Electronics Zune HD

MoreLemonPledge · 05-27-2009, 04:25 AM

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10...CmoreStories.0

Microsoft on Tuesday confirmed its plans to take on the iPod Touch with a new, touch-screen Zune that will be able to surf the Web, play high-definition movies, and tune in to digital radio.

The Zune HD, which will be available in the U.S. only starting this fall, features an HD Radio tuner as well as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) touch screen, Microsoft said. It is based on Windows CE and will use a version of Internet Explorer customized for its touch screen, Microsoft said.

The software maker did not announce pricing or capacity, though it said the device will use flash memory and attempt to take on Apple's high-end iPod models.

"This device is created to go head to head with the iPod Touch," Chris Stephenson, general manager of global marketing for Microsoft Zune, said in a telephone interview on Tuesday. Zune buyers will also be able to play HD content on their TVs via a dock, Microsoft said.

The software maker also said that at next week's E3 trade show in Los Angeles it will announce details on a new Zune-branded video service for the Xbox that will replace the current Xbox Live marketplace for TV and movies. The company didn't announce details or specifically say that content will be playable on both Zunes and the Xbox.

Currently videos purchased via the Xbox can't be played on a Zune, although both stores use a similar back-end infrastructure to serve up content. Over time, Stephenson said the goal is to move toward a world in which content purchased once can be played on a variety of devices.

Microsoft plans to offer the new Zune video service in a number of European markets, in addition to North America.

As for the Zune HD, Microsoft is doubling down on its bet on a radio tuner as a distinguishing feature. Stephenson noted that the current Zune's FM radio is its second most popular selling point. Adding support for HD Radio, a free over-the-air digital radio technology, represents both a risk and opportunity.

"It's really one of the first portable HD radio receivers out there," Stephenson said. "It's going to be important for us to communicate the value of HD Radio since it is a fairly nascent technology."

One of the big unanswered questions is what sort of gaming abilities the Zune HD will have. There has been speculation on the topic, but Microsoft refused to comment ahead of E3 saying it had no details to share at this time.

Microsoft plans to continue selling its hard drive-based model, which will have a software QWERTY keyboard, but said it plans to eventually discontinue its other flash models in favor of the Zune HD.

"Expect to see the Zune HD...become the definitive Zune product going forward," Stephenson said. "You will continue to see the hard drive product in the market. (The Zune HD) will take over from existing flash devices."

Although Microsoft has said it isn't building a ZunePhone, the company does want to be able to offer its Zune service on phones. However, Stephenson said that is a longer-term goal that will take at least until next year to fulfill.

"This is enough work for us this year," he said. "Going forward, Zune will start to surface on multiple platforms across the ecosystem. Expect to see it pop up in many different places."

Yeah, people rip on the Zune, but I love the little thing. This is going to be badass. A must-buy for Xbox 360 owners?

**007** · 05-27-2009, 04:42 AM

why a must buy for xbox owners? So what if it is integrated.

I upgraded from a Zune 30 to an iPod touch and have zero regrets.

Also, Zune HD will be using IE. nuff said.

MoreLemonPledge · 05-27-2009, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guru

why a must buy for xbox owners? So what if it is integrated.

I upgraded from a Zune 30 to an iPod touch and have zero regrets.

Also, Zune HD will be using IE. nuff said.

They're changing the marketplace on XBL. What we know right now is that anything you might have bought on there (TV shows, music videos, movies and maybe rentals) can be played on your Zune. That's a big deal to those of us who have spent a lot of money on those things.

I'm sure they'll have XBL Arcade games that you can play on it, too. Transfer the info to your Xbox, things like that.

**007** · 05-27-2009, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoreLemonPledge

They're changing the marketplace on XBL. What we know right now is that anything you might have bought on there (TV shows, music videos, movies and maybe rentals) can be played on your Zune. That's a big deal to those of us who have spent a lot of money on those things.

I'm sure they'll have XBL Arcade games that you can play on it, too. Transfer the info to your Xbox, things like that.

I can see why some would be excited about it. I just don't think having an xbox makes it a must own though. Only to the people that download a bunch of video.

Braincase · 05-27-2009, 06:37 AM

I Love my Zunes, both the 30 and the 80. I keep the 30 downstairs in the weightroom (storeroom with bench) attached to an Altec-Lansing docking amplifier. 80 stays with me on the road. I'll definitely consider the HD when it becomes available.

**Lzen** · 05-27-2009, 07:26 AM

I love my Zune 30. But I don't see how this Zune HD would be a must have. Perhaps it will bring down the price of the current Zune 120 and I can upgrade.

P.S. I hate the iPod.

Silock · 05-27-2009, 08:02 AM

:yawn:

Another device that nobody will buy. And before you judge, I own a Zune.

**007** · 05-27-2009, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silock

:yawn:

Another device that nobody will buy. And before you judge, I own a Zune.

Oh, people will buy it. the ipod haters most likely. It will be overpriced as hell though.

As with anything, I would highly suggest waiting for the second generation of the Zune HD to come out as well. First editions are always buggy as hell.

KC native · 05-27-2009, 02:39 PM

Hopefully this will bring the price point of the 120 lower. My old school 30 gb one just died earlier this month.

Jewish Rabbi · 05-27-2009, 04:14 PM

I wonder when they'll come out with the ZunePhone?

**007** · 05-27-2009, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jewish Rabbi

I wonder when they'll come out with the ZunePhone?

It is already in the works.

**007** · 05-27-2009, 09:46 PM

New rumor. The service coming to xbox live is only Zune Video and NOT Zune Marketplace. You will still have video but NOT music access like some are thinking.

05-27-2009, 04:25 AM
MoreLemonPledge M-I-Z S-E-C Join Date: Apr 2009 Casino cash: $10004927	Zune HD http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10...CmoreStories.0 Microsoft on Tuesday confirmed its plans to take on the iPod Touch with a new, touch-screen Zune that will be able to surf the Web, play high-definition movies, and tune in to digital radio. The Zune HD, which will be available in the U.S. only starting this fall, features an HD Radio tuner as well as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) touch screen, Microsoft said. It is based on Windows CE and will use a version of Internet Explorer customized for its touch screen, Microsoft said. The software maker did not announce pricing or capacity, though it said the device will use flash memory and attempt to take on Apple's high-end iPod models. "This device is created to go head to head with the iPod Touch," Chris Stephenson, general manager of global marketing for Microsoft Zune, said in a telephone interview on Tuesday. Zune buyers will also be able to play HD content on their TVs via a dock, Microsoft said. The software maker also said that at next week's E3 trade show in Los Angeles it will announce details on a new Zune-branded video service for the Xbox that will replace the current Xbox Live marketplace for TV and movies. The company didn't announce details or specifically say that content will be playable on both Zunes and the Xbox. Currently videos purchased via the Xbox can't be played on a Zune, although both stores use a similar back-end infrastructure to serve up content. Over time, Stephenson said the goal is to move toward a world in which content purchased once can be played on a variety of devices. Microsoft plans to offer the new Zune video service in a number of European markets, in addition to North America. As for the Zune HD, Microsoft is doubling down on its bet on a radio tuner as a distinguishing feature. Stephenson noted that the current Zune's FM radio is its second most popular selling point. Adding support for HD Radio, a free over-the-air digital radio technology, represents both a risk and opportunity. "It's really one of the first portable HD radio receivers out there," Stephenson said. "It's going to be important for us to communicate the value of HD Radio since it is a fairly nascent technology." One of the big unanswered questions is what sort of gaming abilities the Zune HD will have. There has been speculation on the topic, but Microsoft refused to comment ahead of E3 saying it had no details to share at this time. Microsoft plans to continue selling its hard drive-based model, which will have a software QWERTY keyboard, but said it plans to eventually discontinue its other flash models in favor of the Zune HD. "Expect to see the Zune HD...become the definitive Zune product going forward," Stephenson said. "You will continue to see the hard drive product in the market. (The Zune HD) will take over from existing flash devices." Although Microsoft has said it isn't building a ZunePhone, the company does want to be able to offer its Zune service on phones. However, Stephenson said that is a longer-term goal that will take at least until next year to fulfill. "This is enough work for us this year," he said. "Going forward, Zune will start to surface on multiple platforms across the ecosystem. Expect to see it pop up in many different places." Yeah, people rip on the Zune, but I love the little thing. This is going to be badass. A must-buy for Xbox 360 owners?
Posts: 6,039

05-27-2009, 04:42 AM	#2
007 Shaken. Not stirred. Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: London Casino cash: $14060126 VARSITY	why a must buy for xbox owners? So what if it is integrated. I upgraded from a Zune 30 to an iPod touch and have zero regrets. Also, Zune HD will be using IE. nuff said. __________________ My dear girl, there are some things that just aren’t done. Such as, drinking Dom Perignon ’53 above the temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s just as bad as listening to the Beatles without earmuffs.
Posts: 65,554

05-27-2009, 06:37 AM	#5
Braincase Banned Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Pond> Me <Barn Casino cash: $11298284	I Love my Zunes, both the 30 and the 80. I keep the 30 downstairs in the weightroom (storeroom with bench) attached to an Altec-Lansing docking amplifier. 80 stays with me on the road. I'll definitely consider the HD when it becomes available. __________________ BrainCase
Posts: 15,429

05-27-2009, 07:26 AM	#6
Lzen Supporter Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Jan Quadrant Vincent 16 Casino cash: $2250692	I love my Zune 30. But I don't see how this Zune HD would be a must have. Perhaps it will bring down the price of the current Zune 120 and I can upgrade. P.S. I hate the iPod. __________________ If at first you don't succeed ...skydiving is not for you.
Posts: 41,318

05-27-2009, 08:02 AM	#7
Silock MVP Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Overland Park Casino cash: $10020882	:yawn: Another device that nobody will buy. And before you judge, I own a Zune.
Posts: 19,908

05-27-2009, 02:39 PM	#9
KC native Banned Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Fort Worth, TX Casino cash: $10049239	Hopefully this will bring the price point of the 120 lower. My old school 30 gb one just died earlier this month.
Posts: 24,946

05-27-2009, 04:14 PM	#10
Jewish Rabbi What's up braj? Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Placencia, Belize Casino cash: $2148320	I wonder when they'll come out with the ZunePhone?
Posts: 15,542

05-27-2009, 09:46 PM	#12
007 Shaken. Not stirred. Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: London Casino cash: $14060126 VARSITY	New rumor. The service coming to xbox live is only Zune Video and NOT Zune Marketplace. You will still have video but NOT music access like some are thinking. __________________ My dear girl, there are some things that just aren’t done. Such as, drinking Dom Perignon ’53 above the temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s just as bad as listening to the Beatles without earmuffs.
Posts: 65,554