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.
Wopeeee!!
08/13, 06:36am reply
More dust gathering junk at the store. Yay!
jarod
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2005
No Brown ???
08/13, 08:57am reply
Hmmm... no t*** brown color.
I might have to pass on this one.
familytree
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Joined: Aug 2009
Zune.
08/13, 09:01am (1 reply) reply
just like the iPod Touch. but it isn't an iPod Touch.
stainboy
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Joined: Sep 2005
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
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Joined: Jan 2002
HD Radio
08/13, 10:48am reply
Anyone here invested in an HD radio? Thoughts?
kdogg73
Dedicated MacNNer
Joined: Dec 2002
Samsung
08/13, 11:03am reply
LOL, looks just like a modified Samsung YP-P3
slapppy
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Joined: Mar 2008
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
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Joined: Mar 2000
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
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
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Joined: Jul 2009