Microsoft Preps Third Zune Update

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.