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.

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.

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.

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...

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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?).

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