Zune HD
 

So I don't know if any of you have been paying attention to Microsoft's iPod killer line, the Zunes, but I think this might be the biggest upset of the year in the making.

First let me set the stage:
The Zune 30 was introduced first, followed by the Zune 80 and flash Zunes, all of which ran the same firmware. They were all later updated to be able to run games developed with XNA.

Bear in mind there isn't any kind of distribution channel for these games/apps developed yet. You can only load them by using MS Visual Studio, as the whole thing is still in some sort of "beta".

However, its inevitable that the Zune Marketplace will get an apps/games store built in. Count on it.

Also note that Xbox 360 is getting integration with the Zune Marketplace for "instant" play 1080p movies.

Now bring in the crown jewel, the iPod Touch "killer" the Zune HD, sporting a capacitive touchscreen.
I'll leave you all to bing the specs on this new beast (set to launch on Sept 5th supposedy), but this thing is going to ship with a browser. Whether thats IE or something else remains to be seen.

So this "mp3" playing "iPod" killer is going to ship with a capacitive touchscreen, browser, and C#/XNA based application support out of the box. This already puts it in fighting range of Maemo, although granted this has a MUCH more entertainment twist, whereas the NITs have always been able to achieve good use as workhorse.

I would bet that the Zune software is going to recieve an update to allow purchasing of apps/games.

I would also bet that developers will be in no short supply as there is already an install base of several MILLION zunes (albiet non touchscreen ones) out there, coupled with this new Zune to bring renewed market interest.

AND, icing on the cake, don't forget Project Pink and Windows Mobile 7 which will bring Zune functionality(at least music, probably video, and possibly XNA applications) to all WinMo smartphones in the future.

I think I might just go buy me some Microsoft stock today.

Re: Zune HD
 

Zune HD is stunning device. I believe it will be first device using NVIDIA Tegra too.
Count me in for the bandwagon if they just release it this time for EU market too(including Finland :))

Have had ipod touch since release and actually don't have anything to complain about it, but as i don't use itunes at all(i actually don't even like it) i'm ready to try some other devices out.

Re: Zune HD
 

The Zune HD definantly looks to be an interesting device. Though whether it will work with Ubuntu and support things like GPS, and bluetooth will determine if it's a buy for me.

Edit: Web browser (based on Internet Explorer Mobile 6 for Windows CE). (Wikipedia)

Eww..hopefully you can install Fennec on there.

Re: Zune HD
 

I would like to second that the Zune HD is an awesome device from the spec's and current reviews of it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMnztMaPMoI , but just to add to a few comments...

I really hope it provides an alternative option to the "apple epidemic", that makes ppl go for either the iphone or touch. The specs on the HD should make ppl want to flock to it for the OLED screen alone almost, since it saves on battery power and IS HIGH DIF! but if thats not enough it allows you to try out HD radio for free so I'm not sure how that will be but it cant be bad when its free, and the web experience should be good at least if not great assuming the browser is nice ( i wish the could have show a bit of the web browsing in the video). To say its in competition, or fighting range as you put it with the NIT's is a bit sketchy, I understand what your saying but it just doesnt really seem like it would to me. Even though the touch for some reason does since its like the contract free iphone i guess but maemo is open source and i'm sure MS will have its own restrictions despite the fresh new spin on things. still a solid device though and i cant wait to see it...

Re: Zune HD
 

This mofo clearly works for m$. Nobody bings. We google.

(Unless we are searching ITt, then we gaegle (see sig) :))

Re: Zune HD
 

Why do people want to shove Ubuntu onto everything? Enough is enough... the custom OS that they're using is good enough.

It's not perfect, and the newer Zune HD seems to be really done well. I can't wait for the upcoming 64gb version - 32gb is too claustrophobic for my collection.

Ubuntu... feh. It sucks arse in regards to media play. Too much overhead, not enough rewards... at all.

Re: Zune HD
 

I don't mean install Ubuntu, I meant work with Ubuntu. Like how the iPhone or iTouch needs iTunes which doesn't work so well in Ubuntu. Likewise if the ZuneHD requires some software PC side then meh it's out for me. I rarely boot into Windows and have no intention for doing it for a mobile device.

Re: Zune HD
 

Ah, ok. Oops, totally misread your comment.

I think you're heading for disappointment. My Ubuntu box didn't recognize my Zune 120, it's doubtful that it'll recognize the Zune HD. In fact, I've not found a real good way to even mount it from Ubuntu.

Re: Zune HD
 

Darn, I was hoping that you could at least mount it as a dumb drive and load files that way and still have them readable (I think with the Apple side they use a database so you can't just drag and drop songs onto it as a dumb drive?).

Re: Zune HD
 

I've only been able to use it via VirtualBox, if I were not using it natively in Windows.

Re: Zune HD
 

Yea, I don't forsee the Zune HD becoming untied to the Zune software, which is currently Windows only. Its dumb that they don't even let you use Windows Media Player to sync with it.

On the bright side, Zune (software) is better than iTunes by FAR.

Re: Zune HD
 

I just hope it comes in shiny brown.

Re: Zune HD
 

I forgot about the others already out that seem to be on par with this class of devices that seem to be doing far more then just music play back like the Zune HD, it doesnt have "HD" but it has an OLED screen among other great features, http://reviews.cnet.com/mp3-players/...&tag=mncol;lst I wonder once the Zune hits store shelves if there will be a shift in sales from this category since the touch (was at least for awhile the main device that could do it all) enticed mainstream consumers along with its killer (just a crap load of them really) apps and easy UI... not any more I guess.

other two:

http://reviews.cnet.com/portable-vid...&tag=mncol;lst

http://reviews.cnet.com/mp3-players/...?tag=mncol;lst

what do you guys think...

Re: Zune HD
 

Th Zune HD looks amazing.
I still use my 30gb, 1st generation black Zune and love it.
I changed from iPod to it a few years ago and couldn't believe how much better than an iPod it was in so many different ways.

Not sure I can ever see myself leaving my Zune-brick but if I do...the Zune HD would be the choice for me.

Disclaimer: I hate Apple

:)

Re: Zune HD
 

with that said, what is your advice on a new Mp3 player... My ipod nano got saturated in water when it was in my bag, while i was walking to work it just decided to rain an over wheliming amount:mad: so now I have no music to workout to, but any way i was in the market to replace it. it was an 8GB, which was half way full after a year but i recently got into podcast so i was actually looking for a 16GB for a good price that wasnt overtly big like some player can be, since i used this to work out with I know the replacement has to be non obtrusive, I'm not an apple fan boy but i will say my nano got the job done but i never understood ppl who had this big ipod touch are band on in the gym, and because it was their all in one they felt like it should be a gym companion... which is fine if thats what you like but its WAY to big and bulk for me and i am not wanting my all in one to go to the gym with me since i have the n810 coming in soon I dnt really wana get an arm band for that and work out with it... lol i need something just for" working out" that wont get in the way and has enough storage for me and it wouldnt hurt if i didnt have to go back to using i tunes but if no one has any suggestions then i guess I'll have to get another one

Re: Zune HD
 

Refurb?
http://store.apple.com/us/browse/hom...od?mco=MTE3Njc

Re: Zune HD
 

I have an awesome mp3 player.

It's called a N810.

Re: Zune HD
 

Problem is I use my MP3 player for a lot of video podcasts as well and th N810 does a horrible job playing downloaded video podcasts without having to tweak them.

Re: Zune HD
 

I would love to only use my beloved N810 and not another apple iPod, but it hasn't arrived yet in the mail and I dnt wana take that to the gym when I work out even though its a great size just not small enough for me gym wise. but i will be using it for podcast and internet radio just not at the gym...

Re: Zune HD
 

Yeah, I was thinking if I learned enough bash if it was possible to do that on PC. So using a Linux box it'd auto download the video podcast, run through a convert script, and then ssh it to tablet.

But first learning how to do that in a command. =p

Re: Zune HD
 

Well I've always had an intense dislike for Apple. In their singleminded effort to make things accessible to the technology illiterate, they have cut out features that I love to use and restricted me from doing things that I want to do.
Not that there's a whole lot to do on an iPod. I've found that iPods are decent players and work well, but since you "have" to use iTunes, and iTunes is a piece of **** (wish there was a stronger curse word), iPods are generally out for me.

Now I bought an iPod, and a Creative Zen, and I liked the Zen, and found the iPod passable, but it wasn't until I lost the Zen and gave the iPod to my sister that I discovered the Zune 80. I fell in love and used it for over a year until I dropped it into a cup of water in my car which killed it. Luckily I had bought a flash Zune to develop multiplayer games with so I just switched right over to that without any problems.

Yes at first glance it has a tiny screen with an annoyingly large bezel, but as soon as I began using it exclusively, the screen size just didn't bother me. I mean I see its the same size, but since I've been using it I just don't care, it works for me.

So in short, if you have a lot of music locked into iTunes, then you might as well go iPod again, but if you have all DRM-free music, I definitely suggest going Zune. If this is just a gym player, get a flash Zune. They have them in 16GB now.

If you're going to be watching lots of video on it, I suggest the Zune 80. The screen is just so large and nice for video.

Re: Zune HD
 

Lol the OP sounded like a sales pitch. The Zune HD looks pretty cool but definitely don't count on it getting decent 3rd party support. They'll sell what, a few hundred thousand? Wouldn't be too lucrative.


It will be a great media player, but IE6 based browser? 3 weeks after it comes out someone will hack it, make a fenec port that all the nerds will pee on themselves for, which barely runs and that will be the last anyone hears of it.

I have no idea why Microsoft is fragmenting their mobile platforms, Windows Mobile and Zune should share a platform so they can create a solid software base. They know how to do it, but some crap executive directive will keep the Zune as a obscure and small platform.

Re: Zune HD
 

What I don't understand (well I can probably guess why.. DRM) is why don't they at least let you put music on it via USB as a dumb drive (plug it in, drag and drop music into whatever folder).

I understand if you have DRM tracks, fine yeah put them into an exclusive database or whatever. But for regular tracks that are DRM free I should be able to drag and drop into any mp3 player without requiring any software installed. That's partially why I wound up with my n800 as an mp3 player.

Re: Zune HD
 

If you don't like iTunes, and it's not an iPhone... use YamiPod.

Re: Zune HD
 

Yes, just as web developers started hoping IE6 will die, MS started shoving the IE6 engine into everything that moves. This will ultimately kill anything that has it for browsing the Web... maybe it will be good for watching movies though.

Re: Zune HD
 

I just took a look and that sounds great, I may just go to the apple site and get a referb 16 GB nano while they're cheap, and use this program if I dnt settle on the idea of zune

Thanks grebick :D

Re: Zune HD
 

The 480 x 272 pixel screen on the Zune "HD" doesn't do it for me. The "HD" obviously stands for "Half Density".

Re: Zune HD
 

Does it allow you to install 3rd party apps (some form of app store)?
Does it have email, IM, and some form of voice communication software built in?

(I'm just trying to figure out how it's a competitor for the NIT platform, as opposed to just a media player ... where I definitely don't consider media players to be NIT competitors)

Re: Zune HD
 

I definitely wouldn't consider the Zune HD a competitor for the NIT platform even after it were hacked to death. Wifi + media playback doesn't equate the NIT platform in the least.

I'd consider it just a media player. But that's my opinion.

Re: Zune HD
 

I think the HD part comes in when you hook it to TVs or monitors (I guess via HDMI?).

Though I don't own any HDMI TVs or monitors so that feature would be useless to me. And I don't carry movies on my mobile devices generally unless I'm going be watching it frequently or haven't seen it yet (e.g. for a road trip) Cool feature nevertheless.

Re: Zune HD
 

@johnkzin and @gerbick

Well the current Zunes allow 3rd party "apps" (mostly games so far) but there is no App store. The whole development process is in C#/XNA and you need to load it via MS VS. However thats probably going to change when the Zune HD hits. I believe that Zune marketplace is going to gain an App store as well. This is basically a guarantee.

@eiffel
The HD refers both to the device's ability to play 720p videos (albiet downsized) on the device screen itself and also the ability to output those videos in full 720p resolution over HDMI. It also refers to the device's build in HD radio reciever.

I admit I am a Zune fanboy and have a lot of high hopes for this device. I just hope HD doesn't turn out to stand for Huge Disappointment.

Re: Zune HD
 

I hope the Zune HD is a great success too. Anything to loosen Apple's grip on the mp3 market.