The Microsoft Zune Team recently rolled out an update to the Zune HD firmware which brings several new features and improvements. If you aren’t seeing the updated firmware yet (version 4.3), Steve Clayton has a tip on how to force the update.
One of the key features of the new firmware upgrade is an improvement to the included web browser – it’s now faster and offers controls that let you switch between the mobile and desktop version of the website you’re viewing.
Also new is an auto-suggest feature for text input and support for upcoming 3D games and applications. That’s right – apps and games. In case you missed the news during the Zune HD launch, there are plans to release free applications for the Zune sometime this year (soon, we now hope) such as Twitter for Zune and Facebook for Zune. In addition, the device will also support some 3D games including “Project Gotham Racing: Ferrari Edition,” “Vans Sk8: Pool Service” and “Audiosurf(TM) Tilt.” The games can be added to via the Zune Marketplace accessible over a Wi-Fi connection or when connected to a PC running Zune software.
Other new features in the Zune HD 4.3 firmware are as follows:
- Larger landscape keyboard
- Keyboard option has been added in the settings section
- New toggle between seek and presets for the radio
- Updated artist bios with embedded links to other artists
- Other bug fixes, minor updates and improvements
You can see these features in action in this YouTube video.
