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After many months of waiting, the Zune HD, Microsoft’s answer to Apple’s iPod Touch, has finally landed in the United States and a few other areas around the world. Microsoft were pushing for simultaneous release across the globe, but logistical problems prevented that, so the Zune HD will be launched in stages.
Zune HD marks a significant step forward for portable media players, combining powerful hardware components such as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) multitouch screen, an NVIDIA Tegra HD processor and HD Radio capabilities with software advancements such as the new Quickplay menu, a well-featured Web browser, and engaging music and video playback features to deliver a new portable listening and viewing experience. The device is also capable of output of 720p high-def content to a HDTV.
Zune Marketplacer
The Zune HD also features an FM tuner, which is also present in the iPod Nano but not the Touch. But its the NVIDIA processor that is most exciting, as the 3D capabilities offered surpasses what could be done on most consumer electronics device out there currently, including the ageing PSP. Microsoft has already stated their commitment towards bringing exciting 3D titles such as Project Gotham Racing and Audiosurf later in the year though the Zune Marketplace, an online service similar to the iTunes Store. However no titles will be available at launch.
OLED Screen
Another huge selling point of the Zune HD is the incredibly gorgeous screen, using not the old LCD technology used in almost all modern devices today but the more advanced, thinner, more detailed OLED screens offering a stunning experience especially when watching movies on them.
With the launch of Zune HD, Microsoft faces an uphill battle to populate its Marketplace with good apps whilst the Apple App Store boasts millions of applications with tons of games that can be downloaded and played right now. It is expected that Microsoft will take anywhere from 6 months to a year before people will take the Marketplace seriously.
Secondly, the pricing of the cheapest 16GB Zune HD is at $220, which is a tad higher than the cheapest 8GB iPod Touch 2G at $199. If you spend your time watching lots of video and listen to songs and have a use for the FM tuner, the Zune is the better device. But if the sole reason for owning a media player is to have a multipurpose portable entertainment device, the iPod will still remain the device to beat.
Although Microsoft has been trying again and again since 2006 with the original Zune to take on the iPod, it seems like the Zune HD is not the answer… yet. But it does provide a refreshing alternative to the be-all-end-all iPod Touch. Maybe the Zune HD 2 will meet the bar that Apple has set… assuming it hasn’t been moved higher by then. Before committing your money on either device, I highly recommend you go to a store and check out the Zune HD in action, especially the screen quality. It might be just the thing to sway your opinion.
- Tags: Apple iPod, ipod touch, zune hd
avaya ip office
September 23rd, 2009 at 5:18 am
Sounds pretty sweet. Id love to be able to watch live football/basketball games from a Zune.
-Jack
Nicole Price
September 23rd, 2009 at 8:56 pm
This is an old story. MS just has not ever been able to come anywhere near Apple in any of the latter’s offerings. This may come at a lower price but will not quite be the same.
Aluminum Case
September 24th, 2009 at 1:18 am
The oled screen sounds great. Personally I don’t have a need to watch movies portably, especially on such a small screen. If I did though, I would definitely consider the Zune. Then again, it might not be worthwhile until they stock up the available apps.
Idiot Proof Diet
September 24th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Sounds good but is Zune really good in quality like iPod? I have a iPod and I love it.
Anyone with Zune here can tell us how Zune is.
future gadgets
September 25th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Glad to finally see some competition for the monopolous ipod o_O
learn german
September 25th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
I love my iphone… but this looks too good! Sorry Steve.
Love Graphics
September 27th, 2009 at 9:06 am
It´s really beautifull. Microsoft is doing the homework right,
Love Graphics
September 27th, 2009 at 11:18 am
Yea I love that there is some competition now for the ipod, it will only be better for consumers in the end.
future gadgets
September 29th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
too bad they didnt make the zune with a camera like the newer ipods… :/
Jayce
September 30th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Hardware wise, Microsoft wins. But overall market place like games, app offer, Apple sure wins.
Internet Marketing | G Web
October 1st, 2009 at 1:48 pm
The iPod is a hard act to follow, from a marketing as well as an applications perspective. The technology employed by the Zune is superior though, so if the applications can be rolled out and developed at breakneck speed I foresee the Zune being a serious contender in the future. You got to love that OLED screen!
Idol White
October 2nd, 2009 at 5:34 am
It will be interesting to see how well the zune competes with the Ipod. Apple has a huge consumer base now with the ipod – not to mention all of the application development.
ATV Auction
October 2nd, 2009 at 7:22 am
This looks like a very slick little device. I wouldn’t mind having one. The bright screen sounds great. I might have to at least check it out in a store to see it first hand.
learn german
October 2nd, 2009 at 9:33 pm
I wish it was a phone as well!
used tires
October 3rd, 2009 at 7:52 am
I am really happy to see that the Zune is trying to compete with the iPod, this will benefit us the consumers greatly!
Till then,
Jean
Idiot Proof Diet
October 4th, 2009 at 2:07 am
Zune sounds cool and the features are compelling undoubtedly.
But for the very reason that ipod still the mega player is the same as you have mentioned is that ipod is still the overall entertainment device and why would anyone try Zune rather than buying ipod that will cost less.
PS3
October 4th, 2009 at 8:35 am
I wouldn’t normally want to be labelled a fanboy and try to keep an open mind…but the Touch is just so far out there that it will take a lot to surpass.
Steve
October 5th, 2009 at 7:41 am
I bought an iPod Touch about 4 months ago and love it. The only real limitation is lack of support for more video formats. If Zune can play all the video I come across on the internet then I would get it in a heart beat. BTW, I rarely watch video on sites like YouTube.
3 Quotes
October 5th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
iPod is going to take some catching, but Zune has the clout of Microsoft behind it, so expect loads of applications to make it competitive aginst Apple’s offering. Technology is just getting better and better, isn’t it just?
Lumineers
October 6th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
I think I want a Zune now, lol. I heard that Bill Gates refuses to allow his children to use anything besides the Zune. iPods are banned in the Gates household.
pays to live green
October 7th, 2009 at 1:41 am
I am personally not a huge fan of Microsoft, but they are beginning to step up. Between the Bing and now the Zune, they are looking to become a huge factor in electronics and on the net.
Idol White
October 8th, 2009 at 6:06 am
It will be interesting to see how well the zune competes with the Ipod. Apple has a huge consumer base now with the ipod – not to mention all of the application development.
Buy Generic
October 10th, 2009 at 4:58 am
This is really VERY beautifull. Microsoft has done their homework right!
PSP Go
October 10th, 2009 at 5:13 am
Looks great, I look forward to reading reviews.
Compute Live
October 10th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Wow real nice..iPod has finally got some competition..
Neil Patmore
October 13th, 2009 at 3:20 am
My HTC touch HD is from the olden days now, and it’s not even 12 months old yet. It cost best part of 500 quid and was touted as the ipod killer and really, now, it’s nothing more than a glorified brick.
avaya ip office
October 13th, 2009 at 3:41 am
I think the main reason as to why the zune isnt doing so well vs the ipod is due to its larger size.
-Jack
used tires
October 13th, 2009 at 3:46 am
@avaya, or perhaps because Apple has already established market dominance? I feel like that is the “main” reason. It’s kind of the same way of how Microsoft dominated the Operating Systems.
Till then,
Jean
Aluminum Case
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:35 am
I definitely agree Jean. Apple simply had the superior product early on in the mp3 player wars. So it became the standard that everyone was used to. It became the Google of mp3 players.
future gadgets
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Wonder why people are starting to say that the iPod is starting to fade away o_o
PS3
October 23rd, 2009 at 11:16 pm
is it possible for a none-advanced user to open it (like shown on the photo above)? because iPod Touch can not be opened this way and many owners consider it to be a disadvantage.
used tires
October 26th, 2009 at 2:54 am
@PS3, why would you want to open it up like in the image shown? Maybe if you wanted to hack the phone or something… but you should known if you open it up you will void your warranty.
Till then,
Jean
Joshua
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:42 am
The people at microsoft who run the zune should be fired. They have failed for a simple reason.
They are not trying to make a better Mp3 player. They always try to come off as a 3rd party or somthing.
If they want to take the Iphone out it is so simple.. have verizon do the calling service because they are the best then have thousands of apps i mean really go hard with the apps.
After that make the phone as HD and fast as possible then you will beat apple.
fences
December 3rd, 2009 at 3:57 pm
I agree with Joshua on this. They need to be make a better mp3 and they can’t do it.
mortgage
December 21st, 2009 at 1:08 am
It´s really beautifull. Microsoft is doing the homework right,