What's a good way to bring attention to an issue (tech related)?

[KeithTalent]

I've never really tried to bring attention to these types of things before, but I find it kind of appalling that nothing is really being done to get this rectified.

The problem is with a Zune update that was recently (a few months ago) done, to the new 4.0 software, which was to update for the Zune HD I believe. Well, for many users, mostly those with non-HD Zunes, the software caused an error and effectively bricked all of our Zunes. A detailed discussion is here: http://forums.zune.net/0/1/515021/ShowPost.aspx#515021 and there are exactly two responses from Zune staff, one saying they are looking into it (from a couple of months ago) and one saying they have not been able to replicate the problem, which really makes no sense.

Now I am past my warranty and I completely gave up on Microsoft and purchased an iPod (something I swore I would never do, but there really is no alternative) so I do not expect anything from Microsoft anymore, but there are a lot of people that have these things and may not be able to afford to purchase a new MP3 player and I would like to see them have the problem fixed.

To that end, is there a good way to go about trying to get more attention drawn to this matter? :hmm: I'm a total noob at this kind of thing, I usually just move on and forget about it, but this really irked me.

Cliffs:
1. Zune update bricked a lot of Zunes
2. Little response form Microsoft going on a few months now
3. KT now a an iPod owner, but feels more people should know about this issue to hopefully help others.

Thanks all.

KT

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Posting to forums like this is a good start. I for one did not know about this issue, and until its resolved will not be buying either a Zune or ZuneHD.

I think I'm going to look at one of those mp4nation players instead.

 

[effowe]

Maybe the Consumerist can help, their stories usually get picked up by Digg and Reddit. If it gains traction on those sites, many people will see it.

 

[shocksyde]

scream bloody murder on twitter, that seems to work these days

 

[calvinbiss]

What Zune do you have? I know this is annoying to say, but I didn't have any problems with my Zune on the upgrade. I have the 80 gig version.

What exactly is non-functioning on your Zune?

 

[KeithTalent]

What Zune do you have? I know this is annoying to say, but I didn't have any problems with my Zune on the upgrade. I have the 80 gig version.

What exactly is non-functioning on your Zune?

I have the 80GB Zune as well. The Zune will not sync. It gets to about 1% syncing, then freezes and gives the error code listed on the forum there.

I have tried everything I can possibly imagine (hard resets, uninstalling everything, rolling back to old drivers and software, syncing small amounts at a time) to no avail. My Zune has shown no content ever since this first occurred.

I do not begrudge anyone posting they do not have the issue, I am happy for those that do not. I just want people to know it is happening to many other users out there.

KT

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

The only 2 options I can see is to do Microsoft's job for them.

In other words, you would have to collect the data, analyze it and, give suggestions to how to fix the problem. The first two aren't difficult, just time consuming. The third would require a real understanding of what the update does and how the software works in general. Unfortunately, I do not believe this is a workable option.

The second option is to convince Microsoft that the loss of business from failed Zune owners is greater than the cost of doing the above research. I do not believe this is a workable option either, sorry KT.

 

[TheKub]

Hmmm. I got the 80 and havnt had any problems like you describe.

I buy your Zune for $10!

 

[Gibson486]

lesson I have learned from the past...

never update your firmware when there is no reason too. Lots of times, it causes nothing but trouble.

 

[KeithTalent]

lesson I have learned from the past...

never update your firmware when there is no reason too. Lots of times, it causes nothing but trouble.

Yes, I generally follow that rule as well, but it sort of forced me to do it. I probably should have tried harder to avoid the update, but that should not excuse Microsoft from fixing the problem.

KT

 

[ahurtt]

Set it on fire. Things being engulfed in flame usually draws a lot of attention to them.

 

[KeithTalent]

Maybe the Consumerist can help, their stories usually get picked up by Digg and Reddit. If it gains traction on those sites, many people will see it.

I'll look into this, thank you.

KT

 

[PingSpike]

The only satisfying way I can think of to bring attention to this issue is to drive to Redmond and shove your zune right up Steve Ballmer's ass.

 

[KeithTalent]

So I tried going to The Consumerist, but I'm not really sure I understand how it works there. I found a posting about a similar issue here: http://consumerist.com/2009/10/eecb-changes-price-tag-to-fix-zune-from-160-to-0.html and tried to post there, but it seems you have to wait for approval from the original poster and I have heard nothing back from them. Maybe I am going about this incorrectly?

Is there something else I can do to get this noticed?

Thanks.

KT

 

[JS80]

Class action lawyer

 

[QueBert]

I feel your pain OP, I don't own a Zune, but had a friend who had the same problem, I couldn't fix it for shit. MS did nothing to help, he ended up buying an iPod. People can say what they will about iTunes sucking blah blah blah. But iPods just work. Zunes have had some widespread issues, and the typical response I see from other "well my Zune still works..."

 

[KeithTalent]

I feel your pain OP, I don't own a Zune, but had a friend who had the same problem, I couldn't fix it for shit. MS did nothing to help, he ended up buying an iPod. People can say what they will about iTunes sucking blah blah blah. But iPods just work. Zunes have had some widespread issues, and the typical response I see from other "well my Zune still works..."

Well I have switched to an iPod and it's pretty good, though I would still rather have my Zune, but iTunes is still absolute shit. I freaking hate it.

KT

 

[dullard]

1) The Consumerist as mentioned above is good for this type of issue. But they are extremely limited in how many different cases they can highlight.

2) If everyone actually sent it in for warranty repair, Microsoft would notice. Microsoft in the past has been quite good with replacing broken devices for free, even after the warranty period has expired. Heck, I searched for warranty on that forum link in the OP and the first real mention was from a poster saying that Microsoft replaced it for free out of warranty.

3) Class action lawsuit.

 

[ultimatebob]

I'd complain to all of the tech news sites like Engadget and Gizmodo, but it's too late to complain to them now for this bug. Anything more than two weeks old is old news for them.

Seriously, though... those sites LOVE following up a boring "Microsoft releases new firmware" type news story with a spicier "New Microsoft firmware causes dozens of Zune HD's to blow up!" type story a few days later.

 

[BabaBooey]

Tried this yet ?


http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=86B2A33D-9BF8-45F6-89FF-B9A6236AA37D&displaylang=en

 

[KeithTalent]

Tried this yet ?


http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...3D-9BF8-45F6-89FF-B9A6236AA37D&displaylang=en

Yes I did. Unfortunately it did not work.


Thanks Dullard. I have no desire to start a lawsuit, I was just hoping to bring attention to the matter and hopefully get Microsoft to actually do something for those affected.

KT