Zune to get wireless downloads, version 2 hardware, flash player?

Sometimes you can never know for sure, but we've got some pretty convincing material from a Zune source which shows a beta build of firmware v1.4 (shown as 2.1.4, perhaps as an internal designation). Apparently you'll finally be able to put your WiFi to good use (other than being a part of "the social") by using open WiFi hotspots (no word on WiFi you have the key for) and Microsoft points for downloading tracks. (Sorry, no word about subscriptions, syncing, and the like. And yes, we know the wireless icon is missing; we were told it was accidentally omitted from the download UI in this build.) Also up to bat in the near future, further confirmation that we can expect Zune v2 and a flash Zune in the next month or so -- perhaps just in time to remind people that Apple isn't the only game in town when the iPhone hype hits its peak. One more picture after the break.

[supermeerkat @ May 10th 2007 10:57AM]

And your 10 year old brother is an authority on faked images I take it?

[i1906 @ May 10th 2007 9:19AM]

The Zune still ZUCKS. The Zune is far from the best Player...The iPod isn't the best either but it still RULEZ!!!

[Hamicide @ May 10th 2007 9:20AM]

I like how the "2.1.4 Beta" text is slanted.

It gives the ZOON a bit of zing.

;)

[nickels @ May 10th 2007 9:28AM]

doesnt look all that real, anyone know when the zune is set for release in the uk?

[BestSnowman @ May 10th 2007 9:29AM]

Cool, a "picture" of wireless downloading and the wireless icon is off.

[Ryan Block @ May 10th 2007 10:48AM]

I probably should have mentioned what our source mentioned to us, which is that the icon was (accidentally) omitted from that beta firmware build.

[robi @ May 10th 2007 9:39AM]

Microsoft needs to offer Xbox Marketplace content on the Zune Marketplace or merge them into one Live maeketplace.

These are exciting times to be a Zune owner!

[JoeT @ May 10th 2007 10:20AM]

Even though this could be fake it still brings up a good point. If/when Zune v2 comes out with wireless download capabilities wouldn't it be nice if Zune v1 could upgrade to the same firmware?

A reward for the early adopters?

[Dragod @ May 10th 2007 10:22AM]

The band he's (possibly) downloading is amazing.

Well, I hope this is true, I'd like more updates, even though I'm getting one every 3 months or so. :)

[Dragod @ May 10th 2007 10:26AM]

Personally, I probably won't use wireless downloading, though it would be nice. I'd rather not download it slower, only to have to sync it back to my computer. Some people might, but I don't see the use. I love my Zune, but all I really need is podcast support, and an easier way to change metadata on my Videos. Also, I'd like to create folders in my video section, so that all of my "Arrested Development" episodes and "Pure Pwnage" podcasts aren't tripling the size of the list I scroll through.

[Bill @ May 10th 2007 10:27AM]

Agree it looks fake but even if the rumor is true...why would anyone ever went to use this on an open hotspot to download tracks. The potential to have my username/password stolen is too great. Besides, I don't get this insane desire the editors at Engadget have about downloading tunes on the go. I've never been so hard up to get a song that I couldn't wait till I got home to download it...especially considered what a clugy interface a device like this would have with such a small screen and no keyboard. Trying to find a specific song seems like it would be more pain then it is worth.

[chris @ May 10th 2007 10:28AM]

Is there any reason for the firmware version would appear in the middle of the playlist? That seems a little odd.

______________________
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[Jeff @ May 10th 2007 11:06AM]

"The band he's (possibly) downloading is amazing."

What, Green Day?

Yeah, I hear they're on the verge of hitting it big.

[anonymouspimp @ May 10th 2007 12:59PM]

Picture looks like terrible photoshop work... but I certainly hope the rumors are true. I really like my Zune, and would love to be able to download tunes over WiFi. I also think i'd pick up a flash Zune too when it's available. Then I could just leave my big Zune in my car.

Also, I have a hard time believing this stuff is coming out in the next "month or so"... considering they said they were expecting to release a new Zune in Q4 of this year... but maybe they said that on purpose...?

Either way, i'm excited about it. I am glad to see a big player in the industry trying out WiFi downloading. I am sure Apple will follow in Microsoft's steps with this, so as not to lose too much market share.

Apple zealots, cry all you want, whether the thought of Microsoft grabbing a bigger % of the market share scares you or not... this competition is good for you (the consumer)...

[Rohit @ May 10th 2007 1:08PM]

I cannot believe that people can dismiss wireless download as if its nothing. I am off to Baltimore for a week and I cannot carry my desktop with me. In that case the ability to download a music which I like on the device is just great!! In fact that is a real deal maker for me. At that point I can say yes Zune has a real value over iPod. This is great!!!!

[Brian @ May 10th 2007 1:22PM]

I have a friend who is going to a microsoft research/testing thing every week for a new nano zune. Her "thing" (i forget what you call them) doesnt end for another 2 weeks, so while a new nano zune is coming, probably not for quite a while

[joey smth @ May 10th 2007 1:39PM]

wireless downloading is lame, we need video downloads, video folders, and podcasting

[Shmoe @ May 10th 2007 1:42PM]

The biggest problem with Zune is that MS forces you to download a crappy piece of music management software when PCs already have a very good music management software called Windows Media Player already installed. I don't want two music management softwares on my machine. WMP 11 looks far better and works. In my opinion (and I know I'm not alone) WMP 11 is better than iTunes as well. The Zune software is crap. They also need to add native support for their proprietary DVR-MS format to allow one to put TV shows on Zune from Media Center, especially since they foolishly killed off Portable Media Centers when what PMCs really needed was a good piece of hardware like the Zune.

[Aaron @ Jun 10th 2007 5:25PM]

I agree, the Zune stuff should be built into WMP. It's a sturdy program and not nearly the resource hog that iTunes is.

[gumspots @ May 10th 2007 2:31PM]

WTF. I hate it when people write 'Flash' and do not clarify if they are talking about Adobe Flash or Flash memory. The first two articles sound like its just about Flash memory and then this one says 'Flash Player'like its the Adobe Flash player but AGAIN they don't do into any details.

Clear this up.

[Dolomite @ May 10th 2007 3:35PM]

All three Zune owners rejoice...

[anonymouspimp @ May 10th 2007 4:43PM]

Wow Dolomite, that was very clever. Did you make that up yourself? Or did you see it in every other Zune-related article filled with insecure Apple zealots?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc65oLhBX_U

[Zeus the God @ May 10th 2007 5:23PM]

Yeah... There are quite a lot of Zune owners. In fact, I see Zunes all the time at my school, but anyway, the wireless sharing alone is quite useful, even if it is 3x3 DRM. This would just make it that much cooler.

Oh, Dolomite, I laughed at that, because, you know, Zune just came out and is actually doing well for JUST joining the market. It took Apple a lot longer to get on the ball with a halfway decent (the Zune is better than just halfway decent) iPod, so just shut up.

[Dolomite @ May 10th 2007 11:00PM]

yeah, I really want a BSOD on my MP3 player, get a grip, Zunes stink and you know it.

[iSpork @ May 10th 2007 7:47PM]

Funny how all the other text is blurry and unreadable, but for some
reason the beta text isn't?I smell something fishy, and it's not your
mother's crotchal region.

[Mike Downey @ May 10th 2007 11:37PM]

This title is very misleading. "Flash Player" infers the inclusion of Adobe's Flash Player, which is found on millions of mobile devices. I am not aware of an Adobe Flash Player for the Zune (though that would be nice).

Mike Downey, Adobe

[Nihir @ May 11th 2007 9:20AM]

It's not misleading at all Mike. Only someone who works for Adobe (you) would think that. When talking about MP3/media players, flash player almost always refers to the memory.