macnn/electronista

08/26/2008, 3:55pm, EDT

Tuesday, August 26th

MS confirms 120GB Zune, hints new software

The 120GB Zune spotted in the FCC's system is real but just part of a larger strategy, Zune team member Cesar Menendez has revealed. Beyond confirming the existence of the player, Menendez states that the hard disk-equipped player is just "part of the plan" and that there are significant hardware and software updates in development. Pricing should also play a role, he says.

The confirmation reveals Microsoft's first known conservative update to the Zune, which was introduced with just one model in November 2006 but was expanded a year later with a redesigned core model as well as the first flash-based devices. Most anticipate the company to follow a similar pattern as with the previous two generations, which were announced in September of their respective years.

Apple is believed to be planning a larger iPod update but is ironically rumored to be adopting a more Zune-like shape for the iPod nano with a tall, narrow screen in place of the short and squat third-generation player. Microsoft however has not said whether it has any immediate plans for a touchscreen device like the iPod touch.


Filed under: iPod, industry
Other story tags: Microsoft, FCC, Zune

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THIS version will

1
08/26, 5:10pm, EDT

totally crush the iPod. Really. We promise.

Unless Apple comes out with something new...

nat

well

-1
08/26, 5:41pm, EDT

of course they have an ipod touch like device in the works. that would be copying someone else's idea wouldn't it? well, then...

Junior Member
Joined Mar 2002
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Novel idea

-1
08/26, 5:50pm, EDT

It is going to be called Zune Touch.

Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Jan 2006
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"Ironically"

-2
08/26, 6:17pm, EDT

You mean the iPod nano is "ironically" going back to something like the original iPod Nano form factor. I doubt very much the Zune figured in the decision at all.

Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Jan 2005
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Re: ironically

-8
08/26, 6:51pm, EDT

No, more like the ipod nano is rumored to be going into more of a larger screen nano, like the zune. That is nothing like the original nano, which just had a classic screen, just way smaller.

Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Aug 2001
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Refute this please.

0
08/27, 12:46pm, EDT

To the people claiming that apple has not copied the zune in any way with the rumored nano revision, consider this... The zune had one feature that did not exist on a single ipod that had been released (currently only the touch has it). This feature was a "portrait" screen. In other words, the screen was taller than it was wide, which could be rotated for widescreen viewing. Every ipod released to date (except for the touch) has had a landscape screen!!! THE RUMORED REVISION TO THE NANO HAS A PORTRAIT SCREEN! That screen is not similar to the original mini which had a tiny little landscape screen.

Admit it already, apple is copying microsoft because they employed a method which allowed for a larger screen but a narrower body. Apple decided to go with the opposite approach which resulted in the chunky current nano model. They have now... apparently... changed their minds and are allegedly releasing a nano which is very similar to the zune.

Thank you.

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Joined Apr 2008
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Refute this please.

0
08/27, 12:51pm, EDT

And nat!!!! My bestfriend. Touchscreen devises have existed for years. Apple has hardly comeout with the first touchscreen device. Touchscreen technology is simply the inevitable next step. Apple got their first in the mp3 market (but not the phone market). But that doesnt mean every other device is copying apple. Give me a break! It means apple was quicker to get their act together, which is great. Give them credit for being quick, but they hardly came up with the idea.

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Joined Apr 2008
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My apologies...

0
08/27, 12:52pm, EDT

Yes... my post is full of spelling errors. I'm busy at work and sick. Get over it.

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spyinthesky

0
09/06, 3:01pm, EDT

Luckyday it seems you totally fail to understand the significance of multitouch over a simple basic touch screen which has existed for donkeys years and often needs a stick to actually work at all. I don't blame you for trying to rewrite history, its what those defending the indefensible do for a living, but you really are paddling up the creek with no paddle and a tidal wave around the nest bend my friend if you think anyone with an objective and questioning mind will actually buy into your little piece of misguidance. I have seen even the PC weenies reactions to the real thing to know that patentlyy simple fact.

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Joined Mar 2008
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