• On MovieTome: See the villain of IRON MAN 2!
November 18, 2008 11:36 AM PST

Zune 3.1 firmware unleashed

by Donald Bell

Photo of Zune 30, Zune 80, and Zune 120 MP3 players.

The latest Zune firmware update brings new features to every generation of Zune hardware.

(Credit: Donald Bell/CNET Networks)

Microsoft has just released firmware version 3.1 for all models of the Zune MP3 player, and an update to the Zune PC software. The updated firmware adds three new games: Checkers; Sudoku; and Space Battle; as well as a new multiplayer mode for the existing Texas Hold 'Em card game. The multiplayer mode takes advantage of the Zune's Wi-Fi, letting players connect to other players with Zunes. The new Zune Checkers game also supports wireless two-player gameplay.

The Zune Social online community got a refresh as well, receiving a general visual makeover and a new "like-minded listeners" option now appears up on the right, displaying the Zune cards of listeners with similar musical taste.

Also included in the update are incremental improvements to stability and performance of the Zune PC software, such as improved play count reporting and content synchronization.

To receive the free Zune software and firmware update, open up the Zune PC software, click on Settings, and select Check for Updates.

(via Zune Insider)

Donald Bell is CNET Reviews' senior editor for MP3 players and portable audio, and one half of the MP3 Insider blog and weekly podcast. He also likes getting his hands dirty with digital audio tools for musicians and DJs.
Recent posts from MP3 Insider
Slacker Radio now playing on Android phones
How to record streaming audio
How to set up an iPod Touch
MP3 Insider 167: The munchies take over
iAudio E2 now available, still confusing
Cowon prices iAudio 9 for U.S.
When the Rolling Stones were the world's greatest band
MP3 players with memory expansion
Add a Comment (Log in or register) (5 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next
by rhsc November 18, 2008 7:51 PM PST
you have to be kidding me; i just finished writing a sudoku game for the zune.....
Reply to this comment
by kboateng November 19, 2008 7:11 AM PST
@ rhsc lmao that's pretty funny. Guess I'll get this update when I get home.
Reply to this comment
by December 31, 2008 2:54 PM PST
DONT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
by Yggdrassilious November 24, 2008 11:46 PM PST
Still no Asian languages support. Boo
Reply to this comment
by December 31, 2008 2:54 PM PST
WHATEVER YOU DO DONT DOWNLOAD THIS FIRMWARE UPDATE!!! IT'S EVIL! It's a widespread problem happening to mostly 30gb Zunes! It willl KILLL your Zune dead serious!!! Microsoft's lazy arses aren't even doing anything!!! UGHGHHHHH
Reply to this comment
(5 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next
advertisement

About MP3 Insider

MP3 Insider is a blog and weekly podcast created by CNET's MP3 technology experts, Donald Bell and Jasmine France. Each week, Jasmine and Donald discuss the latest digital music (and video) news, hardware, software, and media services, and address reader calls and e-mail. Send us e-mail at mp3insider@cnet.com or call us at 1-800-720-CNET (2638) and be a part of the show.

View all MP3 Insider podcast episode blog entries

Subscribe:

RSS Podcast

MP3 Insider topics

More on MP3 Insider
MP3 Insider on CNET Live
CNET Reviews: MP3 players and PVPs
Music posts at Crave blog
Music downloads at Download.com
Audio and video software at Download.com
Donald's Zune Social profile
Donald's Last.FM profile
The hosts of MP3 Insider
Donald Bell Donald Bell is an electronic musician, a veteran record store employee, and a fearless hardware hacker. He's also CNET's Senior Editor for MP3 and digital audio.
Jasmine France Jasmine France is CNET's resident digital audio doyenne, writing and editing product reviews, crave blogs, and feature stories on all things MP3. And if you need advice on headphones, she's your girl.

Latest posts from Crave

MP3 Insider Weekly/newsletter
MP3 Insider Weekly Delivered on Wednesdays. Brings you the latest reviews and tips in the world of digital music. view all CNET newsletters