The code that crippled the Zune |
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The code that crippled the Zune
We've known for a couple days that it was a clock glitch, related to the leap year, that caused the temporary worldwide meltdown of Microsoft's Zune 30 GB devices. But for anyone interested in even more detail than that, this post on ZuneBoards shows and explains what's purported to be the precise programming bug that caused the problem.
Assuming it's authentic, the buggy code demonstrates just how vulnerable technology can be to human error, even in this age of high-tech consumer electronics. (Link via Silicon Alley Insider.)
In other corners of the Web, the Great Zune Meltdown of 2008 continues to fuel technological satire. For example, the new Seattle-based site cheddrmedia.com is holding a contest to create a new Zune slogan based on the incident. The prize for the winner: an iPod Nano.
As of yesterday, some TechFlash readers were still experiencing problems with their 30GB Zunes. What's the status today? Drop me a note with the details, or post a comment below, and I'll ask Microsoft what it's doing for people whose Zunes weren't magically revived.
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