CrunchGear

Now if only they can make a firmware to change the color of it. ;-)

Amit

I don’t have one, but it’s good to see that issues are being fixed. Of course, it would be better if those issues weren’t there in the first place, but that’s asking a bit much. XD

It’s a good sign to see this update, a scant month from the Nov 14 Zune release.
It’s the kind of attention Zune needs, to resolve early troubleshooting problems and to start bringing in enhanced features.
Bring ‘em on!

Harvey
http://www.zunerama.com

I was hoping Zune would release an update that would make Windows run smoother.

(after downloading firmware update)

“DECEPTACON ACTIVATE!”

Nope, that didn’t do it… oh well, you can’t say I didn’t try to have it automatically transform into something that looked better then what comes out of me every morning after breakfast. Lets see if this update makes it compatible with the Vista beta floating around… otherwise, expect another one soon - maybe that one will active into a vacuum cleaner to suck up whatever hope we have in Microsoft actually releasing a stable version of their software ;-)

Jon
ps: one prize per url right? hahahha
I kept the same e-mail for easy tracking btw so no worries.

I don’t have a Zune myself, so I can’t really bash on it too much. Overall though, I like how often microsoft sends out their updates. I wish they didn’t have to, but at least they try to resolve issues. Unfortunately its way too many security holes that they end up patching up. Even though it annoys me to no end when I go home and my computer has nothing on its screen except a little bubble on the bottom that says all updates have been installed and my computer has be rebooted. I am sure there is an option to stop that but I don’t want to go searching for it. I can just imagine how many ims from “Stacy@#%252532 : Click here for my webcam” I must have missed. Sigh =)

Are you guys even trying to post news on your inane blog, or are you just reading dry technical press releases and pretending they kick ass. Zune seriously just came out, and it’s by Microsoft. It’s not super-mindblowing that they released the 1.2 version of the firmware. My suggestion? Stick to insightful or interesting things.

The wierd thing is how mum the Zune team has been about expanding the wifi capabilities. I’m no developer, but it doesn’t seem like a tremendous leap from zune-zune transfer to zune-pc transfer.
BTW, am I the only person who’d pick up a zune in a heartbeat if it included a handy little open wifi finder? It would go from being a dorky iPod wannabe to something that could actually help you out as you navigate city streets
… and on that tangent, can you imagine integration with Live Maps? Wow, maybe there’s more potential to this device then I originally though

“That Canadian”… most people have computers that are a few years old and the technical requirements for wifi capabilities vary by manufacturer and model… ever wonder why Apple stuff “just works”, it’s because they control both the hardware (their computers) and the software (OS). Microsoft only controls the OS and the endless list of hardware incompatibilities and bugs are the result. Besides, when was the last time you saw a cheap PC (what most people buy) actually come with built-in wifi?

Time for bed, was a fun day… more tomorrow.

Jon

Pathetic.

Zune is barfingly bad.

Anyone who actually shows up in public with one deserves to be ridiculed and thrown from the train.

ZJS

Actually I don’t think the hardware issues would be a big hurdle because you basically creating a wifi sniffer. You can already add a wifi sniffer to your DS. (http://www.engadget.com/2006/01/22/wifi-sniffer-turns-your-ds-into-a-wardriving-tool/)
Leaching onto the available wireless networks would seriously give the zune a much needed edge up. Imagine the possibilites:
1) Maps!
2) Basic Email?
3) Music Downloads which continue if you lose service. Think about the money making capabilities for MS.
4) Targetted Advertisements for using these awesome services.
5) Market Domination.

Zune 2.0

There are tons of devices which currently utilize Wifi networks. PDAs are one. Its actually really simple to set up. For the most part they “just work” too.

Amit

Jon, not sure if I misunderstood your comment, but I think Microsoft did create the hardware for this. For a rather long time, their strategy in the digital music industry was to get other hardware manufacturers, like Creative, to support their DRM-wma. Then they realised that was a losing battle, and took to creating their own music player … I don’t think it’s much better than a Zen for example, but at least it has better recognition centered around the Microsoft brand.

Anyone find it suspicious that an update with unknown capabilities is released right after someone cracks the wifi capabilities and DRM?

Adam: Very much so, but that’s how “fixes” get fixed, y’know what I mean?

Paul: I don’t post the news, but if you - as a writer - neglect the new and upcoming products as a blog themed upon *those* very products, do you think that people would want to read your blog? It’s not like we expect CrunchGear to make a post about every miniscule update to the Zune, but admit it, people want to know if it’s going to work…or crash and burn like most want it to.

Paul:
I think its a worthy article, especially with the flaming that the Zune has received (I personally having been guilty of it). It’s worthy to know what the response time from Microsoft is in trying to support their product and any innovative improvements which would sway a consumer’s opinion of the product. I think CrunchGear sticks to it’s mission of covering hardware and gadgets by posting this article.

Yet still, I wouldn’t buy the Zune until it looked nicer or unlocked the wifi capabilities for more features.

Amit

I’m installing my firmware update now; I was hoping (like many others) the update would be a little more dynamic than it appears to be. However, I do look forward to an increase in load times.

A step in the right direction but still a long, long way to go!

Best wishes,
Kimmy

Hey Zune (the person not the player),

You might be interested in this article on bypassing the DRM. Maybe you can send bigger files and such too.

http://sealy.gizmodo.com/gadgets/portable-media/how-to-bypass-the-zunes-wifi-sharing-drm-217042.php

How do you like the Zune so far?

Enjoy,
Amit

Hi Amit (thanks a bunch for the link w00t!), I like to Zune but I think it has so much more potential than what we’ve seen come to fruition so far.

I really can’t remember when or if I have ever seen a new technology product with this much bad press and even though I’m a typically a skeptic (even though I started a blog about Zune) I sort of feel sorry for the poor little Zune. It’s a solid player but you would never know that by the revulsion bloggers etc. seem to have for Redmond’s PMD.

BTW, According to Cesar Menendez (Zune Insider) this update will now make Zune compatible with Windows Vista. Link: http://zuneinsider.com/archive/2006/12/19/zune-compatible-with-vista-today.aspx

Best wishes,
Kimmy

@kimmy
where is your Zune blog so that we can all gain more insights?

The leading edge of Crunch was the initial road test attempting to find other Zunes along busy city routes. Any chance of a redo on that to see if adoption is picking up?

Also, on your beloved Treo…are you moving to the 680? what types of add-ons did you find most relevant…and why can’t the Treo get a decent camera?? It’s the only platform around that regresses as it brings out new models. (TWICE! first regressing from PalmOS to MobileWindows and then the camera) Please, please help keep it alive!!