Text Size

Zune HD launch official: Sept. 15, $220

updated 04:25 am EDT, Thu August 13, 2009

Zune HD Launch Set

Microsoft early this morning set the final launch for the Zune HD. True to leaks, the company's first touchscreen player will ship on September 15th and will come in a 16GB black version for $220 and a 32GB platinum-colored version for $290. Pre-orders start later today through Amazon (16GB, 32GB) as well as Best Buy, Walmart and Microsoft's own company store. Best Buy stores in major US cities will also have in-store previews on the 22nd and 23rd.

The new Zune is the first major update to the player line in two years and centers on an NVIDIA Tegra APX processor and its HD playback. Videos can play in 720p natively on the device without downsizing the clip, albeit only at the 3.3-inch display's 480x272 resolution; an optional dock (not yet priced) puts video out through HDMI at its full quality. Microsoft also adds a number of other significant firsts for itself and in some cases for anyone, including a multi-touch OLED screen and HD Radio tuning. The organic, backlight-free display gives the Zune HD 33 hours of music playback and 8.5 hours of video.

Wi-Fi use has been significantly expanded on the Zune HD and now brings an Internet Explorer 6 Mobile-based web browser with pinch-to-zoom gestures and an on-screen keyboard. In the Zune Marketplace, subscribers to the Zune Pass can stream songs directly over the wireless link instead of having to download them first. Microsoft has also vowed Xbox Live integration, though so far it's believed this involves recognizing video purchases from the Xbox for download on the Zune.

The launch of a major new Zune is crucial for Microsoft's ailing music business. In its spring quarter, the company's Entertainment and Devices division that supports the Zune dropped 42 percent in year-over-year revenue despite a successful Xbox 360 season, hinting at a sharp drop in Zune sales triggered by the lack of major hardware and software updates.

Apple is unofficially but widely expected to counter the Zune's low pricing with a third-generation iPod touch at or near the same timeframe as the Zune HD launch.


 
Previous Comments

Wopeeee!!

08/13, 06:36am reply

More dust gathering junk at the store. Yay!

jarod

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Apr 2005

-2

No Brown ???

08/13, 08:57am reply


Hmmm... no t*** brown color.

I might have to pass on this one.

familytree

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2009

-2

Zune.

08/13, 09:01am (1 reply) reply

just like the iPod Touch. but it isn't an iPod Touch.

stainboy

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Sep 2005

-2

Mmmm

08/13, 10:32am reply

Boy, I'll bet they'll be standing in line for this one. Will it read XML files? :-)

Mr. Strat

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jan 2002

+3

HD Radio

08/13, 10:48am reply

Anyone here invested in an HD radio? Thoughts?

kdogg73

Dedicated MacNNer

Joined: Dec 2002

+2

Samsung

08/13, 11:03am reply

LOL, looks just like a modified Samsung YP-P3

slapppy

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Mar 2008

-2

16 vs 32

08/13, 01:19pm reply

I see it's an extra $70 to go from 16 to 32GB.

Why does apple charge $100 on the 3GS?

trevc

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Mar 2000

+3

16 vs 32

08/13, 01:39pm reply

It's called "30% MArgins!" and "We charge 'em what they'll pay!".

testudo

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2001

-3

missing one item

08/13, 02:20pm reply

"Applications"

This is arguably the biggest feature of the iPod Touch, and certainly the one that I use the most.

And 'trevc', MS only charging $70 is part of their attempt to uncut the iPod Touch, to try to gain market share. It's remarkably common in retail. In this particular case, it is unlikely to work (just like it didn't for previous Zune models).

nowwhatareyoulookingat

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jul 2009

+2

Popular News