Zune HD

[xDYLANx]

Zune aren't terrible. They definitely come packaged with better headphones. But I am just so accustomed to the iPod controls. The click wheel is a lot more natural to use for me than the Zune pad. Also, the Zune software looks cool, but I don't think it's very intuitive. I hate having to click on things 3 times to get them to play. Same story on the actual player.

All that being said, I wish they made Zune software for Mac so I could put good music on my friends Zune. And if it wasn't possible for me to have an iPod, the Zune would definitely be my 2nd choice. (Of course I couldn't use it on my computer :p)

[LizKat]

It's already dead! Just bury the bloody thing!

+1.

Look, the reason Apple stuff may sometimes seem expensive is that they are paid to daydream today about what they will roll out five years from now. Five years from now in real time is like warp speed to Pluto and back the way time and technology relate to each other at Apple. So the Zune of tomorrow has been bobbing in Apple's cosmic wake to the next big thing for a few years already.

[Wikinerd]

See this is what I mean (not attacking you) but this tells me you haven't used a Zune....the Zune no longer uses a re skinned version of WMP (which sucks for audio I agree, but is a damn versatile video player with the right codecs).

The Zune software is very functional and didn't try to copy iTunes (seriously, check out a video or something, it doesn't look like an MS product at all).

And if you think the Zune UI copied the iPod....i def. don't believe you've tried it. ALso add to the fact the Zune supports more media file types than the iPod its another thing I enjoy about my Zune.

All i'm saying, some people should give it an honest look before just dismissing it as "Microsoft copying apple."

Some would be pleasantly surprised (not converts but I doubt many of you would be implying this hate for a device I am not convinced many of you have tried.)

Take a read at CNET's 120gig Zune review. (and if that is bias or something look at any reviews, majority have put this right up there with the iPod classic....take a look at the original Zune and see how much is was ridiculed comparatively.

http://reviews.cnet.com/mp3-players/microsoft-zune-120gb-third/4505-6490_7-33259222.html?tag=mncol;txt

(i personally have the Zune80 but they are close enough).


Again, what does the Zune provide that the iPod doesn't? (codecs doesn't count, since you can convert movies anyway using iTunes)

(I've used a 1st gen Zune... Haven't looked back since.)

[BMWFan]

Again, what does the Zune provide that the iPod doesn't? (codecs doesn't count, since you can convert movies anyway using iTunes)

(I've used a 1st gen Zune... Haven't looked back since.)

better audio quality

[Wikinerd]

better audio quality

Which contradicts exactly what the other user said...

](which sucks for audio I agree, but is a damn versatile video player with the right codecs).

btw if you're looking at sound quality, then you should try some of the smaller brands... imho both Apple and Microsoft's products are not for the audiophile...

[dwd3885]

Looks like there is going to be an HDMI port to display the content on your HDTV. Now THAT is awesome!

http://wmpoweruser.com/?p=4120

[Wikinerd]

Looks like there is going to be an HDMI port to display the content on your HDTV. Now THAT is awesome!

http://wmpoweruser.com/?p=4120

News indeed. Finally something that Microsoft did on their own that Apple might consider copying...

(Though I think Apple'll stick with their MiniDisplayPort)


... Even though it might be interesting to some people, it alone doesn't make it appealing to me; I have a computer hooked up to stereo and TV.. might as well use that..

[BMWFan]

Which contradicts exactly what the other user said...

If you read his full quote


See this is what I mean (not attacking you) but this tells me you haven't used a Zune....the Zune no longer uses a re skinned version of WMP (which sucks for audio I agree, but is a damn versatile video player with the right codecs).


you will notice he's actually talking about WMP and not the Zune when he says "which sucks for audio" inside the brackets. He also mentions Zune no longer uses it.

[randomusername]

Does anyone else think that this product is BS? It looks like some fanboy trying to gather up some attention for the Zune, especially after I read the "specs".


Why is anyone actually believing this?

[Wikinerd]

you will notice he's actually talking about WMP and not the Zune when he says "which sucks for audio" inside the brackets. He also mentions Zune no longer uses it.

While that is correct, I haven't had the chance to touch another Zune that does not use a "re skinned version of the WMP". Every one I've tried's sound quality sucked.. And Microsoft never put an EQ into the Zunes....

And again, if you're an audiophile, then you shouldn't be looking at Microsoft or Apple either. There are plenty that beats them in sound quality.

[Roessnakhan]

+1.

Look, the reason Apple stuff may sometimes seem expensive is that they are paid to daydream today about what they will roll out five years from now. Five years from now in real time is like warp speed to Pluto and back the way time and technology relate to each other at Apple. So the Zune of tomorrow has been bobbing in Apple's cosmic wake to the next big thing for a few years already.

I don't know if that's a good enough excuse for the Apple tax, but I really like the way you put that.

[DougB541]

Again, what does the Zune provide that the iPod doesn't? (codecs doesn't count, since you can convert movies anyway using iTunes)

(I've used a 1st gen Zune... Haven't looked back since.)

I fully agree, you can find better audio quality in other devices, but for me, I documented my experience.

My 20 gig iPod had better sound quality than my iPod classic. Without a doubt in my mind. I listen to mostly hip-hop/funk and a mix of other music, but the bass response using hte same headphones was simply filled with more distortion.

I'd say my Zune 80 quality is around the 20 gig iPod quality (a true audiophile would be able to give you a better answer but this is what i've found. I've been toying with getting a pocket amplifier but we'll see)


Some of the features of the Zune that the iPod classic are a big feature for me believe or not but an FM radio. I go through music collection fatigue sometimes and I like being able to just go to the radio to hear music that may or may not be on my zune. Also, wifi syncing comes in handy as I have my zune connected to my xbox360 and I can easily just sync through wifi before i leave for work in the morning.

Another feature that i personally don't use but is def. handy: Zune marketplace access from the actually Zune with a hotspot.

I also like i can use my own wallpapers on the device. And of course, the screen is simply better than the classic's for movie/tv viewing.

Now, again, i'm not saying the ipod classic is lagging in features, but just by box specs Zune simply at this time has more features than the iPod classic.

The iPod touch of course has the most features, but thats why, regardless if this is a fan made prototype or whatever, I think a Zune Touch would be the obvious next step.

[Wikinerd]

Does anyone else think that this product is BS? It looks like some fanboy trying to gather up some attention for the Zune, especially after I read the "specs".


Why is anyone actually believing this?

Ah, 1. this is a rumor and only a rumor. nothing should be assumed as the final product. 2. this product actually looks ok. (apart from the bezel, which looks quite a bit thick compared to the screen vs those on the iPhone and Touch) 3. Specs? what specs? ne'er knew official specs were released.. though the rumored specs are actually quite impressive... hdmi out, multitouch, XBox games (I like playstation's tho...)

[randomusername]

3. Specs? what specs? ne'er knew official specs were released.. though the rumored specs are actually quite impressive... hdmi out, multitouch, XBox games (I like playstation's tho...)

That's what I meant when I said "especially after I read the 'specs'". I'm not saying they're official. I just said that it sounded like BS, making me believe even more that this is just a fake.

[Wikinerd]

I fully agree, you can find better audio quality in other devices, but for me, I documented my experience.

My 20 gig iPod had better sound quality than my iPod classic. Without a doubt in my mind. I listen to mostly hip-hop/funk and a mix of other music, but the bass response using hte same headphones was simply filled with more distortion.

I'd say my Zune 80 quality is around the 20 gig iPod quality (a true audiophile would be able to give you a better answer but this is what i've found. I've been toying with getting a pocket amplifier but we'll see)


Some of the features of the Zune that the iPod classic are a big feature for me believe or not but an FM radio. I go through music collection fatigue sometimes and I like being able to just go to the radio to hear music that may or may not be on my zune. Also, wifi syncing comes in handy as I have my zune connected to my xbox360 and I can easily just sync through wifi before i leave for work in the morning.

Another feature that i personally don't use but is def. handy: Zune marketplace access from the actually Zune with a hotspot.

I also like i can use my own wallpapers on the device. And of course, the screen is simply better than the classic's for movie/tv viewing.

Now, again, i'm not saying the ipod classic is lagging in features, but just by box specs Zune simply at this time has more features than the iPod classic.

The iPod touch of course has the most features, but thats why, regardless if this is a fan made prototype or whatever, I think a Zune Touch would be the obvious next step.

Actually the Classic is lagging in features; I'd agree with you on that. This is because there simply isn't much of a market for such a high-capacity player—Apple have been focusing on the Nano and the Touch... (notice how the nano's got the accelerometer and the Classic doesn't?)

But then again, most of the features on the Zune, I can definitely survive without. (Not sure how I would need them either; syncing over wifi is probably the most important one for me, but that might take out your battery life anyhow... My iPhone can survive up to 2 and a half days in "sleep" mode playing music without wifi on...)


By the way, does the Zune have features that they were lacking for the previous generations? Calendar? How does it (the calendar app, if it exists) compare?

Though for me anyhow, I'd stick with the Classic simply because of the reliability, support (at least I don't get redirected to India.. no offense, you Indians are great, but I'd like someone who is in my locality who I can easily reach), brand, design, accessories (extremely important!)... etc.

That's what I meant when I said "especially after I read the 'specs'". I'm not saying they're official. I just said that it sounded like BS, making me believe even more that this is just a fake.

Ah. I see. But it's not impossible (except for the XBox part... housing a PPC processor inside something that small would end up [literally] burning a hole in your pocket)

[Ivan P]

Actually the Classic is lagging in features; I'd agree with you on that. This is because there simply isn't much of a market for such a high-capacity player—Apple have been focusing on the Nano and the Touch... (notice how the nano's got the accelerometer and the Classic doesn't?)

If you think about it differently, there's a good reason that it doesn't have an accelerometer: the fact that it still uses an actual hard drive as opposed to flash storage.

The accelerometer would be alright for Cover Flow (but that would be nonsensical on the classic anyway given the position/orientation of the screen when compared to the nano). Other features, like shake-to-shuffle, is totally out of the question. Sudden movement to a hard drive is a very bad thing and in many cases can destroy/corrupt the drive.

[DougB541]

Actually the Classic is lagging in features; I'd agree with you on that. This is because there simply isn't much of a market for such a high-capacity player—Apple have been focusing on the Nano and the Touch... (notice how the nano's got the accelerometer and the Classic doesn't?)

But then again, most of the features on the Zune, I can definitely survive without. (Not sure how I would need them either; syncing over wifi is probably the most important one for me, but that might take out your battery life anyhow... My iPhone can survive up to 2 and a half days in "sleep" mode playing music without wifi on...)


By the way, does the Zune have features that they were lacking for the previous generations? Calendar? How does it (the calendar app, if it exists) compare?

Though for me anyhow, I'd stick with the Classic simply because of the reliability, support (at least I don't get redirected to India.. no offense, you Indians are great, but I'd like someone who is in my locality who I can easily reach), brand, design, accessories (extremely important!)... etc.



Ah. I see. But it's not impossible (except for the XBox part... housing a PPC processor inside something that small would end up [literally] burning a hole in your pocket)

Yeah its truly a toss up in my opinion based on what the user needs. Most of my friends of course have a Nano with a few having a classic and even fewer the Touch. I have 0 friends I know in person with a Zune haha....but a few of my xbox live buddies do have a zune and its nice to check out each other music in the Zune social.

But yeah no calender app, but for me i enver used the one in the iPod (i have a blackberry for those type of needs).

I saw the specs too and if those are true specs.....more power to MS cause that would be impressive. But i too think this is just a strong rumor.

[Wikinerd]

If you think about it differently, there's a good reason that it doesn't have an accelerometer: the fact that it still uses an actual hard drive as opposed to flash storage.

The accelerometer would be alright for Cover Flow (but that would be nonsensical on the classic anyway given the position/orientation of the screen when compared to the nano). Other features, like shake-to-shuffle, is totally out of the question. Sudden movement to a hard drive is a very bad thing and in many cases can destroy/corrupt the drive.

While I agree with the sudden movement thing, maybe an accelerometer inside for some of the Apple/Nike integration might be nice...

Though imho Apple will eventually phase out the Classic in favour for a high-capacity nano and Touch since flash/SSDs will eventually replace much of the HDDs...

That and the fact that the nano has changed shape, color, styles for nearly every iteration, the Classic, merely style updates, memory expansion refreshes, etc

[randomusername]

Ah. I see. But it's not impossible (except for the XBox part... housing a PPC processor inside something that small would end up [literally] burning a hole in your pocket)

But do you really expect them to fit HD radio, an HD screen, and a decent sized battery to support these and the other claimed features into a device with probably a 3" screen and still have it be affordable? Plus, you know Apple will sue them if MS decided to include a multitouch browser on a Zune.

This "Zune HD" is fake until I see Balmer run up onto a stage, pits sweaty, and scream that this device exists.

[Wikinerd]

But do you really expect them to fit HD radio, an HD screen, and a decent sized battery to support these and the other claimed features into a device with probably a 3" screen and still have it be affordable? Plus, you know Apple will sue them if MS decided to include a multitouch browser on a Zune.

This "Zune HD" is fake until I see Balmer run up onto a stage, pits sweaty, and scream that this device exists.

I don't think it'll be an HD screen. No idea what HD radio is, maybe just ability to play HD radio media...

Again, this is definitely not impossible, and considering that Microsoft always want a piece of something that's profitable, this would probably be it. If it's not it yet it's enough of a kick on their head to start working and actually make one...

[jojo13]

the zune is not bad, but the ipod is better.

Actually, if iPods would not exist, i would have got myself a zune, probably.:)

[Wikinerd]

the zune is not bad, but the ipod is better.

Actually, if iPods would not exist, i would have got myself a zune, probably.:)

Problem being that Zunes won't exist if the iPod never lead the way and show that there's that much of a market out there...

[Roessnakhan]

Problem being that Zunes won't exist if the iPod never lead the way and show that there's that much of a market out there...

True enough, but there's also the argument that if Apple didn't do it, someone else would have eventually because the need was there.

[Sehnsucht]

btw if you're looking at sound quality, then you should try some of the smaller brands... imho both Apple and Microsoft's products are not for the audiophile...

Apple Lossless, bitches... :D

Just as a humorous side-note, I go to a school full of raging Microsoft/Windows/Zune fanboys who constantly blather on about how poor the iPod's audio quality is and how great their Zunes sound. Which is interesting, seeing as how this is coming from a group who listen to distorted screamo/metalcore with midrange Skullcandy headphones cranked up to full volume. :D

Myself, I'm a big Apple Lossless fan...almost all of my music is now in this format. Can't beat it. :cool:

[Wikinerd]

True enough, but there's also the argument that if Apple didn't do it, someone else would have eventually because the need was there.

Well I'd think it would be like the low-end mp3 player market; a collection of small companies in a cut-throat competitive environment... no real winner, but a lot of stress in features, etc, with maybe a few established firms but no substantial market share... Rather like TVs...

Apple Lossless, bitches... :D

Just as a humorous side-note, I go to a school full of raging Microsoft/Windows/Zune fanboys who constantly blather on about how poor the iPod's audio quality is and how great their Zunes sound. Which is interesting, seeing as how this is coming from a group who listen to distorted screamo/metalcore with midrange Skullcandy headphones cranked up to full volume. :D

Myself, I'm a big Apple Lossless fan...almost all of my music is now in this format. Can't beat it. :cool:

From what I know from the previous generation of nano, the sound quality sucked, noticeable distortion, etc.; sucks compared to the mini (which I still have around... these things seem to survive forever..)

[Wikinerd]

--post deleted by author--

[DougB541]

Yeah its not beyond reason that the smaller the player the "worse" sound quality you'll have.


I can only imagine how crappy the new shuffle's audio quality is.

But then again, you don't get that for the sound quality you get it for the size.

[Wikinerd]

Yeah its not beyond reason that the smaller the player the "worse" sound quality you'll have.


I can only imagine how crappy the new shuffle's audio quality is.

But then again, you don't get that for the sound quality you get it for the size.
And from what I hear, the Touch and the current Classic isn't much better either...

[Project]

If it has no full 3rd party dev/app support its dead. The market has moved on.

[Vip]

It is not about satisfying the "audiophiles", it is about whether you are cool or not. The mass effect ...

iPod = Cool, Easy to use (even the Queen of England can use it without a butler!), funky, new versions to show off ever year etc etc etc.

Zune = Not sure where it really stands in global Music market. Headless chicken comes to mind.

RIP Zune... it just has a mountain to climb and without something really exciting i just can't see it making an impact.

[sargent bannana]

looks pretty sexy

[kajitox]

the zune is not bad, but the ipod is better.

Actually, if iPods would not exist, i would have got myself a zune, probably.:)

i agree. and heres to hoping it IS really good. competition is a good thing to have.

[Gyrferret]

The Zune called me on the phone and then I touched myself....

[NoSmokingBandit]

The Zune called me on the phone and then I touched myself....

Say Anything reference = win.

If this is priced well and has a decent hdd i will be all over the new Zune. My 30gb Creative Labs Zen Jukebox Xtra *catches breath* is feeling a bit old. It has a great SNR though, so i'll be a little sad replacing it...

[I WAS the one]

La guerra entre iPods y Zune Player no va para ningun lado. Zune es una porqueria.... (english translation: "the war between Zune players and iPods its going nowhere, Zune players are crap....

[Tennyo]

I really like the artwork. Wonder if it was done on a mac?

That would be hilarious, considering that the Zune is a Microsoft product. XD

[DougB541]

That would be hilarious, considering that the Zune is a Microsoft product. XD

The explanation probably wasn't' necessary :p


That just made me think though, do you think they have ANY PC's over at Apple? Or does their PC development team just dual boot their computers?

[Stephen123]

How many times do you have to sell a bunch of music and then deactivate it before people stop taking you seriously in the music market?

[dwd3885]

I can see the next Apple ad:

I am an iPod.
And I am a Zune HD.
So you can display movies in HD quality?
No, my maker thought most people are too cool to buy from Microsoft instead of buying an iPod, so maybe we can at least to those who are stupid enough to think that "HD" means "HD".

well, except for the fact that it can output to 720p, unlike the ipod.

[Belly-laughs]

True enough, but there's also the argument that if Apple didn't do it, someone else would have eventually because the need was there.

Not all companies are good at spotting needs… Others are. Why did it take so long to get a great user interface on a phone? The need was there for a long time.

[DougB541]

Not all companies are good at spotting needs… Others are. Why did it take so long to get a great user interface on a phone? The need was there for a long time.

Well too be fair, there were great user interfaces but no one progressed it past that.

My opinon has been before the iPhone, the Palm Treo line up was the easiest PDA to use. And thats saying a lot for an old ass OS.

Microsoft has been doing absolutely nothing with windows mobile and in my opinion is an awful UI even before the iPhone. Non touch screens of course have probably reached their limit of something revolutionary in terms of user interface but Blackberrys are def. my favorite non touch screen phones.

Apple sure did spark a light on mobile phone companies asses though so kudos to them....this summer in the phone department will be lovely on all fronts.

[DMann]

Also I've seen quite a few incidences where Microsoft "gives away" Zunes as part of "sponsoring" a competition... I wonder if these numbers are counted towards the 2 million..

Yes, as a matter of fact, the freebies were counted - which likely brings the true total sold down to ~1.75 m.

Well since you're ditching out around the same amount of money anyway, why not buy one that is famous, the original, one with a powerful, easy to learn, easy to use, efficient user interface (yes, Microsoft tried to copy it, but like Vista and 7, didn't get it quite right) Not to mention, the Zune click wheel.... uh toggle..... uh unidirectional button.... uh controller thingy POC.


Ah. There is a difference between "cool" and "trying to be cool" in almost everyone's opinion, Apple was the cool one; Microsoft, not so popular. Even Bill Gates said that Steve Jobs, and the company that he leads, has great taste, elegance, etc. (4:23 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5Z7eal4uXI) Prompted by Steve Jobs' original comments about MS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dR8SAFRBmcU&feature=related

And for websites, Apple's website is easy to use, easily navigable, while not copying from others. Microsoft's website (made of ASP's, which stinks in terms of standards...) is not easily navigable, has multiple parts which does not really link to each other, and styles that are different in almost every page; steep learning curve for the user who only goes there occasionally...

This is highly consistent with MS's convoluted mode of virtually everything they do: A Swiss Army knife complete with fish hooks, bookmark placeholders, pencil sharpener, pencil eraser, pen eraser, built in Q-tips®, laser pointer, rotary nose hair trimmer, kiwi corer, apple corer, lemon peeler, carrot peeler, potato peeler, shrimp deveiner, plexi-straw, sand paper, hypodermic needle, sewing needle, temperature probe, ice cube tray, et.al. Offered in 12 different models....

[phuong]

hey this design looks cool, at least from this angle. as long as it plays musics i think i'll buy it.

http://www.mobilemag.com/content/images/17163_large.jpg (http://www.mobilemag.com/content/images/17163_large.jpg)

[DMann]

hey this design looks cool, at least from this angle. as long as it plays musics i think i'll buy it.

http://www.mobilemag.com/content/images/17163_large.jpg (http://www.mobilemag.com/content/images/17163_large.jpg)

Kind of like the screen of a RAZR, broken off.

[phuong]

what's wrong with razr

[DMann]

what's wrong with razr

not'n wrong with mimicking a style from five years past - MS has proven to be quite good at that.

[Wikinerd]

Microsoft continues to prove how good they are at burning money on failed projects. They need to give it up, the Zune is awful and no one is buying it.


Actually, as a matter of fact, the Zune isn't the first attempt at a PMP either (http://www.roughlydrafted.com/2006/10/03/10-ipod-vs-zune-myths/)...

Say Anything reference = win.

If this is priced well and has a decent hdd i will be all over the new Zune. My 30gb Creative Labs Zen Jukebox Xtra *catches breath* is feeling a bit old. It has a great SNR though, so i'll be a little sad replacing it...

HDD? Who wants HDD? (c'mon... 30GB?!?)

[Wikinerd]

--post deleted by author...--

[DMann]

Microsoft continues to prove how good they are at burning money on failed projects. They need to give it up, the Zune is awful and no one is buying it.

Damnit!! I've been trying to utilize my "Social" feature for years...... ****

[MacManiac76]

Peace of crap that can display HD is still crap :p

[Roessnakhan]

Peace of crap that can display HD is still crap :p

Just like your word choice.

[DougB541]

Actually, as a matter of fact, the Zune isn't the first attempt at a PMP either (http://www.roughlydrafted.com/2006/10/03/10-ipod-vs-zune-myths/)...


Yikes holy outdated information haha.

Oh, and apparently this URL was registered:

http://zunehd.net/


I'm guessing this rumor might just become true.

[Wikinerd]

Yikes holy outdated information haha.

... As long as it's accurate...


Oh, and apparently this URL was registered:

http://zunehd.net/


I'm guessing this rumor might just become true.

Well, they (domains) do come cheap... but it favors the rumor...

[DougB541]

... As long as it's accurate...



Well some of it is. Not all of it (like no podcast support or video playback etc.)


Well, they (domains) do come cheap... but it favors the rumor...

Any way to check who registers a domain? I wouldn't hold it past someone to jump on this just to get some money in case Microsoft actually wanted the domain name.

[Roessnakhan]

Any way to check who registers a domain? I wouldn't hold it past someone to jump on this just to get some money in case Microsoft actually wanted the domain name.

http://www.whois.net/whois/zunehd.net

Registrant:
Domains by Proxy, Inc.

Registered through: GoDaddy.com, Inc. (http://www.godaddy.com)
Domain Name: ZUNEHD.NET

Domain servers in listed order:
NS53.DOMAINCONTROL.COM
NS54.DOMAINCONTROL.COM

[zabbadoo]

http://www.whois.net/whois/zunehd.net

Registrant:
Domains by Proxy, Inc.

Registered through: GoDaddy.com, Inc. (http://www.godaddy.com)
Domain Name: ZUNEHD.NET

Domain servers in listed order:
NS53.DOMAINCONTROL.COM
NS54.DOMAINCONTROL.COM


It's a private registration. Unlikely it's Microsoft. I doubt they use Godaddy.

[phuong]

not'n wrong with mimicking a style from five years past - MS has proven to be quite good at that.

YES
nothing's wrong
it looks cool
that's all i care
(going to open saving account now)

[Roessnakhan]

It's a private registration. Unlikely it's Microsoft. I doubt they use Godaddy.

Yes, especially when Microsoft seems to use www.cscprotectsbrands.com for some of their other domains:

http://www.whois.net/whois/zune.net
http://www.whois.net/whois/xboxlive.com

[DougB541]

Yes, especially when Microsoft seems to use www.cscprotectsbrands.com for some of their other domains:

http://www.whois.net/whois/zune.net
http://www.whois.net/whois/xboxlive.com

Nice find.

Downgraded back to rumor haha.

[trent0090]

My biggest issue with the Zune has always been it's lack of using real money. The big problem being you buy a block of points buy some tunes then you are left with a few points. What a total waste of cash. I like Apples way of paying real money for music.

[Drag'nGT]

My biggest issue with the Zune has always been it's lack of using real money. The big problem being you buy a block of points buy some tunes then you are left with a few points. What a total waste of cash. I like Apples way of paying real money for music.

Their $15/mo for 'unlimited' downloads is tempting.

[Wikinerd]

Well some of it is. Not all of it (like no podcast support or video playback etc.)
No.. I meant just my point about it not being the first attempt at a PMP...

-- and that article is accurate if you take the date into account.. The Zune didn't have podcast support in it's first revision..

Any way to check who registers a domain? I wouldn't hold it past someone to jump on this just to get some money in case Microsoft actually wanted the domain name.

"whois"

Nice find.

Downgraded back to rumor haha.

Maybe it's a domain troll who just bought it so that he can trade it to MS for a higher price...

[Wikinerd]

—post deleted by author...—

[Tennyo]

The explanation probably wasn't' necessary :p

I know. I just felt like saying it. :p


That just made me think though, do you think they have ANY PC's over at Apple? Or does their PC development team just dual boot their computers?

Hmm... I wonder this myself. *ponders*

[iMacmatician]

From our understanding, the Zune HD is to feature a 3.6 inch OLED widescreen format display with external HDMI output that will allow streaming direct to your HDMI equipped monitor. The screen itself besides being OLED will be of the multi-touch variety. Our sources tell us that it will be able to deliver a resolution of 640 x 480 with video at 30 frames per second.

The Zune HD will be available in 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, and 120GB versions. While we have heard rumors of a 4GB version as well, our sources clearly say that there will be no 4GB model and before it is all over, Microsoft may choose not to market the 8GB version either. From our understanding all of the storage will in fact be flash memory and not use a hard drive. The Zune HD will not offer SD memory card support as have been suggested by some sources.

The battery life is expected to be in the range of about 30+ for audio and around 5+ hours for video which puts it in the same league on battery life as the iPod Touch. The Zune HD will feature a new revamped interface with some new bells and whistles to make use of all of the video and CPU horsepower offered by this updated model.

Our sources tell us that Microsoft is targeting the launch for the Zune HD for November 14th which will put it on retailer shelves in time for the holiday season. Pricing remains an unknown at this time.http://www.fudzilla.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13239&Itemid=1

120 GB flash? :eek:

[michael.lauden]

http://www.fudzilla.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13239&Itemid=1

120 GB flash? :eek:

if the zune is cheap - this might create the perfect opportunity for Flash to drop :) 1 thing we can all thank microsoft for.

[iMacmatician]

if the zune is cheap - this might create the perfect opportunity for Flash to drop :) 1 thing we can all thank microsoft for.Plus it might spur Apple to release a 128 GB iPod touch.

[blackhand1001]

DOA

Zoon one is on life support ie, like SONY is to Blu Ray-
spending 100s of millions more than they get back in hope the market is unsophisticated enough


Blu ray is not on life support. I work at a store that doesn't even specialize in electronics and plenty of Blu Ray disc were purchased today. They are selling more and more each day.

[blackhand1001]

Maybe it's a domain troll who just bought it so that he can trade it to MS for a higher price...
Yeah, because domain trolls go after .net domains :confused::confused:
/sarcasm

Sorry double Post

[Synthetickiller]

Zune HD will be powered by integra, right?

I wonder how that compares to the processing power of the iphone/ipod touch.

[ageha]

128GB flash, OLED display and HDMI out? Cool :)

[michael.lauden]

128GB flash, OLED display and HDMI out? Cool :)

yeah... maybe apple's rumored tablet will blow it more out of the water than the iPhone/iPod Touch already does

[DMann]

But do you really expect them to fit HD radio, an HD screen, and a decent sized battery to support these and the other claimed features into a device with probably a 3" screen and still have it be affordable? Plus, you know Apple will sue them if MS decided to include a multitouch browser on a Zune.

This "Zune HD" is fake until I see Balmer run up onto a stage, pits sweaty, and scream that this device exists.

That will be him pitching to developers for the Windows Mobile App Store:

Developers, Developers. Developers, developer, developer, developer... what, no takers???!! Come on guys!! MS will pay you $1500 for each app you submit.

[Gyrferret]

Zune HD will be powered by integra, right?

I wonder how that compares to the processing power of the iphone/ipod touch.

It will be able to surpass the power of the iPod Touch/iPhone, in that the Tegra is designed as unified chip for both graphics and processor.

And the Tegra chip can decode HD video and even has enough juice to record HD video. So, in terms of raw processing power, this (alleged) thing kicks the iPhone in the ********* nuts. But in terms of market position, this thing has its balls already ripped out before it's even released.... If even half of the things of this are true, I'm jumping ship....

http://thetechnopath.com/zune-hd-powered-nvidia-tegra/

[DMann]

It will be able to surpass the power of the iPod Touch/iPhone, in that the Tegra is designed as unified chip for both graphics and processor.

And the Tegra chip can decode HD video and even has enough juice to record HD video. So, in terms of raw processing power, this (alleged) thing kicks the iPhone in the ********* nuts. But in terms of market position, this thing has its balls already ripped out before it's even released.... If even half of the things of this are true, I'm jumping ship....

http://thetechnopath.com/zune-hd-powered-nvidia-tegra/

It will greatly surpass the iPhone/iPod Touch in terms of thickness, size, heat production, and battery consumption. Great interface though - I'll hold out for a tablet with a slightly larger screen and sleeker form factor. I never did get around to ordering one of those "Surface" units, BTW - a bit bulky, even for a fairly large NYC apartment.