Zune 4.2 update released, what's new?

We're receiving word from multiple early-bird readers indicating that they've received the 4.2 update on their Zunes and that, now that they're out of that nasty maintenance window, all is right with the world. That said, our tipsters are not spotting any major differences, and neither are we, certainly nothing as exciting as 4.3 brought to the Zune HD. What about you? Have you been granted access to 4.2 yet? If so, let us know in comments if you've found anything fresh and exciting. And, if you haven't, feel free to discuss the weather -- it sure has been a little crazy 'round these parts lately.

[Thanks, Brent R. and Bryan]

[rakeshin Posted Jan 26th 2010 8:47AM]

my update is stuck at 99% downloading

[swizz Posted Jan 26th 2010 5:03PM]

@rakeshin
same

[sc7 Posted Jan 26th 2010 8:53AM]

For the love of God Microsoft, please release a Zune HD software update.

I love this device in almost every way it works, except when I've been listening for more than 5 minutes and want to wake the screen up, AND IT FREEZES. The finger swipe does not register, nor do any of the buttons.

I press the power buttons a few times, then after 20 seconds, the screen flashes on and off a few times. Finally, I press it once, and I can do that stupid finger swipe to change the volume.

[grumpyOldMan Posted Jan 26th 2010 8:58AM]

@sc7
That sounds like a broken unit.

[Nicknin10do Posted Jan 26th 2010 9:37AM]

@sc7
It does that to me too.
I just want to change a song, but when I hit any button to turn it on, nothing. but if I wait about 15 secs to do it again it's fine. It feels as though the screen becomes responsive but doesn't show anything (kinda hard to state it correctly) I hope it's not a defective unit, I don't think I could send it in for repair.

[crapNstuff Posted Jan 26th 2010 10:22AM]

@sc7 I've found that alternating between the top and front buttons will usually turn on the screen. When you push a button and nothing happens, I think the screen is responding because in the dark you can faintly see the wallpaper. Try tapping on the screen at that time. I've had a lot of those quirks too but the enjoyment I get out of my Zune makes it all worthwhile.

[FallenArms3 Posted Jan 26th 2010 3:27PM]

@Nicknin10do
I have the same problems listed here. I sent my Zune HD in and they seemed to accept it. I'm still awaiting any return; hopefully a new unit.

Just FYI, what happens is that the OLED doesn't turn on, but the capacitive layer is open for input. So, you can still manipulate the device, you just can't see anything. The solution is to press the top "power" button (that is, "turn the screen off") then press it again (turn it back on).

I am not aware of this occurring on all units, so I'm assuming mine was defective, and I was right to send it back. I guess I'll find out soon, if they return it as-is marked "could not replicate problem" :/

[sc7 Posted Jan 26th 2010 4:37PM]

@FallenArms3

I have the opposite problem. The screen lights up but the touch does not work.

[sracer Posted Jan 26th 2010 8:58AM]

Apparently 4.2 now automatically adds the Windows 7 library directories to "watch". Bad MS very bad. I deliberately did not have Zune monitor my pictures folder because I have about 30,000 images and the Zune doesn't really do anything with them. So now it is scanning that directory tree and will do nothing but bloat the Zune software database and slow the whole thing down more than it already is.

[DAZA Posted Jan 26th 2010 9:09AM]

@sracer 30,000 pictures? That's quite ah, uh, collection.

[emnetic Posted Jan 26th 2010 9:05AM]

The new software links together Windows 7 libraries, although you can "manage" them and choose which directories you for syncing.

More synergy as there is a Podcast icon in the libraries of Windows Explorer.

XviD transcoding and transfer onto zune devices! Glad about that, although seems to take a long time.

Can't log into Marketplace for another 16 hours mind you....

[vedichymn Posted Jan 26th 2010 1:22PM]

@emnetic How do you manage what syncs without removing something from your library? This change really screws up Windows Home Server users, I wish they would've put some more thought into this change. >:(

[kojo87 Posted Jan 26th 2010 2:27PM]

@vedichymn that is under your device options. then go to sync. it sounds like you need to select Sync Items I Choose instead of all.

[Elranzer Posted Jan 26th 2010 9:18AM]

Did they fix that bug where multi-disc albums are all jumbled because the Zune ignores the "Disc Number" ID3 tag?

Because that bug has been there since Zune 1.0

[erwos Posted Jan 26th 2010 9:22AM]

@Elranzer: Funny you should mention it, because the 2-disc album I just checked appears to finally handle this properly now. Crazy!

[rakeshin Posted Jan 26th 2010 9:22AM]

right.. update done, searching through files.. done
now i need to get a automatic file renamer to prefix all my TV shows. gosh!!

[rakeshin Posted Jan 26th 2010 9:26AM]

zune 30 got a firmware update too!

[danbrunell Posted Jan 26th 2010 9:36AM]

Does anyone have a problem with their Zune 120 where it plays even when its on pause? I hope they fixed that in the new firmware, cause it always kills my battery without me knowing. It has happened on two of my Zune 120s so far, so I doubt it is a hardware related issue.

[MartFarter Posted Jan 26th 2010 11:03AM]

@danbrunell

I had a problem with my 120 and 30 repeating my podcasts after they finished, even though it showed them as paused. This update appears to have fixed that problem.

[Snake Robot Podium Posted Jan 26th 2010 10:07PM]

@danbrunell

That happens to me when I connect it to sync while its playing. When I unplug t it picks up where it left off.

[thiggy1342 Posted Jan 26th 2010 9:50AM]

I think the new software recognizes new video file types like divx. Not sure, but it's adding a whole lot of videos to my library.

[WWolf Posted Jan 26th 2010 12:01PM]

@thiggy1342
yeah I'm seeing some of my older .AVI anime files showing up in the Zune software. Just need some .MKV support and I'll be super happy.

[V Turk Posted Jan 26th 2010 9:53AM]

yeah i have seen somthing new for the zune device. when you hold down the power button it gives you an option to slide the screen saver down to switch off. never noticed that before.

[Omoks Posted Jan 26th 2010 10:39AM]

@V Turk
LOL! It's always been there.

[archkron Posted Jan 26th 2010 9:56AM]

They've tweaked the software slightly... no longer got a 'social' tab here in the UK. I think the search box has been moved slightly?

Quickplay doesn't contain the Smart DJ thing for me anymore either.

[rakeshin Posted Jan 26th 2010 10:20AM]

@archkron
yea.. i think no zune marketplace for us. damn

[LoveHateMachine Posted Jan 26th 2010 10:16AM]

My AVI files are showing up in the video tab within the software. They are also playing.

ZuneScene.com

[LoveHateMachine Posted Jan 26th 2010 10:32AM]

Just synced an AVI video to my 120GB without any issues.

[mgough85 Posted Jan 26th 2010 11:49AM]

@LoveHateMachine
did the software convert it, or did it just flat-out sync it?

[LoveHateMachine Posted Jan 26th 2010 11:55AM]

@mgough85

It converted. To what, i don't know. I'm going to do a reverse sync of the video to see if i can find out. With that said though, it's a plus as before you could not even see the file in the software.

[dooglehead Posted Jan 26th 2010 4:28PM]

@LoveHateMachine
It converts to wmv. If you want proof go to the location in explorer that converts files and change the extension of a video from tmp to wmv and you are able to watch it.

[KeegdnaB Posted Jan 26th 2010 10:31AM]

Software updated, as did my 120. Nothing for my HD yet.

Marketplace and social must still be down because when I try and login it prompts me with a new TOS, but when I click though it gives an error.

[KennyB123 Posted Jan 26th 2010 11:11AM]

@KeegdnaB

In the Zune podcast, they mentioned the Z-HD would NOT be getting a firmware update.

[refiner Posted Jan 26th 2010 11:08AM]

Just upgraded, when I go to sign it I have to accept the terms of service but it's blank. I click "I accept", I get "An error occurred while attempting to accept the new terms of service." blah blah blah "Can't perform the requested action because the website has denied access. Please try again later."

Checked web filter logs...no block. Awesome.

[KennyB123 Posted Jan 26th 2010 11:11AM]

@refiner

Just keep refreshing www.zune.net and you'll know when the Marketplace has been restored.

[rayray1983 Posted Jan 26th 2010 11:16AM]

the only thing new i noticed is a podcasts folder in libraries section of windows 7.

[voodooboy Posted Jan 26th 2010 11:21AM]

Is it just me or does the new Zune software also pickup the Xvid files in my library?!

[LoveHateMachine Posted Jan 26th 2010 11:27AM]

@voodooboy

I mentioned that above, not only does it pick it up but, i am able to sync them to my 120GB.

[voodooboy Posted Jan 26th 2010 11:30AM]

@LoveHateMachine I'm sorry...I just searched for "Xvid" before posting my comment. Anyway, that's a good thing they added.

[dagarcia07 Posted Jan 26th 2010 11:34AM]

My AVI files were added, but when I try to play them either it tells me the coded used is not supported, or it crashes the Zune Software.

[mgough85 Posted Jan 26th 2010 11:47AM]

So for the older gens, does anyone know if the AAC infinite time bug was resolved with the latest firmware update?

Currently I am using the 3.0 firmware because EVERYTHING works with AAC (gapless playback, now that you mention it playback in general).

I don't wanna update if the bug still exists because that means I will have to downgrade again.

[bluemajik Posted Jan 26th 2010 12:13PM]

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=9d25c2a6-cae3-49b0-a474-124fe79628a8

Direct download link mirrored by Microsoft, just in case anyone was having trouble updating through the Zune player while the Zune site is down.

[sberfield Posted Jan 26th 2010 12:28PM]

I really like my Zune, and the PC SW is pretty good. BUT why is it that every single update breaks things? I am runnign 64 bit WIndows 7 with automatic updates turned on. The system is fully current. But the Zune SW update won't install because it says something is out of date and needs updating. But it doesn't say what, and as far as I can tell, everything is up to date. Well, no biggie -- ecept that now I can't log in because it says I have to update my Zune SW. Which I cannot do.

REALLY NICE TESTING GUYS.

[Killer Orca Posted Jan 26th 2010 12:53PM]

@sberfield When you installed the Zune software did you make sure to do so in compatibility mode or some oddly named mode? That's what I had to do to get it working with the Win7 RC. Also try downloading the software straight from the Zune site.

[sberfield Posted Jan 26th 2010 1:08PM]

@Killer Orca
Thanks. It never occurred to me that I would have to run a brand new installer from Microsoft in Vista compatibility mode under their most current OS. Good lord - don't they even bother with compat testing any more?

[Mile Posted Jan 26th 2010 2:38PM]

@sberfield

Running Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit. Update went without a hitch.

[ivo17 Posted Jan 26th 2010 12:45PM]

This is a major update for me. Maybe it was just me, but it took me 5 to 10 sec. to open any page in the MarketPlace before, which made it pretty unusable, and now everything opens in an instant.

[averageguy Posted Jan 26th 2010 1:22PM]

@ivo17
for some reason the opposite is happening to me.....the marketplace was fast before the update and now its loading slow...

[awesometaylor Posted Jan 26th 2010 1:01PM]

I am noticing that album art on my zune 80 loads a little bit faster. Try going to your "album" list where all the covers will line up on the side, on mine its almost instantaneous now.

[averageguy Posted Jan 26th 2010 1:12PM]

zune.net is back up!!!