Foxtel Downloads doesn't really cut it, so will it be up to Microsoft to provide a comprehensive video-on-demand system? Nick over at Gizmodo has been putting the Zune Video Marketplace on Xbox Live through its paces, and he's pretty impressed with what he sees.
Zune Insider reports that Microsoft has updated the Zune firmware to 3.1, adding three new free games (Checkers, Sudoku, and Space Battle) and improving the Zune Social feature with better looks and a "like minded listeners" feature that shows you how your taste compares to your friends. Aside from the fun stuff, the update also promises improved stability and performance. To update, just launch the Zune software and go to Settings -> Check for Updates. Zune importers, let's hear how you like it in the comments.
If you've been hanging out for Microsoft to release their Zune music player locally, then you'll be interested to know today's special on the Catch of the Day is a 30g Zune for $238.70 plus shipping. I'm unsure as to the warranty situation, since Microsoft hasn't released Zune locally and presumably won't support it locally either.
US-centric: We've already told you how to use your Zune as a portable hard drive so your Zune can double as an external drive, but if you've tried the hack and had some trouble dragging files to your Zune, the video above not only demonstrates the fix, but also takes you on a step-by-step through the registry hacking required to enable the Windows Explorer browsing. It's our opinion that every portable media device should double as an external hard drive (though the trend with Zunes, iPhones, and the like is to disable disk modes), so if you're bummed about this deficiency on your Zune, this simple hack should do the trick.
