Installing Zune firmware v1.2... also sucked

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]

[Farris @ Dec 18th 2006 9:26PM]

.....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?

[AndrewG @ Dec 18th 2006 10:14PM]

".....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.

[netdroid9 @ Dec 18th 2006 11:20PM]

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.

[hchute @ Dec 18th 2006 9:29PM]

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

[balla @ Dec 18th 2006 9:31PM]

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...

[Bobo @ Dec 18th 2006 9:31PM]

Like this is news...
Place in the file labeled: Obvious

[mitch @ Dec 18th 2006 10:31PM]

Ya, but some of us had (not so high) hopes for this new update, I'm glad I was informed.

[ryan @ Dec 18th 2006 9:34PM]

good to know that engadget is keeping an open mind

[shirizaki @ Dec 18th 2006 9:34PM]

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.

[Gregory @ Dec 18th 2006 9:39PM]

You guys must be unlucky or something, I had absolutely no problems installing the update.

[Sw0rdf1sh @ Dec 19th 2006 10:12AM]

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.

[modenadude @ Dec 19th 2006 11:43PM]

Mine went smoother than freshly polished lumber. haha.

[enemes @ Dec 18th 2006 9:41PM]

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.

[ajthedj @ Dec 18th 2006 9:41PM]

Seems like tipping Engadget on new really works.. I didn't have any issues with this upgrade.

[JRA219psu @ Dec 18th 2006 10:10PM]

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.

[ajthedj @ Dec 18th 2006 9:42PM]

*news*

[mrsalty @ Dec 18th 2006 9:46PM]

If I update can I still illegally change my shared songs by changing to jpg and then passing along?

[Chris @ Dec 19th 2006 11:13AM]

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.

[Keaton @ Dec 18th 2006 9:55PM]

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...

[More_Cowbell @ Dec 18th 2006 10:20PM]

Well, this looks like a shameful day, Keaton. :P

[nicleT @ Dec 18th 2006 10:03PM]

What is a Zune?

[Brad @ Dec 18th 2006 10:06PM]

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.

[Ryan Block @ Dec 18th 2006 10:14PM]

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!

[interrelate @ Dec 18th 2006 10:10PM]

Its funny that Apple makes a much more stable software, like iTunes for another OS and Microsoft makes a buggy one for their own.

[AndrewG @ Dec 18th 2006 10:19PM]

"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.

[A @ Dec 19th 2006 3:25PM]

uh, the iTunes and iPod software I have SUCK. getting iTunes to recognize the ipod sometimes is a pain.

[jason0701 @ Dec 19th 2006 1:50PM]

It took iTunes quite a few versions to get to where it is now and it's not exactly perfect by far.

[Farris @ Dec 18th 2006 10:17PM]

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?

[alex @ Dec 18th 2006 11:08PM]

You're an idiot. Don't post again until you learn the difference between "you are" and "YOUR".

[Marcos @ Dec 18th 2006 10:15PM]

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.

[Cardbored @ Dec 18th 2006 10:15PM]

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...

[Andy F @ Dec 18th 2006 10:16PM]

I think you guys forget how buggy the orignal ipod was....As far as media players go, this is going to be great.

[AndrewG @ Dec 18th 2006 10:34PM]

"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.

[Rick @ Dec 18th 2006 10:22PM]

My gosh! I hope all five of you Zune owners will be ok!

[bobartig @ Dec 18th 2006 10:41PM]

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.

[Corpseoftheyear @ Dec 18th 2006 10:43PM]

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.

[Jagster @ Dec 18th 2006 10:46PM]

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!

[Pitta @ Dec 18th 2006 10:56PM]

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.

[360 Saves Me!!! @ Dec 18th 2006 10:57PM]

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.

[profreez @ Dec 18th 2006 10:58PM]

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 "

[Rob @ Dec 18th 2006 11:52PM]

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

[AndrewG @ Dec 19th 2006 12:02AM]

"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.

[Evan @ Dec 18th 2006 11:22PM]

It worked great for me first time and it worked.

[myscrnnm @ Dec 18th 2006 11:35PM]

"What is a Zune?"

Is that a serious question?

[Woody56292 @ Dec 18th 2006 11:45PM]

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?

[MonocularJack @ Dec 18th 2006 11:59PM]

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.

[Farris @ Dec 19th 2006 12:20AM]

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.

[alex @ Dec 19th 2006 7:12AM]

So I can't flame you for your simple mistake, but you CAN flame farris for his? Nice one, dude.

[Alex @ Dec 19th 2006 12:07AM]

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

[jeff @ Dec 19th 2006 12:20AM]

I like the concept of zune but it just aint right yet and it wont be till the get it working on a mac