Comments on: Microsoft confirms Zune HD coming this fall

The new device will feature an HD Radio tuner and OLED screen, but will it be enough to take on the iPod Touch? Also, Microsoft is rebranding Xbox video service with Zune name.

[Perry_Clease]

They should do a Steam Punk design

[Vegaman_Dan]

You know, I do believe a steam punk design would probably go over pretty well. I'd have to stop and think about buying one like that, actually.

Neat idea.

[matthewadavid]

I am big Apple nut and love the iPhone, but this new Zune product looks interesting. I would love to have Apple be forced to up the ante because of the Beast that is Redmond!

[t8]

So how much is Microsoft paying customers to own one of these things.
If they give me a $300 cash back to use it, I might ditch my iPod.

[monkeyfun14]

Must troll about everything don't you?

I'm sure if Steve Jobs raped your wife you would still be first in line to buy the new iPod.

[topgunb2]

If you ask microsoft to kick your filthy ass, they'll charge more than $300

[matt90012]

Sorry Microsoft, I have all of my music on my iTunes already. If the Zune was made into a phone I would seriously consider it, otherwise I will stick with my iPhone and upgrade to the new iPhone when it comes out.

[topgunb2]

you don't have a choice because of drm , if your music is legal

[Kwasiowusu]

Microsoft needs to announce a few things at E3 to make this Zune HD a real contender:

- A slide out games controller pad somewhere in that design

- XBLA support

- Immediate porting of all XBOX classic games to run on Zune HD(Since Zune HD is rumoured to be using an Nvidia Tegra graphics chip, plus 256 Mb RAM)

- Netflix on the go would be a nice bonus too

Without immediate access to XBOX Live games at launch, this Zune HD is not going to get anywhere in the market. It's a no brainer.

Not bad.. Hopefull it'll worth it...

[C433Z]

haha, that's pretty ironic as I'm reading 1984 right now, and Apple is the one that made the classic 1984 commercial oh so long ago.

[Akiba]

I think it looks good. I'm a little surprised, not the look I would expect from MS. I'm not currently a Zune owner but I would prefer to use the XBox as my multimedia interface as opposed to a media center pc + an iPod/iTunes. If they integrate this ecosystem correctly without a bunch of retarded limitations (a big if) I could be convinced to switch.

[Eurostar7]

I love this design. i dont care if its boxed lookin. I see some people talk about it as if its bad. Let me guess, you dont like TVs cuz their boxed shaped? You guys are funny lol

Zune and Ipod/Iphone both look sleek to me, and i actually like the Zune and i like how it feels when i pick it up. A piece of technology that has curves such as an Ipod feels like it will slip out of my hands, whereas with the Zune i dont feel that way. Zune software is by far superior to Itunes IMO, its very interactive and the Zune Social is amazing, something that Itunes lacks, and continues to lack even with recent updates.

[slapppy]

Wow, looks like a Sony Walkman from the 80's. Got the nice four screws also. Screen is not even centered. Its still thicker and not as thin and smooth like the iPod Touch shipping today.

[Vegaman_Dan]

It's an industrial design, not a candy jelly bean.

In case you haven't noticed, there is a big retro thing going on in design these days- clothing, furniture, heck, even cars. People seem to want that industrial older look based on the current emerging trends.

[capnthaddaeus]

what i would recommend is a built in microphone and a skype app. That would make it compete with the iPhone! it might be a little late though, but if it had a microphone, i would consider it over the iTouch, which i've been looking at buying to replace my zune 8gig.

[jlymath93]

Do you guys even read your comments? Come on!
This is an article about a new Zune, not if Apples phone is better than Microsofts MP3 Player. I'm a Mac fan but I like Microsoft for some things. In my opinion, Apple makes better products that last longer. That doesn't mean all of Microsoft is crap!!! I think some of the features of the Zune HD are really cool and if I were more of a Microsoft fan, first to get it. But any Microsoft fan has to admit they do rip off Apple a LOT! Apple had iPod, Microsoft had Zune. Apple integrated TONS of new features into OS X 10.4. Soon after Microsoft introduced Windows Vista. Most of the new features were basically different versions of the features in OS X. And lets not forget all those years ago when Microsoft was found guilty for ripping off Apple's GUI! And now a touch screen MP3 player. Who didn't predict that when the iPod touch came out? Some of you might say "it's business" or "it's because that's what the customers wanted." Okay then. If that's the case, give me three examples in which Apple has "ripped-off" Microsoft. Then explain to me how if Apple is so bad, their market share is growing substantially each year, how they are throwing out revolutionary products every year, and they are one of the largest growing businesses. And how they have one of the highest Customer Satisfaction ratings. That should end your geek wars. The Zune HD is coming out this fall, it's cool, and it has a lot of new features. Leave it at that and get one of those things called a life. They now sell them at Wal-Mart.

[Kwasiowusu]

@ jlymath93:"In my opinion, Apple makes better products that last longer"

You are kidding right?
The iPod has one of tyhe highet failure rates of any electronics consumer product.
From "The Guardian" newspaper, UK:

"Guardian Money has received hundreds of emails from readers whose iPods stop working after less than 18 months, and often just outside the one-year warranty period.
According to one Apple-watching website in the US, more than a quarter of 40GB Click Wheel iPods fail in the first two years.
A separate report last week by retail analysts Olswang, said that "iPod owners are twice as likely to have had to ask for a repair to their player, than owners of other brands". It puts the figures at 12% of iPod owners needing a repair, compared to 6% of non-iPod owners
(nstead of offering a replacement, Apple, and its resellers, respond to requests for repairs outside the one-year warranty with details of how to buy a new machine. "
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2006/sep/30/news.consumernews

Now we know why the iPod keeps selling. It's because most iPod keep failing and the owners just have to keep buying new ones to replace the failed iPods.

[Vegaman_Dan]

@Kwasiowusu:

"The iPod has one of tyhe highet failure rates of any electronics consumer product. "

Ironically my iPod Touch's earphone jack just died. It's at that one year mark too. Apple suggested I either buy a new one at $500 or ... well, get out of the store. I asked about warranty service and was told that I could take it to an Apple store for $30 so they could ship it off for repairs. That's for a unit in warranty. You take it to their store, and they charge you shipping... at their store. For a warranty repair.

*shakes head*

[jlaz20]

I have to agree with you about this forum. This is about the new zune not MSFT V. APPL. Then you went ahead and turned it into that. IDK why. I like some apple products but not very many of them. ABout the whole riped off GUI thing. Where do you think that Apple got that from. If you know anything you would know that Apple directly stole their UI from XEROX. XEROX made the computer desktop not apple. Apple also stole the desgin for the MP3 player. They DID NOT create the MP3 player. They simply took it and made it better. Apple fanboys PLEASE don't act like apple made day and night, black and white anymore. coverflow also another idea they now have that they stole. They just popularized it.

Also what is the big deal with everyone and the Iphone/touch. That thing has the lamest GUI I have ever seen. There is nothing fantastic about that. It is just a panal by panal GUI. They don't even make their own apps. Maybe 2 or 3 but thats it. All the Iphone/touch is is slide through the panals and click a button. Nothing special.

Also the whole mac V. PC thing. They both suck either way. No one OS is better then another. Linux is stupid to. I love technology but seriously everyone has something diffrent that makes then happy and that is that. Mac and PC users calm down. We are just looking at a new piece of technology and saying what we like or don't like about it. This is not a PC vs. Mac war. THIS IS A NEW DEVICE.

While I do like my zune and I have an Ipod I still have to stick with the zune. I like the GUI more and it hasn't frozen or broken on me 20 thousand times like my ipods always seem to.

On the Mac Vs. PC front I personnaly have a PC running Windows 7 RC. I love it. No problems yet. My girlfriend though has a new mac desktop and she has told me on many occasions she is ready to throw it out a window with how much it freezes and causes her problems. Her friend even works at a apple store and he has told me how many of those things come in broken or frozen to hell.

Also what the hell is apples problem that they make you pay for an update. That is the stupidest thing I have ever seen.

By far I have had problems with both companies but Apple has by far the worst company I have ever had to deal with. With their warranty being so short that if the thing breaks after you buy it your screwed and have to buy a new one. They wouldn't even talk to me when my new ipod broke because I didn't have the protection plan. and their horrible product quality issues that have been plaguing them for years now. I have talked with apple fan boys and even they acknowledge the quailty issues.

Both companies. GET YOUR ACT TOGEHTER!!

PC and MAC users again calm down. Both have their good sides and their bad sides.


Now that I have that out of my system.

I like this new ZuneHD mp3 player and look forward to seeing one in person hopefully soon.

[JohnH_in_OKC]

I have been hoping HD radio will be a feature of new PMPs (portable media players) & phones. I have a Nokia phone with FM radio & a media player. I listen to FM including NPR & PRI and local sports & music radio more than I listen to my phone's media player. Two of our public radio stations, our ESPN FM sports radio and about 6 music stations broadcast alternate programming on HD radio.

Future PMP's & phones will include MPH mobile tv (ATSC mobile tv standard), micro SDXC memory card (extends SDHC memory card to 2 TB), Bluetooth 3.0 (uses WiFi to speed Bluetooth), and USB 3.0.

I will not be surprised if Microsoft combines the new ZuneHD with its 2009 Sidekick LX (and add a lot of Windows Mobile 7.0 features) to create a really great competitor to the iPhone.

John Hite, retired, Oklahoma City

[jsnowbordr47]

Actually, I'm kinda interested in this one.

And this is coming from an Apple user who is an avid iPod user/fan.

[chapibol]

I'm Most definately buying this! wow it looks totally awesome!!! Microsoft is coming back hard at apple this time. I mean look at the laptop Hunters campaing, the zunepass ad, and now the ZUNE HD. The Beast Has Awaken!

[sargess25]

"Microsoft on Tuesday confirmed its plans to take on the iPod Touch with a new, touch-screen Zune ......"

good to see that Xerox machines are at full speed again in Redmond

[Kwasiowusu]

Lemme know when any iPod/iPhone has a powerful graphics chip for HD games, like the the NVIDIA Tegra GPU that the Zune HD is rumoured to have will ya? Not to mention access to XBOX Live games.
The Zune HD is light years ahead of any iPod touch/iPhone when it comes to gaming.

[monkeyfun14]

Why do Apple users hate competition so much

Competition=/=Copying

[Vegaman_Dan]

Doesn't look like the two devices are the same to me. Perhaps you don't quite understand the concept of 'copy'. It's another entry into the field of small PDA / music players. Don't be so worried- the Apple product will stand on its own merits against a competitor. Let the public decide.

[stockyjoe]

Oooh now I have to sell my Zune 120.

[The_happy_switcher]

Do I hear one dollar? Going once, going twice, SOLD. Or you can give it to a kid and they could use it as toy boat anchor.

[Vegaman_Dan]

@AppleRocks1963:

:"Do I hear one dollar? Going once, going twice, SOLD. Or you can give it to a kid and they could use it as toy boat anchor. "

Oooh, and even at that price it's already worth more than your comment or opinion expressed here. :)

[bleu_tropix]

@ AppleRocks1963: pathetic.

[AaronCT123]

Looks really nice. I'm a Zune 80 owner and I'm looking forward to whatever new features/improvements that are brought to the software. Also looking forward to the Zune Marketplace being expanded onto the Xbox. It's about time./

Everyone complaining about apps should probably realize that they -aren't- required on a portable media device. :P

[canberra_photographer]

Ok, so it's a thicker, dorkier and less featured competitor to the iPod Touch, with no indications of any gaming or app features. It's a step in the right direction for Microsoft, but again it's too little too late. Perhaps they should stop following where Apple has already gone far ahead with great success and try to do something really unique. Think Sony Walkman earphones.

[Kwasiowusu]

The Zune HD probably has the powerdul Nvida tegra GPU, which can only be for gaming, and will probably run XBOX Live games. That alone blows anything that the iPhone/iPod has out of the water.
It's good to see the iBots running scared though.

[monkeyfun14]

You don't even know the dimensions of it yet...

[Kwasiowusu]

@ "by monkeyfun:'You don't even know the dimensions of it yet..."

Yes we do, albeit not all leaked specs have been confirmed..yet. But hey, E3 is just a few days off. All will be revealed.

[Vegaman_Dan]

@Canberra_photographer:

"Apple has already gone far ahead with great success and try to do something really unique. Think Sony Walkman earphones. "

Ironic you should say that as the earbuds that come with iPods are the first thing people replace due to their horrible design. They haven't learned either, since they have been shipping the same horrible earbuds for years now over several product cycles. On the plus side, it has given aftermarket manufacturers a healthy income from people wanting to replace them immediately. :)

[AppleSuxLeo]

I`d buy one. I love HD radio as I found Sirius was not worth it. HD is free and has my local sport team games on.
OLED with High Def screen...cool. Now get some Apple-Style marketing behind it !