Rumors have been floating around concerning a next-generation Zune for quite some time, and Microsoft has today made all our "dreams" come true with the official announcement of Zune HD and the extension of Zune services to Xbox Live.
The Zune HD, while not exactly an iPhone, will attempt to cater to all your portable media needs, with a built-in HD radio receiver, HD video capabilities and an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) touch screen. An Internet browser and Wi-Fi functionality will of course be part of package, but that should go without saying. No mention of games thus far.
As previously mentioned, Zune will have a premier place on the Xbox Live Marketplace, bringing a fresh new library of TV and film content. Microsoft will be demonstrating the Zune's partnership with Xbox Live at E3, so by the end of next week we should see how it all works.
There you go, ladies and gentlemen. It is the Zune HD. Will you be chucking your iPhones in the trash for this little number?
REDMOND, Wash. — May 26, 2009 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the evolution of Zune, the company’s end-to-end music and entertainment service, to a new platform and new markets. Zune will extend its video service to Xbox LIVE internationally this fall. This marks an important development in the Zune strategy and brings the Zune brand to more than 17 million international Xbox LIVE subscribers. In addition, Microsoft confirmed the next generation of the Zune portable media player, Zune HD. Available in the U.S. this fall, Zune HD is the first portable media player that combines a built-in HD Radio receiver, high-definition (HD) video output capabilities, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) touch screen, Wi-Fi and an Internet browser.
“The Zune music player is an integral part of the overall Zune experience, and we’re proud to be growing and extending our offering beyond the device,” said Enrique Rodriguez, corporate vice president of the Microsoft TV, Video and Music Business Group. “Delivering on Microsoft’s connected entertainment vision, this news marks a turning point for Zune as it brings cross-platform experiences and premium video content to living rooms around the world.”
Zune Service Expands to New Platform
Zune will be a premium partner in the Xbox LIVE Video Marketplace, bringing an exciting catalog of TV and film to the platform. Zune will occupy the first slot within the Xbox user interface in the Xbox LIVE Video Marketplace, exposing the Zune brand experience to millions of new consumers for the first time. At the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) next week, attendees will see firsthand how Zune integrates into Xbox LIVE to create a game-changing entertainment experience.
Introducing Zune HD
Zune HD is the next iteration of the Zune device family and brings a new level of listening and viewing experiences to the portable media player category.
· Zune HD comes with a built-in HD Radio receiver so users can listen to higher-quality sound than traditional radio on the go. Users also will have access to the additional song and artist data broadcast by HD Radio stations as well as additional channels from their favorite stations multicasting in HD. If you don’t like the song playing on your station’s HD channel, switch to its HD2 or HD3 channels for additional programming.
· The bright OLED touch screen interface allows users to flip through music, movies and other content with ease, and the 16:9 widescreen format display (480x272 resolution) offers a premium viewing experience on the go.
· The HD-compatible output lets Zune HD customers playback supported HD video files from the device through a premium high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) audiovisual docking station (sold separately) direct to an HD TV in 720p.*
· Zune HD will include a full-screen Internet browser optimized for multitouch functionality.
· Zune HD is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing for instant streaming to the device from the more than 5 million-track Zune music store.
Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize.
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Contest:
10:40 PM on 05.26.2009
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Still don't really have any use for it (though the HD radio receiver is a GREAT addition), but at least they seem to be on the right track with this thing.
Now if only they could put it at a price point LOWER than the iPod...
No, Jim. Because the iPhone is a phone and Zune HD is not. I mean, how would someone make phone calls if they got rid of their iPhone? You can't call your parents with 720p video content OR HD radio.
God. Think a little.
Besides, how good is hd gonna look on a tiny screen?
You sir, are a monstrous beast. I want to be you when I grow up.
People can own an 360 and a PS3, but I've never heard of people with two cellphones!
I bet the service won't have anything good in my country, so unless it has some killer games I'm going to ignore it's existence...
@Insd: MS points can be used on the Zune marketplace? Seriously? Well, finally, something I can use all those 200 point leftovers from the Fallout DLC on.
@CaptainApocalypse
Uhhh the market that old Zunes were competing for is not even remotely the same as the iPhone. It was competing with the iPod classic, which it handily trashes. Comparing it to your iPhone makes very little sense, but it's understandable since most people tend not to think very hard before they type.
And for some god's sake; why compare an mp3 player with a phone, Jim?
I think MS want a slice of that Apple ipod/tunes pie, as its the only game in town that's challenging the DS. If a more open nature becomes the norm like iPod, perhaps Nintendo will at last let any of their systems have the same eqaul footing.
Personally, I'd have to stick with an iPod, because there's a great chance for me to make some cool money out of an industry I love, by creating an indie game or two. Something like that can change your life, if your game hits the right spot.
That should probably be directed at Microsoft, who told us that the new Zune news would make us want to hold off on buying an iPhone. They made the comparison first, I am merely asking if their comparison holds water with people.
God, think a little.
As of right this moment, there's nothing that this Zune HD product can do that I can't do somehow on my iphone.
I can already check my XBL status, buy MS points, navigate Xbox.com, buy content, etc.
Nice. I'll be picking up one of these as soon as it's out and I have the money. But that isn't saying much... I have a deep-seeded, irrational hatred for all Apple products.
Also, watching HD movies from your Zune to your TV? Thanks, but I think I'm okay doing that from my 360 or PS3 as it is.
The Zune is a really good product. The Zune blackout day was because of the software not the hardware. I still really like mine. I have had 2 Ipods and both of them have broke on me in less than a year. I have had my Zune for 2 years and it is working fine. This is not to flame. I don't care who is better company and all that bullshit. The Zune is a better product in my opinion than the Ipod.
I have not used an Iphone. So I am not going to judge it.
Since I prefer to use Skype for all my calls anyway (especially as a British immigrant) I must say that a Zune HD, without a huge AT&T subscription and the ability to Skype up, would be fucking wonderful. I would buy that over an iPhone, easily.
Your Zune would also rely on WiFi, which is great considering you can use it whenever you likely already have access to a computer that has Skype on it.
Also, this statement: "At the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) next week, attendees will see firsthand how Zune integrates into Xbox LIVE to create a game-changing entertainment experience."
Yeah, woop-dee-freaking-doo, I can listen to music directly from my Zune rather than the HDD of my 360 when playing a game. Last time I checked, I could do the same with any portable music device.
Just kidding. I love you. And my 80gig Zune. I'll probably pick this up too.