Zune HD v4.5 firmware 'coming soon,' adds SmartDJ, new codecs, and Marketplace access via AV dock (update: video!)

We know you've been waiting at the edge of your seat for that added codec support and SmartDJ for Zune HD, patient ever since its CES unveiling, and now we're here to assure you that it's coming with the next firmware update, version 4.5. We had a chance to preview both SmartDJ and Marketplace access via the AV dock connection this afternoon (video coming soon) -- the former being very smooth and easy-to-use, the latter being convenient except for having to input text using the simple remote and an on-screen keyboard. According to Marketing Manager Michael Yaeger, there's nothing in the cards right now for a new, more text input-friendly remote. While we had his attention, we also asked him about Mac support and international Zune HD releases -- neither of which he could answer definitively, but it doesn't sound hopeful in the near future. As for release date, we couldn't get anything more specific than within the next few weeks, but at least it's next on the docket. Press release after the break; so with that out of the way, how about some answers on that 64GB model, eh Microsoft?

Update: Now with a video demonstration, after the break.

Zune HD v4.5 firmware: SmartDJ and Marketplace access via AV dock

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It's been an exciting few months for Zune. We launched the Zune HD device last September which has been receiving press and consumer praise for its OLED screen, HD Radio, HD video out and key music discovery features, which become even more powerful with a Zune Pass subscription. We also expanded the Zune service to additional platforms. We brought Zune video to Xbox LIVE in November, giving consumers access to instant on 1080p HD with 5.1 surround sound and the ability to buy content once and play it on the TV through Xbox LIVE, on the PC through the Zune software and on the go on a Zune device. We also announced last month that Zune will be an integrated feature on Windows Phone 7 Series and we're looking forward to sharing more details about the Zune experience on Windows Phones in the coming weeks and months.

Earlier this year, we also shared that we'll be introducing a Zune HD firmware update this spring. We're excited to be bringing even more features and functionality to Zune users through this update, and wanted to share some additional details around what will be introduced.

- Smart DJ on Zune HD: Zune has always been committed to helping people discover new music. We added "Smart DJ" to the Zune software last fall and now we're bringing this popular music discovery feature to the Zune HD device. Smart DJ on Zune HD will let you create an instant playlist mix whenever the inspiration strikes direct from your device. Just choose a song or artist from your collection or from the Zune Marketplace catalog and press the Smart DJ icon to build a new mix based on your selection. If you have a Zune Pass music subscription it will pull music from your existing collection and the Zune Marketplace catalog to create the mix. If you don't have a Zune Pass subscription you can still use Smart DJ to build a playlist from the collection on your device.

- Picks on Zune HD: Picks is another popular music recommendation feature in the Zune software which we're extending to the Zune HD device. The Picks algorithm analyzes what you listen to and compares that to millions of other Zune users to make personalized recommendations. With this update, you'll be able to access these automatic recommendations directly on the Zune HD device as well as on your PC.

- Browse and Stream Music from Zune Marketplace on your TV: Using the Zune HD A/V dock, you can connect your Zune HD to your TV to play your favorite videos and music from your device on the big screen. With this software update, you'll also be able to browse and stream music from Zune Marketplace directly on your TV to find and listen to your favorite music from the comfort of your couch. You can browse New Releases, check out recommendations from your Picks page, search for a specific song or artist, or even create a new Smart DJ playlist on your big screen – a great way to make an instant soundtrack for your next party.

- Expanded Video Codec Support: With expanded support to include MPEG-4 Part 2 Advanced Simple Profile (ASP), which includes Xvid and AVI support, you'll be able to immediately enjoy a broader range of video content natively on Zune HD – no transcoding required.

The update will be offered as a free download in the next few weeks, and we'll be sure to let you know when it's available. In the meantime, we wanted to share an image of the Smart DJ feature on the Zune HD device which is attached here; All a user needs to do is press the Smart DJ icon on the far right of the screen to build a new mix based on their favorite music.

[bebop Posted Mar 29th 2010 10:50PM]

@Leroysboy

Fair question, and I only bought one because I read about it on engadget. :/ That and I refuse to get anything Apple. !

I think the Zune project is very much a development project for Microsoft. Something they used to field test ideas, rather than a purely money making endeavor.

[Andurilan Posted Mar 29th 2010 8:16PM]

"Is this the Motherboy convention?"
"No, you're thinking of the band Motherboy."

Narrator: Motherboy was a hair band from the 80's who used to rock pretty hard. Not too be confused with the Motherboy dance. We are legally required to make the distinction.

[jaxim Posted Mar 29th 2010 8:22PM]

I'd just be happy if they supported all the video variations that Windows Media Center records to (specifcally the format that uses the AC3 audio). See http://darkzune.com/zune-news/media-center-dvr-support-zune-851/

[The Prince Posted Mar 29th 2010 8:26PM]

more codecs is always good news but what I am interested in is seeing when I can get one up here in the cold north that is Canada.

[BrownSound Posted Mar 29th 2010 8:42PM]

Theres still only about 10 apps for the zune HD. I feel stupid for buying the zune HD.

[Quikboy Posted Mar 29th 2010 9:59PM]

@BrownSound :

Well I can't help but agree you are kinda stupid if you bought the Zune HD just to play with apps, instead of the awesome media experience it offers. Is it that hard to research? Though more apps would be nice, I think its pretty much overrated when I can just go onto my computer and get the whole experience.

Oh, and to be more technical, I counted 18 official apps, so it's about 20 if you rounded.

[cool8man Posted Mar 29th 2010 10:33PM]

@BrownSound

Get a Zune Pass and you will feel a lot less stupid.

[BrownSound Posted Mar 30th 2010 1:44AM]

@cool8man

I had an subscription for last two years with zune pass. Maybe even before Zune HD came out. I also have the last gen zune 80gb ver. I think I know what I'm talking about seeing that it's my opinion. How about we don't toss around insulting comments in a crazed attempt to appear funny to others.

[winbsodos Posted Mar 29th 2010 8:56PM]

What's a Zune?

[Quikboy Posted Mar 29th 2010 10:02PM]

@winbsodos : It's a portable media player that pretty much outdoes the current iPod Touch in almost every way, except the number of quality apps, a few technical areas, and ecosystem adoption. But it's still a pretty solid media player, that I think many would love if they knew of its existence and were able to buy it.

[CupertinoSweat Posted Mar 29th 2010 9:40PM]

they still make zunes?

[tdogdfw Posted Mar 29th 2010 10:08PM]

@CupertinoSweat Yea, with a name like CupertinoSweat, why don't you go back to chowing on your Apple... Troll.

[TareG Posted Mar 29th 2010 10:03PM]

In the video, the Tegra (with the old-gen CPU) seems a whole lot faster and smoother than any WP7S demo I've seen so far.

[tdogdfw Posted Mar 29th 2010 10:10PM]

@TareG That's because the WP7S is using BETA software... it will run much better by the time it releases.

[amnya Posted Mar 30th 2010 4:26AM]

To think about it, the WindowsMobile7 has been announced a couple of weeks back and we've seen many new programs out there to support it once its out there. Why is the ZuneHD that much abandoned from Microsoft, they've added ONLY the SmartDJ? Seriously? Why would people be interested in getting the ZuneHD, if within the end of the year there will be a ZuneHD Phone which supports many more programs?
Unless Microsoft starts working on expanding the features and programs of the ZuneHD, i think they wont be able to sell much of it.

I own a ZuneHD, and i love it, but it hurts feeling abandoned with no new apps or games for such a powerful device.

Cheers :)

[weesals Posted Mar 30th 2010 8:09AM]

@amnya Zunes only like $200 and we dont have to wait ages for it to come out, if Microsoft released it in my country i'd grab one, and a Zune Pass :)

[amnya Posted Mar 30th 2010 8:57AM]

@weesals I didn't understand what you mean, yeah the i got the ZuneHD for like $280 this christmas, what am saying is, since that day till now, only the twitter and a facebook app have come up to add its apps. Thats very few, MS is not pushing enough to encorage devs to do programs and games for the ZuneHD, they are concentrating on the ZunePhone/WM7. That really sucks. This is what i meant :) And yeah, the ZuneHD is one hell of a nice mp3 player.

[TheSunman89 Posted Mar 30th 2010 10:41AM]

@amnya Well your talking about apps and that's not the main point of the Zune HD. The Zune HD wants to be a MP3 player and it is. The iPod Touch is not just an MP3 player it is almost everything, so I can totally see Microsoft not release some apps for a while. Although I can argree with you on one thing, WP7S is going to get more Xbox intergration and more apps, although I wouldn't count on the Xbox intergration Microsoft might release an app store that can be supported for WP7S and the Zune HD. (You might be thinking well you said "so I can totally see Microsoft not release some apps for a while" and now your saying it can, what I meant was only microsoft isn't going to release apps for a while, but they can make WP7S and the Zune HD have the same app store. I am thinking the Zune HD will get an update during August, and WP7S will follow during the "Holiday Season" as told by Steve Ballmer.

[amnya Posted Mar 30th 2010 5:25PM]

@TheSunman89 Yeah, i agree as well, its an MP3 player and its one hell of a great one, specially when they add the smart DJ into it. I also agree that it would be great and fair if they make the marketlpace of wm7 shared for the zuneHD as well, i mean, it has wifi, gr8 screen, fast processor and gpu. so simply make the apps available for both the zuneHD and wm7 devices. At least there we wont feel left out.

I don't like the iPhone or iTouch ever since they were released, but to come and compare the iTouch with the ZuneHD, the ZuneHd lacks the applications big time, and i think it will stay like that forever, it wont harm for MS to share the marketplace for both devices, at least we'll feel that they threw us a bone once and a while :)

Cheers :) Looking forward for the new firmware :)

Cheers :D

[unseen Posted Mar 30th 2010 4:44AM]

FLAC!!! I hate encoding to wma lossless + its not as efficient on space.

[Tristan88888888 Posted Mar 30th 2010 7:23AM]

this is good to see. avi support is going to be awesome. no more converting. i might try out smart dj but i just like shuffling all of my music as its all pretty much the same genre. i do like picks on the marketplace though so thats neat to see. now, get this update out as soon as possible.

[SoundMix Posted Mar 30th 2010 7:32AM]

64gb is still way too small to replace my 120. Keep trying Zune. Still waiting for DRM compatability with WMC.

[55thjam Posted Mar 30th 2010 9:16AM]

hey one more thing people!!!!!!! is their gonna be more apps coming out with the update??? I'm not an app fanatic.. but still more app could do better yah??

[bebop Posted Mar 30th 2010 10:25AM]

@55thjam

Ja!

[GSOgymrat Posted Mar 30th 2010 10:32AM]

I'm glad they are integrating Smart DJ into the player. I'm really hoping that at least one of the Windows 7 phones coming out will be a "Zune Phone" with Zune Pass and 64 gb of memory. I love my Zune but having one less device to carry around would be nice.

[dkhang Posted Mar 30th 2010 2:48PM]

@sinai i love the zune, but the removed the Stars rating. so i stop using, since it's hard to create auto playlist the way i want it. i'm a ipod user just because:
- no star rating
- unicode support
- auto play list (how nice itunes works)
- basic wireless support
- apps

[Bipolarbear Posted Mar 30th 2010 4:15PM]

@dkhang

-SmartDj is an auto-playlist, the difference is that if connected via wifi you can actually listen to music that isn't currently on the device, thus discovering new songs and artists. If offline smartDj will create it's own playlists.

-There is wireless support...

-There is also unicode support

-18 official apps, lack of app support is the only reasonable reason you have stated.

I'm not trying to preach, but you sound misinformed

[silentcygnus Posted Mar 30th 2010 6:55PM]

I know this is as old as the hills but, dammit MS! Release this to international markets! Can't get songs off the marketplace, can't buy an HD... I might actually have to use my itunes gift cards...