64GB Zune HD launching April 12th for $350, current models reduced $20

Let's just be nice and feign surprise, okay? Good. With that out of the way, Microsoft has announced a 64GB version of Zune HD, due out April 12th via the Zune online store (and later via other retailers) with a handful of color options and a strapping $349.99 price tag. Not to be outdone, the 16GB and 32GB will each receive a $20 cut on the MSRP, to $200 and $270, respectively -- whatever Amazon and Newegg slash beyond that is up to them. It seems "as soon as possible" is the motto for when the price drop is taking place, so if your favorite online / brick-and-mortar retailer isn't yet honoring the extra Andrew Jackson in your pocket, have patience. So now we're left with a v4.5 firmware release date as the remaining piece in this puzzle, but Microsoft promises to solve that riddle wrapped in an enigma "in the coming days." Right. Press release after the break.

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We're excited to share that Zune fans will be able to purchase a new 64GB capacity of the popular Zune HD device for $349.99 starting April 12th through ZuneOriginals.com. By increasing the Zune HD capacity to 64GB, users will be able take up to 16,000 songs, or 20 hours of high definition video from Zune Marketplace, or 25,000 pictures* on the go! Customers will be able to customize their Zune HD 64GB through ZuneOrginals.com, available in their choice of Platinum, Black, Blue, Red, Green, Purple and Magenta colors.

In addition to introducing the new 64GB capacity, we are also reducing the prices of the 16GB and 32GB devices. Starting today, price lists are being distributed to retailers, setting the Estimated Retail Price (ERP) for the Zune 16GB device at $199.99 and the Zune HD 32GB device at $269.99.

With its OLED multi-touch screen, built-in HD radio, HD video out capabilities and Internet browser, Zune HD is a full-function media player which has received accolades from press and consumers. We've also announced details of an upcoming firmware update which will add even more features to the device, such as Smart DJ auto-playlists directly on the Zune HD, ability to browse, stream and acquire music from Zune Marketplace on your TV (while the device is connected to a TV set through the A/V dock) and expanded codec support allowing users to play more video formats natively from the device.

We are excited to be offering a great range of storage capacities for the Zune HD at a competitive price point and will be sharing more news on the availability of the 4.5 firmware in the coming days.

*Music estimates based on 128 Kbps WMA files with length of 4 minutes each. Pictures transferred to Zune will be optimized for Zune screen size; video estimates based on 500 Kbps WMV files with 128 Kbps WMA audio tracks.

[wesh Posted Mar 31st 2010 5:58PM]

Is that AudioSurf on that Zune?

[55thjam Posted Mar 31st 2010 6:50PM]

@wesh yah thats right. audio surfffff is so cooooooool you foooool

[DiegoCruzStanke Posted Mar 31st 2010 6:01PM]

please read this blog post http://writing.wikinut.com/Concepts%3A-Do-they-ever-go-near-the-production-line/15dk_p66/

[tonewheelmonster Posted Mar 31st 2010 7:41PM]

Zune Pass... Musical bliss. Hate on Haters but it rocks the rest of the music programs to the core.

Me, I listen to music, books and podcasts on my zune. When I need to use my phone I bust that sucker out and use it.... to call people, among other things, since it's an iPhone. I would never, ever consider using the piece of suck that is iTunes and my iPhone as my main audio device. That would be pure failure on my part since they don't hold a candle to my Zune

[tonewheelmonster Posted Mar 31st 2010 7:49PM]

Also of note, when I want to read a book I go to the real thing or my Kindle. I don't want to read a novel on a backlit lcd screen... that sounds like suicide. The point of my ranting is that I don't really care what device will stir the gravy while washing my car and feeding the cat if it just half asses them all. I want to use what works best for what I'm trying to do, even if that means I have to carry around -gasp- 2 DEVICES!!!!!!!

[malexandria1 Posted Mar 31st 2010 8:33PM]

I wish they would make Zune for Macs I despise iTunes. All of my 800 Albums are completely screwed up due to iTunes Inability to properly organize music. The only way I can listen to a full album is if I remember to immediately create a playlist the minute I import them. Unfortunately, I didn't know this a few years ago when I first started using the crappy software.

[bakkermaarten007 Posted Mar 31st 2010 8:56PM]

@malexandria1 You know. I f you want to listen to a full album just use the search function by 'album'... voila. It's as simple as that, what's so difficult?
Oh wait, you're a mac user.... haha just kidding =D

[malexandria1 Posted Mar 31st 2010 10:01PM]

@bakkermaarten007 That's the point of my comment, it should be as simple as that but it's not. It constantly mislabels albums, breaks them apart for example. If I do a search on Moulin Rouge in my Library I only get 4 out of the 10 or 15 tracks. The sad part is, I don't feel like re-ripping my entire library and I feel like I have to repurchase some of my favorite Albums, just so I can listen to them properly.

[ozbot87 Posted Mar 31st 2010 10:03PM]

This threatens apple's iPod touch stake...I love it.

As an iPhone owner, I feel that this will light a fire under Apple's butt and make them come out with better products. I love my iPhone, but I am no loyalist. I want what I feel is the best for me, regardless of brand.

Good for MS. Apple, ball's in your court.

[jmyers8888 Posted Apr 1st 2010 4:02AM]

3 months too late: I got an iPod Touch 64GB for Christmas.

[Snv Posted Apr 1st 2010 7:13AM]

Now will it be available for the rest of the world or not? I am tired of waiting to get my hands on one. When you can distribute Windows and Xbox all over the world, why not Zune?

WE WANT ZUNE!!!!

[kenny goo Posted Apr 1st 2010 2:10PM]

With the prospect of a Windows Phone 7 infused Zune coming later this year, there's not a chance in hell you could get me to buy a Zune HD right now (especially given the fact that I'm still happy with my Zune 120 at the moment).

As an aside, while I was just talking about how a feel a lot of these new smartphones have screens that are too damn big (HTC HD2, Xperia X10, Galaxy S), the Zune HD is a bit on the small side for my tastes. The bezel in its current form can handle a bump to 3.4" or 3.5", and given the 16:9 aspect ratio it'll still be quite a bit smaller then the 3:2 iPhone screen, which is a perfect balance IMO.

[GrumpyOlMan Posted Apr 1st 2010 3:51PM]

Zune, still the same pile of steamy limited functionality shyt it's always been.

[Blue On Blue Posted Apr 16th 2010 2:09AM]

@GrumpyOlMan

Are you sure you're not talking about your own, shyt? 'Cause, it smells like you -- what's that? Oh! You can't smell your own?

[Blue On Blue Posted Apr 1st 2010 7:17PM]

My credit card is ready and waiting... Thank you Zune for listening to thousands of your customers!!!!

[Inspector Gadget80 Posted Apr 1st 2010 9:26PM]

Grr @ you M$ for screwing me with the 64GB. Don't care as long I enjoy my 32GB.