Microsoft releases Zune update

By Ina Fried
Staff Writer, CNET News.com Published: March 28, 2007 4:08 PM PDT

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Microsoft on Wednesday released a minor update to its Zune software aimed at fixing several issues, including one that was causing some users to hear skipping when playing back purchased songs.

"We were aware a limited number of users were experiencing that issue, and we were able to address it," said Zune spokeswoman Katy Asher.

The software maker had originally hoped to have the update by midmonth, but the patch took slightly longer than it had hoped to develop and test.

In addition to addressing the song-skipping issue, the Zune 1.3 software update aims to offer quicker syncing and improve a situation where the Zune's battery could drain more quickly after using the FM tuner.

Microsoft also noted that the Zune held its No. 2 spot in NPD's February retail sales figures, though its share of the hard drive-based music player market dipped to 8.8 percent from 9.9 percent a month earlier.

"We're still happy with where we're at," Asher said, noting the company's strategy is a long-term one not focused on month-to-month fluctuations.

Microsoft released a Zune update in December, making the device and its desktop software compatible with Windows Vista.

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26 comments (Page 1 of 2)

The 3 Zune owners around the world rejoice! ;-)
by anarchyreigns March 28, 2007 4:41 PM PDT: <eom>; Reply to this comment View all 2 replies
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Cool...
by Penguinisto March 28, 2007 6:46 PM PDT: I believe that someone hacked it so that you can put Linux on the thing; once the prices come down enough (I suspect they will... hard), I think I'll get one and do just that. /P; Reply to this comment View reply
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The New Phone Books Are Here!
by Sumatra-Bosch March 28, 2007 7:25 PM PDT: The New Phone Books Are Here! The New Phone Books Are Here! The New Phone Books Are Here! The New Phone Books Are Here!; Reply to this comment View reply
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If two Zunes "squirted" in a forest...
by Norseman March 29, 2007 7:29 AM PDT: ...would anybody care?; Reply to this comment View reply
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Can I watch DVR-MS files?
by bobby_brady March 29, 2007 7:56 AM PDT: If not, why the hell not? You think MSFT would allow this.; Reply to this comment

Options
by VidPro March 29, 2007 9:43 AM PDT: You have the choice of running Linux on an 80 Gig iPod. Where is the 80 Gig Zune?; Reply to this comment View reply
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hello
by webbj61 March 30, 2007 10:31 AM PDT: a zune update?; Reply to this comment

hello
by webbj61 March 30, 2007 10:31 AM PDT: a zune update?; Reply to this comment

Bigger screen but low rez : Zune
by Llib Setag March 30, 2007 12:44 PM PDT: The screen is bigger but the resolution is no different than iPods, therefore overall resolution is lower due to the fact that the same number of pixels are soread across a larger screen. Anyway, who cares? Living in Seattle WA the ratio of iPods to Zunes is about 1000 (iPod) to 1 (Zune). Darn! Now I cannot "skip" & "squirt" at the same time in Redmond...; Reply to this comment

Typical M$ spin
by C_G_K March 30, 2007 5:18 PM PDT: They have no shame, making the following statement: "Microsoft also noted that the Zune held its No. 2 spot in NPD's February retail sales figures" Of course this is a crock. They are only considering their share of a particular sliver of of the market. The reality. It has BEEN A FLOP!! Whenever they have to compete on a level playing field they fall flat on their faces. I wish them all the (bad) luck in the world....; Reply to this comment