. internet browsing, wireless sync, no drm file transfer.
I'm getting more and more pissed at Microsoft everyday...
Seriously has anyone used Windows based web-hosting? Its so locked down its a joke...
I was considering getting a Zune (they are pretty :-)) for Christmas but maybe I'll wait...
I was also going to upgrade to Vista... I think I'll wait on that too...
Maybe I'll just wait forever and jump on the Linux bandwagon... That sounds good...
I'm seriously not happy with Microsoft... They better shape-up... Apple taking over the market would be a shame...
Well, this looks like a shameful day, Keaton. :P
Updated in 2 minutes flat. Don't know what you guys are doing to screw up updates and installs. Maybe you have to many other things running at the same time. My system was running with 64 processes, 2GHz Athlon Chip, and 1.5GB memory.
I love when people that don't have any tech problems assume those who did are somehow responsible. Sorry, this is just your regular light-load XP MCE box running little software and serving files, not a lot to screw up!
What is a Zune?
Its funny that Apple makes a much more stable software, like iTunes for another OS and Microsoft makes a buggy one for their own.
"Its funny that Apple makes a much more stable software, like iTunes for another OS and Microsoft makes a buggy one for their own."
Hmm we got a music application and a firmware update. Yeah I guess they're both used on a computer so go ahead and make that comparision.
Huuuurrrrr.
uh, the iTunes and iPod software I have SUCK. getting iTunes to recognize the ipod sometimes is a pain.
It took iTunes quite a few versions to get to where it is now and it's not exactly perfect by far.
Andrew, Im not an idiot. I think its a legitimate question. So what if the firmware isn't installed on the hard drive? The hard drive is the only thing that I could think of that could potentially be hurt if moved, however remote the possibility.
And jeez, dont be so quick to flame, did you ever think that maybe I was joking around?
You're an idiot. Don't post again until you learn the difference between "you are" and "YOUR".
hmm.. thats odd, i updated flawlessly no problems at all. make sure that its connected directly to the mobo though if your using a desktop, try not to use a hub or anything because i knew it was a bitch to use, even when i tried to use the usb ports on the front of my tower.
I think you guys forget how buggy the orignal ipod was....As far as media players go, this is going to be great.
i just picked up my zune 2day and i was worried due to all the trouble Engadget is having buyt my installed easily and flawlessly and to the "don't move or un-plug" they're probily protecting the stupid ppl who will pick it up and then drop it...
"Andrew, Im not an idiot. I think its a legitimate question. So what if the firmware isn't installed on the hard drive? The hard drive is the only thing that I could think of that could potentially be hurt if moved, however remote the possibility.
And jeez, dont be so quick to flame, did you ever think that maybe I was joking around?"
It's clear you weren't joking if you "think it's a legitimate question."
Since you didn't go do any research on the issue...
They say that because if you are in the middle of flashing it and you unplug it or interupt the signal somehow, you may be stuck with a lovely brown(or black/white) paperweight and the only way to fix that is to crack it open and solder in a new chip if you can convince MS to sell you one.
My gosh! I hope all five of you Zune owners will be ok!
i had the same issue as u guys. i plugged it in and it kept saying "waiting for device to update".
after restarting my computer and even killing the upgrade procedure it still didnt work. finally i read how to reset the zune by pressing the "
Your an idiot. Don't comment again until you find out what "firmware" is.
Andrewg, if you're assuming that the Zune's firmware isn't stored on the hard drive, you'd be wrong. With a 30 gb of fast storage at hand, you'd be insane to increase manufacturing costs by including an additional rom chip in your design. From M$'s kbase articles, just like the ipod, the zune has a startup (firmware) partition, and a software (OS) partition.
Soo, I suggest you take your own advice.
Jeez, you guys either suck at installing stuff, or you just have horrid luck.
I got my Zune on saturday, and the only problems I've had was a lengthy installation of the Zune PC software, and then having to re-sync my whole library to it, due to a mistake on my end.
I just upgraded to 1.2, and it went smooth, less than 2 minutes.
I have nothing but good things to say about it.
Mine stalled on the install as well. No biggie, I killed the ZuneLauncher.exe using task manager and then restarted the Zune network service. After that, install went fine. Looks like one of those executables hung things up.
In noticed it no longer has hicups during slideshow viewing when fast forwarding. With v1.1, if I held the button down to fast forward through a slideshow, it would pause for a brief moment after 10 or so images, like it had to refill it's cache. Similar to continous shooting with a digital camera.
This Zune decodes the images in a snap!
have you ever consider checking your computer for .....say.....viruses, trojans, worms or any other malicious programs???? I haven't had one problem with Zune software. Maybe try clicking "NEXT" when asked aquestion at install instead of waiting for the software to read your mind....its alot faster.
You guys are total morons. Whoever is covering your Zune news needs to be shot. The update went through without a hiccup. All the press you guys have laid down has been negative. Yes, I agree the wireless is retarted at this point, but everything else about it kicks the iPods flaming arse.
And no, I'm no M$ fanboy. I have owned 3 ipods, from the 40gb B&W, to the 60GB Photo, to the 60GB Video I am currently selling. The Zune is just a better unit.
iTunes 7 crashed my iPod countless times. I just got sick of it.
hey, um maybe you're is the same as you are and its much easier to type your than you're...so as long as your smart enough to understand that it's really you're, it shouldn't be a problem
oh, and if you had a bad day, try not to take it out on other people
"You're an idiot. Don't post again until you learn the difference between "you are" and "YOUR"."
Nice to know the grammar police are out in full force. Typing it wrong does not mean you think the proper way to say it is how you typed. Would you rather me say "ur" or "U R"?
"Andrewg, if you're assuming that the Zune's firmware isn't stored on the hard drive, you'd be wrong. With a 30 gb of fast storage at hand, you'd be insane to increase manufacturing costs by including an additional rom chip in your design. From M$'s kbase articles, just like the ipod, the zune has a startup (firmware) partition, and a software (OS) partition."
Well I wouldn't think they would be so cheap as to do that so I didn't figure that into the equation. It seems having the important things on solid state components would be the better choice since HDs aren't the most dependable things when it comes to computer components. If dying harddrives aren't covered under the Zune warranty I guess it's a win-win for them but in a consumers point of view, it's not much extra money adding one simple chip to the pcb that would keep the thing functioning even if the HD began to have more errors than normal.
Neuros did it right, but now they just need to finally come out with the Neuros 3.
thanks for the update, I plugged my zune in about 5 hours ago and didn't have an update, they must of just put it up. ( I wouldn't of noticed until tomorrow night )
Doesn't seem like it did much. It went so fast I did even know it was finished. ( updating screen didn't flash or acknowledge it was finished, just had a close button )
sorry you had problems with the update.
does anyone know what this update does?
It worked great for me first time and it worked.
"What is a Zune?"
Is that a serious question?
sorry farris...but I'm with andrewG...and we have voted you out. lol...just kidn...but you are however still an idiot.
I enjoy reading engadget and make a habit of reading it every day but who ever is working with the zune must be an idiot or have something agents them because I bought my zune the first day it was available to the general public and I have had no problems with it, though I can't say the same for my fifth gen ipod video witch constantly crashed my laptop until it quit taking a charge and my ipod photo witch wont even sync with my desktop even though it has the newest itunes
Worked fine for me on the first try and I even plugged in my Zune via my monitor's USB hub. Took maybe 60 seconds or less.
And now it comes full circle, AndrewG.
"...HDs aren't the most dependable things..."
That's all I was joking around about. No need to get all freaking huffy and puffy about it.
So I can't flame you for your simple mistake, but you CAN flame farris for his? Nice one, dude.
I like the concept of zune but it just aint right yet and it wont be till the get it working on a mac
I'll give you the benefit of the doubt... but where the firmware is located doesn't change the concept behind updating firmware, which is what you seemed to have no knowledge of.
Aside from throwing taking a hammer to the hd while it's updating, there's no way to corrupt it by bumping it.
And I said hard drives aren't the most reliable because they always have errors, even when they are new...it's not related to your initial question. It's just that some start to get past their tolerance limits within a few months and then some stay perfect for a couple years. That range can cause quite a few problems if you develop a large user base like they hope to do.
I'll give you the benefit of the doubt... but where the firmware is located doesn't change the concept behind updating firmware, which is what you seemed to have no knowledge of.
Aside from throwing taking a hammer to the hd while it's updating, there's no way to corrupt it by bumping it.
And I said hard drives aren't the most reliable because they always have errors, even when they are new...it's not related to your initial question. It's just that some start to get past their tolerance limits within a few months and then some stay perfect for a couple years. That range can cause quite a few problems if you develop a large user base like they hope to do.
Worked great here, and I'm even in Vista!
Your guys' computer sucks bigtime. Try a totally clean and professionally set up version of XP?
I timed my update at 1 min. and 45 sec.
Andrew, Im really sorry if there is something that I am missing. I was just making a smart ass remark based on the image Engadget posted. See, though, you even said that there should be no way to corrupt the data by bumping the drive, unless it is a REALLY crappy drive, but then it wouldn't be well suited for a mobile device, eh?
Sheesh. All this fuss over a snarky remark.
Everyone should remember, on Apple Fanboys forcast the Zune as an "iPod Killer". Like Lemmings, the press just followed suit and jumped off the cliff. My wife has a Zune and loves it. No problems with updates, useage or anything. After a few more updates, it WILL be an iPod killer with more features to come!
I haven't heard of this Zune what is it???
I think engadget being partisan defeats the whole purpose, if ryan couldnt upgrade zune's firmware, he has no bizness working at engadget afterall "a bad workman blames his tool"
Engadget.....
Your Zune will not update unless it is plugged in turned off. Atleast I know mine wouldnt update just like that one until I turned it off, then plugged it in while the Zune program was on. It needs to have a circle on the screen, and not just be charging.
v1.2 installed in about 20 seconds for me, as like v1.1
I connected my Zune and the entire update worked without problem as was done in 70 seconds.
lol this is great.
engadget cant follow simply directions in updating firmware.
people who dont own a zune are saying how much msft sucks.
people who actually own a zune are having no problem updating.
Any post against MS will get popular, I noticed it in every blog.
-Mike
Tech Tutorials: http://www.hotcoding.com
ummm its called microsoft... do you really need any other explanation?
I had no problem with the software install or this update. So far my Zune has been awesome.
There are things missing (sleep timer,podcasting,etc) and the software needs tweaks/enhancements but to this point I am very happy with my Zune. At least with the Zune I can go from music to the game or news w/o haivng to go buy a $50 'remote'. Yeah,a remote for a pocket mp3 player...how lazy are we nowadays? And I bet Zune beats the ipod to custom EQ as well.
The Zune needs a lot of work as far as features but what they have installed so far works as it should.
I just dont think its an ipod killer. Too big. Simply too big. The nano is on it. Its gone when it goes into your pocket. Plus its gorgeous. My boss got her two daughters red nanos for christmas, and they look sharp. The zune is just to far behind in terms of design. Make it 60% smaller, and I think people will consider getting one. The apple scroll wheel is the game killer though. Nothing else is as intuitive. Apple simply has too much r&d already invested in their form and function, and ms is and always will be playing catch up. I will lastly mention I think apple's computers are horrid. No bias here.
This is so interesting.
It's funny to see how devoted people are to their hardware/software and how quick we get our knickers in a twist!
Personally, I fell in love with all things Mac a few years ago and only use Windows at work.
I think the Zune looks like a hunk of crap but haven't used one. Sounds like Zune's are typically (of Windows) complicated. Gotta admit that a bit of competition can be good though.
Good luck Microsoft.
Here's some links for you applets:
http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/14/itunes-7-turning-out-to-have-major-glitches/
http://news.com.com/iTunes+upgrade+has+users+griping/2100-1046_3-5863637.html
http://www.baltimoresun.com/technology/bal-ipods1211,0,4456316.story?track=mostemailedlink
yes, i know the second link is previous a previous edition of the software- I use it to prove every iteration has had some problems.
This is just to point out only applets and fundamentalist christians believe everything their profits tell them, sorry Jobs ... or is that Job?
Affirmation: just for today, I will be nobody's corporate tool
Worked fine with mine, no problemss at all.
my ipaq firmware takes over 30 minutes to flash, and i was praying that it would not brick on the account that it cost me $599 (unlocked) Ipaq 6515
Well... I guess your computer really sucks
I pluged in my zune and it took about 15 seconds to update... "15 minutes" Ha!!!
Try a different computer...
And By the way... Zune is sooooooooo much better than the iPod... In Everything!!!
How is the Zune supposed to "kill" the 1st generation iPod? The one taht was released over 5 years ago?
The fact is that MS isn't so dillusional to think it can overtake the iPOd. At least yet. It's taret is other 12% of the market; the one currently held by Creative, Phillips, ect. Most notably the ones that actually make a video capable HDD player. Otherwise MS would not have forsaken it's Plays4Sure partners just prior to releasing the Zune.
That's sort of the point I was trying to make to andrewG... thanks for noticing, though.
Hmmm, I really had hoped that Engadget wasn't this much anti-something, but I guess what do you expect.
its kinda funny seeing all these rediculous comments on here. Just because your update worked doesnt mean everyones will. I'm fairly certain engadget tested it on at least 2 machines one probably being the XP mediea or x64 which every one gave them the trouble with the software install the last time.
Hate to say it but this is becomming more and more a trend for first gen products to really be a public beta.
It's good to see that all 35 Zune owners have checked in.
Good luck.
Please don't buy Zunes.
Seriously.
I don't own a Zune or a Windows PC for that matter, but didn't I read somewhere that the Zune is not fully supported on MCE machines?
So far I've had to replace my Zune once because it was being stupid, but everything else has been great. I love the black with blue doubleshot, got a nice case, and signed up for Zune Pass. It's cheaper than buying more CDs, that's for sure.
The firmware update went just fine for me.
Oh, and for those wanting podcasting...
www.feedyourzune.com
Not perfect, but works.
Also, you can download videos from Google video using the PSP/iPod settings and the Zune software will convert it. I put on some Physics lectures, myself.
I had an Ipod a nice new one. I sold it to get the ZUNE. Despite the issues that some people seem intent on pointing out, I have had a very stable experience.
The firmware update was easy and quick.
Have never had my zune lock up.
Did have some slow menu switching that is now fixed.
My videos that I had for my IPOD all work fine on my ZUNE. They weren't purchased from itunes.
While I know it is cool to hate Microsoft, I think it is a great product.
But please I invite any of you who hate Microsoft to uninstall all things Microsoft and go to Linux and Mac. You will be back, unless your hatred blinds you to the fact that you can't do anything on your new computer. Trust me I hated Microsoft and tried it for 2 years. Eventually i realized that while Microsoft has it's problems they are only so well documented because EVERYONE uses it. Therefore everyone develops for them.
In the end the Xbox 360 kicks ass, the zune is much better for video then my IPOD was. I am willing to wait for some of the other features. If you haven't figured out how to use it for mass storage then you have no idea how to use any internet search engine.
How to update the firmware for your Zune device
From MS:
Note We recommend that you maintain an Internet connection to help make sure that you have the latest version of the firmware installed. If the computer does not have an Internet connection, the Zune software automatically installs the local copy of the Zune firmware onto your Zune device.
I haven't tried to apply the firmware update...maybe I'll try it tonight.
After at first having zero trouble on the software side of things, everything went to hell after I tried out the Zune Pass. With all my own music, syncing didn't cause me a lick of trouble. As soon as I got some DRM'd music, however, I had no end to problems. I eventually had to wipe the Zune (again) and re-sync everything.
Finally I just dumped all the DRM'd music from my machine, turned auto-sync back off, and I've had no problems since. I wouldn't have a problem with any of this if they hadn't tried to dumb down the software so much. It won't tell you what it's doing most of the time, so if there is a problem you just let it sit there for 20 or 30 minutes to see if it'll ever start responding again, then give up, kill the process and start over. I spent THIRTY MINUTES just trying to get a new playlist (with no new songs) on the device, and I still hadn't succeeded.
I consider myself pretty good with software. I can write software. I teach people how to use software. I consult and support software. The Zune software sucks. If something fails, you have no idea why and no recourse to try and prevent the problem from recurring. If that's the case, the software just shouldn't fail, and yet it does.
I absolutely love the hardware, but I'm beginning to HATE the software.
it updated for me fine. had no problems at all.
Yep. How can anyone forget: http://news.com.com/iTunes+upgrade+has+users+griping/2100-1046_3-5863637.html
It was painful getting to version 5, and even Apple admitted it.
Why does everyone who says their zune program works fine get ranked extremely low...? that doesnt seem fair
im pretty sure itunes had such an issue to when they release firmware v1.2 together w itunes 7... so wats the big fuss?
just becos u had trouble updating microsoft zune on YOUR pc doesnt deem the product as crappy... in other words, the apple ipod sucks too yeah?
i own three ipods and no zunes... but just felt that this article is darn BIAS
Well i had my Zune from launch and haven't had any problems yet with software or firmware and both updates took like 5mins tops for me but at least your pointing out flaws that some may have but not all.
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My Zune update from 1.1 to 1.2 took about 30 seconds on Vista.
uuuuhhhhhhhhgh user friendly?"hmmf"
I like Zune but not their lock down on the Wifi.
Why didnt they simply have Zune as a software on top of Windows Mobile?!
They could have cleaned up the market, as well as start a whole NEW market for people creating programs to run ON ZUNE!! Then they could have kepte their stuff locked and if someone else created a program that shared songs and files with no restrictions... it woudln't be Microsofts fault !!
Plus have 3rd party software makers allow the Zune to play any format under the sun!
OMG they woulda STOMPED on iPod and everyone else !!!
Stupid stupid Microsoft !!
I like the Zune better than the ipod. Obviously, you guys have some pretty screwed up computers because my update took about a minute then everything went by in a flash.
The screen is bigger than ipods, and I can't wait for when the movies come out. I have no need for a huge database of GB, no one has over a thousand songs to download. Until movies come out, I'm not getting a bigger drive.
You can send songs/videos to people, which I like. The reason why it only allows you to keep it for three days and listen to it a limited amount of time is because if you could keep it forever and send it to other people, it would open a whole new window to pirating.
The souns is awesome, just as good as an ipod. Thickness is thicker than I though it would be, but I really don't care, it fits in my pocket just fine.
All in all, I think its awesome and can't wait for the next version to come out.
PS I don't have a super fast computer. Its just a regular XP with 512 MB RAM and its a laptop. Normal.
I upgraded my zune and for sure it took ages to upgrade, after doing some testing of the harddrive I noticed it was an hardware issue not an upgrade issue. The harddrive was at fault and required a replacement, off to the store for a replacement zune.
Nik
http://www.zuneclan.com