If there’s one thing you need to know about Microsoft products like the Zune, it’s that you should download Zune updates to keep your device running in the best possible condition. The Zune update is basically a download that will improve the firmware of the player. Firmware is a computer program that is embedded in a hardware device, the hardware in this case being the Zune. It is something between hardware and firmware and can be upgraded to make it work much better. Firmware updates are also similar to those found on many recent cell phones.
How do I know what firmware my Zune has?
The Basic: Every Zune has basic firmware out of the box, and the first firmware was version 1.0 (193). This is the original firmware that the Zune device had when it was installed from the factory for the 30 GB series. This firmware of course was with the first generation of Zune players and the newer one is now an 80GB manifestation so it has a more advanced firmware. To know what type of firmware your Zune has, you can do the following:
– On the Zune home screen, select settings and press the center of the Zune panel. – Select About and press the center button. – Select Zune and press the center button.
After following those steps, the firmware version should be displayed on the screen and then you can determine whether or not you need a firmware update by visiting the Microsoft website to check if there are any updates available.
What firmware version is available so far?
The great thing about Microsoft is that it can actually track firmware updates for the Zune and there have been quite a few since they want consumers to get the best out of the device. Here are some of the versions that are available for the device and what the updates do to improve device performance:
Version 1.1: Enabled Zune-to-Zune wireless sharing and improved overall performance. Wireless is enabled by default in this update and can be disabled by going to Settings / Wireless and then manually turning it off.
Version 1.2: Helped improve the performance and stability of that performance.
Version 1.4 – Improved device shuffle behavior.
Version 2.0: The original factory version for Zune 4GB, 8GB, and 80GB devices.
Version 2.1: Improved functionality and performance, but this update was not widely distributed among Zune users.
Version 2.2: Updated device functionality and improved performance, including helping download Zune content better and faster over WIFI.
Version 2.3 – The latest update that still has wireless turned on by default.
Firmware updates are anything but fast. Hardware and software developers take a long time to develop these updates and must ensure that these updates are installed correctly on all devices sold to the end user. This is why they can’t download Zune updates when they want to, but only when they’re available.
