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Microsoft Preps Third Zune Update

By BetaNews Staff, BetaNews

March 1, 2007, 11:51 AM

Microsoft disclosed Thursday that it planned to release an update to the firmware of its Zune music player in mid-March, remedying several issues that users of the device were experiencing. Still missing is direct video download support or support for podcasting; Microsoft has so far declined to give any guidance on a timeframe for that functionality.

Included in March's patch would be a fix for a skipping issue some were experiencing with content purchased from the Zune marketplace; improved device and software reliability, which Microsoft says would offer better device detection and improved syncing; and changes to the FM tuner to prevent it from draining the battery during sleep mode. According to Zune team member Cesar Menedez, Microsoft hopes to have the update out by March 20.

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By hollovoid7

edited Mar 4, 2007 - 3:11 AM

skipping on zune? never had it happen. on 1st firmware update and everything always works, even some of the 3-4 hour mp3's I have play flawlessly and it remembers its spot in the song, unlike some creative labs mp3 players I suffered through.

Score: 0

By slatercg

posted Mar 3, 2007 - 8:28 AM

Makes you wonder about Microsoft's commitment to this product with so much functionality missing and the myriad of unfixed issues. Seems that this may be another of their hardware products that fades away into oblivion, because at its base the Vole is a software company and hardware is just not their thing. Welcome to failure 3.0!!!

Score: 0

By Hollywood__

posted Mar 3, 2007 - 3:23 AM

Sansa, $79 with a color LCD screen, 2 GB expandable and sounds better than my iPod.

Score: 0

By ds0934

posted Mar 2, 2007 - 12:16 PM

So, this would be Failure 3.0?

Score: 0

By Hollywood__

posted Mar 1, 2007 - 4:08 PM

I commented on the skipping from Zune store songs a few months ago and the Zune fanboys went nuts.

Now there is an update to fix it, but i guess it never happened in the first place.