Apparently the internet is abuzz with the recent bricking of thousands of Zunes. The phenomenon is being dubbed as Z2K9, Zunicide, or Zunepocolypse and results in a 30GB Zune basically crapping out. Reports are that at about around 2AM this morning the fated Zunes reset and tried to reboot, once the status bar reached 100%... nothing, they just freeze there. At this time no solution has been found and it only seems to affect 30GB Zunes (regardless of firmware version). If you have a Zune 30 my advice is to hold off on using it until the problem is solved. Keep an eye on the Zune support page for any updates: http://www.zune.net/en-US/support/default.htm (Top right corner).
There is a workaround at this point, but it requires you to open up the Zune (which voids the warranty), but if you're feeling daring here's the link: http://www.rapidrepair.com/guides/zune/zuneassemblyguide.htm. My advice is to just wait and see what happens. The software still works without a hitch (Don't plug the Zune 30 in though), so if you're dying to listen to music do it at your computer.
I still think the Zune as a whole, trumps the iPod (hardware, software, and marketplace), probably because I haven't been affected by any of the Microsoft trifecta (BSoD, RRoD, Z2K9). Its bad enough I have to hear all the smack talk about Microsoft's Windows OS and their infamous Xbox 360 RRoD, now THIS? Come on guys, I'm trying to fight the good fight here.
ETA: The problem seems to be isolated to Zune 30s manufactured in 2006 and the problem should resolve itself. Matt Akers from the Zune team posted an update to the support forums stating the following:
"Early this morning we were alerted by our customers that there was a widespread issue affecting our 2006 model Zune 30GB devices (a large number of which are still actively being used). The technical team jumped on the problem immediately and isolated the issue: a bug in the internal clock driver related to the way the device handles a leap year. The issue should be resolved over the next 24 hours as the time change moves to January 1, 2009. We expect the internal clock on the Zune 30GB devices will automatically reset tomorrow (noon, GMT). By tomorrow you should allow the battery to fully run out of power before the unit can restart successfully then simply ensure that your device is recharged, then turn it back on. If you’re a Zune Pass subscriber, you may need to sync your device with your PC to refresh the rights to the subscription content you have downloaded to your device."
So it was more of a hiccup that got blown out of proportion... put that iPod back on the shelf!
Here's a link to the thread on the support forum: http://forums.zune.net/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=408989
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2 comments:
hmm...funny my player hasn't freaked out due to a leap year, oh wait, that's cause it's an ipod.
@RenderingRisch: The thing is Microsoft is just efficient and had them all take a break for a day. The reason you don't hear about iPod errors (and yes they happen quite often), is that if anyone speaks badly of Apple in any way the alien ship behind the comet won't pick them up next time the planets are aligned. Enjoy your shiny white plastic flavored Kool-Aid. :)
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