Who says Microsoft ain't lookin' out for those who selected its Zune HD over something Designed In Cupertino? Just days after countless owners went berserk over a playcount syncing issue, Microsoft has released a new firmware update that not only solves that very quandary but also adds a gaggle of fantastic new and / or improved features. The v4.3 update is available now by selecting "Player Update" from within the device itself, and with it will come "support for upcoming 3d games and applications, as well as an auto-suggest feature for better text input, and other minor improvements." We're hearing that those "minor improvements" include a snappier browser, so it's pretty safe to say you're only harming yourself if you don't get this download going right now. (Psst... there's a vid of the new software running after the break.)
dude i'm lovin my zune hd i stopped using the iPod touch, the apps just kinda got old and everything I used on the iPod like multiple e-mail support i just use on computer now (adobe AIR heck yea!)
whilst i agree wit u and prefer physical keyboard, there is really no way of doing it any other way and more and more companies want their phones and gadgets thin so theyve to get rid of the real keyboard
@ jnorman3 So, because it doesn't move a million units in 2 months its a failure? Well, by that logic there are a lot of failures out there. (SnowVista anyone?)
Being the apple fanboy that you are, You should know how it feels to use a device that the majority of the world doesn't use, i.e anything apple that's not an ipod/iphone.
The zune was never designed or marketed to be better than the iPod, you just fell for all the hype that sites like engadget promoted. It does however provide some needed competition.
I was skimming through that link he posted and I was laughing the entire time. He does realize that the first gen ipod touch had no volume button, no apps, no headset with mic/controls, the internet browser was lame, and that its a brick and looked horrible. I guess this is just another fanboy hard at work.
I find it funny he was bitching about no volume button. Is it really that difficult to tap the screen? When you have your first gen ipod touch it didn't seem to bother anyone.
When is Engadget going post sales figures to compare the Zune, the iPod Touch and the other various MP3 players? cause I know Zunes aren't selling well."
So you must also think that Macs are an abysmal failure because way more people use Windows? Haha oh wow, your failed logic is showing.
i find it amusing to see these MS fanboys trying to flip the argument by saying the first gen ipod touch didn't have this or that. how long ago was the ipod touch first released? is this suggesting that this zune HD is supposed to be competing with a now discontinued product of that many years ago? give me a break. zune HD is competing with the ipod touch of today, so the fact that zune HD doesn't have features that the CURRENT ipod touch has is a perfectly reasonable criticism. there's a reason apple added a volume rocker to the ipod touch, and part of that was all the anti-apple morons who keep holding a carrot out saying "if only the ipod touch had this, i'd be all over it", only changing the desired feature every time a new product is released that addressed the previous complaints. if only the ipod touch had a smaller screen, no external volume control, no thousands of compatible accessories, no hundreds of thousands of apps, no perfect sync with the best desktop media player, no mail app, no superior web browser, etc. etc. maybe then i'd buy an ipod touch. AMIRITE? actually that can be reduced to "if only i didn't have an unreasonable dislike of apple i'd buy it". just say what you mean to say.
According to Amazon, Zune is ranked 26th in the MP3 players list. MS can keep hyping their Zune but the mainstream consumers don't buy their hype. That also explains why Zune has less than 2% market share which consists of fanboys!
Is Microsoft still selling Zune HDs? I thought they'd given up by now. I haven't seen one person carrying one. Maybe they're just afraid to take it out in public for fear of being laughed at. Hey look, it's a dork using a Zune HD. Hardy, har har.
Not sure if you're helping the others by saying the first gen iPod Touch also did not have such and such back in (2007). This been repeated so often with the Zune brand. Usually companies try to compete with what's out in 2009/10 not 2007, except Microsoft it seems.
You didn't get the memo? Engadget is expanding its services to be a fight promotion website. I hear their gambling arm should open sometime in the next month.
@Squid7085 "Well considering the image is "Binging" for "IPod(sic) touch sucks," I think that the Microsoft Fanboys started this one."
Well it's obvious by your avatar, and your posts that you are a Apple fan-boy. If you weren't offended, then why are you commenting on it, or responding to it??? Not everyone has to be converted into your religious cult, we have our own likes and opinions, just as you do, and if we don't follow the Apple/Mac cult, deal with it, STFU, and fuck off. Tired of apple/mac fan-boys that chronically masturbate non-stop to apple/mac only products as worship. And I'm not a Microsoft fan boy either. I'd prefer Android over all.
Ok, I love my Zune HD, but WHERE IS THE SUPPORT FOR WPA/WPA2 ENTERPRISE NETWORKS? Yes, I know it took Apple a year to support it for the Touch, but honestly MS. It's a pain in the ass not being able to get internet all over the place.
dear ballsack: are you for real? turns out its possible and quite reasonable to comment on something that doesn't offend you. This post is not a good example as your comment offended the entire human race. Apple isn't a religion, its a company. also, have fun with android on a 15 inch screen.
I tried to get the update, but it keeps telling me that v4.1 is the latest for my device. I read at some other websites that the 32GB is getting it though (I'm on the 16GB). Anyone able to confirm?
it has be unoffically confirmed (last i checked) most 16 gb zune hds are not getting the update however deleting your firmware has been known to work (power and media button for 15seconds) this will not delete your music etc but should allow you to update to 4.3 =)
Actually, you have to go into Control panel and change your region to English(Canada). Then open the Zune software and check for updates and it should appear.
"...countless owners went berserk over a playcount syncing issue"
Really?? Countless owners?? Berserk??
From what I remembered, no one really cared all that much about it and said it would be fixed in the next update. It was only Engadget that made a big deal over it and made it sound like it was never going to be fixed......
Guess what? You're wrong. Engadget reported this story because Zune HD users WERE getting pissed. Playcounts are essential to many core elements of the Zune experience. Without accurate playcounts my automatic playlists are broken, music recommendations are useless (instead of just mediocre), I didn't collect my Zune social badges, and I can't find people who listen to the same music I do.
I was one of those that went berserk. It really did screw my experience not having playcounts working. It's great this update fixes so much more though.
Isn't the playcount used to determine how to compensate rights holders if you use the subscription service as well? Do they still let you use the service on the old, broken firmware?
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 Nov 7th 2009 12:22PM
bleh. on screen keyboards take up a ridiculous amount of screen space.
um....no shit? if you had a really small software keyboard, what would be the point?
Just because something is more popular, doesn't mean it's better.
@ jnorman3
Ovbious fanboy is ovbious
dude i'm lovin my zune hd
i stopped using the iPod touch, the apps just kinda got old
and everything I used on the iPod like multiple e-mail support i just use on computer now
(adobe AIR heck yea!)
whilst i agree wit u and prefer physical keyboard, there is really no way of doing it any other way and more and more companies want their phones and gadgets thin so theyve to get rid of the real keyboard
@ jnorman3
So, because it doesn't move a million units in 2 months its a failure? Well, by that logic there are a lot of failures out there. (SnowVista anyone?)
Being the apple fanboy that you are, You should know how it feels to use a device that the majority of the world doesn't use, i.e anything apple that's not an ipod/iphone.
The zune was never designed or marketed to be better than the iPod, you just fell for all the hype that sites like engadget promoted. It does however provide some needed competition.
@ jnorman3
Quantum! We missed you. You're the only one arrogant enough to post HIS OWN epinion articles on every post he makes. You must be one of Steve's sheep.
@ jnorman3
Quantum! We missed you. You're the only one arrogant enough to post HIS OWN epinion articles on every post he makes. You must be one of Steve's sheep.
He did the same thing with his Droid epinion review. Obvious Apple plant.
Wow @ jnorman3
I was skimming through that link he posted and I was laughing the entire time. He does realize that the first gen ipod touch had no volume button, no apps, no headset with mic/controls, the internet browser was lame, and that its a brick and looked horrible. I guess this is just another fanboy hard at work.
I find it funny he was bitching about no volume button. Is it really that difficult to tap the screen? When you have your first gen ipod touch it didn't seem to bother anyone.
Go back under your bridge, troll.
@jnorman3
"The Zune HD is an abysmal FAILURE.
When is Engadget going post sales figures to compare the Zune, the iPod Touch and the other various MP3 players? cause I know Zunes aren't selling well."
So you must also think that Macs are an abysmal failure because way more people use Windows? Haha oh wow, your failed logic is showing.
i find it amusing to see these MS fanboys trying to flip the argument by saying the first gen ipod touch didn't have this or that. how long ago was the ipod touch first released? is this suggesting that this zune HD is supposed to be competing with a now discontinued product of that many years ago? give me a break. zune HD is competing with the ipod touch of today, so the fact that zune HD doesn't have features that the CURRENT ipod touch has is a perfectly reasonable criticism. there's a reason apple added a volume rocker to the ipod touch, and part of that was all the anti-apple morons who keep holding a carrot out saying "if only the ipod touch had this, i'd be all over it", only changing the desired feature every time a new product is released that addressed the previous complaints. if only the ipod touch had a smaller screen, no external volume control, no thousands of compatible accessories, no hundreds of thousands of apps, no perfect sync with the best desktop media player, no mail app, no superior web browser, etc. etc. maybe then i'd buy an ipod touch. AMIRITE? actually that can be reduced to "if only i didn't have an unreasonable dislike of apple i'd buy it". just say what you mean to say.
According to Amazon, Zune is ranked 26th in the MP3 players list. MS can keep hyping
their Zune but the mainstream consumers don't buy their hype. That also explains why Zune
has less than 2% market share which consists of fanboys!
Is Microsoft still selling Zune HDs? I thought they'd given up by now. I haven't seen one person carrying one. Maybe they're just afraid to take it out in public for fear of being laughed at. Hey look, it's a dork using a Zune HD. Hardy, har har.
@ Emblazin
Not sure if you're helping the others by saying the first gen iPod Touch also did not have such and such back in (2007). This been repeated so often with the Zune brand. Usually companies try to compete with what's out in 2009/10 not 2007, except Microsoft it seems.
I don't ive a shit how popular it is, is it any good?
@ matt - EXACTYLY!!! And I wager you still use Windows!?!?! Oh the irony...
@Mark Anderson - It's made by MSFT, so no, it's not any good.
In before massive iPod Touch fanboy flamewar.
Well considering the image is "Binging" for "IPod(sic) touch sucks," I think that the Microsoft Fanboys started this one.
Yeah, I've never seen an Engadget image that actually encouraged a flamewar as much as this one.
For the record, I own an iPhone, I just don't care at all about what product is better than what. Just buy the one you like.
You didn't get the memo? Engadget is expanding its services to be a fight promotion website. I hear their gambling arm should open sometime in the next month.
@Squid7085 "Well considering the image is "Binging" for "IPod(sic) touch sucks," I think that the Microsoft Fanboys started this one."
Well it's obvious by your avatar, and your posts that you are a Apple fan-boy. If you weren't offended, then why are you commenting on it, or responding to it??? Not everyone has to be converted into your religious cult, we have our own likes and opinions, just as you do, and if we don't follow the Apple/Mac cult, deal with it, STFU, and fuck off. Tired of apple/mac fan-boys that chronically masturbate non-stop to apple/mac only products as worship. And I'm not a Microsoft fan boy either. I'd prefer Android over all.
Ok, I love my Zune HD, but WHERE IS THE SUPPORT FOR WPA/WPA2 ENTERPRISE NETWORKS? Yes, I know it took Apple a year to support it for the Touch, but honestly MS. It's a pain in the ass not being able to get internet all over the place.
too late but nice try hahaha
dear ballsack:
are you for real?
turns out its possible and quite reasonable to comment on something that doesn't offend you. This post is not a good example as your comment offended the entire human race. Apple isn't a religion, its a company. also, have fun with android on a 15 inch screen.
Sounds interesting! I'll have to download it and get back to you. Thanks for the update.
Cool. Now how about some games to take advantage of that Tegra engine? A 3D farting modeling app perhaps?
I tried to get the update, but it keeps telling me that v4.1 is the latest for my device. I read at some other websites that the 32GB is getting it though (I'm on the 16GB). Anyone able to confirm?
it has be unoffically confirmed (last i checked)
most 16 gb zune hds are not getting the update
however deleting your firmware has been known to work
(power and media button for 15seconds)
this will not delete your music etc
but should allow you to update to 4.3
=)
Yes. Only 32GB devices are receiving the update.
16GB will get it soon... Right?
Also, Engadget, your comment system is really screwed up...
I tried it and it didn't let me receive the update still.
I don't know where you guys are getting this 32GB only bit, but my 32GB sure as hell isn't updating.
There seems to be a bug updating from 4.1 to 4.3 for some people. To get around this, here is what I did:
1) Hold down the power button and side button for about 15 seconds to go into player recovery mode
2) Connect to PC via USB
3) Start Zune software
The Zune software sees the current player software as "Zune Recovery" instead of 4.1, and will attempt to apply 4.3. Worked fine for my 16GB player.
@kazbaeden
Yeah. I tried that before and it still gave me version 4.1. Maybe this will all be sorted out Monday..
Actually, you have to go into Control panel and change your region to English(Canada). Then open the Zune software and check for updates and it should appear.
thanks dcoaster, that worked.
@dcoaster
Thanks, Canada saves the day again.
WTH, Zune HD is not even sold in Canada. Again, we(Canadians) are being blasted in the ass.
@dcoaster
That worked. Thanks!
@dcoaster:
changing the region to canada worked... thanks mate...
so random i had to change it to canada to get it to update on my 16gb... but at least it worked!
Oh shit! What a delightful surprise. Ready to go download now.
"...countless owners went berserk over a playcount syncing issue"
Really?? Countless owners?? Berserk??
From what I remembered, no one really cared all that much about it and said it would be fixed in the next update. It was only Engadget that made a big deal over it and made it sound like it was never going to be fixed......
Could be worse...Imagine if it had guest accounts and every time you used one your stuff disappeared
Guess what? You're wrong. Engadget reported this story because Zune HD users WERE getting pissed. Playcounts are essential to many core elements of the Zune experience. Without accurate playcounts my automatic playlists are broken, music recommendations are useless (instead of just mediocre), I didn't collect my Zune social badges, and I can't find people who listen to the same music I do.
I was one of those that went berserk. It really did screw my experience not having playcounts working. It's great this update fixes so much more though.
They must have graduated from the Fox News School of Broadcasting.
Isn't the playcount used to determine how to compensate rights holders if you use the subscription service as well? Do they still let you use the service on the old, broken firmware?