Zune users complain of fast-draining battery with latest firmware

We've already had a few reports of some problems with the latest Zunes (and the latest firmware), and it now looks like there's another issue brewing, with a number of users complaining of battery problems with Zune 30s and 80s loaded with the most recent firmware. Apparently, the Zunes have the unfortunate tendency to rapidly drain their batteries, even when the player is not in use. Judging from the discussion on the Zune.net message boards, that particular issue seems to be due to some unknown difficulty the Zune has with entering hibernate mode which it, seemingly, doesn't do at all (at least among those who've reported problems). Those finding themselves plagued by similar battery issues can apparently "fix" the problem by holding back and down on the d-pad to shut the Zune off completely when its not in use, although we're guessing few will be completely satisfied until Microsoft chimes in on the matter.

[Thanks, Jeff]

Update: Zune-Online.com has gotten word of another fix that appears to solve the issue, at least on the Zune 30. To get things started, you'll have to first drain the Zune until you get the exclamation point, and then fully charge it again (leaving it overnight, if necessary). After that's done, you then reset the Zune by pressing up and back simultaneously, which should set things back on track . Not a perfect solution, obviously, but it seems to be the best option for now.

[Thijs Haenen @ Nov 28th 2007 12:05PM]

Didn't notice that, my Zune 30's battery life seems to have improved immensely!

[david.m.carroll @ Nov 28th 2007 12:13PM]

I agree. I've upgraded and have no issues with battery life.

[militaryjeepcrv @ Dec 1st 2007 9:48PM]

same here... my 30g zune has a new life now... and i can sync every night from the car

[DonatoM3 @ Nov 28th 2007 12:20PM]

I have to agree my Zune 30's battery life is substantially better with the new firmware than it was before.

[zebcarlson2007 @ Nov 28th 2007 12:41PM]

Same here. My Zune30's Battery life has improved Tremendously! Occasionally I can go a day without recharging it.

[Richard @ Nov 28th 2007 12:45PM]

This might be a problem that only affect some models then. My Zune 30 is always dead when I go to use it. I charge it fully, pick it up again later and it's it's little battery indicator is flashing. I'll have to start shutting it down like these people have been.

No worries though. I love my Zune and I'm sure they will fix the issue soon!

[shanoboy @ Nov 28th 2007 1:23PM]

Actaully, I could have sworn the battery life on my zune had improved after the update too! But hey, at least I now know that pushing Down and the Back button is the way to actually shut the Zune down, I never realized holding the pause button only put it in hibernation.

[Spyvie @ Nov 28th 2007 1:34PM]

My updated Zune 30 has been sitting unused for over a week, after a full charge and some light use. I just turned it on to check it after reading about this possible issue... the battery meter is currently showing about 65% - 70% charge.

It is nice to learn how to shut it all the way off though...

[JoeNet @ Nov 28th 2007 1:46PM]

My battery life also improved. This must be a problem with the new v2 Zunes only??

[iuqiddis @ Nov 28th 2007 2:06PM]

Same here. Since i updated the firmware, I'm pretty certain my battery lasts a lot longer than it used to. Nothing to complain here.

[DG @ Nov 28th 2007 2:32PM]

I haven't noticed a difference. I've always charged my Zune every few days or so. I leave WiFi on, and listen about a couple hours a day. I've only lost total battery power once, so all things considered, no problems on my end.

[Nar57981 @ Nov 28th 2007 6:50PM]

I was thinking there might be a problem with my Zune 80! I listened to music for about 2 hours, watching a video for like 20 mins (MAX!), and then went to work and had it on the entire time...it lasted for about 2 hours at work. So 4-5 hours of music + 20 minutes of video is all that I got!

[derX @ Nov 28th 2007 3:41PM]

I just thought I should come out, today.

I JUST JOINED THE SOCIAL.

I capitalized on the $100 Brown Zune deal.

Life's Good.

[Zeus the God @ Nov 28th 2007 3:49PM]

Haven't charged mine in a week and I use it on a daily basis (Zune 30).

[enric @ Nov 28th 2007 9:39PM]

Engadget should create a Zune problem's page, so they can exploit the thing for its small and isolated cases of imperfections and butcher it's sales for the holiday season. I mean i can understand the unlimited rotten apple ads but killing the competition for some rotten apple ass kissin seems lame.

[Promit @ Nov 28th 2007 10:33PM]

My Zune's battery life dropped violently when not playing. I actually thought the battery was fried and I'd have to send it back. Maybe there's a specific production run that was affected. Anyway, at least it's good to know I'm not alone here.

[Flashpoint @ Nov 28th 2007 12:06PM]

As much as I hate Ipods, Microsoft's failure to incorporate wifi song downloading/web browsing into the original ZUNE - and their failure to make their own touchscreen interface for the second ZUNE in my mind grants plenty of justification for newcomers to DAP to purchase an Ipod Touch.


What kills me is that Microsoft dominates over 90% of the world's internet browser software with EXPLORER and they haven't incorporated Explorer into the ZUNE or even more annoyingly, into the XBOX 360. PS3's come with wifi and a web browser out the damn box.

WHO IS THE PERSON AT MS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS?

FIRE HIM.

[InternetExploiter @ Nov 28th 2007 12:16PM]

I would think that Firefox & the rest of the better browsers have more than 10% of the market. People aren't that sheep-like, are they? I steer everyone I know far from IE. Firefox does a much better job.
Explorer is also the least secure, worst browser available. One of the only browsers that is not available for Mac. Weren't they the last to the table with tabbed browsing as well?
Explorer on their DAP? Do you really want people hacking your Zune?

MS shouldn't stop the firing there!

[Tony @ Nov 28th 2007 12:24PM]

@InternetExploiter

As of October, IE has 78% market share.
Also, previous versions of IE run in OSX.

[Carbonize @ Nov 28th 2007 12:27PM]

1 - There is no reason to buy an iPod anything when there are far better DAP's out there from the likes of Creative and iRiver

2 - Firefox is used by about 17% of net users if I remember correctly.

3 - IE is not that bad a browser specially when compared with Safari.

4 - "One of the only browsers that is not available for Mac" errrrr IE is available for the mac even if the mac version is crap.

5 - Why would they want to incorporate INTERNET explorer (Explorer is their file manager) into a DAP? It's for audio and video not surfing the web.

6 - A lot of people would rather not have a touch screen interface.

7 - Flashpoint moans about the Zune not being able to download via WiFi. Can any iPod except the touch do this?

8 - I'd sooner have a wired connection on my 360 as it's more stable and more secure. Also are you in the habit of moving your games console around a lot? I know I'm not.

9 - It's a bloody games console. If you want to surf the net use your computer. It's what you bought it for.

[SteveJ @ Nov 28th 2007 12:30PM]

I'm not in support of the originals flame attempt, but reply comment that IE is available for the Mac is incorrect. IE for Mac was discontinued quite some time ago and you can't download it any more.

[Quix @ Nov 28th 2007 12:42PM]

@ Carbonize

"IE is not that bad a browser specially when compared with Safari"

I'd love to hear your rationale behind this point.

"IE is available for the mac even if the mac version is crap"

And 5-year-old crap to boot. IE for Mac is dead and worthless - considering it "available" is silly. No one uses it, and no one should.

[tekdroid @ Nov 28th 2007 12:50PM]

...and they haven't incorporated Explorer into the ZUNE or even more annoyingly, into the XBOX 360. PS3's come with wifi and a web browser out the damn box.
------
Explorer is a security nightmare, and i doubt they'd want to expose their systems wide open like that. I would imagine memory footprints, development and testing time (and the like) would keep IE off Zune devices, too - much the same with Firefox or Mozilla's Minimo or Opera (which Microsoft have been openly hostile about). See:
http://www.news.com/2100-1032_3-5218163.html

Internet Explorer, as mentioned, is at around 80% worldwide market share; there seems to be a slow downward trend happening by most counters.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usage_share_of_web_browsers

[something @ Nov 28th 2007 12:59PM]

Microsoft browser market share is due largely to the corporations that use Microsoft products just go with what is packaged and supported with Windows. I'd like to know the market share of 'home users' that Microsoft has. I guarantee it's substantially lower.

[Carbonize @ Nov 28th 2007 1:05PM]

Yes I am now aware that IE for Mac is no longer available thanks to SteveJ. I am only aware of it from my CSS work. As to my comments about Safari being crap that from my own experience of Safari 3 (fine it's a beta) and comments I have had from Mac users.

IE has the market share because it comes with Windows and most people are just going to use whats there. Firefox is not without it's exploits (two updates in as many weeks) but IE's main problem is how integrated into Windows it is (ActiveX etc).

[tcc3 @ Nov 28th 2007 2:37PM]

Why do people keep comparing the Zune to the Touch? I'd love to get a Touch if they made one in a reasonable size. 16gb is pathetic; $400 for 16gb is robbery.

[AlexP @ Nov 28th 2007 2:06PM]

What's wrong with the newest Safari? It's the only one that can successfully pass the ACID 2 test and it runs great, as opposed to the previous one. I'd switch, but I've become so used to Firefox (I primarily use OSX, in case you're wondering).

:: I think (not sure) Opera passed Acid 2 as well, but Opera is only good as a porn browser.

[bsm0f0 @ Nov 28th 2007 5:14PM]

opera + p0rn = win

[vannyx @ Nov 28th 2007 12:08PM]

I have had the total opposite happen, my batter used to go really quickly. But now i just have to charge my zune once ever 3 days, i avarage about 5 to 6 hours a day with a few video podcasts in between.

[Matthew Hilario @ Nov 28th 2007 12:10PM]

yess more deadweight for my pocket.

[Shadyman @ Nov 28th 2007 12:49PM]

Is that a Zune in your pocket, or...

[APOLAUF @ Nov 28th 2007 12:11PM]

I had this problem with my new 80GB device running v2.2. It became really annoying, and so I searched for solutions, but found none in particular. I then stumbled upon something that seemed to work: a full hard-reset of the device. To do this, reboot the Zune with the standard Up+Back key combo, and then IMMEDIATELY push and hold back, left and play until you see the restoration process begin. It restores the original firmware (v2.0) and erases all content on the device. After that, I re-synced, updated to firmware 2.2, and have never had the problem since.

[Le Master @ Nov 28th 2007 12:13PM]

Huh? My battery life seems to have improved significantly. In fact, everyone I know with a Zune states the same.

I think these complaints are bogus.

[Matt @ Nov 28th 2007 12:21PM]

Yeah, I bet their all lying b@@stards! There can't be any faults with my precioussss..

[bull3964 @ Nov 28th 2007 12:28PM]

I don't know. For the most part battery life is great for my Zune 80, but I turned it off (hibernated) on Saturday evening and locked it with still a little over half a battery charge. I went to sync it on Sunday it and was dead.

I was worried that I had a bad battery, but I guess it's a glitch in the software. No biggie and that puts my mind at ease.

As to Flashpoint's comments. The Zune 80 is not a competitor to the Touch so I really don't see why you are comparing the two. If you want to compain about the Zune 80 not having a touchscreen, start doing the same for the iPod Classic 80gb. Ditto with the 4gb and 8gb Zune models. Call me when the iPod Nano has a touch screen.

Microsoft doesn't have a competitor to the iPod touch, they are only competing within the pure video/music player line and I think they're doing a pretty fine job at that.

In my opinion, it is Apple that dropped the ball when they made the iPod Touch in that they hampered the touch into being a flash only device. I would have owned a Touch on the day of it's release if they would have stuck an 80gb hard drive in the thing and made it a little thicker. I have no use for a 8gb or 16gb PMP.

[Le Master @ Nov 28th 2007 12:29PM]

I wouldn't say "lying," just misunderstood. I think people are just using their Zunes more because of this firmware update, it's like a completely new device. Also, having the WiFi turned on will cause the devices to drain at a much faster rate, so I bet a lot of these people have theirs on.

[Richard @ Nov 28th 2007 1:11PM]

That's not what the issue is. The problem is that the battery is draining completely in a matter of hours while the device is supposedly hibernating.

[Peppie @ Nov 28th 2007 2:36PM]

@ Le Master

My zune battery drained down after I fully charged it overnight. I was lying in bed and four songs later the thing shut down. I let it drain overnight and recharged it and the problem went away.

[Mike Sms @ Nov 29th 2007 5:35AM]

Claims aren't bogus. Go to the forums at Zune.net and a lot of us are having the problem. Hope my replacement one is a good as yours!

[Jeremy Miller @ Nov 28th 2007 12:17PM]

Yeah, I'm at the point where my 30 runs a hell of a lot longer. I've had it for over a year, so I really only get between 12-14 hours out of the battery now...but honestly I've only noticed it running longer with the upgrade.

It's probably just some stupid software glitch that can be reset with a soft reset or like the other said, a hard reset.

[umbrage @ Nov 28th 2007 12:31PM]

The overall battery usage of the Zune has definitely improved, but I can confirm that my Zune 30 (firmware v2.2) did this just last night, and has done it before. It only seems to have happened at home; I'll listen to it just before going to sleep, on a full charge, hibernate it by holding the play button, and in the morning on the way to work I'll notice the battery is almost dead.

I wonder if it has something to do with being able to see the home network with wireless, even if it's not syncing.

[BigPana @ Nov 28th 2007 12:42PM]

Most of the times "reports" just mean that a few people had problems and there's nothing to really worry.

Like the battery draining on the Ipod Classics, my bro has one and that bastard lasts longer than my 5.5g Ipod.

[Jonathan Bergeron @ Nov 28th 2007 12:44PM]

I think you're reporting wrong info. The battery life on my Zune 30 improved by at least 50%.

I agree with Jdmountford. The new beta Zune desktop software is so horrible it's amazing MSFT actually put their name on it. If it was just marginally horrible, that would be a 100% improvement.

[freakmarket @ Nov 28th 2007 2:52PM]

The new software is so fast and simple to use ... i don't understand why everyone is griping about it.

[Scott @ Nov 28th 2007 12:47PM]

I have a Zune 30 w/ the new firmware and am experiencing this issue. The battery lasts longer while music is playing, however the device doesn't hibernate any long when I hold down the play button. It will do this reglardless of wireless being on or off. The solution given (hold back and down) works fine for me. I also have a Zune 4, and do not experiencing this issue with it. Holding down Play successfully hibernates the device.

[Joshua Walters @ Nov 28th 2007 12:52PM]

Ive had small issues. Nothing that realy hurt though.

I might get an hour or two less, but I would take an hour less battery for wireless synch anyday.

[Jonathan Bergeron @ Nov 28th 2007 12:52PM]

Engadget is right in reporting that the Zune no longer enters hibernation mode, with the new update.

[LJKelley @ Nov 28th 2007 3:14PM]

Not all Zunes are experiencing the problem. Mine is perfectly fine and I haven't charged it for several days. I'm sorry this is happening to you but Engadget and you shouldn't conclude that this is effecting everyone.

[JWolf @ Nov 28th 2007 12:53PM]

I have a Zune80 and the battery drain has been somewhat inconsistent for me. I don't know if it's an issue of the device incorrectly reporting the remaining battery life or what. In my situation, I had fully charged it, had used it for 6hrs or so at which the battery indicator showed roughly a 70% remaining charge, I then used the pause/play button to put it to sleep. An hour later, my daughter went to use it and the battery was
dead. Even if I had inadvertently woke it up after putting it into sleep mode, it likely was idle and not playing any music so there's no concievable reason that it would drain a nearly full battery in an hours time. I had a second occurrence of this where it went from around a 30% charge to dead in about the same amount of time. There is definitely an issue here.

[Richard @ Nov 28th 2007 1:06PM]

That's exactly what happens to me :( I have a Zune 30 though.