Zune Halo 3 Edition hands-on

You already knew Microsoft's limited release Zune Halo 3 Edition was coming June 15th to commemorate the big September 25th title launch, that it would come bundled with a booty load of Halo 3 content (soundtracks, pictures, movies, etc.), but now you can check it out for yourself all up close -- even see how it stacks up against classic brown. Lots of pictures in the gallery.

Gallery: Zune Halo 3 Edition hands-on

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[tobin92 @ May 18th 2007 6:04PM]

I might get one since my Ipod broke and I am big Halo 3 fan. Plus I love that it has a FM radio FTW.
All we need is Connect like function for Wi-Fi.

[Fatass of Kickassness @ May 18th 2007 5:39PM]

Can't wait for the Apple fanboys to storm yet another Zune-based comment section and talk about how much 'teh zune sux' for no reason, yet again.

[Todd @ May 18th 2007 5:46PM]

Teh zune sux

( From someone who uses his RAZR as a perfectly good DAP )

[Fernando @ May 18th 2007 5:49PM]

teh razr sux

[TheGuy @ May 18th 2007 5:50PM]

I guess this match-up does make sense, Halo 3 and the Zune both have a lot in common. They're both over-hyped Microsoft products that fail to live-up to expectations.

[siblog @ May 18th 2007 6:01PM]

Halo fails to live up to its expectations??? Puh-lease! Halo and Halo 2 are the two largest selling games for Xbox! And I am sure Halo 3 will beat them and be one of the largest grossing video games ever!

[Brendan @ May 18th 2007 5:51PM]

leave it to microsoft to make superficial updates when they should be making ipod-killing updates.

[Rick @ May 18th 2007 5:52PM]

This comes across like desperate cross advertising.

Jenny Craig's "Sanford and Sons" Mud mask
Kia's "Hop Sing" Rio deluxe chrome edition = BETTER
Engadget "A Little Birdy..." Special edition

[Kurt @ May 18th 2007 5:52PM]

I like how they tie the two together by releasing them so close together. That is brilliant.

[Jeff @ May 18th 2007 5:53PM]

I just don't see how pretty little decals and uninspired exclusive content are going to help sell an uninteresting DAP.

[Chris Biele @ May 18th 2007 5:54PM]

Microsoft has a PMP???!!! Gotta get me one.

Ryan Block rocks.

-iPod fanboy

[HEADsoldier07 @ May 18th 2007 6:08PM]

Well I wouldn't get this instead of an iPod, but if i had to get a zune i would DEFINITELY get this one - it's a cool design even if the insides aren't great right?

[siblog @ May 18th 2007 6:17PM]

I think Microsoft should be looking to leverage what Apple doesn't have to make the Zune more desirable.....like the Xbox. Why not try going in the direction of a handheld gaming device and personal media player that hooks into your Xbox?

[Avatr @ May 18th 2007 6:50PM]

I agree that the best thing for Microsoft to do is to target the none ipod consumers by offering them things that the ipod users dont get but I dont think I games console is the way to go.

Imho there's not much point in targeting ipod users themselves at the moment as once you start using itunes heavily you are locked into the apple cycle. Better to look else where and pick up the ipoder's as they fall out of the cycle.

The solution? Microsoft needs to go DMR free. They should've partnered up with someone like songbird (http://www.songbirdnest.com) and focused on selling units instead of selling music. If they combined this software with an unlocked version of the sharing functionality that they've rather lamely implimented then they would have a killer product and maybe we would live in the Zunivers that Redmond wishes we did.

Alas the next gen Zune will probably just have a larger screen and a new headphone design. Hell it works for apple right?

ps. In case anyone is wondering I do have an ipod but I buy my music on good old CDs. Im not having Apple telling me how many computers I'm allowed to have my music on.

pps. Sorry for the long post. lol.

[Aaron @ May 18th 2007 6:40PM]

Hmm, I thought this was dumb earlier, but now that I see it up close I actually really like the way it looks, and all the pre-loaded goodies are sweet. But I was trying to hold out until the Zune 2, which I suspect will be out before the end of the year... Damn. Zune 2 Halo 4 Edition, perhaps?

[Dragod @ May 18th 2007 6:43PM]

Sorry; Halo 3 is it. That and Halo Wars. You won't see any Halo 4.

[Aaron @ May 18th 2007 6:56PM]

Yeah, I remember hearing/reading that. I wasn't being serious about it. I do sort of wish they had waited until the next Zune to do the Halo edition, though. No one agrees with me right now, but I think the new Zune will really catch on...

[Zeus the God @ May 18th 2007 7:26PM]

Goddamn, fucking stupid ifanboys... Jesus, the Zune does everything your iPod does and more, for the same price! You get more functionality with this than the iPod will ever have.

"Oh well wait 'til the next generation iPod comes out!!!"

Yeah, a new player to get one up on the previous generation... Real smart. (I know someone will bring this up)

Jesus, you Zune dissing retards are well... Retarded.

Get a life and do something other than bash a Microsoft product for once.

I was looking back on Engadget (pages like 500-900), and I noticed something. There weren't as many blatant fanboys bashing a product for no reason, when that product out-does another. This easily beats any iPod into the ground, and is even built a lot tougher. Perfect for this generation who generally don't take care of stuff (though I do, and 3 of my older iPods broke within less than a year of having them).

[Austin Kaak @ May 19th 2007 12:11AM]

Because it's thicker/larger than the ipod and the battery life isn't quite as good. Not everyone wants or needs all of that functionality... I'm not saying the ipod is better but you can't call someone stupid for choosing the ipod.

[wslcrew @ May 18th 2007 7:31PM]

I have to admit; it looks much better than doodoo coloured standard Zune.

[tekdroid @ May 18th 2007 8:08PM]

Since Zune launched, I have been waiting for this. My dreams are now true. At last, Halo-themed Zune with pre-loaded content.

I'm content.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zune#Digital_rights_management

[Nate @ May 18th 2007 8:10PM]

I have no problem with the Zune hardware itself. Maybe if the software didnt suck so much I would buy one, thats the only reason I have and iPod. It simply works.

[Bob E @ May 18th 2007 8:22PM]

I really like my Zune (brown one) and would never be seen with an Apple product.

But... Engadget WTF are you doing with the image gallery??? Please fire whoever is in charge of useability. For example I click on the image at the far left first. One would think there would be a link for "Next Photo". Instead there is a link for "Previous Photo" - WTF is that???

How can there be a previous when I have only looked at one image? Both you guys and Giz have some awful image galleries. Please keep it simple and go back to plain HTML!

[Nate @ May 18th 2007 8:30PM]

Um that would be because your on the last picture

[Bob E @ May 18th 2007 9:02PM]

@nate - Um that would be because your on the last picture

I am not suprised you are iPod user...

In the United States we read from left to right, the left is first... If I click on the left or first image there should be a next... not a previous!

[Jame @ May 18th 2007 9:28PM]

@Bob E: Nate is right. When you clicked on the picture with the Brown Zune next to the Halo 3 Edition Zune (they are facing down and I'm assuming that was the picture you clicked on), then you were on the last picture.
http://www.engadget.com/photos/zune-halo-3-edition-hands-on/
Go to that link and notice how the picture is the last image in the gallery?

[Larryi5 @ May 18th 2007 9:18PM]

Zen is much better then a Zune or an iPod anyday

[obiwan @ May 18th 2007 9:49PM]

Okay, so the iPod doesn't have WiFi. On the other hand, Zune WiFi is completely useless. Which is worse? I've got an OG 5GB iPod, and aside from the storage space, it's damn near perfect. Even the newer iPods have their little problems that I hate - the click wheel is so sensitive, actually using it can be a pain. Still, between the uselessness of Zune WiFi, the DRM restrictions, and the horrible marketing, I just don't have any attraction to it.

[TOSmoke @ May 21st 2007 8:51PM]

This is so sad. Are consumers this stupid? Ya, I guess you are!

[David H @ May 19th 2007 12:06AM]

Despite the cool included content and appealing skin it is still a Zune.

[Dragod @ May 19th 2007 12:27AM]

Actually with WiFi turned off, Zune gets a little over an hour battery life than a 30gb iPod playing music. I saw a comparison chart, I'll try to find it. And that's with powering that huge screen ;)

[David Wixom @ May 19th 2007 12:29AM]

Too bad it's the old one...


if the new one comes out w/ a larger hard drive I'm all for it...my iPod's 30gb ain't cutting it for me...(I got it before the Zune came out :P)

[Grown Ass Man @ May 19th 2007 3:19AM]

People are not "stupid" for liking iPods over Zunes, and here's why:

I happen to really like Apple products, and I admit the first time I saw a (properly functioning) Zune, I was very impressed by some of its features, which I wished my Nano actually had. (i.e. memory size, battery life, 'customizable' wallpaper, etc.)

But the BIG difference (and the one that counts THE MOST for everybody) is 'ease of use' (or lack thereof) when it comes to the Zune vs iPod.

AS OBJECTIVELY AS I CAN PUT IT:
1. Right off the shelf, the Zune start-up issues were abysmal. The average unit had MAJOR software/firmware problems,which ruined its reputation early)
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2. Transferring music brought out the 'McGuyver' in everyone.
(See #1 above)
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3. Lack of a quality 'music marketplace'.
(This speaks for itself)
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4. Lack of interoperability with Apple OS.
(Say what you want about Apple, but they made iTunes available on the PC for free. Yet I can't recall a single MS application that is 'freely offered' on the Mac, other than Windows Media Player. Bad move on MS' part by not making the Zune compatible with Macs. Even if Apple Fanboys would be reluctant to buy it, you gotta 'win on the road' in order to win a championship.)
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5. Useless 'Zune Swapping' hype.
(No disrespect intended, but if you own/love the Zune, ask yourself truthfully..how many times have you actually Zune-swapped ANYTHING? Seriously.)
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The Zune could have a bazillion different hardware/software advantages over the iPod, but the Zune's 'execution' is what holds it back the most, imho. And all the exclusive Halo Content in the world is NOT going to make your grandparents want to buy the device - only Halo fans. While the iPod appeals to a 'much broader' spectrum.

See, music on an iPod is about 'enjoying the experience'...as a whole.
And MS just doesn't 'get it'.

Their 'public image' is ALL ABOUT world domination and trying to run their competition into the ground. And who 'enjoys' that experience? Other than you?

[Jonesy @ May 19th 2007 3:38AM]

Lipstick on a pig.

[Jer888 @ May 19th 2007 7:59AM]

What product DOESN'T have problems at launch? Thats what FIRMWARE and SOFTWARE updates are 4 which Zune has gotten and will continue to get.

Apple HAD to make compatibility with Windows. Did they want to out of the goodness of their heart? HELL NO!. If they wanted to actually appeal to a large market they had to. Microsoft doesn't need to and I don't see any reason for it to as long as Windows is on top.

Yeah the WiFi capability for the zune doesn't do much yet. Thats a pretty agreeable fact right now. Thats what updates are for. And does Microsoft ask you to pay more for it? NOO the zune is LESS money.

Consumers need to be less worried about how cool the commercial is and about what they are getting for their money

[J9T @ May 19th 2007 9:55PM]

I think it all depends on what you want most out of your DAP.

I've listened to a zune and an iPod side by side. I have to say the sound quality of the iPod was much clearer. The controls on the iPod were much more intuitive. The zune had great video potential, and a bigger screen than the iPod did.

But for me it was the sound quality that convinced me to buy the iPod.

Apple has always come out with better products than MS, and Apple has never released a product with as many "vulnerabilities" as Microsoft does. That's because Apple takes the time to develope their prodcuts (software and hardware) and they thoroughly test them *before* rushing them to the market.

This is comming from a Microsoft Certified Solution Developer.

-j9t

[John C. Randolph @ May 19th 2007 4:03PM]

The zune not only failed to kill the iPod, it even failed to kill also-rans like the Creative Zen and the other "plays for sure" suckers. MSFT's shareholders should be calling for Ballmer's head.

-jcr

[Travis @ May 19th 2007 5:10PM]

I've had a 5.5G iPod...my fiance still does. I picked up a Zune today (open box) today at Circuit City for $164.99. I've had one before, and really liked it. I got rid of it trying to convince myself iTunes was the way to go. Not so.
I SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much would rather do the unlimited all-you-can-eat way instead of buying on a per track basis. Whenever I had my iPod, I had to convert EACH freaking track from my Yahoo or Napster account. Then I had to re-write all the MP3 tags for it to show up in Itunes properly.

I honestly do not get why the Zune has gotten so much bad press. The software is nowhere near as bad as everyone likes to say. Hell, in iTunes you can't even redownload something you've paid for.

I still love the iPod environment....and if iTunes had an unlimited service, I probably would still have my iPod.

I'm still getting the iPhone though!

[chad @ May 19th 2007 6:49PM]

@ Zeus the God

Sheesh, you DON'T GIVE UP. I thought you had gone away, given up, or changed your name after the litany of previous days' Engadget threads whereby people have tore into you like the 'too stupid to not be joking' troll that you are.

1.http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/18/microsoft-still-not-so-keen-on-blu-ray/1#comments
2.http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/10/goodbye-tid-hello-xbox-360-chatpad/1#c4963132
3.http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/09/new-zune-s-in-the-works-flash-larger-screen-may-be-on-the-way/3#comments


But I guess not. Now, you just inject your nonsensical half a cent into every Microsoft thread related to the 360 or Zune that you can find and move on eh? Microsoft should pay you for your all cumulative knock outs everyone here serves you. Keep moving champ! I see another article about the Zune popping out with your name on it!

[User of Both @ May 24th 2007 12:23AM]

Being a Zune owner and also a former iPod owner, I'll have to even out the playing field here.

The Zune, I admit, is a nice device. The radio functionality rocks and it's a dream to watch videos on. Other than that, though, it's not all it's hyped up to be.

The player itself is a monster and pretty uncomfortable to hold. At first I kinda liked the larger form factor but after awhile I find myself longing for the subtle curves and thinner design of my old 3G iPod. Also having more than a couple hundred songs is a real pain to click through with the tactile buttons, and I'd take the iPod's click wheel over the Zune's 4-Way D-Pad any day.

The Zune's screen, however, rocks my socks. I like the customizable interface (though you can do similar with the iPod, especially if you Rockbox it.) and the huge album art on the player's screen I definitely enjoy.

From a software standpoint iTunes>Zune any day of the week. I always loved iTunes and will continue to until they give me a reason not to.

All in all if I went back to that fateful day when I walked into Staples to pick up my Zune I'd have a fresh new (black) Video iPod in-hand as we speak.

Sorry, Bill, but you just didn't quite get it right with this one.

~My 2 cents.

[Rachel @ May 29th 2007 1:56PM]

I love Halo and Zune. My Zune is so much better than my Ipod.My zune software is the best thing I have ever used. I love my little cute white zune. Microsoft did perfect on the design and the function of the zune.