While penning our Zune HD review, we were initially quite baffled by our inability to do much of anything with it after installing Microsoft's newest firmware update. Our concern had been properly kiboshed by assurances from the company that we'd gotten a fluke unit... and by the properly working replacement we received to finish the review with. Now, however, it seems as if we weren't alone in our glass cage of emotion, with gaggles of irate Zune HD users emerging from the woodwork in order to express their disappointment online. Hop on past the break for a video of the issues we were having, and if you're seeing something eerily similar on your own device, drop a vote / comment below.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Has your Zune HD screen been unresponsive?
Yes! Same problem! Ugh!
4451 (15.2%)
It happened once or twice, no biggie.
1058 (3.6%)
Nope, never had that issue.
7628 (26.1%)
A Zune HD? Ha, I'm still rockin' the slotMusic player!
Have you tried wiping the screen off? Right after I got mine and was using it for a bit it built up some dirt/grime and started being pretty unresponsive. A soft cloth and a touch of screen cleaner later, and it was working just fine.
I'm General Appul Tuch and I want Major Zoon Fail to report to me immediately. He tried to pass himself off as a high-ranking officer and that will not be tolerated.
I skimmed through the comments and I see a lot of comments of "Nope never had that problem" but haven't really seen anyone saying otherwise. You'd think with 1700 ppl commenting yes that maybe someone would comment?
This may help... Notice some time if I hold the side tight and heat a single click button wont allow me to move until I move the no action finger.
So maybe these screen are getting a build up of finger oil and stuff that it lock up the screen. So maybe try some of the glass cleaner you can get for iKine or what ever that leave no residue or amona...
Remember its field detection.... So a layer of gunk could confuse it...
PS: At the start has some reset button configuration.
what do you mean? there are nothing to learn how to press "home" button and "power" button to get the home screen. so do i have to learn rightly to make my Zune HD 32 to work probably?
as with any other MS product, it's counter-intuitive, not user friendly and built half-ast. That way it gives the nerds buying one a challenge in learning how to use it and thus boosting their IT self-worth. Now they can go around proclaiming that anyone who chooses to buy competing products that actually are user-friendly, efficient and intuitive are just tards.
I had that problem after I applied a screen protector. It worked fine initially,then started acting up. After I removed the film it was back to normal.
I'm a Mac user (2008 Unibody Macbok Pro) with XP SP2 on Bootcamp/VMware.
I think (just my theory) what the Apple fanboys are forgetting is that a big part of the Zune experience is the subscription service, where you can check out as many bands as you like. You can't do that with an iPOD and iTunes.
Oh, and I'm GETTING A ZUNE instead of another iPOD. I think the Zune software (dl'ed it the other day) looks like overload of eye candy and suggests great bands to compliment my favorites. The styling of the Zune HD is to DIE for. I have geeky love for sharp angles and edges. The UI pretty much looks like how I would have liked to design it. Plus I don't have to deal with de-featured Quicktime X to encode my videos before importing into iTunes.
I hope the Zune HD I get won't have any problems. I'll probably get an extended warranty.
It happened to me a couple of times when i was playing the space battle game. But as soon as i put it to sleep and turned it back on, the screen started responding again. But you sure are not the only person that this has happened to! I'm starting to feel a little bit uncomfortable with this situation.
I haven't had those problems with it, but I've noticed that in certain situations when the Tegra must have a higher than normal load (such as web browsing or running apps) that the screen almost looks like it's going to give out with waves of lines going back and forth on the screen. Kind of frustrating since I know Tegra's capabilities...considering sending it to MS but love playing with it too much.
ALL first run, first generation machines have glitches. As long as it can be fixed with an update or patch, you are ok. The real problem begins when it shows up in various generations and nothing is done. I hope Microsoft is not that stupid to allow this or not listen to its buyers (i.e. Vista!) until the damage is done. The Zune HD is not a direct competitor to Apple but an alternative product but everyone compares it to Apple'sm iPods - its a different beast.
listen to y'all: boohoo weep weep, poor little fuzzy microsoft getting slammed by engadget. Why y'all gotta be loving apple long time. They evil... they the debil. Microsoft is sweet and cuddly.
My Zune HD sometimes will not be responsive from it's power saver mode. The audio still plays but the middle button fails to wake it up. The webrowser also locked it up once while I was listening to the radio...but otherwise it's been fine. Nothing a reboot doesn't fix. I assume all smart PMP's have these issues from time to time.
I agree Engadget has always been a BIG fan of apple - But please all of you iPOD fans need to remember - that if not for the Zune you all would be paying $500 for an 4gb iPOD Touch, and there never would be a 8gb or higher version ever offered. Apple has cut priced EVERYTIMG a new Zune comes out, and had had to respond with newer units and better pricing. - got to love capitalism !
You know what? You're right. I got my 3G iPod touch for $100 less because Microsoft jumped into the arena and Apple reacted accordingly.
So that's one good thing about the Zune HD. I still wouldn't want one, though, because subscription-based music sucks for people who don't like mainstream junk, and I'm hooked on the apps in the App store. I also respect that Apple's iPod touch works fine with my ASUS running Windows 7. Microsoft's Zune HD is completely incompatible with OS X.
Nothing like cutting off part of the potential audience when there's no need to do so.
A few times I've touched the screen and wasn't immediately led to my destination. I'm not concerned yet. I feel that I activate more than I want most of the time. I'm unimpressed with the browser keypad...I almost wish a stylus would've been included or available. Is there one I could purchase or will a stylus work?
jon, do you really think that those polls where all done by people who actually own zune hd's. this is an ifanboys chance to make it look stupid. of course they will take it.
It only became unresponsive once before I plugged it into the computer when I first got it. After that, it's never froze, or became unresponsive to me.
I still have the same issue with the screen whether WiFi is on or off. What I notice with mine is that if I lay it flat on a table, unresponsive. Hold it up in my hand, works fine. Hold it in my hand or up in the air flat, works fine. I have reset the accelerometer several times and I do not think that has anything to do with the screen. It's as if laying it flat "grounds" the thing and it doesn't work. I looked at this link or MS Support. (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/975202/) Not the most helpful but led me in a different direction.
What I have found is that if the USB adapter is plugged in, and the zune is laying flat, the screen is unresponsive. Lift it up, works fine. Take the adapter out of the Zune, lay it flat, works fine.
It is as if the USB cable adapter is grounding the capacitive touchscreen when the Zune HD is laying flat on a surface thus rendering it unresponsive.
Now that we've thrown 'em off the trail, use the form below to get in touch with the people at Engadget. Please fill in all of the required fields because they're required.
posted September 24th 2009 5:35PM
I told you dumb shits not to buy one. But you had to time travel to 2006 to buy Microsoft's latest loser.
Have you tried wiping the screen off? Right after I got mine and was using it for a bit it built up some dirt/grime and started being pretty unresponsive. A soft cloth and a touch of screen cleaner later, and it was working just fine.
@terry, yeah cuzz we all know no other countries have ever had problems with thier devices
this is why i wait for either a second gen, or for a 'fixed' first gen. never buy new things at release.
that and MS decided to leave out those of us that live in igloos
typo, i ment to say companies there
I'm General Appul Tuch and I want Major Zoon Fail to report to me immediately. He tried to pass himself off as a high-ranking officer and that will not be tolerated.
I skimmed through the comments and I see a lot of comments of "Nope never had that problem" but haven't really seen anyone saying otherwise. You'd think with 1700 ppl commenting yes that maybe someone would comment?
^^ youd think the ifanboys would stick to just reading about apple. but they have to take everyone else down with them.
My iPod touch has been completely responsive for over two years.
What did you do? Tell me so I can avoid locking up my player. Did you do a tear down lately? I know you like poking around with things.
Stop putting stupid 4th options that destroy your polls. Seriously.
Why don't you change that background image? If it gets stuck there at least there is something cool to look at.
Fantastic, now all the iPod fanboys will be "HAHA, TOLD YOU. YOULL [sic] BE WAITING IN LINE AT BEST BY LIKE ALL THE OTHER M$ [sic] RETRARDS [sic]"
BY[sic]
and so the Z-HD great disappointment of 2009 begins with none other than the newest version of the MS classic: the BSOD!
Hail and hearty...
This may help... Notice some time if I hold the side tight and heat a single click button wont allow me to move until I move the no action finger.
So maybe these screen are getting a build up of finger oil and stuff that it lock up the screen. So maybe try some of the glass cleaner you can get for iKine or what ever that leave no residue or amona...
Remember its field detection.... So a layer of gunk could confuse it...
PS: At the start has some reset button configuration.
Here's the missing link.
http://www.zuneboards.com/?p=vB45735
the number of counting problems is still increasing
Use your thumb.
Done.
yeah, the number of problems increase, but so does the number of people who dont know how to use technology
what do you mean? there are nothing to learn how to press "home" button and "power" button to get the home screen. so do i have to learn rightly to make my Zune HD 32 to work probably?
as with any other MS product, it's counter-intuitive, not user friendly and built half-ast. That way it gives the nerds buying one a challenge in learning how to use it and thus boosting their IT self-worth. Now they can go around proclaiming that anyone who chooses to buy competing products that actually are user-friendly, efficient and intuitive are just tards.
That video cracks me up!
I had that problem after I applied a screen protector. It worked fine initially,then started acting up. After I removed the film it was back to normal.
I'm a Mac user (2008 Unibody Macbok Pro) with XP SP2 on Bootcamp/VMware.
I think (just my theory) what the Apple fanboys are forgetting is that a big part of the Zune experience is the subscription service, where you can check out as many bands as you like. You can't do that with an iPOD and iTunes.
Oh, and I'm GETTING A ZUNE instead of another iPOD. I think the Zune software (dl'ed it the other day) looks like overload of eye candy and suggests great bands to compliment my favorites. The styling of the Zune HD is to DIE for. I have geeky love for sharp angles and edges. The UI pretty much looks like how I would have liked to design it. Plus I don't have to deal with de-featured Quicktime X to encode my videos before importing into iTunes.
I hope the Zune HD I get won't have any problems. I'll probably get an extended warranty.
Mine's been working fine till now..
lol all the zune haters clicking on
Yes! Same problem! Ugh!
:D:D:D:D
My Zune HD has worked flawlessly since taking it out of the box.
Mine is quite re-reponkis.
I really wanna get one of these, but I need more space anyone know if M$ has mentioned anything about larger zunes in any near future?
That's what happens when a software company ships hardware with no software.
Isn't this something that deserved mention in the review?
It happened to me a couple of times when i was playing the space battle game. But as soon as i put it to sleep and turned it back on, the screen started responding again. But you sure are not the only person that this has happened to! I'm starting to feel a little bit uncomfortable with this situation.
I haven't had those problems with it, but I've noticed that in certain situations when the Tegra must have a higher than normal load (such as web browsing or running apps) that the screen almost looks like it's going to give out with waves of lines going back and forth on the screen. Kind of frustrating since I know Tegra's capabilities...considering sending it to MS but love playing with it too much.
Fail
ALL first run, first generation machines have glitches. As long as it can be fixed with an update or patch, you are ok. The real problem begins when it shows up in various generations and nothing is done. I hope Microsoft is not that stupid to allow this or not listen to its buyers (i.e. Vista!) until the damage is done. The Zune HD is not a direct competitor to Apple but an alternative product but everyone compares it to Apple'sm iPods - its a different beast.
listen to y'all: boohoo weep weep, poor little fuzzy microsoft getting slammed by engadget. Why y'all gotta be loving apple long time. They evil... they the debil. Microsoft is sweet and cuddly.
~cue twilight zone music~
Microsoft leads the way in new and creative ways of crashing its software!
My Zune HD sometimes will not be responsive from it's power saver mode. The audio still plays but the middle button fails to wake it up. The webrowser also locked it up once while I was listening to the radio...but otherwise it's been fine. Nothing a reboot doesn't fix. I assume all smart PMP's have these issues from time to time.
I agree Engadget has always been a BIG fan of apple - But please all of you iPOD fans need to remember - that if not for the Zune you all would be paying $500 for an 4gb iPOD Touch, and there never would be a 8gb or higher version ever offered. Apple has cut priced EVERYTIMG a new Zune comes out, and had had to respond with newer units and better pricing. - got to love capitalism !
You know what? You're right. I got my 3G iPod touch for $100 less because Microsoft jumped into the arena and Apple reacted accordingly.
So that's one good thing about the Zune HD. I still wouldn't want one, though, because subscription-based music sucks for people who don't like mainstream junk, and I'm hooked on the apps in the App store. I also respect that Apple's iPod touch works fine with my ASUS running Windows 7. Microsoft's Zune HD is completely incompatible with OS X.
Nothing like cutting off part of the potential audience when there's no need to do so.
I have trouble believing that ten thousand ZuneHD owners read this post and voted in the poll.
If the screen doesn't work how can you see the red ring of death?
A few times I've touched the screen and wasn't immediately led to my destination. I'm not concerned yet.
I feel that I activate more than I want most of the time.
I'm unimpressed with the browser keypad...I almost wish a stylus would've been included or available. Is there one I could purchase or will a stylus work?
My first player ever and so far I'm impressed.
4000 PEOPLE! 4000 people voted as experiencing this problem... thats nothing to laugh at, especially when this is just one web site... Microsoft fail.
jon, do you really think that those polls where all done by people who actually own zune hd's. this is an ifanboys chance to make it look stupid. of course they will take it.
It only became unresponsive once before I plugged it into the computer when I first got it. After that, it's never froze, or became unresponsive to me.
I posted this in the Zune forums.
I still have the same issue with the screen whether WiFi is on or off. What I notice with mine is that if I lay it flat on a table, unresponsive. Hold it up in my hand, works fine. Hold it in my hand or up in the air flat, works fine. I have reset the accelerometer several times and I do not think that has anything to do with the screen. It's as if laying it flat "grounds" the thing and it doesn't work. I looked at this link or MS Support. (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/975202/) Not the most helpful but led me in a different direction.
What I have found is that if the USB adapter is plugged in, and the zune is laying flat, the screen is unresponsive. Lift it up, works fine. Take the adapter out of the Zune, lay it flat, works fine.
It is as if the USB cable adapter is grounding the capacitive touchscreen when the Zune HD is laying flat on a surface thus rendering it unresponsive.
easy fix plug in your USB cable to the computer then to the zune and it resets. I never have had an issue