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Zune HD officially announced, brings service to Xbox Live photo
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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.

Continue: More Zune stories





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58 comments | showing # 1 to 50

DinnertimeNinja's Avatar
DinnertimeNinja at 05/26/2009 22:48
Looks sexy.

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...
themizarkshow's Avatar
themizarkshow at 05/26/2009 22:49
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.
Nick Chester's Avatar
Nick Chester at 05/26/2009 22:51
"Will you be chucking your iPhones in the trash for this little number?"

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.
Chronic Logic's Avatar
Chronic Logic at 05/26/2009 22:52
Does this mean that the Zune will have a chance to make a come back? Really, Microsoft should have thought of this sooner. As long as the game service is good I'm all for it, I don't really care that much for the music market place however.
theredpepperofdoom's Avatar
theredpepperofdoom at 05/26/2009 22:55
If it's cheaper than a normal iPod then I'll get it. Not very hard to understand
FinnE's Avatar
FinnE at 05/26/2009 23:00
I think the zune 80gb (version 2.0) was better than the equivalent ipod generation. if I owned a pc, I'd definitely get this over an ipod.
onomelon's Avatar
onomelon at 05/26/2009 23:00
While I do not own an iphone or ipod touch, I cannot see my self getting this device over an ipod touch or iphone. Sorry, but when it comes to hd content on a palm sized screen and games, I'll pick games any day.

Besides, how good is hd gonna look on a tiny screen?
t0pc0w's Avatar
t0pc0w at 05/26/2009 23:03
@Nick Chester

You sir, are a monstrous beast. I want to be you when I grow up.
Insd's Avatar
Insd at 05/26/2009 23:03
Still love my shit brown zune 30gig. It's something different y'know? And imo- in a good way. Also zune community kicks ass. plus MS points = Zune points.
HydroTonix's Avatar
HydroTonix at 05/26/2009 23:05
Im actually excited for this. If it has alot more than 16 gigs on it im definately getting it. I want a fourty gig iPod touch, if this can deliver then it's a given.
calpis's Avatar
calpis at 05/26/2009 23:05
Yeah, I'll be picking it up. I bought a 8gb zune about 1 1/2 years ago to hold me off until the next zune iteration and this looks like a good hardware update. Because I only had 8gb of storage, I only used it for podcasts and about 12 albums, that's all I needed it for anyways and it did those things spectacularly. I have an iphone too but ONLY use it to play peggle.
VisMortua's Avatar
VisMortua at 05/26/2009 23:05
HD Radio? Wow, that I didn't expect. I still have yet to get one of those in my car. I already have a Zune and love it, so yes, this little number will be a Day 1 for me.
AgentMOO's Avatar
AgentMOO at 05/26/2009 23:12
Cool, but it's already a few steps behind the iPhone, this is more of an iTouch competitor. If people buy it, I might pick one up and make community games for it.
JonDarkwood's Avatar
JonDarkwood at 05/26/2009 23:12
The HD video capabilities will shine when you're outputting to a TV through the dock. That's kind of exciting.
Tanukitsune's Avatar
Tanukitsune at 05/26/2009 23:15
I guess they didn't make it a phone to not directly compete with the iPhone?

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...
Exquisitor's Avatar
Exquisitor at 05/26/2009 23:17
I LOVE my Zune80, hopefully there's something here that will make me want to upgrade.
Exquisitor's Avatar
Exquisitor at 05/26/2009 23:19
I LOVE my Zune80, hopefully there's something here that will make me want to upgrade.
bluemeep's Avatar
bluemeep at 05/26/2009 23:25
My 1st gen 30 gig Zune has been trucking along for a few years now and I haven't had the slightest inclination of replacing it. This I could see trading up for, however.

@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.
Bizarro Alfie's Avatar
Bizarro Alfie at 05/26/2009 23:29
I like the idea of the device. It's more of a copy of the ipod touch than it is of the Iphone but without any apps or games i don't see how it can stack up to the Itouch. I would love to see some games on it.
Coltronathon5000's Avatar
Coltronathon5000 at 05/26/2009 23:31
wow that looks pretty sexy. I'm worried about capacity though as my zune 30 has me spoiled and the zune 80 is there should I need it. I'm sure this is aimed at the itouch market so it's probably 16gig flash : (
garison's Avatar
garison at 05/26/2009 23:34
Ah kinda cool, but I was hoping for an actual handheld gaming device from Microsoft, and imagive if it supported all your XBLA games!!! I would die of happy.
BlaspheMerius's Avatar
BlaspheMerius at 05/26/2009 23:37
I gotta say that's hot. I've wanted a Zune for awhile now, so if they can make this a 120GB for only like $300 or something, I may go for it over the other model I was considering. I won't be happy if it's a lame 16GB like the Ipod touch. I'd love to see where they go with it in the future - indeed!
CaptainApocalypse's Avatar
CaptainApocalypse at 05/26/2009 23:53
I just can't get excited about anything Zune. My friend has one, and it's shit. It just makes me want to pull out my iPhone and give him an "are you serious?" look. While I love my 360, I don't trust M$ beyond that.
VampireChrist's Avatar
VampireChrist at 05/27/2009 00:12
that sure is pretty. im tempted
Sick B0y's Avatar
Sick B0y at 05/27/2009 00:31
well with the prices of the HDD on the 360 i a so sure the prices of this will be reasonable...lol and the zune experience isnt going on 360s in canada so why would you bother with this..ill just wait for the new ipod touch or psp for my next batch of hand held games
Magnalon's Avatar
Magnalon at 05/27/2009 00:44
Well it took them a year to put Texas Hold 'Em and Soduku on the original Zune. I wouldn't hold my breath for "games".
CWal37's Avatar
CWal37 at 05/27/2009 00:47
I absolutely love my Zune 120.

@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.
RiotMonster's Avatar
RiotMonster at 05/27/2009 01:05
Best b'lee I'm putting down the coins for this puppy... <33
brainderailment's Avatar
brainderailment at 05/27/2009 01:10
"(480x272 resolution)"

That's some low resolution HD.
"High-definition video or HD video refers to any video system of higher resolution than standard-definition (SD) video, and most commonly involves display resolutions of 1280×720 pixels (720p) or 1920×1080 pixels (1080i/1080p)."

"In ATSC, SDTV can be broadcast in 704 pixels × 480 lines with 16:9 aspect ratio (40:33 rectangular pixel), 704 pixels × 480 lines with 4:3 aspect ratio (10:11 rectangular pixel) or 640 pixels × 480 lines with 4:3 ratio (and square pixels)."

This HD Zune isn't even high res enough to be considered SD.
somatix's Avatar
somatix at 05/27/2009 01:19
This looks pretty good; but I love my Zune 120 and likely won't be upgrading it for the first Zune HD. Maybe when they make a V2 in a year or two I will consider the upgrade. Also, for those hating on the Zune, it has actually become a fairly competent product since its initial release. The software, at least in my opinion, has become much more usable and all around better than Itunes. MS is moving in the right direction with the Zune; but realistically they have a long way to go before even coming close to Apple in this space in regards to public perception and install base.
AgentBBJ's Avatar
AgentBBJ at 05/27/2009 01:41
I love my Zune 30. I don't know if I will pick it up on day one but I am excited to see what they do with. I would like to see the software because I want to know how they are going to put a browser and keyboard on it. The screen looks a little small for that.
Infininja's Avatar
Infininja at 05/27/2009 02:32
Need to hear how much storage it has. If it's less than 50 I don't care, and even that's pushing it. :\
Professor Pew's Avatar
Professor Pew at 05/27/2009 04:00
If this doesn't output 720p movies on TV through HDMI (what does the * refer to?) and play XBLA games from your Live account, do not really want?
Rainbowblack's Avatar
Rainbowblack at 05/27/2009 04:14
I'll peorbably get a 2nd Gen ZuneHD I got a Zune 80 for X-mas. Plusd i really like having buttons which makes it easier for me to navagate the device without acually having to look at the screen
Dv8thwonder's Avatar
Dv8thwonder at 05/27/2009 04:53
Too little too late.
Galenmereth's Avatar
Galenmereth at 05/27/2009 06:01
So when will MS learn that more features doesn't mean more sales? And since Zune is such a completely different approach than the iPod in terms of functionality, why should we even compare them?

And for some god's sake; why compare an mp3 player with a phone, Jim?
Gibbo's Avatar
Gibbo at 05/27/2009 06:12
I don't really see the point. Unless it outputs in HD, what is the point of a portable device that small being HD?
Cowboy TTop's Avatar
Cowboy TTop at 05/27/2009 06:16
And there I was thinking MS, would have the balls to drop a more gaming friendly device. HD video is a bonus, but not necessary. What this needs is Xvid playback, access to XNA and Community Games, and also to be more open to development like iPod, preferably without MS taking such a huge cut of money to do it.

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.
Jim Sterling's Avatar
Jim Sterling at 05/27/2009 06:35
Nick Chester:

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.
CapnCrunk's Avatar
CapnCrunk at 05/27/2009 07:24
Really needs to have a phone, I only have the pocket real estate for one device. Also, HD radio can go crawl into a dumpster and die. I haven't listened to a second of government controlled broadcasting since I got satellite. Not to mention the commercial-free music.
Mogambi's Avatar
Mogambi at 05/27/2009 07:35
I already have 3 Zunes in my house (2 original 30 gig's, and a 8 gig flash. While they are good devices I don't see why I would need another one, especially since my wife and I now have Iphones.
atastysammich's Avatar
atastysammich at 05/27/2009 08:06
Eh, looks kinda cool, I guess, but I'll wait until I hear some hands-on...s about the thing. Having HD Radio and a browser in the same place has me curious, though; I've never been big on listening to new music without being tethered to some means to immediately pirate entire discogra--I mean, buy the songs on Amazon.
BluDesign's Avatar
BluDesign at 05/27/2009 08:36
I don't see a need for this yet. If MS can bring something new to the portable scene, this might become worth picking up, but at this point, it's going to gather dust on the shelves. I would wonder if people would've learned their lessons when the big Zune outage occurred last year. Zune lost all technical credibility in my eyes that day, so they're going to have to do a lot to impress me again.

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.
dprime's Avatar
dprime at 05/27/2009 08:55
themizarkshow at 05/26/2009 22:49

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.
loki d20's Avatar
loki d20 at 05/27/2009 09:27
Yeah... an iPod/iTouch killer Zune... when the iPhone already killed it. Little late to the killing party MS. Try keeping up with the times.

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.
Dexter345's Avatar
Dexter345 at 05/27/2009 09:46
@Nick and Jim: couldn't you use the Internet functionality to use Skype? And so, potentially, this could be used as a phone regardless of service provider? I would assume Skype would have to make something specifically for the Zune though...
Holyetheline's Avatar
Holyetheline at 05/27/2009 10:43
If they put games on it, specifically Peggle, then I will buy one for sure.
AgentBBJ's Avatar
AgentBBJ at 05/27/2009 11:02
@ Bludesign

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.
Jim Sterling's Avatar
Jim Sterling at 05/27/2009 11:40
"@Nick and Jim: couldn't you use the Internet functionality to use Skype? And so, potentially, this could be used as a phone regardless of service provider? I would assume Skype would have to make something specifically for the Zune though..."

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.
loki d20's Avatar
loki d20 at 05/27/2009 12:18
As opposed to anything offered by Verizon or Sprint that can do everything the iPhone can but have a strong application following and will have a higher 3g/4g network cost...

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.
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