Microsoft confirms Zune HD details

Microsoft on Thursday confirmed several of the worst kept secrets in the industry, acknowledging the pricing, availability date, and capacities for its upcoming Zune HD.

The black 16GB version of the touch-screen media player will sell for $219.99, while a 32GB version in "platinum" color will cost $289.99. The pricing had already leaked via Best Buy and Amazon, while the September 15 launch date was noted as part of a retailer's display, reported by Gizmodo.

Microsoft will also start taking pre-orders for the device and starting September 15, it will be able to be ordered in five colors from Microsoft's Zuneoriginals.net site, with the option of adding one of 10 engravings by guest artists to the back of the device.

Among the device's features are its OLED (organic light-emitting diode) display, multi-touch Web browser and the ability to send video in 720p to a HDTV (using a dock, sold separately).

Zune HD hands-on photos

Although the prices put the Zune HD well below Apple's current iPod Touch prices for the same capacity, I would expect Apple to revamp its products for the fall, likely offering the iPod Touch at similar prices and capacities, and perhaps borrowing the video camera and other features from the iPhone 3GS.

If you can't wait until September, here's a video I shot during a brief hands-on demo I got in May (or see our slideshow above).

[harcore100]

sounds cool hope it has other cool features sucth as bllutooth and a really long battery life.

[BogusBasin]

There's no chance that the Zune is going to get any significant market share. No chance, It's a $289.99 item. They may make a lot of money. But if you actually take a look at the billions players that get sold, I'd prefer to have 60% or 70% or 80% of them, than I would to have 2% or 3%, which is what Microsoft might get.

Amen

[Renegade Knight]

@BogusBasin:

You cant afford to buy 60% of the players that get sold. You can buy one of the ones from the company with 60% of the market share.

[BogusBasin]

I was actually trying to quote Ballmer's reaction to the iPhone:

http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2007/04/ballmer-says-iphone-has-no-chance-to-gain-significant-market-share.ars

Amen

[BogusBasin]

Microsoft is nothing more than a "Me Too" company.

http://seekingalpha.com/article/155946-microsoft-whistling-in-the-dark?source=yahoo

Amen

[The_happy_switcher]

Yeah, 'hope' in one hand and s**t in the other and see which one fills up first!

[Sausagebiscuit]

I hope it comes with a spell check.

[Super2online]

@BogusBasin- It seems to me that you're not interested in commenting on a product based upon it's merits. In this case you seem to be interested in only one thing- bashing what you don't like. Fair enough, but don't expect any crediibility, because opinions like this merit none.

[YankeePoodle]

@BogusBasin,

I hope you buy the OS & computer with the same metric you use for music players.

[badasscat]

All I can say to a lot of you guys is "woosh"...

[ballmerisanape]

you ninnies....bb was quoting Steve Ballmer's comment about the iPhone.

[empirestatebuddy]

I'll consider going back to Zune once my iPods die. I owned a couple Zunes a few years ago and I actually liked them better than my iPods (especially the device UI), but the 2.0 desktop software (when first introduced) was a disaster, so I sold them on Ebay, vowing not to return until Microsoft fixed the desktop software. That was a few years ago and I've heard good things about the software since then. So, like I said, I'd consider going back... but I'm still waiting for Microsoft to integrate the Xbox and Zune stores. There should just be ONE STORE to get everything, not all these different "marketplaces."

[sting7k]

That's what I'm waiting for. The new Zune software is pretty nice. And it streams content effortlessly to my Xbox 360. I want one store Microsoft!

[Renegade Knight]

There should be multiple stores. While the App Store is nice on the touch, it's one stop limited shopping if Apple deems it worthy, or doesn't duplicate (never mind doing it better) something apple wants to itself.

My most used apps are written by hobbiest programmers who share similar interests. There is no reason those folks should have to pay Apple to give away their application.

[2ndfallout]

One store is supposed to be coming this fall. At E3 Microsoft said they were going to integrate the Zune into Xbox Marketplace

[stale_pancake]

I actually gave away my iPod Touch. I like some of the software, but I don't much care to play a game with just an accelerometer. I already have a Nintendo DS and a PSP, and I rarely play with those. I've liked the Zune since the original 30GB unit.

The iPod has more features. Sleep timer, world clock, etc. However, in my humble opinion, the Zune has the better interface. I also prefer the way you can use chapters in Audio Books on the Zune vs. the Touch. In fact, if anyone reading this has actually listened to audio books on the touch, I'm sure you'd agree that the chapter management is severely broken. The Zune is much easier to tell where you left on. Especially if you are the type to listen to these and allow yourself to fall asleep. Try back-tracking to where you are on the iPod Touch. It treats each chapter like a separate section. You have to set them as zero and then find the chapter you were in and go back to that time code.

The creative Zen Moziac lets you set chapter points as bookmarks and you can go back to those. Pretty easy to do. The zune shows one long timeline. Just make a mental note of where you are and go back there later on. You see one single timeline. The Touch, breaks into several chapter based timelines, and it gets confusing.

So not just from an interface point of view, but from a logical point of view, I don't like Apple's iPod Touch is well thought out. It's actually a frustrating device. They get very hot when playing a game, like golf, and the battery tends to be ready to die in about 30 ~ 60 minutes with such games. Where as the Nintendo DS will last easily 16 hours playing games. Flying from San Francisco to New York, would you rather have only a DS or an iPod Touch with you for games? I'd take the DS.

I just think the iPod tries to be too many things and doesn't do any of them particularly well. I'm sure many Apple fans are upset and ready to call me ignorant or some other name. If you like the Touch, that's your business. Glad you found something you can use and appreciate. However, I don't care for the device at all. I like the Zune. I appreciate subscription music. Which is not mandatory. You can buy from Amazon and maintain a collection of high quality MP3s if that's what you like. And you can watch video podcasts. I subscribe to Jim Cramer's Mad Money. Just as easy to watch a video podcast on the Zune as the iPod.

That new Zune looks bigger in photos. But seeing them hold it in their hands it looks very small. I like that. Might be interested in that after all.

[Mark_Anderson]

Looks nice. Is it going to be available in the UK?

[nSeika]

Second that.
Would definitely buy it, but when will it be available internationally ?
Asia Pacific region ?

[boogester89]

Yer third that.
Looks bloody awesome and would love to buy it straight away, but will it be coming to Australia. The current Zunes aren't. I hope Microsoft grow some balls and bring it downunder. They will prob only move it overseas if its successful in America, so come on Americans buy this for us Aussies

[liquidmetalband]

I always want to buy these things. Only problem is: I have way more music than 32GB, so I can't. It's the same deal with the iPod touch/iPhone: there just isn't enough storage capacity.

[donsms]

How bout you just load up the most liked tunes on it instead of trying to jam it all on.

[Seaspray0]

Too bad nobody makes an mp3 player with a slot for a flash card. That would be a nice feature.

[Renegade Knight]

@donsms

That's only a partial solution and a lot of work.

[krad60]

TO Seaspray0

Creative Zen X-Fi 16GB has SD slot

[drhamad]

@ Renegade Knight - why is it a lot of work? You set iTunes to select a random playlist and load it. If there's a specific album or whatever you want, you say to add that too. For 99% of the time, you're never going to need more than that.

I'm not saying that loading everything wouldn't be better, but are you willing to shell out the money for that amount of space? Most people wouldn't.

[DrtyDogg]

It's even easier with a Zune. Set up an automatic sync with a smart playlist and it will automatically update it via wifi.

[CCCCnetttt]

Both of these devices have wifi so you can stream music wherever there is a wifi connection and this somewhat should compensate for the limited storage capacities. In some sence the storage is very high since you have access to unlimited music in some situations.

Granted, wifi isn't everywhere, so it is a little limiting. But, for the Zune, anyway, you can listen to HD radio (not just better sound but more stations and variety) or you can get a subscription plan that lets you download music (either manualy, by channels, or your own playlist criteria) while in Wifi and listen to it wherever you go.

I'm not saying this makes up for the lack of storage, just that things are changing already we see signs that onboard storage is less important.

[topgunb2]

@drhamad another solution would be, why listen to music at all . That's @liquidmetalband business, I guess

[Super2online]

Check out this video. If this doesn't wet your appetite for a ZuneHD, I don't know what will:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_WPdg6zUeE

[Jimbo283]

As soon as a Zune Phone comes out, I'll jump. I loved my zune & the software was fantastic. I finally jumped ship to an Iphone just because I got tired of carrying two devices.

[Seaspray0]

You will need to stay with the iphone, then. I haven't heard anything about microsoft doing a phone.

[jessiethe3rd]

I have a Winmo phone and Zune and I sync my Zune subscription music to my phone. Microsoft has also stated they are looking to marry Zune to a mobile device... it's just a matter of time.

[Super2online]

WinMo 7 is supposed to incorporating many of the attributes of ZuneHD into it. We shall see. But having the Windows Mobile team join in with the Zune and Xbox team was a (why didn't they just do this in the first place) smart move that should bring great innovation and integration ino every product.

[Fire Balls]

I really want a larger storage device then a wimpy 32GB. I have the 120GB and it's already 3/4 of the way full grant it a most of that space is from movies. But you are able to get more content and better content with the Zune HD meaning you need more space to store it!! I also feel the same way about the xbox 360. You now have the ability to download games and to save games you have to the hard drive.. well 120GB doesn't cut it anymore. Come on microsoft get with the program. If you want people typ buy lots of content provide a way for them to save it.

[shane--2008]

sounds like all 11 potential Zune customers are cnet readers. shocking!

[myles taylor]

That is a good competitive pricing for the iPod Touch and I think it will sell better than many Zunes have in the past. It won't make a significant dent in the iPod market and it can't compete with the App store that Apple has the unique advantage of being able to market to both iPod Touch and iPhone users, but it will do fairly well.

I'm predicting a price drop and/or a jump to 64GB in the iPod Touch sometime in September though and the Zune will be undercut by that.

[samkass]

They're announcing it now because they know that September is when Apple announces the next generation of iPod Touch and pricing, and want people to have "the Zune is price-competitive" meme in their heads before reality sets in.

If you're comparing the iPod Touch and the ZuneHD, you're comparing a product that is weeks away from the end of its life to a product that is not yet released. The fact that it's even close doesn't bode well for the Zune.

[JustMe222]

Hmmm, I purchased a great MP3 music/video player for around $50 from another company. It has a wonderful color screen and is easy to use. The screen or hard drive may not be as large, but Zune and iPod are so over the top on pricing, I still haven't figured out why people are willing to grossly overpay for such devices?

[eddy m]

Because I do so much more than just play music and video on my iPod Touch is why. Can you choose from thousands of applications to download on to your $50 dollar music/video player? It cost me a lot, but I consider it decent value for money.

[bhushan bhaagii]

care to name the product. I might buy it.

[weegg]

Even though I am a machead, the new zune does look impressive. I wish MS good luck with this device.

[misc_john]

Kudos Weegg.
You're a MacHead, I like my Windows. I think the iPhone/iPod Touch is one of the nicest handheld devices, you say the Zune HD looks like it could be pretty good. Why can't more share this attitude?
If a person thinks [insert: "Steve Jobs" OR "Bill Gates" OR "Micro$oft" OR "crApple" OR "MacOSuX" OR WinBlows"] is bad / awful or simply inferior, why would they not wish the company the best in fixing it and making a good product? Sometimes it hard to tell whether a person is more passionate in their hate for Microsoft or their love for Apple (or vice versa) There is something messed up in that kind of fandom.

Blessings,
JRP

Totally. I do so like Windows, and the ZuneHD is cool, and so is the iPod. They each have their strong points, and should learn and try to cooperate with each other, as much as possible while still maintaining the quality of their products. Again, Thanks for being positive. =D

[Daniel-Castaneda]

if i had to pick from a Zune or an ipod touch 3rd gen....coming soon...

i would get the ipod 3rd gen...
IM sure it be better than the zune.

[ywkhgqo]

you're sure even though you have no idea what the ipod touch 3rd gen has?

[topgunb2]

yup, the casing has same adictive capabilities as other apple products, even if they sell a brick, fanboys will buy it

[The_happy_switcher]

The seven total previous Zune buyers in the world will be happy to know they can now 'upgrade.'

[BogusBasin]

Microsoft:

Me too, me too!

http://seekingalpha.com/article/155946-microsoft-whistling-in-the-dark?source=yahoo

Amen

[The_happy_switcher]

Good article. Thx for sharing dude.

[Sausagebiscuit]

I guess when you have money, you can play where you like.

[ywkhgqo]

i love how its ALWAYS the happy switcher and BogusBasin commenting on stories that have nothing to do with them.
If you don't want to buy the HD, fine, don't. Just leave the rest of us alone for christ's sake

[BogusBasin]

@ywkhgqo

Microsoft's long history of destroying standards, stifling competition, and abusing their Monopoly at every opportunity affects me as a consumer. You will find me expressing my discontent at every opportunity. Boycott Microsoft. Bad for them, good for everyone else.

Amen

[monkeyfun14]

@BogusBasin

Competition isn't me too sorry someone is trying to prevent Apple from raping your wallet.

[BogusBasin]

@monkey

You don't even bother trying to make sense anymore. I can't argue with jibberish.

Amen

[topgunb2]

@BogusBasin , go to ISS, earth would be woth living on

[ComeToTerms]

Microsoft... what can i say. Possibly too little too late. Yes OLED is the future and is popping up on more and more devices. Yes the Zune name sucks! LOL. Heres the problem, the MS Zune has been doing bad against the iPod since the start. The iPod is by far the more popular device and high sales continue. Now don't get me wrong, i am an XBox360 supporter, especially their Live online and games over my beautiful blu-ray player the PS3 but just like Xbox beats the PS3, the iPod beats the Zune. I'm sure this new Zune will look Beyond Beautiful with its OLED sceen and i hope the New iTouch to be released this September has OLED as well, if not, shame on Apple. The iPhone has it so don't dissappoint us. And from the looks of things, since the Zune 32gig is selling for $289, I suppose the New iTouch 64gig will sell for $399. But with iTouch being sold with a video camera, wi-fi, OLED screen, the sexier look, the better name, the more popular, the better app store and for me personally for the fact that i have a 45gig library is a solid winner here. But of course this is just an opinion. We will all know the truth in 30 days...

P.S. Hey Apple Shock the World and sell that damn iTouch 64gig for $349 and the 32gig for $249. You will make the money back and force MS to discontinue the Zune and not even run with the Zune cell phone/mp4 player dream. 7 and Snow Leopard show down next!

[ywkhgqo]

see I can't really give credit to your post because 95% of it is speculation, you have NO idea what apple will be putting out nor what price they will have it at.
And you list features for the ipod touch that the zune HD has as well? A lot of people are actually saying the Zune HD looks cooler than the current ipod touch.

[SactoGuy018]

Apple has the huge lead because ever since the first iPods shipped in 2001, Apple pretty much dominates the market for portable media players--something like 80% of all higher-end portable media players sold nowadays are various iPod models (nano, classic, touch and iPhone). As such, the ecosystem for the iPod is GIGANTIC, and I would not be surprised that by September 2010 Apple will be selling iPod touch models with OLED screens that have at least the same resolution as the Zune HD but with 64 and 128 GB flash memory capacity and the added advantage of using add-on programs from the Apple App Store.

[monkeyfun14]

@sactoguy

And you honestly believe Microsoft won't beef up the memory in the Zune HD's Microsoft can get flash memory just as easy as Apple.

[CCCCnetttt]

It always is a mystery why some people seem to want Microsoft to fail at this. At worst, the OLED screen, lower prices, and competative interface will require Apple to improve their devices and lower prices. Competition is good. For computers, The MS ads almost certainly caused Apple to lower their laptop prices. Apple certainly wouldn't "shock you the world" it weren't for Microsoft and a credible product. If it did and that caused the Zune to be discontinued then you'd loose a reason for future inovation.

It sounds like the touch will have a camera; I've heard no mention of an OLED screen and the fact that the iPhone doesn't have one sort of indicates the touch won't too. Both have Wifi. Looks are in the eye of the beholder. The Zune has things the Touch doesn't. Given the evolutionary update of the iPhone, I don't expect much more for the Touch.

These are divergent devices. When it was the Classic versus the Zune 120 we had a fair comparison. But now it is more a matter of opinion and taste than a direct head-to-head. Having an HD radio is good for some folks, useless for others.

[john94857]

I actually love my Zune and have had it for quite some time. Apple's iPod is cool and all, but a lot of times people don't give Zune a chance, which is an excellent MP3/multie-purpose player in its own right.

Now, having said that, I don't buy music that has built-in digital protection since I may want to play the music I purchase in a variety of devices (sure, both MS and Apple are beginning to remove the strict protection and limitation). As a result, I usually buy from Amazon's MP3 store, which has a great selection and often at a great price.

On the note about Amazon, a while ago (thanks to PC World), I came across an interesting table that details the discounts on Amazon. It is at
http://www.uberi.com

Check out the "filler item" function too to get free shipping at Amazon. It's kind of amusing.

Anyway, I'll be keeping a close eye on Zune HD.

[jessiethe3rd]

Love the CNET Microsoft haters - it's by far the most emotional group of anti-Microsoft people on the net...
I have the Zune and it's great. I love the music subscription plan and the ability to get 10 free DRMless tracks to download a month. Zune HD is going to be a fantstic device... I'll certainly be picking it up for jogging. I use my Winmo phone and sync my Zune subscription content to it with 0 problems... it's absolutely fantastic. I hope they complete the experience from device to service with Winmo and Zune sometime in the future but I'll go ahead and pick up this device as a middle point.

[FearNo1]

Looks nice but it lacks user made app support. If the rumored camera/vid camera on the next touch is true, then that will be another weakness of the zune. MS needs to do more than just copy but innovate. What MS should do is add 3G capabilities to zune and custom app support. With 3G and VOIP like skype, the zune would be a competitor to touch and iphone...

[rapier1]

What do you mean it lacks user made app support? You can build apps/games for it using XNA. I have a few home brew games on mine in fact.

[AppleSuxLeo]

I`d buy it just for the HD radio. ;)

[FearNo1]

Re: rapier1

Yeah you are right, I forgot about XNA. Does it have an integrated app store like the iphone/touch?

[rapier1]

Not at this time but there is no reason why it couldn't using the existing xbox live marketplace infrastructure or the zune marketplace infrastructure. However, apps really aren't the point of the Zune.

[chrisx1]

If HD radio works properly and gets good reception, I'm gonna buy the Zune HD and use it in my car. I can plug it in the aux jack or maybe even the car's USB jack.
Maybe get a Zune pass too and forget about satellite radio!!