Zune 3.0 software is out (plus firmware update)

[nekrosoft13]

Whats new

New capacities
We've added 16GB and 120GB devices to the lineup, both with a glossy black front and a black metal back.

Buy from FM
Hear a song you like while listening to the radio on your Zune? Your device will identify it, and download it the next time you sync.

Browse Zune Marketplace wirelessly
Download music directly to your Zune: at home, at a café… wherever there's a wireless hotspot.

Zune has partnered with high-speed Internet access provider Wayport to let customers wirelessly shop Zune Marketplace on their player at more than 9,800 McDonald's restaurants across the U.S.

New Zune Originals
Even more designs for you to personalize your Zune.

Zune Channels
Combining the best features of podcasts and playlists, subscribe to channels by Billboard, The FADER, and radio stations like KROQ and KEXP.

Games
You can now play games on your Zune! Devices come preloaded with Texas hold 'em and Hexic.

Audiobooks
One of our most-requested features is here: audiobooks on your Zune, from Audible.com and OverDrive.

Clock
You'll never again wonder what time it is.

Mixview, Just for You, and Now Playing
Dynamic representations of your collection, as well as artist and song recommendations based on what you and other members of the Social are listening to.

Rich search functionality
Zune software will offer you suggestions as you type, helping you find the name of an artist or band even if you don't know the correct spelling.

Social in the software
Set your favorite tracks, update your profile, change your status, and search for other Social members — all from within the software.

Windows Live Messenger integration
See your Windows Live Messenger contacts in the Social, and invite them to join with a click of the mouse.

New reputation badges
Get recognized for being a top reviewer or top forum poster.

E-mail notifications
Get a weekly digest of your friends' activities and real-time notifications of new messages and comments.

More play data
In addition to number of total plays, now see how many times a track has been added as a favorite or sent to a friend.


32bit
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7313338

64bit
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7313339

[LovingSticky]

This SW is excellent, both for Vista and new Zune firmware :-) On Vista, it takes like 1 second to start with 100GB music library. Apple should learn from Microsoft how to code apps :)

[nekrosoft13]

i still preffer WMP11 for playback, wish MS would merge both apps

[LovingSticky]

Well, WMP11 mini-mode and toolbar-mode are pretty cool. But there are many "social" things in Zune SW that non-owners would not use / appreciate. I think merge will never happen. :(

Zune 3.0 (on Vista) is so much better than iTunes 8. And it does not cause BSODs :)

Microsoft even has third app - (Windows) Media Center. They seem to enjoy programming very different apps for quite similar devices / functionalities.

[nekrosoft13]

i like zune sw more then itunes, itunes was one of the reasons why i got rid of ipod.

tried using itunes but it was pain, then i bought a license for anapod, which was missing bunch of stuff.

after that i decided to get zune, and never looked back. unless apple does drastic changes i will go back.


btw, another thing i hate about ipod is the design, gets scratch way to easy, just by touching it you create scratches.

[LovingSticky]

Same here. I could use my iPod 60GB only after "hacking it" with RockBox... Was glad to sell it and get both (8GB and 80GB) Zunes...

[six_storm]

The Zunes aren't bad little MP3 players but I'd miss the click-wheel. Much easier to use IMO. But I would highly consider the Zune if/when my 3 and 1/2 year old iPod goes bad.

[LovingSticky]

Click-wheel is good, but Zune's touchpad is also very comfortable to use.

[bob saget]

any point in getting this update? and would i have to uninstall the original software i have?

[BrianG]

any point in getting this update? and would i have to uninstall the original software i have?

It is the biggest improvement in the software and firmware so far. No uninstall required. XP requires a restart. It really is great.

This is just making having Zune Pass better and better. Apple really screwed up not adding a subscription service.

[nekrosoft13]

great update, installed it few hours ago

[nekrosoft13]

Click-wheel is good, but Zune's touchpad is also very comfortable to use.

it is easier to swipe up and down then spin your finder in circle

[six_storm]

See if I were to purchase a Zune, I would want to use a program like MediaMonkey to sync my music. But just Googling some stuff, the only way for this to happen is for me to run a MM hack. Hmmm . . . .

[BrianG]

The Zunes aren't bad little MP3 players but I'd miss the click-wheel. Much easier to use IMO. But I would highly consider the Zune if/when my 3 and 1/2 year old iPod goes bad.

The Squircle is way easier to use than the clickwheel. You get to the point where you know how fast you have to swipe to quickly jump to where you need to get. Very nice interface, I wish my 30G had it, but since the 4G is mobile and the 30G stays docked in the living room, I have not snapped yet to get a 80G or 120G.

[BrianG]

See if I were to purchase a Zune, I would want to use a program like MediaMonkey to sync my music. But just Googling some stuff, the only way for this to happen is for me to run a MM hack. Hmmm . . . .

Honestly, the Zune software has gone from liability to a strength. You can select encoding bitrates, device bitrates, easily manage sync groups, easily manage multiple devices, acces the social and tweak a surprising number of settings for the library and device...

Not sure of the advantages of Media Monkey.

[LovingSticky]

See if I were to purchase a Zune, I would want to use a program like MediaMonkey to sync my music. But just Googling some stuff, the only way for this to happen is for me to run a MM hack. Hmmm . . . .

Try Zune 3.0 software. It is very capable, very fast, and also good looking :) It is basically a total opposite of (horribly buggy and slow) iTunes.

I do not mind to use proprietary SW as long as it works well, and Zune 3.0 does.

My beauties:

http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/3324/zune80gb8gbfrontak6.jpg

[bob saget]

installed :D
the new layout looks snazzy.....

[bob saget]

bump, everything works great.
any suggestions to download games or other cool add-ons?

[LovingSticky]

Workaround to enable Zune Marketplace in Zune software v2.5 (and 3.0) for non-US users
http://www.istartedsomething.com/20080507/workaround-tip-enable-zune-marketplac-software-25-nonus/

[knight911]

Zune software reminds me of Windows 95 or better yet of Windows ME another MS Failure on the making. I have a Zune 80 Gig but know I regret of not buying an IPod :(

[LovingSticky]

I have a Zune 80 Gig but know I regret of not buying an IPod :(

First post here and regretting Zune 80 purchase? Why? Zune HW is clearly better then iPod, SW as well, even looks are. With new firmware, it can do much more then regular iPod.

So what do you regret exactly?

[crainger]

I want a Zune. ::(:

Sucks they are rare in AU...

[-=Gib-McFragger=-]

How is the audio quality on the Zune? I am currently pondering turfing my 16GB iPod Touch for a 120GB Zune. The reason I am asking is I need the capacity of the Zune, iTunes blows (as we all know), and sound quality has never been stellar on the iPods due to the cheap hardware they use (and charge your ass more for). :retard:

[BrianG]

How is the audio quality on the Zune? I am currently pondering turfing my 16GB iPod Touch for a 120GB Zune. The reason I am asking is I need the capacity of the Zune, iTunes blows (as we all know), and sound quality has never been stellar on the iPods due to the cheap hardware they use (and charge your ass more for). :retard:

Most comparison reviews give the Zune favorable ratings for audio quality. The Zune software does allwo you to set the kbps for sync'ed content versus the PC's ripped content. I have my Zune set to 192 and PC set to 320 using WMA. I hook my 4GB Zune up to PC speaker systems, tuners, car AUX inputs, always sounds great. The 30GB is in a dock that bypasses the volume control, sounds even better.

Make sure you try the Zune Pass, it comes with a two week trial. It is the best thing about the Zune platform. Downloaded nine albums yesterday, going through them now. Unless you are a warez music theif...

[LovingSticky]

How is the audio quality on the Zune? I am currently pondering turfing my 16GB iPod Touch for a 120GB Zune. The reason I am asking is I need the capacity of the Zune, iTunes blows (as we all know), and sound quality has never been stellar on the iPods due to the cheap hardware they use (and charge your ass more for). :retard:

Zune is an excellent player.

I am using it with Shure SE530 ($500, probably as much high-end as you can get with in-ear headphones - http://store.shure.com/store/shure/en_US/DisplayProductDetailsPage/productID.105460100 ) and enjoying true audiophile quality sound.

Of course, I use WMA Lossless for all my music. One album is around 300-400MB.

Had iPod 60GB as well, sound was inferior.