Zune 3.1 update out today - now featuring Sudoku!

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]

[ShadowMaker @ Nov 18th 2008 2:56PM]

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.

[ybd @ Nov 18th 2008 3:09PM]

Why not buy online from the US? With the heavy taxes on electronics you should be paying about the same amount

[Aaron @ Nov 18th 2008 3:17PM]

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!

[tom @ Nov 18th 2008 3:36PM]

Zune's language support sucks sh!t thou. It supports only English/French/Spanish, unless you hack it.

[Ayrkain @ Nov 18th 2008 3:44PM]

This guy'll paint it for you!

[telepheedian @ Nov 18th 2008 5:18PM]

@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.

[Daren @ Nov 18th 2008 8:10PM]

get rid of those crazy European laws that kill said services, and your set to go...

[Dom @ Nov 18th 2008 9:41PM]

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.

[betatester11 @ Nov 18th 2008 11:17PM]

agreed needs more european support!

thx for the update microsoft, but wheres that freaking FLAC SUPPORT

[skullheadbonyhands @ Nov 18th 2008 2:58PM]

Got it on my break & first impressions... Space Battle is awesome!

[DeoWulf @ Nov 18th 2008 5:50PM]

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.

[marcin @ Nov 18th 2008 3:01PM]

whys is it an embarassment of riches?

[mike @ Nov 18th 2008 3:09PM]

Because it's Engadget, and their editors/writers like to shit all over everything that isn't Apple, and *especially* Microsoft.

[TheAxMan @ Nov 18th 2008 6:52PM]

@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"..

[uwaga dude @ Nov 18th 2008 2:57PM]

saweeeeeeeet!

[Homeboy @ Nov 18th 2008 3:03PM]

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.

[rhcpsfan @ Nov 18th 2008 3:55PM]

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.

[adrian @ Nov 18th 2008 3:37PM]

@ 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.

[Miguel @ Nov 18th 2008 3:52PM]

@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.

[Adam K @ Nov 18th 2008 3:55PM]

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).

[adrian @ Nov 18th 2008 4:03PM]

@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.

[timatl @ Nov 18th 2008 4:08PM]

@ 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.

[Frogboy @ Nov 18th 2008 4:11PM]

@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.

[Ben @ Nov 18th 2008 4:16PM]

@rhcpsfan

the updates to the ipod touch software aren't free though only iphone users get those updates for free

[fanman @ Nov 18th 2008 4:42PM]

@rhcpsfan

You have to pay for apple updates. It is therefore you who is providing them.

[JerkfacedFed @ Nov 18th 2008 5:30PM]

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!

[Matt @ Nov 18th 2008 6:02PM]

@rhcpfan - Except you have to pay for the ipod touch updates, while microsoft puts their zune updates out to all zunes for free.

[spartaninahog @ Nov 18th 2008 3:00PM]

Awesome! I'm downloading now. Should be lots of fun!

[Dead_Rebel @ Nov 18th 2008 3:00PM]

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.

[Temo @ Nov 18th 2008 3:44PM]

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.

[jeesusfreek @ Nov 18th 2008 3:21PM]

is it just me, or is that a sick looking player? simple and clean, but it looks so kick ass...i should get one.

[Lowest Ranked @ Nov 18th 2008 3:04PM]

Where have you been for the past 2 years?

[jeesusfreek @ Nov 18th 2008 3:26PM]

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

[Miles @ Nov 18th 2008 3:27PM]

I think its because of the color. I also was thinking they look sleek and clean.

[Ian @ Nov 18th 2008 4:48PM]

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.

[mrpoo @ Nov 18th 2008 5:19PM]

Med students have no free time. Pre-med students have as much time as any other students, unless they are just bad students.

[Scar @ Nov 18th 2008 7:40PM]

No it's just you

[sorny @ Nov 18th 2008 3:03PM]

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.

[shanoboy @ Nov 18th 2008 3:57PM]

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.

[bjsguess @ Nov 18th 2008 3:02PM]

My Zune 30 has been the best tech purchase I have ever made.

[TavisJohn @ Nov 18th 2008 4:48PM]

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.

[Djangelic @ Nov 18th 2008 5:21PM]

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 :)

[Kevin Adder Snake @ Nov 18th 2008 11:53PM]

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.

[Invisiblemoose @ Nov 19th 2008 12:14AM]

Me too! Though I scored mine in a BOC at Woot...

[Paul @ Nov 18th 2008 3:08PM]

Still no UNICODE support.

I really am happy with my Zune, but god, it's such an elementary thing to add.

[GingerFox @ Nov 18th 2008 3:05PM]

i want one in the UK damit:@ they look coolXD

[BobFromVegas @ Nov 18th 2008 5:37PM]

lol so many highest ranks in a row.,..

[Jubei @ Nov 18th 2008 3:06PM]

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.

[L @ Nov 18th 2008 3:09PM]

Ohh, bitter much because you don't get similar stuff with your me-too player, huh?

[Lowest Ranked @ Nov 18th 2008 3:09PM]

Wow, you are so hip and esoteric with that sarcastic vernacular of yours.