Zune HD is official, heading your way this Fall
By Joshua Topolsky 
posted May 26th 2009 8:03PM
posted May 26th 2009 8:03PM
Details are also scarce concerning storage capacities, CPU performance, and other crucial numbers, but it seems like they've got more in store come E3... and that's the next big piece of news. Zune integration is coming to the Xbox and Xbox Live, as the Zune marketplace will step in to replace the current Live video resources, expanding the library and offering all kinds of new perks, like Zune's first foray into international waters. According to the company, at E3 "attendees will see first-hand how Zune integrates into Xbox LIVE creating a game-changing entertainment experience" -- we're not entirely sure what the means right now, but it sounds sweet. Try to contain your excitement.
Update: Microsoft's just sent out a press release (after the break) and launched an official Zune HD page.
Update 2: We just got sent a picture of black Zune HD, now after the break, which we're told Microsoft is giving out to selected "Zune MVP" sites such as Inside the Circle and ZuneTracks. See it for yourself after the break.
Microsoft Announces the Expansion of the Zune Entertainment Service to New Platform and Markets; Confirms New Zune HD Portable Media Player
Premium Zune digital entertainment service to be available internationally on Xbox LIVE.
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.
About Zune
Zune is Microsoft's music and entertainment brand that provides an integrated digital entertainment experience. The Zune platform includes a line of portable digital media players, elegant software, the Zune Marketplace online store, Zune Pass music subscription service, and the Zune Social online music community, created to help people discover more music. Zune is part of Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Division and supports the company's software-based services vision to help drive innovation in the digital entertainment space. More information can be found online at http://www.zune.net/en-us/press.
About Xbox LIVE
Xbox LIVE connects more than 17 million members across 26 countries to each other and the entertainment they love. Home of more content from one remote than can be found from any device connected to the television, Xbox LIVE is also a unified online social network bringing friends together, no matter where they are - in the living room or across the world. More information and Xbox LIVE membership can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/live.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
* Supported 720p HD video files play on the device, downscaled to fit the screen at 480 x 272 - not HD resolution. Zune HD and AV Dock, and an HDTV (all sold separately) are required to view video at HD resolution.
HD Radio™ and the HD Radio logo are proprietary trademarks of iBiquity Digital Corp.
"The device will boast an IE-based, customized browser" Aaaaaaaand Hackers rejoice the world over!
Can't wait to see what kind of Active X junk will make it to it. On the other hand, some mobile Silverlight might make things interesting.
Have you seen the new IE Mobile?
Lol, I hope I don't have to "notice the information bar"
I kinda like the gold back... Is there any hints to built in speakers?
None, and the pics don't seem to show any opening.
Surprising omission, since a speaker was added to the 2nd gen iPod Touch.
I guess most people don't mind always putting in earbuds. This was the first feature I looked for. Speakers are great for video and spoken word (podcasts and audiobooks) and browsing.
To those who currently have Zunes, how is the sound quality? Is it on the level of Cowon and Sony, or is it closer to Apple?
The head phones you use will make a bigger difference than the device. The flash zunes are not that hot as far as sound quality, but my Zune 80 is significantly better than my iPod 5G. I always check the sound quality when the drummer crashes the symbols and see if it sounds like a rattling tin can.
My Zune 80 sounds fuller but a little less detailed than my Cowon X5. They're considered to have better overall SQ than the latest iPods. Check out head-fi.org for some comparisons.
I just switched from a Zune 30 to 120, and for some reason they took out the equalizer.
Much better than Apple (like that's a major accomplishment or something), but nothing matches Cowon, if you want to be really honest about it. At least as far as the 30GB Zune goes.. I have not tried the others. The 30GB Zune has enough of a headphone driver that one can actually reach normal music listening levels without driving the amp well into saturation. Just TRY that on an iPod.
I had pretty much decided on the S9 as an upgrade to my Zune, but now I have to wait and at least hear about rest of the specs on this before going forward. If they're offering more storage (HDD or 64GB flash or SD card), I'll have to wait until actual Zune HD hits the market and then acutally listen to one. If they can't best the few things I don't like about the S9 (basically, the weak 32GB max storage and the questions about H.264 and AAC officially being supported), I'll get the S9. The audio on that puppy is the best that's ever been on a PMP, so far anyway.
I certainly hope they do away with the crappy points system for purchases and add some of the smaller refinements of the iPod (like the ability to indicate which tracks will be skipped during shuffle and which ones will be bookmarked when they stop playing). Oh yeah, and no more of that crappy extra slow syncing or messing with the tagging of files already in iTunes.
"game changing feature" seems to pretty clearly describe a feature where your Zune playlists are accessible as in-game music.
erm, when linked to the XBox 360, if that wasn't clear.
that really wouldn't be that game-changing as i can already stream my music library in-game on my xbox
You can already play your playlists in game...
W... T... F...
Wow, This is Fantastic!
They gotta deliver on that XBL stuff... I'll still buy an iphone but I may pick up 1 of these, too.
The screen rez is a total letdown and who cares about the rest, by the time "fall" comes around Apple will already have its new iPod touch out with better specs, although Microsoft will probably have them beat on the price, but then again, you get what you pay for.
then again, shut up.
Wait so you actually believe that Apple can top the Tegra chip?(Assuming Zune HD will have Tegra) Also what specs will be better? Please enlighten us with your infinite wisdom about how Apple will destroy the Zune HD......
"Please enlighten us with your infinite wisdom about how Apple will destroy the Zune HD......" Why bother? Apple has always destroyed them in the past. What is that quote about history repeating itself?
If it has 32GB or more I am buying it & giving my old Zune to my brother. Man I always wanted a device with OLED. Now I get it in a sleek and sexy device. Not to mention this is pretty cool looking.
as a big fan of the HD radio available in my are this will be tits
looks promising. i like what microsoft's been up to lately. i dunno what they did up in redmond, restructuring or whatever, but it's been working.
windows 7 = win
xbox 360 + live = win (the price cuts more so)
windows live = sorta win... it's not really that bad, although it is taking time for people to get acclimated to it because google is too big
zune HD = looks hopeful...
other stuff that don't look like complete failures and might actually be worthwhile: windows marketplace, windows mobile 7
next step: zune phone, and apple might actually be shaking in their boots...
Google is too big, but Microsoft isn't?
DAMNIT!!!! I make the jump to Ipod and now this?? I loved my Zune 80gig but when the screen cracked i sent it in.. .paid 225 for the zune... they wanted 250 to fix it... so ..... yeah....
google is too big in the internet search engine industry
Even though my iPod touch is in the crappy right now, I'm going to wait till this comes out to see if it's able to do what apple was/wasn't able to do with the touch. It would also help if they made it mac compatible
I think Microsoft is doing something right with all these new products, and how people want to buy them, does anyone want to buy a used ipod touch?
It's a beauty--though it seems they took some design ideas from the 1st generation iPhone's case.
It's like a 1st gen iPhone and a Touch Diamond2 mated.
I see no possible problems with those children!
The two-tone back and exposed screws have a really nasty Toshiba-crap look about them. This looks to be a stylistic step backwards, and if it's stuck with 32GB flash, I'll stick with my Zune80, thanks.
I actually think it looks nicer than the 80, and obviously more easy to repair. Even if it did look worse than their HDD players, function > form anyday.
Why does the back remind me of a 1st gen iPhone?
cuz it looks like a first gen iphone. that kinda disappointed me. but oh well, it has contrast, exact opposite of the front side.
Redmond, start your photocopiers!!
I think you meant to say "Cupertino".
No, I'm pretty sure he meant Redmond. You don't see any Apple design elements in that Zune photo?
ZOMG Steve you're right!
It has a screen they are totally copying Apple!
WAIT, it's also a rectangle shape!
HOW DARE YOU MICRO$OFT!!!!!!!
@insky
You just make yourself look like an idiot when you write stuff like that. this has far more in common with Apple's iPod than your ridiculous comment specified.
- thin rectangular minimalist device with a display that covers almost the entire front and very few non-distinct hardware buttons
- capacitive touchscreen with multi-touch gesture interface control
This is clearly meant to be exactly like the iPod Touch, and they would never have come up with this device without the iPhone/Touch leading the way.
@loosely
a couple more points you should add to your list:
- the screen is colour and not greyscale
- it has a likely storage capacity of 16GB or 32GB (i cant believe they used the exact same numbers as apple!)
- it can play video
- it can play music
i cant believe MS stole all those great ideas / technologies off Apple
You know, if Microsoft was more original, they could've kept the "squircle" crap. An all touch-screen PMP device with capacitive touchscreen just confirms that Microsoft is playing catch-up with Apple.
"- thin rectangular minimalist device with a display that covers almost the entire front and very few non-distinct hardware buttons
- capacitive touchscreen with multi-touch gesture interface control"
apple invented neither of those and wasn't even the first to have them together. Idiot.
HD radio?! YES!!!!!!!!!! EPIC WIN.
Now lets make it drag and drop , no software required . Also wifi , and include a web browser and on screen keyboard and you win MS
All Zunes have WiFi
Glad to see Microsoft knows what capacitive touch screens are. I wasn't sure for a while.
Now when will we see one on a Windows Mobile device? Probably not until 7, I guess.
Can the thing actually decode 1080p/720p?