Have you updated your Zune HD’s firmware to v4.3 already? No? Well, you should because aside from fixing the playcount sync issue, we’ve just learned that Zune HD firmware v4.3 also unleashes the 3-D gaming prowess of this impressive PMP from Microsoft. If you’ve already updated to firmware 4.3, you can now try out one or even all of the following games: PGR: Ferrari Edition, Piano, Audiosurf: Tilt, Checkers, Vans Sk8: Pool Service, and Lucky Lane Bowling. As with most games available now in the Zune Marketplace, all of these are free to download.

With a brilliant OLED display backed by a very capable NVIDIA Tegra processor, we’ve no doubt the Zune HD can live up to its billing as the best 3-D gaming device in the market today, and probably the only thing holding it back from reaching even greater heights is the relatively slow roll-out of 3-D games for the mighty little ZuneHD.

[via engadget]

Aside from that, it also features a snappier browser as well as “support for upcoming 3d games and applications, as well as an auto-suggest feature for better text input, and other minor improvements.” Needless to say, it’s a firmware update worth downloading. The video above is showcasing a v4.3 running Zune HD. To update to this latest firmware, just select Player Update on your ZuneHD and you’re good to go. Oh, and after you’re done, do hit us up in the comments section below as we’d love to hear how it goes out for you.

[mobiletechworld via engadget]

[via dapreview]

So what do you think? Definitely not in the same market as the iPhone, but is there an interest to a SideKick or Palm Pre competitor out there?

[via gizmodo]

Just to remind you folks that Zune maybe no more with the entry of ZuneHD in the market but that doesn’t mean Microsoft will not continue the ever famous Zune Originals. You get to choose the color of the casing and engraving. For a classy PMP like the ZuneHD, paying for extra for individuality.

Just a thought: should Microsoft now call it ZuneHD Originals?

[via gmp3]

I have to say that what strikes me immediately is the OLED screen of Zune HD, which is being viewed under direct sunlight. The touchscreen responsiveness is excellent. Obviously, Microsoft is more focused on multimedia. The basics, I mean: video and music. If it can match or surpass the iPod Touch on gaming, well, that is just an added bonus. It has an Nvidia Tegra chip after all. HD Radio may be no biggie for people conditioned on iPod music, but it’s not difficult to imagine people tuning in to HD radio channels instead of spending precious money for iTunes music. Browser looks OK, but CNET has other ideas.

[source: crunchgear]

If you’re still doubting the Zune HD’s gaming capabilities that was briefly showcased in a commercial of it, doubt no more as Microsoft themselves have indirectly admitted in their latest press release that the Zune HD will indeed be an app and gaming platform with the announcement of these upcoming apps:

“Later this year, Zune plans to release free applications such as Twitter for Zune and Facebook for Zune, in addition to fun 3-D games such as “Project Gotham Racing: Ferrari Edition,” “Vans Sk8: Pool Service” and “Audiosurf(TM) Tilt.” Games can be added to Zune HD via Zune Marketplace over the Wi-Fi connection or when connected to the Zune PC software.”

In line with this, Brian Seitz, Microsoft’s Zune marketing manager, also revealed in an interview with Seattle Times that they don’t have plans of releasing a Zune SDK as Microsoft will develop the free games in-house or work closely with concerned 3rd party developers. He also revealed of their plans of possibly having Windows Marketplace integration or something similar in the future as well. No guarantees here, but just hearing about it is enough to get us excited at what lies ahead. It looks like Microsoft has finally got their act together with the ZuneHD. Good job guys! Let’s keep ‘em coming.

[press release, via engadget]

The ZuneHD will get a boost once it’s launched in earnest by Microsoft. The Zune 4.0 software is now available. There are no reviews yet of what the software has in store. The ZuneHD will get a boost once it’s launched in earnest by Microsoft. The Zune 4.0 software is now available. There are no reviews yet of what the software has in store but it’s a safe bet that this will be a significant improvement over the last update. The old Zunes only has update 3.2 available for them.

[via engadget]

Microsoft’s Zune HD is nearing its much anticipated release in the market, and so as to get you more excited about it, here’s a couple of marketing videos starring the ZuneHD to further whet your appetite. Take note of the video above as it nears the 0:32 mark as the Zune HD that’s lying on its side will show off its gaming prowess Sure, we now some editing had to be done in order to pull off these well-crafted videos, but with an Nvidia Tegra chip on-board, we’re not doubting it capabilities in this department one bit. Apart from that, we also get to see a preview of their upcoming Zune AV Dock and Car Pack in one of the videos. No wonder the new Zune HD is beating the iPod Touch.

[via engadget]
More videos after the break.

This piece of news doesn’t really come as a surprise to me. The hottest selling MP3 player at Amazon right now is the ZuneHD, besting iPod Touch, which comes in second. Both players are 32GB but ZuneHD is $10 cheaper, though I doubt this is the main reason for Zune HD being ahead of iPod Touch. Let’s look at the possible reasons, shall we?

1. New design: let’s not underestimate the novelty of the ZuneHD’s design. The iPod Touch design is two years old.
2. OLED screen: the advantages of OLED against LED is a significant one. Not only are the images clearer, OLED has higher viewing angles, needs less power, bringing a more vivid movie experience in a portable
3. HD Radio: CD-quality music is definitely something people crave for when buying MP3 players, and the possibilities of HD radio
4. Nvidia Tegra: We haven’t seen it in action just yet. Hopefully, we”l see games that will test Tegra on the Zune Marketplace soon
5. HD support and TV out: handy if you want to use your high-capacity Zune as a portable entertainment center

Well, that’s about it, but in case you want to know, ZuneHD didn’t remain on top for long. As of now, the 32GB iPod Touch is number 1.

[source]