Posted by: kurtsh | April 7, 2007

DOWNLOAD: Zune Firmware Update 1.3 now available for Zune users

If you haven’t docked your Zune in a while, you may have not noticed that there’s a firmware update available (1.3) that fixes some important things in the Zune.

(By the way, it’s kinda strange but I have to admit, much like my Windows Mobile phone, because of the wireless capability, I’ve found that I really haven’t needed to dock/sync my Zune much at all so I would fall in to that catagory of folks that haven’t connected their Zune to their PCs in a while.  I loaded it up with all my important AFI, Breaking Benjamin, Linkin Park, and other CDs and… well… everything else has been content that’s been sent to me from other Zunes.)

There’s a nice article on Zune Insider which by the way is definitely one of the Zune sites that you should be subscribing to via RSS.  Zune Scene is pretty good too.

In any case, here’s what the improvements are between Zune Firmware 1.2 & 1.3.

  • We’re fixing the skipping problem that some users were experiencing – that is, content acquired from Zune Marketplace will no longer skip when played on the device.
  • Improved device and software reliability, when it comes to device detection, and improved sync’ing.
  • We’ve made some changes to the FM Tuner so it no longer drains the battery when in sleep mode.

    • There’s also an interesting article from Zune Insider from the Release Manager of the Zune Firmware, and in particular, v1.3.  He talks about how Zune version 1 is just the beginning of long strange trip of Zune and how there’s plenty of functional updates – as in new features – coming for Zune during this generation.  The software will get updated and just like Xbox’s software, will gain new capabilities as it evolves.

    Most importantly he makes a point of identifying and highlighting the wireless adapter on the Zune as a centerpiece for these software updates.  This is a VERY important notation because there are so many things that the wireless adapter can provide the Zune:

    1. Zune-to-PC wireless sync
    2. Zune-to-Internet Wifi connectivity to the Zune Marketplace
    3. Zune-to-laptop music sharing
    4. Zune broadcasting of music to other wirelessly accessible Zune players
    5. Zune-to-Xbox360 wireless playback of audio (through Xbox 360’s sound system)
    6. Zune-to-Xbox360 wireless playback of video (through Xbox 360’s TV)
    7. Zune-to-Xbox360 file sharing
    8. Zune connectivity with other devices using wireless access points
    9. Zune video projection over wirelessly connected projectors

    There’s a TON of possibilities.  It’s just a question of time.

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