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 the Zune HD less of a tripped out pipe dream, and more of a totally tubular reality. The specs for the device (which looks exactly like that leak we saw) go like this: 3.3-inch, 480 x 272 OLED capacitive touchscreen display, HD Radio receiver built into the device, 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 apps and games that take advantage of said display 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 applications).
The PR is also scarce on info 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 PR, 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. Full press release is after the break.
Microsoft Announces the Expansion of the Zune Entertainment Service To New Platform and Markets; Confirms New Zune HD Portable Media Player
Premium Zune digital entertainment service to be available internationally on Xbox LIVE
REDMOND, Wash. - May 26, 2009 - Zune, Microsoft Corp.'s end-to-end music and entertainment service, today announced the evolution of Zune to a new platform and new markets. Zune will extend its video service to Xbox LIVE internationally this fall. This marks an important development in the Zune strategy and brings the Zune brand to over 17 million international Xbox LIVE subscribers. Additionally, Zune confirmed the next generation of its portable media player, Zune HD. Available in the U.S. this fall, Zune HD is the first portable media player with built-in HD Radio receiver, HD video output capabilities, OLED touch screen, wi-fi and an internet browser.
"The Zune music player is an integral part of the overall Zune experience and we're proud to be growing and extending our offering beyond the device," said Enrique Rodriguez, corporate vice president of the Microsoft TV, Video and Music Business Group. "Delivering on Microsoft's connected entertainment vision; this news marks a turning point for Zune as it brings cross-platform experiences and premium video content to living rooms around the world."
Zune Service Expands to New Platform
Zune will be a premium partner in the Xbox LIVE Video Marketplace, bringing an exciting catalogue of TV and film to the platform. Zune will occupy the first slot within the Xbox user interface in the Xbox LIVE Video Marketplace, exposing the Zune brand experience to millions of new consumers for the first time. At the Electronic Entertainment Expo next week, attendees will see first-hand how Zune integrates into Xbox LIVE creating a game-changing entertainment experience.
Introducing Zune HD
Zune HD is the next iteration of the Zune device family and brings a new level of listening and viewing experiences to the portable media player category.
· Zune HD comes with a built-in HD Radio receiver so users can listen to higher quality sound than traditional radio on the go. Users will also have access to the additional song and artist data broadcasted by HD Radio stations as well as additional channels from their favorite stations multicasting in HD – if you don't like the song playing on your station's HD channel, switch to their HD2 or HD3 channels for additional programming
· The bright OLED touch screen interface allows users to flip through music, movies and other content with ease, and the 16:9 widescreen format display offers a premium viewing experience on the go
· The HD compatible output lets Zune HD customers playback video from the device through a premium HDMI A/V docking station
· Zune HD will include a full screen internet browser optimized for multi-touch
· Zune HD is wi-fi enabled allowing for instant streaming to the device from the more than 5 million track Zune music store
hmmm, interesting choice for MS. i was just reading at cnet how the zune was supposedly failing big time in the consumer market..maybe they're trying to ramp things up
Looks like I'll be upgrading my old 1st gen Zune 30gb. That's a nice-looking device! Plus games and I don't look like a tool carrying around a PSP?* I'm so there.
*Note: I'm 34 and just don't think I'd look real cool carrying around a PSP when I want to play a game at the office or something. Don't take offense.
only 2 and this section is more neglected than the psp section.
plus its going to effect the psp. there is method to my madness..this time
i visit the portable music section pretty often. the problem is, hardly anybody else does. i just recently bought a 2nd gen itouch. but if this new zune is as cool as it looks, i'll probably upgrade and sell the ipod.
Over the last week there has been a ton of buzz around Microsoft's upcoming device update which we have confirmed will be labeled as the Zune HD. We've teamed up with Ryan Rea (aka volvoshine) from LiveSide.net and are going to let the world know what we do and do not know about the Zune HD. We've got the green light to go ahead and share the specs that our sources within Microsoft have confirmed to us.
An overview of the Zune HD specs:
* 3.6 inchish OLED full touch screen
* NVIDIA Tegra powered.
* 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, and 120GB versions.
* HDMI Connection to stream straight to your TV.
* HD Radio.
* Web Browser.
* WiFi compatible, with wireless marketplace.
* Released, early fall.
* International release of the Zune device itself.
* Home AV packs, Car packs, Charge packs.
Unconfirmed rumors (A Microsoft spokesperson declined to comment or confirm):
* Camera?
* Company insiders tipped us off with the possibility of a limited edition dock accessory in various colors.
* 3D Xbox Game Support?
* Windows Mobile 7 preview bits included? (Maybe these reports mean an early WinMo 7 beta?)
There has been a tremendous amount of buzz created throughout the past week regarding the Zune HD, with a ton of speculation regarding the device. We were asked by some members of the Zune team to remember, the device is still months away. The specs, UI, and the device form factor itself can change before the launch later this year. We're excited, just as many of our international viewers are excited.
The entire Zune platform is being completely overhauled, just as Steve Ballmer mentioned back at CES earlier this year. You've got the software division and the hardware division. There have been reports and speculation that this could possibly be the last Zune release, however I'm very confident that Microsoft is going to be competitive this time around with the Zune.
As we reported earlier this year, the Zune is here to stay. As soon as more information is available regarding the Zune HD, we'll pass it on. Remember, take the speculation and rumors with a grain of salt before getting too excited. Keep your eyes open on May 14, your Zune software might just be updating.
All countries
Argentina
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Bulgaria
Chile
China
Colombia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Estonia
Denmark
Finland
Greece
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel
India
Latvia
Lithuania
Malaysia
New Zealand
Norway
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Singapore
South Africa
South Korea
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Thailand
Turkey
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
Zune HD is official, heading your way this Fall
(joking of course)
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