What Caused the Worldwide Lock-Up of 30GB Zunes?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the unexpected malfunction of 30GB Zune devices worldwide, particularly focusing on theories regarding the cause of the issue, which some participants speculate may be related to the leap year. The scope includes technical explanations, user experiences, and speculation about future implications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that Zune devices worldwide are freezing, with no clear explanation provided initially.
  • One theory suggests that the leap year may have caused the malfunction, with speculation that devices could function again after a specific time.
  • Another participant proposes that the issue might be related to DRM, attributing it to Microsoft’s software practices.
  • Concerns are raised about the popularity of Zunes, with some participants questioning how many are still in use and suggesting that the issue mainly affects a niche group.
  • Some users express dissatisfaction with the Zune compared to other MP3 players, highlighting usability issues with software requirements.
  • A participant claims that the issue is due to a hardware driver malfunction related to the leap year, suggesting it will self-correct after a restart.
  • Questions arise about whether similar issues will occur in future leap years, with speculation about potential firmware updates to address the problem.
  • Participants share links to follow-up articles and code errors related to the malfunction, indicating ongoing interest in the technical aspects of the issue.
  • There are humorous remarks about the Zune's size and relevance in the future, reflecting a mix of nostalgia and skepticism about the device's longevity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of theories regarding the cause of the Zune malfunction, with no consensus reached on the definitive explanation. Some agree on the leap year theory, while others propose alternative explanations, indicating an unresolved discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference potential limitations in understanding the exact cause of the malfunction, including assumptions about the device's software and hardware interactions. There is also uncertainty regarding the future implications of the issue, particularly in relation to firmware updates and ongoing usability.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to users of Zune devices, those curious about technology failures related to leap years, and individuals interested in the history of digital media players.

drankin
All over the world. The original ones, including mine. Noone knows why yet.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13526_3-10130017-27.html"
 
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Interesting.
 
It's a mystery. One theory that I'm subscribing to is that since this year is a leap year and we have an extra day, that come midnight tonight PST all Zunes will work once again. That is if they are stuck on the loading screen. Speculation.
 
The DRM theory in that article sounds about right for a spiteful Microsoft thing.
 
How many Zunes are even out there?

I've never seen anyone listening to one or even stopped in front of the Zune aisle in any store looking at them or buying anything to do with them.

Likely this only affects the corporate gnomes that had to own them in Redmond or look disloyal to Balmer's Edsel.
 
Zunes aren't as popular as iPods. For an MP3 player, I think other manufacturers make a better product than Apple and Microsoft. You shouldn't have to use iTunes or Zune software to put files on these things. The are basically a thumb drive with a headphone jack and an interface.

I won my Zune in a drawing. It's a kewl device, really. I've got several movies, pictures, albums, and even audio books on mine. But if I were to by one I get a different brand.
 
Sure enough, it was a driver of a piece of the hardware that got hung up on the leap year. It will correct itself when restarted Jan 1. Mystery solved.
 
So does that mean it will happen the last day of every leap year?
 
Good question.
 
  • #10
russ_watters said:
So does that mean it will happen the last day of every leap year?

I would guess they will issue a firmware upgrade soon to correct it (and by soon I mean any time before the next leap year).
 
  • #11
You really think you will still be using the 06-07 Zune in 2012?

People will laugh! "Look at that! It's as big as a hand!"
 
  • #12
Chi Meson said:
You really think you will still be using the 06-07 Zune in 2012?

People will laugh! "Look at that! It's as big as a hand!"

Or, "look at that! it doesn't even transport him home!".
 
  • #13
Here's the follow-up on the story. Got to love the solutions.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-10130186-75.html

Typical Microsoft:
For those who hadn't yet run into problems, Microsoft said to refrain from connecting the Zune to a PC before noon GMT on Thursday.
In other words don't use it and you won't have any problems. That advice pretty much works for solving problems with most all their products.
Scores of Zune users on Wednesday -- the last day of a 366-day leap year -- reported that their 30GB Zune devices were freezing up.
Pretty much the entire installed base then?
 
  • #14
I hope they accounted for the extra leap second this year.
 
  • #15
Evo said:
I hope they accounted for the extra leap second this year.

If they didn't, then starting 11:59:59 December 31 users will not be able to connect their Zunes for the rest of the year.

Of course that's assuming that Zunes are even still being sold by then.
 

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