Zune HD Software Version 4.5 Coming

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Just yesterday a 64GB Zune HD, well, more specifically, a non-working link for a 64GB Zune HD appeared on the Microsoft website. And today we are getting a pretty decent first look at what we can expect with the next Zune HD software update. That update is going to be version 4.5 and it seems as if it will be only for the Zune HD.

Of course, the first comment on that is how it seems Microsoft is breaking their rule of keeping the older Zune hardware in line with the newer models. Personally that was a sweet selling point of the Zune. For example, those early adopters that picked up a 30GB Zune when it was first released were always given the latest and greatest in terms of features. Not any more, it seems the Zune lineup is shifting and going HD all the way.

Getting back to the update though, lets dive into what we can expect to see when version 4.5 arrives. First things first, that software is expected to arrive “sometime in the next few weeks.” Sadly though, nothing more specific was given, but on the bright side, a few weeks is not that long of a wait.

Feature wise, this update will bring more support for video codecs, in other words you will be able to play more video file formats including Xvid and AVI.

Moving on, users will also be given Smart DJ playlist support on the Zune. Which is really nice because at current we have Smart DJ support on the desktop software, and because of that it has always felt like the players were missing something. For those not as familiar with the Zune, the Smart DJ feature can be described as being similar to the Genius playlists in iTunes.

Additionally, and this one while interesting is not one that I can imagine using all that much myself. That said, I am sure someone will find it appealing. Once the 4.5 software arrives, users will be able to stream Marketplace tracks from the web to your Zune HD using Wi-Fi and the AV dock. Again, this is a feature that has existed in part. Zune users have already been able to stream Marketplace tracks using a desktop web browser.

And there you have it, more improvements to the Zune HD. Maybe that leaked 64GB Zune will make an official appearance around the time we see version 4.5 come available.