Microsoft has released a firmware update for the Zune HD. Firmware update 4.3 is available by selecting “Player Update” on your Zune (if you are within a WiFi area) or by downloading via Zune on your desktop.
There are a host of improvements including “support for upcoming 3D games and applications, as well as auto-suggest feature for better text input”. We’ve updated to 4.3 here at everythingzune. How’s it working for you?
Join us as we break open the Zune HD and offer up a few quick size comparisons to a 3G iPod Video and the iPhone 3GS. We’ve loaded up Zune 4.0 software and will take the Zune HD through the paces. Stay tuned for our review.
One of the features found on Zune players was the ability to share music wirelessly up to 3 Zune devices. Microsoft’s CEO Steve Ballmer dubbed it “squirting”. Poor terminology and evidently not a popular feature as the company has decided to abandon the proximity sharing feature. Among the new features, Microsoft confirmed the new Zune HD will feature apps and 3D gaming.
The company has promised both Twitter and Facebook apps will be released by the end of this year. Surprisingly, the company is not launching a third party app store to compete with Apple’s App Store, at least not at this time. Microsoft is focused on bringing a small selection of apps to the Zune HD. The company will either develop them in house or work closely with the developers. On the gaming front, expect to see Project Gotham Racing and Audiosurf Tilt among others.
[via TechFlash]
As we noted, Zune services have been taken offline as Microsoft prepares for the launch of Zune 4.0 software, improved Zune marketplace and services and of course the Zune HD. No word on when they’ll be back online, but we’re guessing midnight.
Of course, expect heavy action tomorrow with everyone downloading the new Zune 4.0 software and the release of the Zune HD.
It appears the customer service reps at Fort Meyers Best Buy are a little anxious when it comes to sales of the Zune HD. The official release date is September 15th, but that didn’t stop one customer who was able to score a Zune HD this weekend. Of course, the Zune HD requires Zune 4.0 software which is not out until later tonight or when Microsoft finishes polishing up all the new services.
We’re still awaiting the first review to surface, which one would guess would be sometime early today. In any event, good on you Fort Meyers Best Buy customer.
[via Engadget]
Dell Home is offering 15% off the Zune HD, available in both 16GB and 32GB models. It appears that shipping on the 16GB model is delayed until November. If you happen to have a Dell preferred account, you can get an additional 3% savings. The offers include free ground shipping, but do not expect to get your Zune HD on September 15th unless you add overnight shipping and even that could mean a September 16th delivery. Still, the savings is there if you can wait a few days.
To gain the extra 3% off using a Dell Preferred Account, follow these steps:
via Slickdeals
Microsoft has said there will be games available for the Zune HD, but we still don’t know the extent to how developed the games will be for the new Zune. Apple’s recent event introduced new processing power to their iPod touch line and more importantly positioned the device as “the portable gaming device”. Up until now, Microsoft hasn’t provided any demo’s of potential games, but a promotional video at Buy.com provides us with some insight. Midway through the video, there is a clip that shows a 3D racing game as the narrator proclaims you can “play games”.
With a Tegra-powered process and OLED screen, you didn’t think they were going to usher out Pong, did you? As we know, Zune services will be taken offline Monday at 11:00 PST in advance of the release of the Zune HD, Zune 4.0 software and the improved Zune Marketplace. So, what games will we see on Tuesday?
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Exciting week upcoming with the release of Zune HD on Tuesday, September 15th. This day will also mark the release of Zune 4.0 software and zune.net updates. Microsoft informs us that Zune Marketplace, Zune.net and Zune Social will be taken offline around 11:oo PDT.
Tuesday will bring new services, new software and the Zune HD. While you’re waiting, it’s likely we’ll start to see reviews from the major tech outlets. Of course, you can also sign up for our Zune HD forums and discuss the release.
[via Zune Insider]
In what can be described as bizarre, Microsoft has confirmed that the Zune HD will not be sold anywhere outside of the US. Our friends up to the north are even excluded from the Zune HD. We’re sure that some make their way over the border via eBay. So, why the US only distribution? ArsTechnica received the dirt directly from Microsoft.
“For the time being the Zune HD device will remain US-only,” a Microsoft spokesperson told Ars. “Right now we are focused on deploying an exciting service in the form of Zune Video to 18 markets. We are looking at potential future hardware experiences for these markets, but do not have anything to announce right now.”
Some speculate this is Microsoft testing the landscape before releasing in other markets. If the reviews are positive next week, don’t be surprised if this plan changes and fast. This is not a cellphone, therefore not tied to carrier based restrictions or exclusivity. If Microsoft wants to sell the Zune HD overseas on in Canada, nothing is holding them back.
via Ars Technica
When the Zune software gets updated from 4.0, the Zune marketplace will offer HD movies. You will have the capability to download HD movies for playing on either the Zune HD or your PC. No word yet on what companies will be offering movies. We’re guessing Pixar will not be on the list.
