This morning I downloaded and installed the latest Zune 3.0 Software and was pleased with all the new added features. To upgrade just launch your Zune software and go to Settings in the upper right-hand corner, click on General and click on the button that says Click for Updates or you can download it directly from here.
After signing the EULA you will be installing your software.
After you are done you will have Microsoft Zune 3.0.532.0 or newer depending on when you update.
To use the new Zune 3.0 desktop software you will need to update your Zune. In order to update your device, you will need an Internet connection to perform the update. Don’t Disconnect while updating. :)
Wait a few minutes….And your done!
It went through an update and synchronized everything on my Zune checking for updated album art and music. On one Zune not associated with the computer performed this without scanning and synching.
To sign in you will have to agree to the updated Terms of Service if you wish to use your Zune Pass and ZuneTag with your Live ID or you create one.
After completing the 4 steps you are back in business. IF you have multiple Zunes you only need to download the device update once.
New Menu Options
Games – There is good news and bad news. Good news is for those that have emailed me about the Games on your Zune. Your old XNA Games remain on the device with the addition of Hexic and Texas Hold’em, but the bad news is when you launch them you soft reset your device and nothing happens. :( Hopefully a patch will be out soon to fix this and XNA Game Studio 3.0 beta is on its way, which is fully compatible with Zune 3.0! A work around suggested is to uninstall and update the games here. Another added bonus for the games that work is that your Zune doesn’t soft reset after exiting a game or application any more. You can also resume where you left off and this even survives a soft reset. :)
Marketplace – Lets you see the latest top songs, top albums, new releases, search, and what is in your cart from the Radio which allows you to add songs directly to your Zune.
Radio - In order for the Radio functionality and Marketplace to work you have to agree to enable the Zune Marketplace content purchase from your device.
Audiobooks - If you have audio books that option will be added if not it won’t. Too bad you can’t remove items or change the order you don’t use because that menu is getting a bit long. Zune audiobook content from leading distributors including Audible Inc. which is offering all new and existing Zune owners a free copy of “Black River” by bestselling writer Dean Koontz.
Under Settings
Wireless - gets a new networks setting to save your previous connected networks for hotspots.
New! Clock – here you have the option to show clock, the format 12 hours/24hours and set it. Hmm no option for Daylight Savings time, maybe in the next version or update. :)
New! Screen Lock – this allows you to set a password 4 digit pin on your device to prevent others from accessing your device – so you can keep your music,video,games, audible books and other info private?!?
Other Zune News
Microsoft announced that Zune customers can get free WiFi hotspot access with their Zune(s) at one of over 9,800 McDonald’s restaurants. In partnership with Wayport, Microsoft is letting you browse and access the Zune Marketplace when you visit McDonald’s, kind of like the experience iPhone/iTouch gives you at Starbucks locations, but the iPhone/iTouch can also be used where webpage EULAs are needed like Panera Bread,etc. The Zune can’t yet.
Zune Channels are aimed to push new music to subscribers’ collections each week, and personalized music recommendations, Zune Marketplace also offers editorial features such as the Zune School Music Masters Program and the Xbox Gamer Central pages, as well as Instant Collections playlists to help consumers explore specific themes and genres. Zune Marketplace now offers more than 4 million songs, 80 percent of which are available as digital rights management (DRM)-free MP3s; 8,500 music videos; 3,000 episodes of popular TV shows; and more than 6,000 audio and video podcasts.
Zune Originals will also will offer the Zune 16 in blue, red, pink and green as an online exclusive. In addition, Zune Originals is refreshing its collection of custom artwork with 14 eye-catching new designs from artists such as Rolito, MWM (Matt W. Moore), Ippei Gyoubu and Aya Kato to give consumers more options to personalize their Zune experience.
Enjoy!!!