http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/ Engadget Comments for http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/Mar 28th 2007 6:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/1.2?]]>Mar 28th 2007 3:39PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/hit the right button and its updated and working fine now]]>Mar 28th 2007 3:45PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out//wakes up
Wha what?
Oh. Zune.
/goes back to sleep.]]>Mar 28th 2007 4:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/
We understand. You like your iPod and you hate Microsoft.

Well, I like my iPod, and I love my Zune.

IMO, it does what my iPod does, only it has better video and an FM tuner. I also don't think the iPod click wheel has much (actually, ANY) advantage over the Zune controls. Only downside it has, IMO, is its bulkiness, which doesn't actually bother me at all... it just sits in my pocket like my iPod does...

Yes, they took too long to get v1.3 out. But this is their first time through this. At least they don't just release a new generation of the product when the public demands improvement, forcing the consumer to spend $100's to stay up to date.

If Apple wants to stay on top forever, they better take a few notes on what some of these other companies are doing, too. ]]>Mar 28th 2007 5:18PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/Mar 28th 2007 4:40PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/
it would have been better to say 7 downloads. because 7 is a good number. 0 is just ridiculous.]]>Mar 28th 2007 5:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/
Seriously. Why do people have to troll Zune comments? It's a really good device. You should try it.]]>Mar 28th 2007 5:09PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/
Oh please... act like you had something to do with it.

]]>Mar 28th 2007 5:32PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/
what an interesting take.]]>Mar 28th 2007 5:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/
IMO, the only thing Apple updated through "hardware improvements" (ie, new generations) since they were first introduced in 2001 is the addition of video playback capabilities (and in some instances, the complete removal of the display altogether, call that a 'hardware improvement' if you want) and boy did you have to pay for it! (although that was at least a year and a half late if not more). And they "improved" the player by making it smaller from generation to generation (which should be expected, and admittedly can't be done without a new generation, obviously). They also added the clickwheel (someone elses patented technology, i believe). At times, it even appeared that other than making the iPod smaller, no substantial changes were even made. For the love of god, throw in an FM tuner or something.

Alas, the iPod is a good player... and as I said, as a player, I like my iPod. But it's no Zune, IMO.]]>Mar 28th 2007 6:05PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/
and just as an aside, the reason ipod succeeds (and zune does not) is it maintains simplicity where its competitors fall victim to "we can do it so lets do it" syndrome - packing in chintzy, complicating crap like a radio. yeah, some people want it, and they have the option via attachment - and importantly, the rest of us don't have to pay for/scroll through unused crap on our ipods.]]>Mar 29th 2007 3:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/
"@Steve, I wasn't really arguing anything... I guess I was more "pointing out the obvious" fact that Microsoft is improving (or fixing, whatever you want to call it) through updates for free. Which is something Apple has never really done. Apple's idea of an update is releasing a new generation."

Actually, Apple has added a lot of new functionality to iPods through firmware updates in addition to fixing bugs. AAC support, Apple Lossless support, new built in games like "Music Quiz" etc. were added to older iPods via firmware updates. 5th generation iPods gained gapless support and downloadable games through a firmware update. Of course, they couldn't add a bigger hard disk or a color screen or a smaller enclosure (mini, nano etc.) via firmware updates, so they released new generations.

How will Microsoft add bigger hard disks or a wide screen (16:10) or flash memory through firmware updates?]]>Mar 29th 2007 1:40AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/Mar 28th 2007 6:11PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/Mar 28th 2007 6:16PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/Checked software for updates too, and it found one. So either this is new too, or somehow I missed one...]]>Mar 28th 2007 6:34PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/Mar 28th 2007 6:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/Mar 28th 2007 7:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/
big whoop.........

doesnt affect me because I dont buy music thru Zune Marketplace............

I have a LOT of shows that I convert over to .wmv format to watch during my downtime when I'm out and about........

they should make it so we can send videos that way I can send people my cartoon........

should also add storage support..........

I would like the ability just drag stuff onto it and off of it.........]]>Mar 28th 2007 9:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/
also the ability to use wifi to move files back and forth as well........]]>Mar 28th 2007 9:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/Mar 28th 2007 9:40PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/
Different strokes for different folks.]]>Mar 28th 2007 10:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/
I'm I lowest rank yet you insecure paying zune testers?

zzzzzzzzzzzzz]]>Mar 28th 2007 10:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/
And by the way, the iPod is a piece of crap compared to the Zune. Try one out yourself you'll be impressed. And stop reading all the ignorant reviews from people who have never even seen or used a Zune.]]>Mar 28th 2007 11:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/Mar 29th 2007 7:36AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/Mar 29th 2007 9:30AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/
If not, I'll take October 31, 2007.]]>Mar 29th 2007 11:08AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/The mistake too many of you make is asserting that _all_ iPods (past, present,and future) are inherently superior to _all_ Zunes (past, present, and future), OR vice verca, based either on factors/features which may actually change with the next release/update of either product line or on the inherent good/evil qualities of their respective companies.

I own an iPod (G5), but have dabbled with Zunes owned by friends. I'm more fond of the chic style of the iPods in general, but I appreciate the better video capability and overal durability of the Zune. As products, they do exactly what they were inteded to do, and they apeal to those they were meant to entice.

Both companies are well aware of their target demographic, and consequently they lend themselves easily to critiques by those /not/ in that demographic. Microsoft offers many products, with customizations options, even on the fly. Apple prefers to sell an /image/ and not just a /product/. One consequence of selling an image is that people who don't like that image will be less impressed with the overall product.

It's not just supply and demand; it's supply and purchase. Many iPod freaks demand better specs from Zunes, but will never buy one. Similarly, Zune freaks make demands of the iPod, knowing they won't buy one even if their complaints were met.

Neither can be measured as "better" than the other, because they were intended to do different things to appeal to different people, in order to make money. The only real goal they have in common is to make money. If that were the standard by which we measure a product's success or value, these discussions would greatly different and it would, quite honestly, be perfectly clear which product is "better" of these two.]]>Mar 29th 2007 12:02PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/
The one thing that I want Microsoft to add (update) is podcast support. In fairness to Apple, they did this for free on the 4G iPod (though it didn't work very well).

The iPod also has seemless playback, no pauses between tracks. This was only a recent firmware update so Zune isn't lagging so far behind here.

Other than these two things I think the Zune is just as good as the iPod. You get used to the non-clickwheel interface. It's nice to be able to change the volume without reaching into my pocket, I can push the button through the fabric.

I'm not sure where the animosity comes from. they are both good devices that serve their purposes very well. Enjoy yours, and don't feel the need to bash the other users.]]>Mar 29th 2007 2:09PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/Mar 29th 2007 2:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/Hold down and the back arrow for 5 seconds to turn your Zune off. Try reading the manual.]]>Mar 29th 2007 7:13PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/Mar 29th 2007 2:54PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/
]]>Mar 29th 2007 3:29PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/
Let's boil down the iTroll Zune-bashing mantra to its basic components:

1. It's too big!
2. It's too ugly!
3. It's too complicated!

But primarily:

4. It's too not-an-iPod!

Essentially, it's the frickin' Humvee to your little Honda Civic. Best run home and crawl under your beds if you're so afraid. Otherwise, stop being insecure, enjoy your own machine and let others enjoy theirs.

In re: the firmware update itself: Good. With the minor annoyances out of the way, the next one can address wishlist items like expanded codec support, podcasting and storage capability.

Also, let's throw a mute function for screaming neighborhood children in there. I freakin' hate kids.]]>Mar 29th 2007 6:06PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/Mar 29th 2007 11:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/Apr 4th 2007 6:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/
The iPod's interface takes advantage of the color screen by adding a splash of blue to the otherwise black and white navigation. Bor-ring. Yes, once a song is playing, a small image of the album art is available, and yes, if you select another screen, the art can be viewed full screen (at the expense of all other info), but the actual menus remain terribly far behind in terms of design.

I never thought I'd see the day when Microsoft busted out a nicer UI than Apple, but in the case of the Zune vs. the iPod they most certainly did, and did so in spades.

And, that - not the desktop software, not the wifi, not the fact I no longer have to treat my MP3 player with the same delicate care more appropriately reserved for an uncooked egg, not anything of that - the beautiful UI is why I sold both my iPods (4G and 5G) and bought a Zune.

Almost ironically, it was for album art that I sold my Nomad in the first place, and bought my first iPod. Now, If Apple wants my business back, give me CoverFlow on the iPod. Because in the mean time, you're getting slaughtered at (what, to me, was) your own game.]]>Apr 5th 2007 12:02PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/28/microsoft-zune-v1-3-firmware-is-out/May 1st 2007 9:02PM