Microsoft chases Apple with Zune HD 4.3

Jonny Evans
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November 09, 2009
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Microsoft continues its walk in Apple’s footsteps with the release of new software for the Zune HD which brings support for 3D games and apps.

The pursuit of the iPod touch means Zune HD 4.3 - the third software update for the device in two months which also offers needed performance improvements - also offers auto-suggest for text input.

What’s new;

    •    Support for the upcoming 3D games and applications.
    •    Auto Suggest feature for text input.
    •    Faster web browsing experience.
    •    Landscape keyboard
    •    Keyboard option has been added in the settings section.
    •    New toggle between seek and presets under Radio.

Microsoft is expected to reveal its first 3D games for its me-too iPod platform on or around November 17, when the Xbox is updated.

Comments (13)

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | November 09, 2009 - 3:05am

.......sucks the living daylights (and for good reason too) out of the Zune! Even the Zunes's 'keys' look like they were being sucked out by the end of that dude's fingers! Oh, those were [i]Steve Bullmer's fingers[/i] I hear you say? Is there anything Microsoft can make that won't fall apart where it is standing??  ;-) 

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | November 09, 2009 - 4:49am

Remember all the abuse Apple got for "finally" adding copy and paste to the iPhone and IPT? Wow, Microsoft has put in an 'Auto Suggest' feature for text and a landscape keyboard - they are seriously cutting edge!

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | November 09, 2009 - 5:04am

Did you guys see that incredible screen rotation animation?  Talk about innovation!

have no idea if it's good or not, but (not verified) | November 09, 2009 - 5:21am

... instead of buying music/multimedia players, please spend the cash on replacing the damn battery in your smoke detector. That chirping noise is driving me nuts!

have no idea if it's good or not, but (not verified) | November 09, 2009 - 5:28am

... for the love of god dude. Instead of spending cash on multimedia players.  Spend your hard earned money on buying a battery for your dying smoke detecter.  That chirping sound is driving me nuts!

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | November 09, 2009 - 5:43am

Unfortunately, the smoke alarm too, is made by Microsoft, and unfortunately its internal battery is non-replaceable (unless of course you have that impossible to pronounce, impossible to find eastern-bloc type of screwdriver needed for the job). If you take it to your local Microsoft store (you know, the ones that look very much like an Apple Store), that dude in the red t-shirt, yes that same dude who was in the caption competition, and btw, is still staring at his dick, may be able to find the appropriate screwdriver to open the unit up. Wot? Obscure battery? Wot? You've never heard of it? Oh. What a bummer. Tell you what, try Radio Shack, they may have a replacement. Alternatively, spend this afternoon scanning the pages of eBay, you should (may) be able to pick one up from there?  Ho-hum.......

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | November 09, 2009 - 7:02am

Holy waste of screen real estate Batman!  Can they make their own BING logo any bigger?

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | November 09, 2009 - 8:10am

It never fails to annoy me how shamelessly Microsoft copies successful products. I know the company isn't unique in this regard, but given its huge resources you'd expect at least some original ideas. 

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | November 09, 2009 - 8:10am

It never fails to annoy me how shamelessly Microsoft copies successful products. I know the company isn't unique in this regard, but given its huge resources you'd expect at least some original ideas. 

Guest Commentator (not verified) | November 09, 2009 - 9:54am

When Apple copies, it makes improvements that normal people in society like paying for; When Microsoft copies, it makes degradations that the IT staff at OEMs must pay for.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | November 09, 2009 - 2:21pm

did you realize how the search said "Zune HD the only mp3 player with a touch screen." um, Microsoft, I think your thinking about 2 years ago.

Jocca (not verified) | November 09, 2009 - 6:25pm

did you realize how the search said "Zune HD the only mp3 player with a touch screen." um, Microsoft, I think your thinking about 2 years ago.

 

Not even close!!!!!

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | November 10, 2009 - 9:20am

There is a couple of commas in that ... it is the only touchscreen with HD Radio, wireless sync, etc.