Microsoft has quite a bit in store for the
Zune faithful with its new Zune version 2.5 software update. The high points are the new
Zune Card integration and the addition of TV show downloads on Zune Marketplace, but much-requested features like gapless playback, improved syncing controls, meta data editing, auto playlists and other tweaks have also been included. On the marketing front, Microsoft is really pushing the Zune Pass going forward, and will be launching a new TV commercial to help plug it. Subscribers will particularly benefit from the new Zune Card sharing, which lets you automatically score copies of your pals' favorite songs, artists and recent plays -- non-subscribers can view that Zune Card info, but will have to buy the tracks if they want to have a listen. Unfortunately, news on the video store front isn't so compelling: Microsoft is only adding TV shows at this point, no movies, and there's no way to pull video you've bought on your 360 over to your Zune. There's no reason Microsoft can't close this loop and turn some scattered media offerings into a compelling ecosystem, but until then we suppose we'll have to thank our lucky stars that we can shell out 160 MS Points ($2.00) for TV shows we can watch for free online. The 2.5 Spring Update is a free download and should be available nowish.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Craig B. @ May 6th 2008 12:14AM
I bet you Zune Guy is as happy as a clam right now.
Austin @ May 6th 2008 2:48AM
I really doubt he'll be happy until Microsoft names an operating system after him. Oh wait, It's already in the product title of everything they sell. That was a well-thought-out name change.
Sean @ May 6th 2008 12:17AM
How about some OSX support?
DaMan09 @ May 6th 2008 1:01AM
I would have to agree, im a happy zune user, and my macbook being my primary computer due to schooling and things of a similar sort, being windows only is limiting, but I would really rather have no support than a shoddy program, so i guess in good time.
ColonelSmith @ May 6th 2008 1:13AM
I agree. It would be a smart business move. They might be able to entice some OS X users to ditch their iPods and buy Zunes instead. Start eating away the iPods market share.
Ace b @ May 6th 2008 1:14AM
Why did he get low ranked for that?
It's a very legitimate question to ask.
Microsoft does want to pass along the Zune to more people,does it not?
This would help.
Sean @ May 6th 2008 1:18AM
I love how I get ranked low. Just proves that there are too many high school kiddies up past their bedtime, scouring engadget.
I had a 1st gen zune with my pc...but then had to sell it when I switched to my macbook pro. Now with the new zunes out, i've been dying to get one...but obviously Microsoft doesnt want any apple users to switch over. (and no, im not partitioning my hard drive to install bootcamp just for music).
Not ALL apple users are fanboys.
happy_penguin @ May 6th 2008 1:36AM
I have to agree with Sean. OSX support would be great. iPod is cross platform between Windows and OSX so why shouldn't Zune also go cross platform? I'm an iPod user but I like the looks of Zune and I'd consider switching if I wasn't limited to only using it with my PC.
hermin_vermin @ May 6th 2008 2:26AM
Exactly what I was gonna post!
Intel-based Macs should at least be supported! I can't speak for other Mac-users, but I'd pick one up in a heartbeat.
That Zune Pass sharing option is sweet!
Surur @ May 6th 2008 2:50AM
A few few simple points -
1) OSX users are much less than 20% of users in USA.
2) A very small percentage of those zealots will switch.
3) Most Ipod users use windows.
4) Time MS wastes on developing a Zune client for MacOS would be better spent on developing features for Windows users.
There is a reason OSX is poorly supported when it comes to games and peripherals, despite their self-inflated sense of importance.
Duscrom @ May 6th 2008 3:05AM
As said above,
12% of users are Mac users
95% of Mac users hate anything Microsoft
Anyway, If what i remember is correct, it's probabbly apple's doing as to why there is no Zune for OSX. Only DRM built into OSX is FairPlay, I bet they can't get Zune's DRM onto the OS.
BuddyBoy @ May 6th 2008 6:41AM
I almost picked one of these up not realising it didn't have OSX support.
I thought it would just work ;)
I ended up with an iPod due to the capacity of the 160gig Classic.
Also I don't hate my iPod, but I feel Apple "King of Design" has a long way to go to make an interface on the ipod that looks so freaking cool to use as the Zunes. I know the touch has a lovely interface but it's real expensive $ per gig compared to other devices.
John @ May 6th 2008 7:15AM
The iPod is successful because it's not geared to a specific group of people. Zune's interface is cool, but I think that Microsoft is limiting itself by making the UI so relentlessly flashy. Would a 35 year old really feel comfortable using one (without looking like he/she was having a mid-life crisis)?
There's also a related concept in typography introduced by Beatrice Warde known as the "crystal goblet" theory, which basically says that books and typography should be "invisible" (the crystal goblet) to allow the content of the book (the wine) to speak for itself without interference. Considering that any mp3 player is nothing more than a container for thousands of different types of music, a simpler interface that gets to the point is desirable.
catachip @ May 6th 2008 8:45AM
@John
I never thought about it that way, you're right. Everything about the Zune, from marketing and design, to interface and software are all directly aimed at 15-25 yos. While the iPod commercials tend to be geared to that crowd, the product has kept an elegant, minimalist approach to design that is appealing across generations.
Jonathan Kubiak @ May 6th 2008 12:16PM
If apple won't allow OSX on non-Apple machines or support third party MP3 players in iTunes then why should Microsoft support OSX.
PynkFloydd @ May 6th 2008 4:50PM
They used to have a specific point in the requirements that if you had a Mac, you could use Boot Camp to get compatibility. I checked and they've since removed it from the Zune page.
That said, you do have compatibility through booting up Windows. I'd assume that's why they don't spend their time developing software for Windows Mobile phones, Zunes and etc. since they can just avoid the mess by telling you to use the option that integrates better. It actually might make them look bad (or worse...depending on your opinion). Itunes was a mess for me in Windows...
For Microsoft, if you switch to a Mac and still buy Windows...everybody wins. If they cater to the small (but growing) percentage that switch to Macs then they're just enabling the converts.
Gavin Greenwalt @ May 6th 2008 10:28PM
XP x64 would be nice as well. Of course I long ago realzied that microsoft forgot it even existed...
Still... consider it can be hacked to run on XP x64... an unsupported edition would be greatly appreciated.
Mobile Phone Diva @ May 6th 2008 10:41PM
Shame on you, Surur!!
Players should support MULTIPLE platforms, not just one. That goes for any player, not just the Zune. Just because there are more Windows users doesn't mean the rest(which is still a significant number) should get shut out. How come Cowon and iRiver don't shut people out? Even Insignia works on Mac. Everyone should be able to enjoy good music players and it's really a shame that many of the good ones only support Windows.
Mobile Phone Diva @ May 6th 2008 10:45PM
John, I like Zune's interface and I'm over 30.
salut @ May 7th 2008 10:24PM
ATTN: Apple Zune users.
There's an Mac OS X application called CrossOver that is capable of running certain Windows applications natively in OS X _without_ the need of Windows OS installed.
Currently the Zune software does not work flawlessly via this method, but you can make a pledge to the developers who can tweak it accordingly. See: http://www.codeweavers.com/compatibility/browse/name/?app_id=2576;run=1
ChrisMizzleInfo @ May 10th 2008 2:45PM
My biggest complaint is that i do LOVE my Zune, but as i am going to soon switch completely over to Ubuntu, theres just no support! Sure, you could use VMware, and upload music at the amazing speed of USB 1.1 with no wifi support.
Other than tha,t i love the zune, and the social.
Jordan @ May 6th 2008 12:17AM
YES!, Finally they brought back meta editing, thats the only thing that pissed me off.
Jordan @ May 6th 2008 12:19AM
just checked for the update, not out yet :(
Jordan @ May 6th 2008 12:52AM
PS, does the zune software eat up everybody else's processing power? I have dual core amd proccessors running at a little over 3 ghz and zune just makes my cpu use spike and stay up there.
DaMan09 @ May 6th 2008 1:02AM
Possibly you have animation on, which seems to slow down my software a tiny bit, so if its bothersome just turn it off.
Reader @ May 6th 2008 1:38AM
lucky you, 1ghz here. When syncing the software is in a half-frozen state. I'll try the animation thing.
computer.dude.28 @ May 6th 2008 8:34AM
Screw meta editing, use Windows Media Player for that.
THERE'S AUTO PLAYLISTS!! :D
DeoWulf @ May 6th 2008 3:22PM
Yes Jordan, playing music with the Zune software and running more than three tabs of Firefox will crash my computer, even at lowest settings.
Granted that's not saying much for me, but they really should have had some options for people like me who've had a few too many bouts with spyware to fully recover their computer's power...
JakeB @ May 6th 2008 12:19AM
Um, as of right now my Zune software isnt showing the update. Is it only available for 32-bit versions? Or is this going to be the Tuesday update?
Tony @ May 6th 2008 12:22AM
I'm on 32-bit now, no update is showing up.
DaMan09 @ May 6th 2008 1:05AM
Im going to guess that it will be rolled out when it is midnight on the west coast, due to MS being located in Washington.
James Rainey @ May 6th 2008 12:24AM
I tested the software download section of zune.net, still current version.
Will try again after midnight.
doug @ May 6th 2008 12:30AM
So iTunes has TV shows for download you dont say anything...
Zune has TV shows for download you act as if it is a burden on society...
ok... real mature.
Tony @ May 6th 2008 12:32AM
Nice catch. I'm so used to the bias in our world today, that I hardly notice these sort of things.
Jimmyy @ May 6th 2008 12:35AM
@Doug
I agree! I mean a comment like "shell out 160 MS Points ($2.00) for TV shows we can watch for free online" would fit all the other reviews of media providers by engadget as well... but Tony does have a point, it gets to a level it doesn't affect you anymore.
marcin @ May 6th 2008 12:37AM
i just tried updating my zune software and nothing.
will try again tomorrow i guess. i'm glad this is out, its been a while since the last update.
love my zune. :)
Steffen Jobbs @ May 6th 2008 12:43AM
Zune Pass is a piece of Zune. No iPod support.
Evan @ May 6th 2008 1:43AM
wow....
BuddyBoy @ May 6th 2008 6:46AM
iTunes Music Store is a piece of iTunes. No Zune support.
Deed @ May 15th 2008 3:36PM
0/10
Dave @ May 6th 2008 12:48AM
does this fix the part where Zune has an aversion to music I deleted off my hard drive but didn't want deleted off my Zune?
fsd @ May 6th 2008 12:53AM
connect your zune as a guest, it will fix that problem
Eric M. @ May 6th 2008 1:06AM
fsd is right, but you might be better off just telling the software not to automatically sync your music (Settings > Device > Device Sync Options).
And FYI iTunes does the same thing, but it all depends on your settings.
Hope this helps..
apeguero @ May 6th 2008 12:50AM
Nice to see Redmond didn't forget the Zune. I might buy one after all.
Jamma @ May 6th 2008 2:34AM
however Redmond have forgotten EUROPE, ASIA, and everywhere else in the world!
I hate importing products and would by a Zune the second it gets released in the UK, so please Microsoft, release it here
TheGringo @ May 6th 2008 4:48AM
As a UK Zune user, trust me it is worth it but you're right, not being able to sign in the Zune store and access my Zune card is crap but I'm still glad I chose it over an iPod. Can't wait for proper UK / European support!
josh @ May 6th 2008 9:55AM
"however Redmond have forgotten EUROPE, ASIA, and everywhere else in the world!"
That has very little to do with Redmond per se. The approach with the Zune is to offer a full ecosystem of music service + device, to compete with the iPod. MS can't just offer their music service everywhere- they need to negotiate with the rights holders in every stupid locale, because international IP rights (hell, even domestic IP rights) are completely broken. That takes time, probably quite a bit longer than what Apple had to put up with because of the Zune pass, and it took apple a bit longer than 18 months to have any compelling international offering.
If you want the Zune in your locale write your local record consortium and ask them to please stop being total fucktards so that you could legaly buy music for the device you want to listen to it on.
malvenko @ May 12th 2008 10:37AM
Even living in LAT-AM is a PIA zune-wise...
Since my XP was not in English, I had to "fool" the installer in order to have it working. Once I did it, I had no problems using it.
Hope that gets solved...
Timothy Sottek @ May 6th 2008 12:54AM
The Zune will probably be the next PMP that I buy. My past three have been iPods, but MS seems to be putting on a strong showing for this device. I saw the newest version in Best Buy the other day, and it was pleasant and easy to use (not to mention at a great price point).
Hopefully they'll only get better. I'm also looking forward to using a new music client.
I just ditched iTunes for Winamp last week, and haven't looked back!
RevAaron @ May 6th 2008 12:55AM
...still no clock? Christ, how hard could it be? I've written clocks widgets for embedded GUIs a few dozen times- even just raw framebuffers. There is no excuse.
I'm still WTFing over this one. I was going to stay with the pre Zune 2 firmware- I wouldn't go so far as to say I was happy with it, but I knew I didn't want to upgrade... but no! We don't get things called "options."
And with firmware 2 and 2.5 we still get no fucking clock, eh?
The Zune's software is such an incompetent proof of concept aimed at hipster tennieboopers. At one point, the iPod made Apple a great target for "Form over Function" criticism, but Microsoft has taken that to a nauseating extreme. Well, at least they beat Apple at *something*.