30GB Zunes hibernating for 2009? [Update 2]

Numerous reports of problems with Microsoft's 30GB Zune media player are appearing. Users are reporting that their Zunes are locking up while they are using them. When the device is restarted, it appears to hang on the booting screen. The problem has not yet been commented on by Microsoft.

Suggestions for fixing the problem include doing a hard reset on the device, but other comments have noted that this only works until the device is plugged in again to charge or sync. Others have suggested that the problem may be related to the firmware version on the Zune, observing that Zunes with older firmware are unaffected. The problem is only reported to affect the 30GB Zune. Other models in the Zune range are apparently unaffected.

The Zune is Microsoft's answer to the iPod and has only been launched in the USA. It is believed to be making it's European debut some time in 2009.

Update - Microsoft have confirmed that the bug was related to mishandling of the leap year and has told users to wait until after noon GMT on January 1st, to drain the battery on the Zune so it resets, and then to recharge it.

Update 2 - For those interested in the details of the bug, a posting on zuneboards.com diagnoses the problem, and points to the code in question. The code itself is copyright Microsoft, derived from a FreeScale written C module.

(djwm)