Posted on 05/26/2009 5:47:48 PM PDT by Dysart
That's right folks, the Zune HD is real, and it's coming this Fall. Microsoft officially announced the next iteration in their Zune line today, making it less of a tripped out pipe dream, and more of a totally tubular reality. The specs, which look exactly like that leak we saw, go like this: 3.3-inch, 480 x 272 OLED capacitive touchscreen display, built-in HD Radio receiver, HD output (utilizing a new dock -- not on-board), and... not much more right now. Microsoft is doing away with the famed squircle in favor a full multitouch device, and they seemed to indicate that some new touch-friendly apps and games would be headed our way, though they were fairly mum when it came to details. The device will boast an IE-based, customized browser, but little else was said in the way of software.
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.
Sorry. It’s still a Zune.
Does anyone have a regular Zune (non HD)? How are movies on them? I know on the iPod Touch, they are brilliant, even on the small screen. That has become a clincher for anything I upgrade to.
Finally!
MS is much maligned but the Zune since 3.0 has been the best mp3 player on the market now they have a product that will contend with the Touch and rumors are that this will be the basis of a new touch multi-media smart phone that MS will sell to phone manufacturers who will create devices with certain specifications.
Yeah I have a zune 4gb and it’s excellent, draws on the power though but the sound and video is pretty good.
Somebody has either never used a Zune or hasn’t seen one since their debut.
Well I don’t either, bud. But I must have it.
Seriesly, it’s an Mp3 player and more...think Ipod Touch, which I do have and enjoy...this, though, is an HD version...read the specs. I will buy this mainly for the HD radio feature.
What’s nice is that the Zunes have had the ability to tag songs for purchase for awhile now. That is when you listen on the radio and a song comes up and you like it you tag it and when you get home(or go to a wifi hotspot) you can download that song. THe only thing that sucked was the wifi wouldn’t let you download songs unless you had credits, if you did the monthly thing that is.
What about DRM crapola?
It’s not that bad, plus there are ways around it. I tend to buy music from Amazon anyways. From MS I just do the subscription service, which you get ten free songs a month with which is cool.
I”ll be interested to see if the recent Microsoft-Netflix partnership eventually allows netflix streaming off the new Zune. Assuming it has wireless of course.
Thanks for the link. So, HD means high definition?...I’m still recognizing that as Hard Drive.
Good Luck!
I don’t get this. Why would someone want one of these, if it doesn’t have a phone?
Well, fr my perspective, I need access to my phone at all times and if I’ve got my mp3 player connected and rocking my favorite polka tune in my car, I have to safely disconnect the player, allow it to reset, and hope I can can take the call before it goes to vm. That doesn’t work for me. This is why I bought the Ipod Touch and not the Iphone.
Further, I have a pretty snazzy/capable 3g phone and and turns out I don’t use 1/5 of its features because I have other devices that are superior... a netbook for ultra portable web browsing, for example. Some ppl find dedicated devices awkward, unnecessary or excessive and I understand that, too.
HDD is hard drive(or hard disk drive), or at least that is what I have always known it as.
Guess you don't have Bluetooth built into your car - with the iPhone the music immediately stops when the phone rings and you just press a button on the steering wheel to answer.
You are correct,sir- no BT here. Sounds like a perfect feature for those who do have the IPhone.
HD = HD Radio Reciever. The Zune already has an FM Receiver built in.
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