Print - Microsoft Updates Zune Software for Vista

On Tuesday, Microsoft shipped version 1.2 of its Zune client software, providing compatibility with Windows Vista and a slightly simpler installation process. When the Zune portable media player shipped last month, some reviewers complained that the initial public version of the product's software, version 1.1, didn't support Vista. However, with Vista not due for a consumer release until January 30, 2007, Microsoft had pledged to supply Vista support by that time. This update accomplishes that goal and presumably ends the pointless controversy.

With this update, Zune is now compatible with Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 (SP2), XP Professional SP2, XP Tablet PC Edition 2005, XP Media Center Edition 2005, and all versions of Vista. Zune isn't compatible with the x64 version of XP or any versions of Windows Server 2003. Users who install the Zune software on Vista will also need to update the Zune firmware to version 1.2.

As I discussed in my Zunestory commentary ( http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/zunestory.asp ) earlier this month, Microsoft plans to ship several updates to its Zune player over time. For example, one of the pending updates will provide podcasting support.

For more information about Zune software and a free download, please visit the Zune Web site.
http://www.zune.net/en-us/meetzune/software.htm

If it was a pointless controversy, then why release the Vista-compatible version now? They could have waited until Jan 30th. But, ah, I bet enough Microsoft brand fanbois with MSDN download access (and likely purchased Zunes) have been filling Microsoft's mailboxes with "Vista compatility plz" e-mails. So the controversy is over. "For example, one of the pending updates will provide podcasting support." Proof that MS rushed Zune to the market before it was done.

"Proof that MS rushed Zune to the market before it was done." As if using one for 10 minutes wasn't proof enough...

"Proof that MS rushed Zune to the market before it was done." Just like every other company that releases patches.

real funny guys! and i suppose iTunes 7 wasnt?! just like you like to point out: "they had 5 years to get it right!"

"Proof that MS rushed Zune to the market before it was done." Yes. It doesn't support Windows codename "Vienna" yet. What's up with that?

I finally got to sit down with a Zune myself, and I was pleasantly suprised. From these forums I've had the impression that its buggy, confusing, and an asthetic nightmare. First thing I noticed was that it was easy to browse, very easy. I didn't have to 'find' anything, like the tuner, its presented well, and the tuner presetting actually embarasses most car headunit controls It felt solid, clean, and zippy. All of the album art was there, movies were nice as well. Although I did try to jump ahead and **** it to the side b/c I knew videos were played in a landscape fashion instead of portrait. Well I turned it the wrong way, so instead of looking ahead of the curve, I was watching a clip upside-down. Silly me. Otherwise, everything was clean and nice. Highly intuitive interface, and it did the one thing I want a player to do, play music without any frustration. Sometimes with iPod I overjog, sometimes I accidently 'touch' the wheel and stuff happens unexpectedly. MS has put the click-wheel back in a competitive way imo. So after getting to settle down with the old Zune once and for all, I must say, what makes it a 'me too' player? It does things in its own way, and at least for my uses, it does them well. I found it quite enjoyable, and did a good job of making an argument for a 30GB player. Storage options still keep me solid in my PSP camp (me likie the memory stick) but from experience I can tell you this is not comparable to a Gen1 iPod, it eats them alive.

Zune's sounds beats the iPod but like the iPod it is really pointless when you can do so much more with other players on the market.

As for rushing Zune, it's typical of the marketplace nowadays and besides, Zune is actually easy to use and sounds very nice. So if you do not mind all the misgivings (the comical point system, useless wireless, and proprietary aspects in general), then maybe the Zune is for you. .....and really, what is so new about Microsoft patches, firmware, updates?.......even Linux and OS X patch their systems over time. Besides, Microsoft's buggy Windows operating system keep me hopping with work....you've got to love it....I gave my Zune away so I have no idea how the update for using with Vista will go.....but I am sure people will figure it out.....

"Besides, Microsoft's buggy Windows operating system keep me hopping with work....you've got to love it" and pigheaded people that download Linux to try an alternative OS instead of purchasing an OEM copy of Windows with the rest of their PC parts also end up switching back when they realize how difficult or incompatible it is. it's driven sales of retail copies of Windows pretty high for me, and i love it! now for some fun: http://tinyurl.com/ymyolj g0d, i love me some iPod smoothies!

pigheaded? difficult? incompatible? How about college boys who don't have the wear-with-all to admit when they are wrong? Or is it that they don't have the brains upstairs or diligence to work with something else other than their favorite recipe? ......oh and keep selling those copies of Windows....it helps keep me busy.....ya I love it too.....

"How about college boys who don't have the wear-with-all to admit when they are wrong? Or is it that they don't have the brains upstairs or diligence to work with something else other than their favorite recipe?" I dunno, what about you? "pigheaded?" YES! pigheaded. Many of the same people that switch are the same people that would otherwise advocate for OSX - just because it isn't Microsoft. Many are also the kind of people that would say "Why should I pay for an OS when I can get Linux for free?". "difficult?" YES! difficult. How many average users know how to recompile the kernel? How many know how to install drivers in Linux? "incompatible?" YES! incompatible. It doesn't run the majority of software on the market. Wine is not exactly legal either. Microsoft could just easily inspect the source code and even if the authors didn't decompile the original code, if theirs is too close to Microsoft's, Microsoft could turn around and sue them for one of two things: intellectual property indemnification, or breaching the license agreement which states you can't disassemble the software. Either of which would come with VERY hefty fines, that I'm sure the Wine authors would never be able to afford. I would say that Vista's hardware compatibility list is greater than any flavour of Linux available now, and the quality of drivers for Linux is very poor. WHQL drivers for Windows are the most stable drivers I've ever seen bar-none. Here's the thing about open-source software - under the GPL and many other licenses, there is little to no protection against intellectual property indemnification. Whereas Microsoft, on the other hand, has no monetary limit for protection of its customers/partners in regards to any indemnification cases. The best quote I found from a Windows Server customer regarding Linux Server was: "I am not going to make a critical, perhaps business-risking decision, on a piece of freeware." I like that one.

honestly tho, u should check out this page: microsoft.com/getthefacts some nice customer vids on there

Ok Waethorn......Merry Christmas Hope you find something nice and open minded under your tree this year.... Seriously, Have a peaceful holiday season...