Zune HD is real - and it's going to shake up Xbox Live
The long-awaited pairing of Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and the
Zune is finally imminent. Microsoft on Tuesday officially announced the Zune HD, a
completely redesigned media player that looks set to go head to head with
Apple’s iTouch and iPhone. Sure, there are plenty of new features (and we’ll get to
those in a second), but the one that will mean the most for gamers is the new
Zune will integrate with Xbox Live. From the press release: Since the Zune was first announced, Microsoft
has been teasing integration with the Xbox. And tying together the video
marketplaces of the two systems is long overdue. (Previously, XBL downloads
haven’t been able to transfer to the Zune.) The ability to carry your
downloaded films and TV shows with you takes away an advantage Sony was able to
boast with the PS3 and PSP. And 360 owners who previously hadn’t given the
Zune a second glance may now rethink their stance on the device. “Many of our Zune customers are Xbox Live Subscribers,” said
Brian Seitz, a spokesperson for Microsoft’s Zune division. “For Xbox Live subscribers
that aren’t Zune owners, we’re hoping they’ll be impressed with the video offerings
they see ... and give us a second look when they’re looking for a new device.” Look at some of the Zune HD’s new features and
it’s pretty obvious that Microsoft realizes their first efforts weren’t game
changing enough to make a real impact on the portable entertainment
marketplace. If it lives up to the hype, the Zune HD could become a much larger
player in the field. Among the new features are: Of course, today’s announcement was a tease.
While oodles of intriguing features were listed, nothing was said about price or
memory capacity. The release date is technically “this fall,” but Seitz said mid-September
was a “pretty safe bet.” On pricing, Seitz avoided specifics, but said “This
thing’s meant to go head to head with the [i]Touch, so we’ll be priced
competitively.” We’ll have more next week when we’ve seen the Zune HD and Xbox
360 in action together. “Zune will be a premium
partner in the Xbox LIVE Video Marketplace, bringing an exciting catalog 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 (E3) next week, attendees will see firsthand how Zune
integrates into Xbox LIVE to create a game-changing entertainment experience.”
Chris Morris reports on the business and culture of video games and offers analysis of recent events and industry trends.
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I personally have never owned a Zune before. The only Portable Music Players I have ever owned was a Rio which came with some great visualizers and an 5th generation 60GB video ipod. I never even bothered looking at what the Zune could do because it was so damn ugly to me. I don't know how Microsoft could pick such ugly colors like Dark Brown, it just wasn't appealing to me and I never even bothered to try it out.
While it may be a good contender with what features it may offer with it's competitive pricing, I just haven't so far needed anymore than the 60GB ipod I currently have now.
Posted by: Wolf26pack | June 01, 2009 at 09:38 PM
So... when can we expect so Zune AND videos on Martketplace in Europe? That is what I want to know. Microsoft has the chance to actuallt sneak under the nose of Apple i Europe if they are quick. We have been waiting forever for video content to download via Apple Store. I don't like how a global product as the Xbox 360 don't give it's subscribers/members the same services. This is the Internet and we are well aware of what is happening i the States so it's annoying as hell that we don't get the same value out of our console as americans.
Posted by: Alexander Cederholm | May 30, 2009 at 09:39 AM
Oooh man, my curiosity is piqued on Zune HD! Its price, storage capacity and most importantly, the release date. It's clearly going to go head-to-head with the iPod touch, but will its high-end media features be enough to dethrone the touch? Maybe we'll just have to wait for more reviews about it after E3 and hopefully, this is already out in the market before the Final Fantasy XIII.
Posted by: ffxi gil | May 27, 2009 at 03:53 PM
There's no such thing as an "iTouch". Apple calls it "iPod touch". Seitz was correct originally by referring to it as simply a "Touch".
Posted by: Kyle | May 27, 2009 at 12:12 PM
Wow, I think it looks awesome... any idea on it's price??
Posted by: dave | May 27, 2009 at 08:53 AM