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]

[sracer Posted Jan 26th 2010 1:19PM]

Not only did the 4.2 update automatically add the Win 7 Libraries to the monitored folder lists, but it automatically added the monitored folders to the Win 7 libraries! What makes it worse is that they're so mysterious and secretive about what this forced update contains.

Microsoft is really testing my patience.

[Aaron CT Posted Jan 26th 2010 2:23PM]

@sracer

I don't understand how this is at all bad? I could be missing something, though...

[smartrthanu Posted Jan 26th 2010 2:08PM]

Either my computer fixed itself or they fixed USB/Synching issues. My HD's would ALWAYS hang when synching via USB, now it doesn't and it synchs much faster. Maybe a USB driver update.

[grayfox905 Posted Jan 26th 2010 2:14PM]

Can't believe none noticed this... Native AVI n XVID support on the software... still have to convert to get it onto the ZHD but its a start, no...?

[turdbogls Posted Jan 26th 2010 2:34PM]

@grayfox905
it was noticed already...i am still having issues getting my Xvid/AVI file to load into the software. making me angry

[Snake Robot Podium Posted Jan 26th 2010 10:11PM]

@grayfox905

Maybe they just didn't want to admit to having AVIs that may or may not be legal.

[BrownSound Posted Jan 26th 2010 4:21PM]

I was really hoping for much more but besides smart DJ i cant really see any difference

[lwallenstein Posted Jan 26th 2010 5:38PM]

I don't know if this is related, but I am noticing a lot of the music I used to listen to is no longer available... some missing just certain albums and some missing entire artists :(

[josephst18 Posted Jan 26th 2010 5:51PM]

I noticed a few minor things, like now downloads show up in both the collection and marketplace tabs, and the Windows 7 version now uses libraries to manage music, instead of asking you what folders to watch.

[twy911 Posted Jan 26th 2010 6:40PM]

well just tested it i just sow 2 changes iam using windows 7 so i found in my Library a new icon called Podcast & second change: they change the pink color of the play list to black that's all what i saw

[incogneo Posted Jan 26th 2010 7:03PM]

I've been trying to update all day and I get this message

System updates required

Zune software installation can't continue until you've installed one or more required updates.

Version 3.1 of Windows Installer is required to run this program.

http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=101231

I go to the site and it doesnt explain anything. HELP PLEASE!!

[Snake Robot Podium Posted Jan 26th 2010 10:09PM]

@incogneo

I'm getting this too. Apparently we have to update windows update first, but I'm not sure how since running Windows Update doesn't show I have any pending updates (although it says the Zune update is an optional one.

I'm still running the Windows 7 RC. Maybe that has something to do with it?

[incogneo Posted Jan 26th 2010 10:11PM]

@Snake Robot Podium Yea the same thing for me. I'm running RC1

[qwertykeys Posted Jan 26th 2010 7:52PM]

Yeah they allow you to put AVI on the zune softeware, and when you sync it to your zune it converts to MP4. Just put Ventures Bros. on my 120GB. :)

Thats whats new.

[incogneo Posted Jan 26th 2010 10:15PM]

@Snake Robot Podium Yea it's pissing me off. I'm downloading all the language packs since it's the only thing I never updated. If I gotta wait til I can buy Windows 7 I loose all respect for Microsoft and I will go back to the iPod.

[veer01 Posted Jan 26th 2010 11:04PM]

Well, i installed it and some good things and some bad things. I'm from the Caribbean so 100% of the Zune services are not available here anymore. I no longer have access to the smart DJ feature which was pretty nice if u ask me. The "sign in" button is gone which makes sense, since Zune 4.0 i can't sign into my Zune account because i'm from the Caribbean.

There is finally a user folder dedicated to podcasts and a library as well. The software is a bit faster and there is a menu entry to monitor presently downloading podcasts, such as the fabulous Engadget Podcast.

[modog Posted Jan 26th 2010 11:07PM]

MARKETPLACE IS SOOOO MUCH FASTER!!! I don't know if anyone else was experiencing painfully long loading times for marketplace content... but I have been for a long time. I've owned 2 zunes. 80gb and zhd32gb. Had the software installed since the 80gb obviously. I run Vista Ultimate 64 (and it runs just fine thank you) and marketplace content has always been super slow to load, even with previous updates. Like if I wanted to check out some new podcasts or search for a song, that was a 2 minute investment per click. Now it's instant. Weird.

[ivo17 Posted Jan 27th 2010 12:18AM]

@modog That's exactly what I found, too. Marketplace is much faster now. For a moment I was worried that this was happening only to me, but I am glad to see that somebody else had the same issue.

[Jake Root Posted Jan 26th 2010 11:49PM]

If it makes people feel better, Windows 7 told me it failed. Pretty much just straight up "Download Failed". Can't figure out why.

[Nehebkau Posted Jan 28th 2010 3:22PM]

I think it added new languages! I live in Switzerland, and since the update the Zune Software suddendly is in german!

Maybe M$ is getting ready to release the Zune in europe`?

[TheSunman89 Posted Feb 15th 2010 7:21PM]

wait???? 4.2 if newer than 4.3?????????????