Zune HD v4.5 firmware now available

It seems a handful in the Twitterverse have already discovered, but in case you're among those not in the know, so to speak, Microsoft has rolled out firmware 4.5 for the Zune HD. To recap, that includes Smart DJ mix, personalized recommendations, Marketplace support for TV, and expanded video codec support, a number of those features you can see in our hands-on piece (video embedded after the break). As usual, the update runs via the Zune desktop software, so plug in and enjoy!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

[SpartanGod Posted Apr 5th 2010 6:13PM]

Stop taking baby steps Microsoft! It wouldn't kill the company if there were more apps and support for a better browser than internet explorer.

[Tristan88888888 Posted Apr 5th 2010 6:28PM]

@amrkvati
no more ipad news?

[StarCaptain170 Posted Apr 5th 2010 6:57PM]

A vry good improvment, but al microsoft needs is to update their marketplace and put some more apps in the marketplace as well the ability to add zune points to ur acount via Zune HD or any other Zune, but good job microsoft great improvment

[Riley Posted Apr 5th 2010 7:07PM]

Damn, now I really have to get one... and this means i will have to get one larger than the 16gb i was planning on

[AloDC Posted Apr 5th 2010 7:26PM]

Now if only Android scrolling and swiping animations were as smooth as my Zune HD's, I would be much happier.

[kainy Posted Apr 5th 2010 8:00PM]

No Ads!!!! YES

It's faster, it's smoother and I love it :) Only I wish a little more options for the background :X

[Ninjilla Posted Apr 5th 2010 8:32PM]

I cant believe the Apps part of the zune is STILL as bare as it is, that's one of the biggest things iTouch has over Zune.

[KeegdnaB Posted Apr 5th 2010 8:52PM]

@Ninjilla try only thing it has over it

Also, they didn't want want to fragment their app markets between zune and winmo so they kept zune 1st-party only. WP7 will change that and the next gen Zunes will have all the apps the phones do. The current gen ones probably won't get full support but I can't imagine them not giving any significant update.

[Berg Posted Apr 5th 2010 8:59PM]

Nice, mine just shipped today.
Won't get to enjoy all the features up here in Canada, but it's a sexy device none the less.

[dimithra Posted Apr 5th 2010 9:22PM]

@Why should I have all the fun

calm down Sanders

[unseen Posted Apr 5th 2010 9:23PM]

@Ike Turner Would have preffered them adding FLAC... but xvid is sweet too

[TCrimson05 Posted Apr 5th 2010 9:36PM]

commencing update.....

.avi in 3....2.....1.....!

[sfernald Posted Apr 5th 2010 10:42PM]

@Ike Turner

Why is this news item being posted on this ipad dedicated site anyway?

[Moonshadow101 Posted Apr 5th 2010 11:42PM]

Okay, so, let's clear this up... you had the opportunity to ask questions, and you didn't ask about the fate of the "pure" Zune platform given it's obvious obsolescence in the face of WP7, not about future hardware updates, not about ANYTHING that could possibly yield information relevant to actual users of the device.

You asked the two questions that you already knew the answers to.

Interesting.

[jimv1983 Posted Apr 6th 2010 2:51AM]

@Moonshadow101 I hope they don't get rid of the Zune only devices in favor of WP7. I have a Zune 30 and plan on getting a Zune HD when the 64GB comes out. I, however, have no interest in getting a Windows Phone 7 phone. Android is much better than WP7.

[Serpestrilvith Posted Apr 6th 2010 1:41AM]

@Ike Turner
not really no, slate coming, I just ordered a zune HD, it just got new software, microsoft. apple... you get the idea...