Microsoft's Zune HD Rolls Out Today

[Michael Essany]

Image via Gadget Review


Today is the moment of truth for Zune. This morning, Microsoft formally launches a "slimmer, revamped version" of its Zune handheld music and video player.

In a solid attempted to take a bite out of the iPod market share, the touch-screen Zune HD - complete with a radio receiver and wi-fi - comes at a lower price than Apple's iPod Touch.

From Reuters:

The device has a claim of technical superiority over Apple's iPods, with a state-of-the-art organic light emitting diode screen and ability to relay high definition video to a television. But it will struggle to make an impact on the stylish iPod, which took the digital music player mainstream when launched in 2001 and now controls more than 70 percent of the market. The original Zune did not come onto the market until 2006.

And that's the fact that most Zune advocates tend to overlook. Zune didn't make much of an impact the first time around. Why will its second stroll along a very competitive landscape make much of a difference?

In this regard, Microsoft has image problems more than hardware issues with consumers. We tend to avoid Microsoft for such gadgets because... well, that's just not their thing. Of course, that doesn't mean Microsoft's Zune won't put up a fight, and possibly slightly chip away at Apple during a forthcoming holiday season that will transpire during a still ailing economy.

Microsoft's player is backed by the Zune Marketplace, which rivals Apple's iTunes store, where users can stream, buy or rent music, videos and films. The device features only a handful of applications, such as MSN weather and some video games, but it is planning to add applications featuring social networking sites Twitter and Facebook in November. Unlike Apple, Microsoft does not have an open marketplace for application development, and is not charging for them.

As a result of the launch, Microsoft is giving Zune Pass music subscribers the opportunity to log into their Zune.net account on any Mac or PC and begin sifting through the Zune Marketplace's expansive catalog and stream music at their pleasure. Indeed, Microsoft is coming on strong. But will it all pay off this time?

Zune HD is available from major retailers with a black 16GB version for $219.99 and a platinum 32GB version for $289.99.

[Jordo_6]

I would like to compare this to the 3rd iPod Touch, and doesn't that have the hardware for radio and wireless N? I've never looked at the zune but are you able to add other apps which takes it away from the Music/Video Aspect?

[Kiserai]

Looks pretty cool.

I love OLED screens. A good OLED screen is like staring into the face of an angel.

[rkswat]

I think it looks sweet... of course all the fanboys are going to knock it. If I was in the need for a stand alone player I would pick this over an i product for sure.

[JustinPizzle]

nice design.

I love OLED screens. A good OLED screen is like staring into the face of an angel.

i dont think ive ever seen one...

*adds that to the todo list* lol

[rwin84]

I am interested to see if this succeeds...

[weazle23]

i like it. i actually have the original 30gb zune and like it better than the ipod. an on the zune websight it actually lets you put an inscription on the back which is cool.

[Sadhunni]

Zune HD is not bad but they dont support chinese like Apple Itouch does. I still prefer Apple Itouch and at least no discrimination there. lol

[viettho]

Microsoft Zune HD is reviewed on PCMagazine if anyone wants to see:
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6djjQ7DLec0]YouTube - Microsoft Zune HD[/ame]

[StealthBravo]

looks like crap

[kainisable]

Zune is a joke, looks like a cheap remake of the 1st generation iPhone,

FAIL

[ZionSV]

might be too little too late. I think there are too many fanboys now for this to make much of an impact

[fraggot]

Zune HD is not bad but they dont support chinese like Apple Itouch does. I still prefer Apple Itouch and at least no discrimination there. lol

What is an iTouch?

[dale1v]

Zune is a joke, looks like a cheap remake of the 1st generation iPhone,

FAIL

If you think that looks worse than a first gen iPhone, you are blind.

[reznor9]

If you think that looks worse than a first gen iPhone, you are blind.

whats funny is that I pulled my old 1st gen iPhone out of a drawer cause Im getting ready to sell it, and it looks brand new... and I kinda miss the old aluminum backing... looks really slick. Course I love the white too... but the 1st gen didnt look bad at all!

[XanderVincent]

Yeah, it has apps.

[hollow0]

What is an iTouch?

huh? seriously...? Nahh you must be in a sarcastic mood

As far as the way the Zune looks...im not too much of a fan of devices that look squarish. Yeah stupid right? I don't know that' just me. But i think the GUI looks pretty good and the IE actually looks better than that crappy mobile version.

I'm still going to keep looking at different videos though.

[iBwizzle]

I just put this on my Christmas List!

[kainisable]

If you think that looks worse than a first gen iPhone, you are blind.

If I'm blind then what do we call you?, The 1st gen IPhone looks much better than the new zune, i think most people would agree with me, the iPhone is a sleek design

[tudtran]

It look very nice. If it come with a camera I would get one.