~sigh~

another featureless/fix-what-should-have-worked-in-the-first-place update.

Usually MS keeps me a happy person, but I do have to say. Zune is not cutting the mustard.

This Christmas I will have to purchase an iPod. I do not have the money to invest in a substandard/featureless "Beta" product, that will be forgotten about when the next version is released.

  "Fool me once shame on you..."

Cavan

is that the only improvement in the new firmware? I'm still crossing my fingers for a unicode update soon.

though i do appreciate these updates nonetheless =)

Hey, beggars can't be choosers -- but, shuffle? That's it? How about gapless playback, too?

That said, I am happy to get this morsel.

WTF!!! No!!!...who cares ?

Do you want me to brick my Zune knowing that I'm not on the USA for this lame bug fixing on a feature that nobody use since it eats the battery like no one businness?..

I will pass unless something more functional is FIXED OR ADDED. Period.

sorry for the doublepost..but this fix doesnt deserve a .1 incremental upgrade. this should be 1.3.1. Nothing more.

Haha, I was griping about this to myself the other night as the "shuffle" was terrible, I found the album shuffle works best. This update still has me going, meh.

Zune 1.4 firmware is coming out today . It'll make shuffle better. I didn't know shuffle was

I do wish there were some features added, but the non-random shuffle is an issue I've come across a lot. While it's not a big update, if 1.4 works, it will improve my experience.

<Bangs head on Zune.>(at least its somewhat durable)

Shuffle!?!  That's it?  I hope this release isn't a sign of some kind of appeasement to the community while we get to wait many more months for something signifigant.

It sure would be nice to see some of that content from XBox Marketplace on Zune Marketplace before my Zune turns 2.   At least I don't have to worry about shuffling any video!

Here is a newsflash, Itunes is starting to sell DRM Free music!  They will probably have video that will work on my Zune before the Marketplace team pulls it off.

Yes...I am a little cranky today....and no this news did not help.

I have trouble believing the only changes that went into this update were improving the shuffle feature.  You're saying no bug fixes?  No other feature changes/additions?  If this is really all that went into the update I have to say that was a long wait for nothing, if there is more to it (as I suspect) then why not include it in the announcement so people know things are getting done over there?

The Zune Team should be put on "shuffle mode". Some pieces aren't flowing with the rest of the pieces on the Zune collection quite well...

lame update. Period.

It would be nice if they would start adding some features.  At the very least they should be taking off the wifi restrictions since the released sansa unit offers open wifi usage.

Ive been eyeing up the Nokia n800 and comparing it to my zune, i really like the wifi feature with the nokia and it will do everything the zune does and more i know its alot more in cost, but what shall i do?

NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! I was so excited when I saw "Firmware Update 1.4" and then so crushed when I saw what it was. The zune has so much unused potential and I can only hope that the zune team will start unleashing it soon.

Maybe it's just my computer or something but i'm having trouble getting this update. For some reason even when i check using the software and right click on my zune it tells me that my zune is up to date. Is anyone else having this problem.

Agreed..lame

I know there will be many people who are disappointed with this update, but it is a substantial update.

This is one thing I have noticed in many mp3 players, the lack of a real shuffle. They may have six or seven playlists that they go back to every shuffle, which takes away from the "random" experience.

Though it may not seem like a big deal to some people, this update does give the Zune an advantage over other players, including the iPod.

Yes, I too hope for that "big update" with _____ feature, but I know that it takes time. You all are probably working very hard towards those goals, but there are still many little things that need to be addressed as well. Keep up the good work, all of us expect great things from you in the future.

Wouldn't it be great though if this update was just to throw us off and they did actually release the big update tomorrow or something. (Trying desperately to hang onto some small glimmer of hope)

I have to say this. Even though alot of your team members are form the xbox divison, i feel like you left behind the one most important thing that could have been taught from that department. Give the users what they need.

Now i am not saying that the zune is a piece of crap. no far from it . i bought 2 zunes one for me and one for my girl friend and even though the device holds lots of promise, each firmware update just keeps making me more depressed.  right now all i have in my hands is a hopeful product. to the zune team. When can i finally see the Zune and i mean a real product not a " beta product" ( as one timedrifter said).

with every featureless update i use the zune less and less. if you had a way to figure out the usage of zune's i think your team will see that there is a real problem.

For crying out loud just give us a feature packed firmware not a patch fix.

A firmware update is a firmware update.

This means they are continuously improving existing features while creating new features.

Even think it might be a bit easier to fix the shuffle code vs. creating an entirely new feature? Yeah, it takes time, have some patience people.

Biggy C: Keep keeping us updated, we'll be here waiting...(even if we want more than a shuffle fix)

I just don't get it ... what have we achieved in the last 6 months as far as additional features on Zune are concerned ... Why would it take so long to come out with additional features ...?

Also, Cesar- How is that this update is 1.4 than 1.3.1? it's only a minor bug fix..

Yes, Mark, that would be great.

I'm really feeling that there will be some sort of huge update within the third quarter of this year, possibly even the end of the second. I just feel that is sufficient time to get a firm new update, without major bugs.

Its out now:

http://www.zuneboards.com/forums/zune-talk/5227-zune-firmware-1-4-its-out.html

I agree it's a minor fix, but I still have v.1.1, due to my location and security restructions on these gov. computers. Personally I would love to see a custom eq. were you could individual select the freq. using the l and r and enter and adjust them up or down accordingly. Or how about a audible tone alert when someone want to share with you. Or different audible sounds for the menu. Or playlist for videos. Or Customizeable On and Off sounds: ie: Windows log-on and off. Simple stuff (IMO) that can be worked to hold us over until a big release. I would settle for 5 good vX.X.1 releases then 1 minor fix as an v.X.1 release. Hey C- I dont know if your software team even reads your board. But if they dont, they should. Maybe take down the top10 and possible work the 5 easiest, and then release an update.IMO. Never the less... "I'll be back!"

Wow, I don't understand the Vitriol from some of the posters here.  Saying "Fool me once..." or calling the current Zune a beta product just makes me wonder why people feel so burned.  Every day I'm so happy about my Zune when I look at other MP3 players on the market.  There are all kinds of features I'd love to see on the Zune, but I already feel lucky that I purchased this unit instead of a device from another company.  The incremental updates are appreciated.

sorry for posting yet again but cesar can you confirm the faster picture thing?

Might I suggest, that they not give us a firmware update, till they give us something substantial, cause everytime I see "Firware Update" I get all excited and think, "Oh, a clock and a video marketplace!!"

Why Im excited about getting a clock, I don't know.

I am ready to give up soon.  My gigabeat synced dvr-ms.  I still can not do this on Zune!!!

Why even brag about this release??

I'll take an incremental update (even a minimal one like this) and be happy with it.  And I'll tell you why:  we aren't going to get a major functional update until the mythical Zune 2.0 is released.  The Zune team is, undoubtedly, working all-out to get the Zune 2.0 out the door.  They've already said that functional enhancements in the next gen will be made available to us.  So that's when we'll see them.  When the next gen (Zune 2) comes out the door.  

We should be supporting this strategy!  I've spent decades working in software development.  Believe me when I say that every time you do a release you throw a delay into the long term schedule.  If the Zune team does a major functional release prior to Zune 2.0, it probably pushes the Zune 2.0 release out at least a couple of months.  For the sake of helping to gain marketshare, which I think we all want to see, Zune 2.0 needs to get out the door on schedule.

Trust me:  they don't have a whole division of skilled hardware and software engineers sitting around working on a better shuffle function.  That means that they are working on bigger and better stuff.  Probably a LOT of bigger and better stuff.  And it's all going to arrive in an avalanche in the not too distant future.

I'm looking forward to getting some cool new functionality on my Zune, but I also love my Zune as it is.  It does nearly everything that I'd like it to do, and it does it really well (especially the shuffle function).  So let's all just back off and be patient.  Good things are coming.

Actually, I am pleased with the update. It was annoying seeing the "shuffled" songs appear in the same order. I'd rather have the bugs fixed first than continually adding new features that won't work properly. Keep the updates coming!

Is it possible that Cesar can't share more?  There was a pretty big rumor a little while ago about a big announcement on June 1st.  Someone siad that, if you like Zune now, you will really love it on June 1st!  I think it's odd that there is no software update and only a firmware update.  The updates have always come together.  I also think that improved shuffle would not justify a .1 jump!  There is something they are not telling us :)  I predict a big press release tomorrow that will solve the mystery.  That's my hope anyway!!  

C, one question

From a customer point of view. Are you happy with the Zune developments in these 6 months ?

Are you happy with this small and lame update, I mean 'FIX'?

I don't understand how the Zune team flows but this is anticlimatic. After great news, rumors and announcemts on this month, the Zune team could have done something better than this 'FIX'. *shakes head*

so, ZUNE TEAM

Why this wasn't released before Surface announcement so we could begin a new month with something promissing and better to talk about than this 'FIX' ?

Well, next month we have Halo Zune. this will help Zune to past the 1 millions units sold more than this 'FIX'

Later.

Mark - what faster picture thing?

If you follow Aden's link to zuneboards they said it made browsing through pictures faster as well. Just wanna know if this is true

Cesar, thanks for the info. I appreciate any update we can get. Better shuffling, better Zune. I'm sure the Zune team has some cooler things in store for the future, but in the meantime its nice to see updates coming out, regardless of their popularity.

This is really lame ceasar! I'm reading you blog for a long time, but haven't reacted yet... I'm one of the first guys in Holland (The Netherlands) that has a Zune, and everyone in my class is really excited about it. One of my friends is going to buy one as well, but please make it worth it! if the Zune gets new functions in Europe i'll probably buy another one here. I love the updates (changeset 485? does that mean that there were 485 fixes/improves and are there 7 bugs fixed since 1.3 (478)? :P)Well, i don't want to rush you guys, but i think you should get out a big update fast, because now is a good time (new adds and stuff). Greetings from holland all!

Reyer alias Gaurdian

P.S. i know it's Guardian, i'm not stupid :D

I can confirm faster picture browsing when rapidly scrolling through images while in Slideshow view.

I used to get a 1-2 second slowdown every 5 pictures or so. That is nonexistant now.

The UI as a whole seems snappier, I havn't seen a slowdown and I've been playing with it for about 30 minutes now.

The folks at Microsoft have a quick update for your Zune today in about 30 minutes (10:00 a.m. PT) that will improve your "shuffle experience" when playing back tracks. If you remember, the iPod had some complaints about its shuffle...

this is very nice, its also added unicode suuport, gapless playback, new sorting methods on the player, clock, removed 3/3 DRM, costum equalizer, song lyrics view, radio song flagging, wireless marketplace connection, streaming from soapbox and dj music playback style capabilities.

I cant even install this lame fix I keep getting this error when I click the check for updates button:

1)TypeError: 'strIDS_OOBE_STATUS_NO_UPDATES_FOUND'is undefined [Hint]OnDeviceConnect

I STILL WANT A DAMN CLOCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was skeptical about the "faster UI" claims.  I mean why wouldn't that be mentioned as being a benefit of the release?  But now that I've tried it out I believe I'm convinced:  the UI is snappier.  

I can go into a slideshow of 500 pictures, hold down the right control, and it flies through the images with no pauses.  That is definitely new behavior.  And in the midst of that I can jump straight back to the menu without a pause.  This thing really is responding faster.

Is this release just intended to lay the groundwork for something else that's coming soon?

Buy a watch ;-)

this sucks

Lame

I was a zune supporter - waiting for real features.  I am done waiting - i am ebaying my zune.

This problem was identified in January, see link above.  I appreciate any firmware updates, but the dev. team should be frank about additional changes.  If the UI was sped up, say so.

I'd guess that this release actually contains a ton of changes under the hood as a pre-curser to new features that will drop with a gen-2 or big FW1.5 announcement.  

This lets the populace test re-worked code and verifies it works on the existing feature set prior to a ton more.

Why else release a complete update?  So you calculate a few random seeds in places you weren't before.  Woopty-doo.

I'll guess that 1.5 is much bigger from a user standpoint.

The only features I want:

1) Video that syncs from the Vista Zune client to the device every time... (On Vista, during sync the converter crashes on all but a small handful of the videos the client tries to "convert", even though they're all WMVs to start with!)  I would like to think that any file I can play in the Zune desktop client should be able to play on my Zune device -- I'm willing to accept a long convert/sync time, I just want it to work!

2) Shorter delay when pressing the scan forward button during song playback. (This might be an issue with the seek time on the internal disk, which they can do nothing about...)

3) When the device shuts off (after a long period of inactivity and touching the device brings up the "Zune" logo -- not just regular standby mode), resume my playlist where it was when the device shut off, just as it does when you resume from standby mode.

Otherwise, I still love my Zune and hug it daily. I just want it to grow up to be a proud and successful player someday.

Ricardo - oye, tranquilate ;)

Man, I hate not speaking spanish, any1 know what "oye, tranquilate" means? I'm a tad bit worried this is a massive hint and I'm missing out due to unbilingualism.

P.S. yes, I did make that word up

@Mark: "oye, tranquilate" translates to

"hey, calm down" or something like that :).

So far, no hope in site.

Listen, we don't care about the bugs...we care about the friggen features.

MyquiH, I don't know why your client is crashing when you sync videos, but I suspect it is a problem with your computer and not the software.  I have been running the zune client on Vista since December with zero problems with video sync.  You may wish to check your Aero Performance Rating.  You can find this under control panel/system and performance/system. Check the windows experience index. Click on the link there and see what your graphics rating is.  If it is low, you may wish to upgrade your graphics card.  (I reccommend ATI at least 128mb) Also take a look at your RAM.  I would reccommend at least 1GB.  That being said, I have had the zune client lock up on me during audio playback.  If anyone else has had this problem, you can hit the mute button to force it to respond.  (I know this is a hardware hang and will be glad when I can get an updated driver).  I too have noticed the speed in the access of photos, but it seems that the category level menu seems a little slower.  Could be my imagination.  Since I don't post that often, might as well throw in my 25 cents(adjusted for inflation) on the features/software/etc updates  I'll agree with everyone else on this site podcast/ms-dvr support, Audiobooks in marketplace, Video in marketplace, better x-box integration.  I hate the confusing menu interface on the xbox 360.  It should function similar to the interface on the 360.  If I choose artist/music/etc. it should pull that category.  Either fix the xbox or fix the zune.  I agree with John's want for a wireless Media Center Extender.  Watching tv on the zune would be awesome and would be glad to give up a GB of storage for it.  As far as Zune 2.0, I think MS should go for the underserved Sports market.  Create a waterproof, shock resistant, ultra durable flash based Zune.  Remember the Sports Walkman???  No other MP3 player is designed for ruggedness of the outdoors and heavy sweaty workouts.  Ok, for all of those yelling for new features(me included).  Keep in mind yesterday we saw the first wireless syncs of the Zune.  It's coming.  Watch the MS Surface video again.  That was an actual demonstration of wireless syncing.  Thanks for the site big C and keep up the great work.  

I just want to echo what pretty much everyone is saying here. I think we're all really proud to be Zune users, but we're disappointed at what the Zune could and should be but isn't. While these "fixes" are great, there's so much more that the Zune should have (podcast support, more wireless capabilities, blah, blah, blah- I think you know what we want at this point). Sorry, Caesar, that you have to take the brunt of a lot of our criticism, but you're kind of our only contact with the Zune team. One question though- even if you're not going to release any new features any time really soon, can we at least know a little bit about what they're working on providing us with in the future? We don't have to know any dates or anything (we know how that went last time), we just want to know what we can maybe expect. Eh?

I have to admit this is a bit of a dissapointment. Though I so like the fact that its more stable. But I dont think it's enough to make it 1.4 Meh, maybe you've got something big in the works.

Cesar, any response as to why you guys havent added a clock? Is it the hardware that give you the problem or software?

Is this what the team has been working on...? Today, I was in class when I heard several people keep saying a word that sounded like "Zune." After getting closer to them, I find out that the least expected people were talking about the Zune. Well, the good thing was that they were all quite amazed by it, and they actually knew what it was (the marketing really helped people understand what it is...A LOT!). The bad thing: the owner was trying to sell it for a reason I wasn't able to hear. I remember him saying something like wanting videos or something...you guys really need to get the content side too. The hardware is there (they loved the widescreen)...they just want content now! We need it...not a "better" suffled list.

Just one more thing I want to make clear- we really, really, really appreciate all your work Cesar. Thanks for keeping us informed and connected.

Agreed that it's disappointing.... but it seems the frustrations in versioning are more about the lack of new features in a "Point" release.... than that shuffle got fixed.  Understand that if you don't use shuffle it's anti-climatic, but it is encouraging that in a month I've seen two updates to my Zune since purchase.  To me... I'd rather see small incremental things I want than wonder what the hell the Zune team is doing for 6 months and then FINALLY get things that I wanted.  

All I can say is...Cesar has a tough job.  And, he should be MS employee of the year just for running this blog with frequent updates.  He's toughing it out...while the other Zune team bloggers have come and gone.  

They compare this blog to Major Nelson's.  But, the big difference is that while Major received a lot of the flak for the 360's issues, a major firmware update was released for the system only 6 months after launch.  The Zune has received no huge update or feature additions.  Therefore, with every minor update, this blog, the Zune, and the whole project will get bashed heavily.

Stick in there Cesar....better times a comin...probably in November or December 07.

Cesar, could I get a bit of help? I looked on Zune.net, but there's no help for it. when I try to search for a firmware update I get "1) TypeError: 'strIDS_OOBE_STATUS_NO_UPDATES_FOUND' is undefined [Hint] OnDeviceConnect"

Is there something I can do to get this fixed, I'd really appreciate it.

I've learned a few things about Microsoft..

One of these lessons is that they don't give you what you want. They give you what you need.

I could envision myself being a happier person with a mac or something.

You guys are really disappointing us now. And by us, I am speaking from the community's perspective mindset.

Zune Insider reported that as of 10:00 am PT, they will have released a Firmware Update 1.4. This update

Gapless playback, Please!!!! This is a real issue with tons of excellents albums. I was expecting that at least this could has been included in this update

Zune Firmware 1.4 がでる

I'm sending you and the team a set of mature themed photos (Bikini Contest). If you zoom and pan this photos on the Zune, you get an error. Check it.

Thanks for the great work guys - By the way - nice new wallpaper :)

comment removed (attempting to insult other users; swearing)

What's with the crybabies on this board?  

This is what Zune promised all along, from day one.  Steady, incremental improvements to the firmware.  You're getting what they promised.  They didn't promise it would be more amazing than your HD TV in six months.  It just happens I was complaining about shuffle today.  My iPod - which I've gotten rid of - had terrible shuffle, and Zune was only moderately better.  It isn't a brand new car, but it's sure an exciting fix for me.  

I'd love to see a clock and can't wait for video content to show up on marketplace, but I have a feeling the team's focused on expanding their offerings.  It's been one year since Zune was nothing more than an idea - iPod's taken seven years to get where it is.  I think we can all survive a bit longer.

What Bar said is spot-on!

Once a product is released, you move the team to developing the next gen Zune, which is why you hardly see any major updates for the current Zune. All you could do now is cross your fingures and hope that the Zune team will throw the first gen a bone, as they said they would.

Podcast support?

BTW: A clock on a DAP is not only to see the time, but to also set to Sleep/turn-off, set as an Alarm Clock, a Stopwatch etc.

I'm not sure about this, but I think i saw that the battery was green with this update.  This also isn't very big but I just wanted to throw that out there.  I would think that it changes colors to yellow or red when it is lower.

I keep getting this error every time i try to install

http://i15.tinypic.com/543n3wl.jpg

This is crazy. Years ago, I laid down $200 for a Nike/Philips MP3 player with 256MB of memory. This was a small, egg-shaped player designed to be used while running. It was awful. It always crashed unexpectedly, and the software never quite worked correctly. Nike/Philips never released any kind of update that I'm aware of.

Here, with the Zune, Microsoft is continually releasing updates that improve its performance. And the best you people can do is b****and moan like this?

New features are coming. Just be patient. And most of all, be thankful that Microsoft is fixing its issues. The Zune is a great product!

thanks for the shuffle update, i use this function the most.

boo on this only being a minor update (would have waited for more features with this added in)

Hey SOME of us actually do appreciate having a shuffle feature that doesn't play the same song every other song.

Two things, Xbox Marketplace video content syncable to Zune and a comprehensive list of new additions to the Zune Marketplace, really don't like having to try and hunt down what's been added and only having a few new releases is silly.

My zune is updated, thanks for the update!

I'm actually getting less random than I was. Did you change the seed? The algorithm? I agree this wasn't worthy of a full point increase, but is anyone else experiencing less shuffle? I'm getting numerous same albums/artists in a row (from the "Shuffle All Songs" dialog)...

Any firmware update should always be appreciated as it shows clearly that out there someone is trying to improve Zune users experience.

Hey...The future of the MS Zune/Xbox/Surface division is bright.  

My only complaint about the Zune was the skipping; now that's fixed I'm a happy Zuner.  It appears that all the signs are pointing to a cohesive synergistic user experience.

BTW once again; "SURFACE" is freakin awesome!  Even my die hard MAC friends said MS looks to be turning the corner.

Just a quick note while we're talking about firmware...

I would love to see an option for cross-fading songs on the Zune.  I'm not sure if this is possible with the current hardware, but it would be pretty cool.  I use the shuffle feature all the time because it makes me feel like I'm listening to my own custom radio station.  A cross-fade option would only enhance that experience further.

Where's my Visual Studio 2005 Zune SDK?

Very disappointing. I don't use shuffle, but I do use EQ, wi-fi, etc. and really would prefer an update which means something. Everyone knows that the Zune will have a firmware update someday which will make it the player it should have been in the first place. It's really in Microsoft's interest to get these types of enhancements out. Being #2 in hard drive players in a world of flash players doesn't mean much to the average consumer who still views the Zune as a joke. I considered it a joke until I actually used one. There is a serious PR issue with the Zune and enhancing it with features which compete with in the market (real wi-fi,like the Connect, gapless playback like the iPod, custom EQ like most players except the iPod, and for goodness, built in support for podcasting both on the player and the software - now hard can that be??? If you can't make it better than Apple, then at least match it. An FM radio doesn't cut it.

I am sure all this will happen. But it's been months and months. Hey, I like the Zune, but you won't convince people to pick it over the iPod unless it's cheaper and better. I can't understand why Microsoft hasn't corrected this problem when it's so critical to the success of a product they are clearly serious about.

One word: Patents.

On ZuneBoard.com some hackers reveiled hidden zune features, including podcast, aac format, integrated IM, codecs (and downloadable plugins). Ok, only the first 2 things have to do with patents, but i think the Zune is holding back untill the hype reaches a new point (see new adds, zune colors and special editions).

I was exited to see that there was an update for my Zune when I opened ZuneInsider so I immediately plugged my beloved Zune and updated the firmware. I know the update is only to improve the shuffle feature (which is a pretty insignificant to me since i never use the feature) but i was exited nevertheless.

So I rolled on with the update and when it was finally finished and the Zune restarted I was extremely surprised and pissed off to see that the tags of the albums on my Zune are now incorrect. what used to be a seamless and easy sync is now once again a mind numbing process. The year  info that used to be there now show up as "Unknown Year". What is up with that? With firmware 1.3 the syncing was flawless and error free now when I connect the Zune discrepancies on the tagging appear as if they were not properly placed there. The process of recognizing the albums on the Zune used to be fast even though my device is full but with 1.4 it seems as though I have to take a short power nap before the Zune software recognizes the albums on the device.

You guys have taken what seemed to be a step forward but was actually a step back. The shuffle was fine the way it was. Now i have to deal with the hassle of deleting all the content and reloading it hoping that the software doesn't screw up the tags. 1.3 was great. 1.4 however, in my opinion, is a pain and was totally unnecessary.

Nice update, thanks!!

Cesar, I really think the zune team needs to explain what's going on with zune at the moment. I'm starting to see a lot of anger and frustration from all the forums about the lack of updates etc. Yes it's good to get the odd bug fix but what I don't get is Microsoft is the worlds largest software maker and has buckets of resources and plenty of staff but it still can't give the zune a decent firmware upgrade. Somebody mentioned sony asw an example who have already given loads of updates to the ps3 and the psp has been given so many new features over the last couple of years through updates that actually made use of its wifi, unlike the zune. I honestly don't understand why ms is not working faster on this project- there is so much potential in the zune for it to be brilliant but I fear that is suffering with the inaction on the zune team's part. I am also really disappointed with the lack of explanation from you, Cesar and the other zune blogs don't even update anymore.

Can you at least get someone from the tech team to talk about this?:

http://www.zuneboards.com/forums/zune-news-articles/5148-zune-holding-back-what-apple-probably-microsoft-dont-want-you-know.html

I didn't know I wanted the shuffle feature tweaked, but now that I've used it with the new firmware I'm finding that it's MUCH improved. I'm hearing songs I've never heard on shuffle before, instead of the same usual mix. Yay! Also, the UI is definitely quicker, and while the playback still isn't technically "gapless," it's as close as it's ever been... "lessgap," I suppose. I love my Zune! Thanks again for the update, Zune team, and the continued awesome blogginess, Cesar!

oh man, thanks guys! now i don't have to resort to crafty playlist building to hear the rest of my songs!!! great update, don't listen to the uninformed haters :)

Ok, so June 1st is here... now to wait and see...

ray sez: "Cesar, I really think the zune team needs to explain what's going on with zune at the moment."

I would recommend going to www.zuneinsider.com for all public things that are going on with Zune, at the moment :) I keed, I keed.

but seriously, I would say that the reaction on the zune boards is mixed - lots of folks are expressing happiness, and are recalling my earlier posts, about how features are coming (see http://zuneinsider.com/archive/2007/03/06/and-now-a-word-from-the-zune-release-manager.aspx). Even the reaction on this post is mixed.

Honestly, we're 6 months in; the team is just getting started. And we've been saying all along about the future-proofing built in w/ Zune.

Mark - folks keep talking about June 1st - what's up with that?

That supposed leak said "If you like zune, then you'll love June 1'st" Also apparently some belief about it being "Zune 1'st"

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/zune_a_go_go/rumor-zune-flash-and-zune-20-on-june-1st-zune-track-purchases-over-wifi-259378.php see that, it'll explain things.

How about making June 1st a international zune holliday? Sorry about the double post, but i'm kinda humorless today...

@apathy. The current hardware could do this. Lesser players can do this using rockbox

Hey Ceez…  I too share some the disappointment expressed here, but it’s good to see MS providing fixes where they are needed.  I’m glad to hear that the Zune Team is moving in the same direction that most of us Zune freaks want our favorite music player to go.

Thanks for the opportunity for us to provide constructive criticism directly to the “insiders”…and don’t take the harshest stuff *too* personally  ;)

Oh yes, I remember that now, Reyer. Gizmodo was smart to call that one a rumor:

"But remember, this is all rumor at this point"

So no big announcements on june 1 or something around that date? :(

I am happy with this update. The Shuffle is really more random now. woot!

Thanks! Hope to see more!

I just purchased a Zune after reading mostly negative reviews and against the advice of colleagues and friends. (Which is of course, WHY I bought it.)

The Zune is exactly where the iPod was 4 years ago - the laughed at underdog.

But, long story short: As a content producer and podcaster, PLEASE implement podcasting support as soon as humanly possible. I've ditched iTunes+iPod, and I know tons of people who will do the same once the Zune implements a podcast solution.

Cheers all.

Nighthawkz6, I'm not bad-mouthing you, but please don't say that you are "speaking from the community's perspective".  You don't speak from my perspective.  

I'd love to see some new features get released, but I'm willing to wait and see them done right.  They are coming.  THAT'S my perspective.

Cesar:  thanks for the improved shuffle.  Seriously.  I've had a LOT of portable media players over the years, and most of them do a truly awful job of shuffling.  So, although it's a small thing, it's appreciated.

This is one update that I was looking forward to.  I use the Shuffle all the time, and I've noticed that this could be better in the order it chooses for me.

I still would like an update to fix my issue where my Zune resets itself if I don't use it for a day or two.

Thanks for the update on the...well...update..haha.  I've gotten it on my Zune and look forward to any news on firware updates.  

--->Now all I need is some marketplace video :)

Jeffrey, I don't believe that's actually an issue.  The Zune has two "off modes".  The first is a power saving hibernation mode that is entered when you press and hold the play/pause button.  After 24 hours (if I remember correctly) of inactivity the Zune does an actual power-down and turns itself off to save battery.  When you turn it back on afterward you see the Zune logo displayed.

So if that's the behavior that you are seeing, it isn't an actual problem.  That's the way the product is designed to work.

In response to the zune shutting down after 24 hours of inactivity, it would be nice if it could store the current state the zune was in before it shut down(much like the windows vista hibernate mode) so that when it starts up again it remembers which screen it was on, what was playing, where it was in the song/movie/etc and what the volume was. Also, I noticed I've been complaining a bit that this update wasn't all I was hoping for but I wanted to say it did make the device much snappier(still don't know if this was intended to happen) and noticed the better shuffle. Good job and I can't wait for the day we do get to see those magnificent updates. :)

Just to let everyone know my zune died on me and 2 weeks later I got the 3 red lights on my xbox 360....im being tested I think as a MS customer.

Add me to the "where is podcast support?" crowd. Listening to my little group of podcast subscriptions has become the primary use for my ipod; I keep it stocked with music but rarely listen to it anymore. Such a simple thing to implement, c'mon guys...

what happened to new music friday?

@ Ray

I totally agree with you on I'm right behind ya, buddy. I'm also a member of zuneboards.

I think I'm going to check out the ipod gen 6 which will have touchscreen (buttonless), 3.5 inch screen and a super sexy slim design.

Microsoft doesn't follow up to its competition, they take a step backwards.

Also add me to that "add a podcast feature" list. I primarily use my zune for videos and podcasts, and ofcourse, shuffled albums ( thanks for the new improved shuffle )

I would really like having a dedicated Podcast section, so I could sort them by date, keep only the top 10 unlistened to/newest podcasts, and not have to be using smart folders to keep track of my podcasts. ( I use juice to get my podcasts, I recommend other zuners use that too until Zune Team gets podcasting feature working )

Please add a podcasting feature soon, but thanks for this *small* update.

-Woody

these non new feature updates are getting old, it's becoming quite clear that Zune 1.0 is not going to get any major feature updates and that we are all going to have to shell out for zune 2.0 before we get the basic features that should have been in the first zune.

Yet again I ass where is Lossless audio support? Where is gapless playback? These two features are so basic for any portable audio player it's pretty much un heard of that the zune launched without them.

I don't understand the complaints about lack of podcast support. When I download podcasts through iTunes, then fire up the Zune software it pulls the podcasts into Zune and synchs it to my player where it shows up in a category called "podcasts". Sounds like podcast support to me. Am I missing something? (this applies to both music *and* video podcasts)

i was also dissapointed with the update, after being very excited for a few seconds.  i like my zune, make me like it more!

Utterly dissapointing....

I have to concur that this should qualify as a 1.3.1 update. Firmware updates should correct problems or add more useful functionality. Shuffle hasn't been problematic. With a company like Microsoft trying to compete with Apple on a solid marketshare, the Zune really comes up short in features-now and even shorter on delivering features that make people want to consider it over an iPod.

The wireless sharing was a dumb idea in the way it was incorporated. It was marketed-smart, but application stupid. The Sansa looks to have made a light-year jump over Zune and the only hindrance on the Sansa is the 2GB HD size.

Bottomline for me is I regret buying a Zune and   supporting a product that has been advanced slowly in overpromising and under-delivering. It's like a solid product with interior locks that need to be unlocked so it CAN be an iPod killer. Right now, it's just an iPod nudger.

Where's the marketplace movies???? Another rant for another time.....

Hm, i just noticed this news since i've been away for mountain jam over the weekend and haven't updated yet but from what i've been reading i guess update or no update i'll be using my zune the same. who really uses shuffle anyways...if i wanted to shuffle i wouldve boughten a damn shuffle. I bought my zune so i can listen to what i want to listen to not so it can shuffle around through playlists that half the time i don't even care about. So, Cesar Menendez, if you see the dev. crew please tell them I said thanks for nothing.

Cuz I probly won't even waste my time waiting for it to update.

I only listen to my Zune in shuffle mode.

I did notice a great improvement. I am listening to songs that have never played before.

reply to swanlee:i hope thats not what is gonna happen to the zune...

Been trying out the new update this weekend and just wanted to point out two things besides shuffle that stood out.  The first one was the "near" gapless playback.  The gaps are much smaller than when they have been in the past and I have noticed that some tracks have a gap in them towards the end that any amount of programming will not take care of.  Second thing I noticed was that when I was watching videos on my Zune through my Xbox, they were being resized for optimal quality.  (I don't believe this happened before.)If it was a low res WMV it was a smaller display on my tv and if it was higher resolution it was a larger "box" display.  Small but important things.  Thanks once again, and keep up the good work.

Much needed and appreciated improvement to the shuffle function (the most used way by me of hearing my music).  Whether it should be labelled 1.4 is debatable until improvements like the ones Robo74 has noticed are confirmed either by Microsoft or users.

Its funny actually...I updated my zune last night, not knowing what exactly the 1.4 fix was, then today I was listening to my zune on shuffle wondering why I have heard the same band every other song. The shuffle was bad before, but so far today it still seems pretty bad.

<i>Get in touch w/ me using this email: AskZune (then type the at symbol) microsoft.com (please no solicitors)</i>

how long did it take your zune to update?

mines been going for like and hour.

Dear Lord people - All the Zune bashing is borderline ignorant. Does anyone REMEMBER the 1G iPod? It sucked. The 1G Zune doesn't suck, and although there's much to improve on, AT LEAST you don't have to buy a brand new one to receive important new features.

</rant>

I agree with KillYourFM, at least we get updates on the Zune. On my brother's itunes, it wont even play most of the time, he has to redownload every day, and often, he loses his songs. Be happy with wat u have, the zune will get better for free, but the ipod may get better, if you spend $300 for a new one!

When are we going to get UNICODE support?  Make no sense that after 3 updates and I still cannot read non-en-US characters!

silly troll-boy comment removed.

UPDATE IDEAS. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On the next update add the following (if possible):

Time- need to know how long I was in the gym.

Maybe a stopwatch- for people who run outdoors.

Option to watch a video full screen without the letter box.

Share music without the 3 day crap. Your paying music companies for every ZUNE sold not every song sold.  Be the first, and they shall come.

May be internet? With addon key board like the xbox 360 or even an onscreen keyboard like the PSP.

IPOD is okay. Zune is better and has the potential to be the best.

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET ABOUT YOUR EARLY ADOPTERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WE WERE THERE FROM THE BEGINING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ohh yeah . Im using itunes to hear podcasts. You think I should continue? Maybe I will who knows.

Mine still doesn't toast bread for me.

Can you whiners please just throw your Zune away and shut-up? The whining is beyond pathetic.

installed the update, and I have to say.  I think it is a good update.  I have not heard some of the songs prior to the update on shuffle.  Getting a good variety on the shuffle.  Would like to see

1. Clock

2. Categories maintain, between the Zune software on PCand Zune

3. More control over backlighting

4. Under settings, would like to see more information on battery i.e. percentage of charge, and when charging percentage of charge, I know this varies upon usage, but my Pocket PC gives me that information.

i think the one thing i want to see is the clock, i mean if u wanna be number one zune make a clock!

Whoa, lots of comments on this one.  

Adam - waaaaay back there, I'm getting less random shuffle now too after the update.  In fact, my Zune just played five songs with three being Green Day and two Modest Mouse (both MM and two GD from the same albums!).  It's never been this bad before.  This is from the "songs" heading and "shuffle all".

I still love my Zune and await more updates.

are u kiddin me?????

Why do we have to wait so long for zune updates, how about every week or two, cuz this zune is going to need it since we are so far behind real mp3 players.

I bet bill gates zune is tricked out!!!

Has anyone else had this problem with shuffle.

If you select an album then select play all with the shuffle turned on and let it play all the songs that if you hit the play button again to start playing all the songs again, that the Zune does not re-shuffle, it just plays the songs in the same order as the first time it shuffled the songs.  Only way I can get the songs to re-shuffle is to go "back" and select "play all" again.

Hey, I can't update to any new firmware updates. I'm still at 1.0.5 or something like that.

Does anyone have any idea why I can't update? I try to "check for updates" and it says I'm running the most recent version... IS this right?

Can you please just tell us if the Zune will have Podcast or Audible support in the near future WITHOUT having to upgrade to the new Zune 2.0?

I love my Zune and I would buy one for a friend today, but she wants Audible support and Podcast support. I think there is a large majority of us who want that as well.

So...any info Cesar?

Does anyone actually listen to music, or do you just go on forums and moan?

my zune frozed and now i have no sound how do i fix it

Does anyone know when the next update will be?

Since I bought the zune over iPod (were the same price last christmas), I made the biggest mistake on my consumer electronic purchase.

Zune does not let you use it as a portable HD; does NOT support unicode; not mentioning limited accessories on market.  Keep ignoring the basic request from paid user. I am selling zune on eBay and trade for a iPod. I will pay you $40 to trade for your iPod 30G.

HEY WHEN I TRIED TO INSTALL ZUNE 1.4 NOTHING HAPPENS IT JUST FAILS OVER AND OVER

IT SAYS INSTALL AGAIN BUT NEVER WORKS

man am so sTuKEd cant find ma zune SofTwAre??

can an budy help me please

i have a zune which is used ba sum 1 and.. he jst lost the software and the cd and a lif in pak and styll cant find or buy the software

wat all i felt with all these zune updates is that its still lags ipod in many ways

we need search options and a clock and also a better equalizer control

when are they going to release an update that sorts albums by year?  I've been waiting for that forever.

-sigh-

Each update does nothing like the goggles.

shuffle does not need a update..

who cares about more random shuffle? is a shuffle!

better work on the unicode.

or i'm buying the new touch screen ipod next month

Yeah, Ill really enjoy my shuffling now, when are we going to get some videos in the marketplace and how about a little re-formatting?

WOW this zune is a BIG letdown...this was suppose to be an upgrade from a 4GB ZEN but this thing sucks.....Songs skip!!! please explain that to me!  Why does all the EQ settings sound so close together. Why no extra bass???? the bass on this thing is very flat. At least the zen can be accessed like a thumb drive with Windows exploxer this thing cant. why cant I just add certain song to the zune you have to import the whole folder instead of just select songs.....thats annoying I have 1500 songs in one folder I only want and listen to 500 of them so now i have to sift through and delete 1000 songs....this thing sux!

Oh yea...and you cant have a clock WTF

and why do i have to go all the way back to change settings why cant i make EQ adjustments right there when the song is playing.

My zune is broken it has an error

User selectable EQ is def needed. But not as bad as a computer interface that doesn't randomly lose my content. I'm tired of resetting my Zune because after I sync new content to it some of my old stuff has vanished. Anyone else?

I need some help please I want to install the new firmware 1.4 version and when it does it tells me please try again and I do it and it never works. Besides I can't use my zune to hear music because it says that i need to install the firmware first but it won't work. what do I do? if someone knows please tell me what to do.

@ Cindy:

WFT? did you hook up the Zune to the computer BEFORE it told you do to it? uninstall the Zune software on your computer, then try it again, but WAIT for it to ask you to hook it up.

manny

are you sure that i should uninstall the zune software? because if i do that wouldnt all my songs and videos i have will erase?

When are they gonna fix it so it will turn back on!!!!!!!

now i need help i uninstall the zune software and i install the firmware 1.4 but now the computer doesnt want to recognize the zune what can i do?

pq se me perdio el programas

how about a clock?! ever think of that micrsoft. its no big deal, just put it on top of the battery life idicator or something!

i think that its good to have better shuffle capabilities but i think the zune team should be more concerned with the zunes problems wth hooking up to a usb port and its compatibility with windows vista. i have had many problems with getting  my zune software to recognize my zne, and im not sure if its because of windows vista or a bug. the last thing that should be on the zune team's mid is how good the shuffle is. there are much more important problems to fix.

I think that a clock would be a good idea, I also strongly support the Unicode support idea. I think that text support would extremely helpful -or at least amusing. Just have it emulate the video player: Zune sideways, include browsing support, and possibly even an editor or PDF reader.

UNICODE SUPPORT PLEASE...WTF Bill?!

I really like my new 30 GB zune... Yes I like the Brown ones. Chocolate?

Anyway, I was dissappointed, after being a member of the 30 GB 5G Ipod generation for about two years now.

The device has an excellent look -- software and physical. But I was extremely disappointed with its features (or lack thereof). This is a Microsoft device -- shouldn't it AT LEAST sync my contacts, calendars, and tasks like my iPod will?

Other beef: Give us some more use out of the wifi -- give us a browser... you'd pull a little competition away from those who want PDA phones. or PDAs.

The zune has a lot of potential, but it's taking an extremely long time to develop these (what I would assume should be) standard features.

i installed the latest zune update and am quite displeased with the results.  is there a way to uninstall it and continue with the older version?

granted some of the features would be nice to have, but as a whole, i don't want the new package.

Just shuffle?..u should put like a clock or summin in the zune..

how can i uninstall zune device update i can uninstall zune program at restore point but wont recognize device this new version sucks

?!#@

GRAAAAAAA!!!

The Battery

could it possibly get wosre?

even with the back light off it sucks.

aha

I think that they should always be sending Zune Firmware

I am a professional Geek.

I got a Zune.

It was fun for a while,

but then I found I-Tunes.

So I had to get an Ipod.

I'll keep "Tune" for Zune's sake.

In case MS releases the "Golden" update.

Zune is 1yr and 6 mos old.  Past the warranty.

Player shuts off.  Only one earphone signal

receiving, the other one weak.  MS says "too

bad".  Will look at and maybe fix for $150.

WHERE IS THE UPDATE ????

WILVAREL@YAHOO.COM

Thank you..

Yep good joke get an actual update sometime soon? Thanks cya later

hi ive got a crackd winXP but no updates and the install of zune requires it i think anyone know a way round it????