Zune 3.1 update out today - now featuring Sudoku!
By Joseph L. Flatley 
posted Nov 18th 2008 2:52PM
posted Nov 18th 2008 2:52PM
We asked how you would change the Zune 3.0 software and Microsoft responded -- by upgrading Texas Hold 'Em. In addition to adding a multiplayer mode and some new single player difficulty levels to the venerable card game, the 3.1 update (out today) should find Zune Social easier to navigate, and a new "like minded listeners" feature lets you compare your music tastes to other users on the service. Additionally, the update promises an overall increase in stability and performance for the Zune PC app and the device firmware, including improved play count reporting and content synchronization. Rounding out this embarrassment of riches, the new software packs in freebies of Checkers, Sudoku and Space Battle. What are you still doing here, Zuneophiles? Hit the read link!
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
I'd just like it to be available in Europe. At the moment the iPod is the only 60+ GB device available over here. A Zune would be a nice addition.
Why not buy online from the US? With the heavy taxes on electronics you should be paying about the same amount
Buying from the US is an option but it's not perfect. For a start, there's no Zune pass for European users.
C'mon Microsoft, release your baby in Europe already!
Zune's language support sucks sh!t thou. It supports only English/French/Spanish, unless you hack it.
This guy'll paint it for you!
@Ayrkain:
DISCLAIMER: Microsoft had NO part in making this film. We made this with no money and for fun, so enjoy!
I wouldn't think MS would make something that disgusting to promote their product.
It's (pretty much) the same thing as Jinx selling this:
http://www.jinx.com/men/shirts/geek/ipood.html
Apple obviously didn't do it.
get rid of those crazy European laws that kill said services, and your set to go...
Try out ebay, ive bought zune 30s there for myself 2 friends and my brother, no problems whatsoever importing. Now there are some going from within the uk like an 80 i just got, was 85 pounds so an awesome deal.
you can in fact register an email address as American to sign up for a zune pass then use Zinternational (http://gotzune.com/2008/07/zinternational-allows-international-users-marketplace-access) to get full access to all the features such as mix view and marketplace.
agreed needs more european support!
thx for the update microsoft, but wheres that freaking FLAC SUPPORT
Got it on my break & first impressions... Space Battle is awesome!
Seriously, that game has 10x more than any of the homebrew variations on the scrolling shooter. After MS had Alien Invasion back when the games came out, I was a bit worried about quality... no more.
whys is it an embarassment of riches?
Because it's Engadget, and their editors/writers like to shit all over everything that isn't Apple, and *especially* Microsoft.
@mike:
Easy there dude.. an "embarrassment of riches" is a Good Thing -- it doesn't have any pejorative connotation and is in fact a compliment to Microsoft. It's like saying "the Zune already has *great* features, and MS just added to the list"..
saweeeeeeeet!
You can say that again. This is why I love Microsoft, they offer lovely after-sale service. Unlike Apple they don't follow the Find-F*ck-Forget model of luring consumers into buying a product to later to offer zero upgrades or new features even though the device is fully capable.
That may be true for the older ipod models, but the ipod touch is the exat opposite of what you just described. it gets frequent updates that give it more functionality and apps that apple doesnt provide can be purchased through the app store.
@ homeboy
Come of it. Microsoft are giving you this because their market share in this area is much weaker compared to Apple and other PMP makers and it's another way of trying to increase it. If they had the number one spot for PMP you would have to beg for these extra features knowing Microsoft. Don't get me wrong the old Apple of the past has long gone and they have been acting more shitty with the more money they make. But loving Microsoft?, That's a step too far. There no friends of yours.
@adrian
Which totally explains why Microsoft, despite being the overwhelming market share leader in the OS market, has slated full native Blu-Ray support for Vista in SP2. 'Cause, y'know, they don't add functions and features after a release if they own a market.
It's not a market share thing; it's a corporate philosophy.
Normally I'd agree with you, but just take a look at the Xbox. They've got a huge majority over the PS3, and yet are still pushing out the NXE, following a long line of twice-annual updates. Sure you could argue that NXE is meant to make the 360 as "friendly" as the Wii, but the fact remains that Microsoft has continually shown they're willing to update features, even when it goes against their immediate profit (e.g. adding Netflix and DivX support despite having their own video Marketplace).
@Miguel
Judging by the amount of people complaining about Vista in the past it sounds you will need a Nuclear power plant to run it along with Blu Ray. Still I wish you all the best on that upgrade.
@ adrian
This is not true. Microsoft release free service packs that add features to the OS almost every year but apple wants you buy a new "pussy" cat every year for $130.
@adrian
Microsoft has actually been very cool these last several years. I really like the fact that they give away, at least, basic versions of their development environments, adware/spyware and a whole slew of other software that you used to have to buy. Granted, they can afford to offer these amenities but they certainly don't have to. I'm not really a Microsoft hater anymore even though I am a big supporter of the open source community.
@rhcpsfan
the updates to the ipod touch software aren't free though only iphone users get those updates for free
@rhcpsfan
You have to pay for apple updates. It is therefore you who is providing them.
I'm so surprised, its great to see people being open minded and actually giving the Zune a chance when almost every non Ipod supporter on Engadget gets low ranked for no reason. I'm a v2 80GB Zune owner and very happy with the product and its support, which is what I expect for it coming from the same team as the Xbox 360. Keep up the good work Microsoft! I'll be looking forward to updating my dashboard tomorrow too!
@rhcpfan - Except you have to pay for the ipod touch updates, while microsoft puts their zune updates out to all zunes for free.
Awesome! I'm downloading now. Should be lots of fun!
I just wish they would fix the shuffle feature so it didn't play the same song (out of 4,000) within an hour of itself.
Actually I figure out what happens. It wouldn't play the same song if you as long as you don't turn of your zune. if your zune keeps on going (pause, next is okay) it will not repeat the song.
is it just me, or is that a sick looking player? simple and clean, but it looks so kick ass...i should get one.
Where have you been for the past 2 years?
Oh I've been here, and well aware of the splash that the Zune has made, i love the player, a few friends have v1.0. I know they've come a long way since then..buuutt I'm a premed student which means 2 things
1) I'm broke
2) I don't even have time to look at things I wish I could buy
Still, I've never seen a picture that was up close and detailed of the lines and curves..just saying it's a helluva a good looker. Not much one for the wide + thin format of the iPod's...I'd rather have it longer like the 8. Easier to hold with these smallish hands
I think its because of the color. I also was thinking they look sleek and clean.
I always assumed MS was failing with the Zune, for some reason I read every positive article about it with the preconception the writer is being sarcastic. Perhaps I should look into these things further... I do like the way they look.
Med students have no free time. Pre-med students have as much time as any other students, unless they are just bad students.
No it's just you
dang it, was really hankering for a zune till future shop gave me the shut down at the checkout. I even signed up for their newsletter in a vain attempt to sweet talk em. no shipping to the USA USA USA! psh. madness.
I couldn't agree more. I got my Zune 30 refurbed off Woot.com for $80.
Needless to say, it's the best $80 I ever spent and am now looking to buy a full priced 120 gig model.
My Zune 30 has been the best tech purchase I have ever made.
I have to agree! I got a refirb Zune30 off of Woot 3 months before software 2.0 came out. I paid less than $100.00 and I LOVE it! I feel bad now I should have purchased 3 of them, one for my wife, and one for a gift for my aunt as a gift too...
ANd I love the fact that MS is releasing software updates for ALL the Zunes so I get all the features of the newest ZUNE!
It also makes sure that older Zunes can transfer images and pics with new Zunes.
i tottally agree, got mine for the full price, and still didnt regret. Im actually gonna buy the new one because of how nice microsoft has been :)
I concur with you too, my friend. I bought an open box 30gb for 94 bucks with tax. Best thing I ever bought, even better than my Wii. It can do things the new Zunes can do. It's like my Zune is like a Cougar lady.
Me too! Though I scored mine in a BOC at Woot...
Still no UNICODE support.
I really am happy with my Zune, but god, it's such an elementary thing to add.
i want one in the UK damit:@ they look coolXD
lol so many highest ranks in a row.,..
Simply fantastic. The plethora of new games "Checkers, Sudoku and Space Battle" added with the firmware is simply overwhelming. Zune games must have outnumbered the number of games on iTunes for all iPods and iPhone with the addition of these three high end games.
Ohh, bitter much because you don't get similar stuff with your me-too player, huh?
Wow, you are so hip and esoteric with that sarcastic vernacular of yours.
Hey, there's no "i" in "Team"...only in every apple product.
Pretty bold bringing up Apple in a thread about games.
hes to busy scrapping up change for the next $10.00 ipod touch upgrade
@Decoy
I know, I forgot. The iPhone and iPod Touch are the new kings of mobile gaming and Nintendo and Sony will soon have to discontinue their handheld gaming systems and possibly their console systems as well. At least, that's the way the media makes it sound. Is it just me or does the iPhone/iPod Touch seem a lot like the Wii? Fun concept but doesn't really cut the mustard for most gamers. The lack of proper gaming controls would appear to limit its potential even if it is pretty stellar under the hood.
There is no need to be angry at me. I'm actually acknowledging this incredible milestone for the Zune "me too" platform. With the addition of these three games, coupled with the fact that the device looks like a Disney Mickey Mouse branded design, the sales for this device will eclipse all other iPod sales. Kudos for MS for thinking outside the box. These brand new games must be amazing. Who would have thought the Zune was capable of playing these console level games?
@frogboy
That's fucking hilarious!!!!!
Ya know what there is also an 'i" in, WIN.....
There is also an i in FAIL. What's your point?
Wait... It went from 1950's Russian Cold War design to Disney Mickey-Mouse design? WTF, Jubei? A little bit of consistency would be nice.
There is no need to be angry at me. I'm actually acknowledging this incredible milestone for the Apple Mac "me too" platform. With the failure of blu-ray, hdcp and any standards, coupled with the fact that the device looks like a Fisher Price branded design, the sales for this device will eclipse all other PC sales. Kudos for Apple for thinking outside the box. These computers without features must be amazing. Who would have thought the Mac was capable of being anything but a fashion device?
Not surprises from the latest "me too" fan response. You're simply following MS M.O. Thanks for giving that example as proof in the pudding. :-)
AND BAM! Yet again, another hard hit from Jubei! Oh... Nevermind... Just a worthless little response from someone who has trouble wiping their own ass, let alone posting a coherent, educated comment on an internet blog.
Jubei, in case you haven't noticed, you and Kal are the only one's low ranked... Everyone else is high or highest ranked, and they disagree... I guess people don't care about the crap you have to say nor do they agree. It's sad when someone like you continues to try and garner attention for a product that is better off on it's own without your negative association.
Anyone think this may be lieu of the Xbox 360's NXE launching tomorrow?
I was thinking the exact same thing! Its surely no coinsidence! Im from the UK and i got my zune 80 off ebay and a zune pass off a friend in US, love the thing. Well done microsoft!
If you're not is the U.S., just eBay it. I adore my Zune 8, cracked my Zune 30 screen (still made a great Zune shuffle for a full year until I upgraded).
Still Quicklist hasn't been added back in. Please Microsoft give us this back! My wife and I both own Zune's and don't use them half as much now because it is gone.
All they did was change the name of Quicklist to, I believe, Now Playing (I don't have my Zune in front of me). It works exactly the same.
No sorry it isn't the same. All Now Playing does is make a list of the songs you have just listened to that gets wiped when the device powers down. Quicklist would let you go through your collection on the device and pick and choose songs for a playlist and save it on the device until you deleted it. It was fantastic for making playlists on the go, you can't do that any more and must go back to your pc to make new playlists.
It doesn't work the same. Quick List allowed you to create a playlist that would stick until you cleared it off. When you were listening to that playlist it would stay on it. Now Playing basically queue's up songs to play next. Once they are done it moves right into your collection. If you turn the device and back on it doesn't remember your Now Playing at all. It's 2 completely different functionality's. I miss the quick list as well.
I dunno Eddie, I don't miss the the Quicklist all that much because the the very reason I would use it would be to make a QUICK list, as in a temporary list of songs I wanted to play for the moment. Which is exactly what Now Playing does. If I wanted to make a playlist I wanted to keep, I'd create it using the software where it's far more efficient and easier. If you want a certain playlist, what's the big deal about using the software instead? Now Playing works just fine for temporary playlist management.
That is the beauty of quicklist I can change my playlist at any moment to include the songs I want to listen to right then. Maybe I have been listening to Tenacious D a bit much lately and I just want to remove it and throw a bit of Seether in there? With standard playlist management I must run back to my computer, which may not be available at the time, or I can hit up my old pal QuickList and make the changes on the fly. Who wants to manage a playlist EVERY time they start up the Zune. I want incremental changes on the fly. I have 20gb of music on my Zune and I don't want to listen to all of it all of the time.
EXT. - DAY Apple's Cupertino campus
INT. - Executive offices. We see a young intern in blue jeans and black mock turtleneck running frantically down the hallway carrying a Zune.
INT. - Steve Jobs' "Inner Sanctum." Jobs rises from his Lotus Pose and stares as the intern bursts through the door.
INTERN: The Zune has Sudoku! Sweet mother of God, the Zune has Sudoku!
JOBS: Noooooooooooo!!! Damn your eyes, Gates! DAMN YOUR EYES!
INTERN: We're finished!
(fade to black)
ALT ENDING:
INTERN: The Zune has Sudoku! Sweet mother of God, the Zune has Sudoku!
JOBS: Yes, but we have UNICODE.
INTERN: Oh yeah...*points at zune* BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
I love my zune, but damn it...I want my on the fly playlists back! That's the only update I need
Loving it!
It also fixed the problem my friend was having with her 120gb. It was locking up occasionally. Awesomeness all around.
I hope it fixes my friends locking
So how much does this upgrade cost? $20?
do you honestly think that Microsoft would charge for an incremental update like apple?
Note to self: Don't use sarcasm on Engadget. You get low ranked.
Aaron, you have to use the /s or < sarcasm> tag.
I can't seem to find the "like minded listeners" feature in the social..
Try the website, not the Social in the device itself.
http://social.zune.net
I must admit these do look really really nice, if I were to get one it would probably be the ones with a design thingy on it but, I'm using a mac, I live in the UK.
Cool! I'm enjoying my switch over to Zune. I still really loved my old iPod too so no knock against it...but it never gave me a surprise update like this! I wasn't even expecting more free games. I am glad they improved the Texas Hold'em game because the original version was waaaaay too easy.
Duh! Another Zune!
Does it have copy and paste?
Nah, it's not a PDA or a smartphone, or anything pretending to be either of those which also doesn't have copy and paste.
Why would you need that for?
I wish that Best Buy would carry the 16gb zunes, then my 8gb could "accidentally" break and I could upgrade...
If you want, I can help you stage a robbery in which I am the assailant, and instead of me jumping you in an alley, you can just hand it to me nicely
Get a 16 in any color from Zune Originals.
https://zunestore.net/us/catalog/customize.aspx
I always seem to get:
"General Error
The site is temporarily unavailable due to maintenance. Please check back soon."
Is it because I'm not from the US? :(
Why are people still buying this thing. First off Micro$oft screwed all of their PlaysForSure partners by making it incompatible with that format, secondly the Zune Marketplace still doesn't offer the same select that iTunes does, and the wireless sharing feature attaches DRM even to non-copy protected stuff like Podcasts and personal video. Around here IT IS NOT SELLING, but the iPod is still selling very well.
Micro$oft do us all a favor and kill this embarrassment, please.
GTFO off the interwebs, u dont have a zune so u have no clue what ur talking about
I just want the thing to be able to properly sync .WTV recorded TV with the AUDIO this time!!! Watching my TV content on my Zune without the audio has proven itself to be quite USELESS!
I still can't belive this issue was overlooked in the first place. "FIT IT !!"
"Someone find the problem and........FIX.........IT !!!!!"
Yes Microsoft, please kill the embarassment known as Michael Haney.
Sudoku! That's the value prop I was looking for in an MP3 player! :P
MS continues to sneak Seattle Easter-eggs into their advertising.
I take it you're referring to KEXP?
Hello from Seattle.
Also, KEXP is one of their more prominent partners on the marketplace if I remember right, I think one of their DJs manages the store content.
Mine wont update, it says get MS update?? WTF im on Vista, I thought MS update was for xp?