Microsoft confirms Zune HD launch for autumn – in the US
It's official. Microsoft has this morning confirmed it will launch its Zune HD portable multimedia player in the US this autumn. At the same time, we'll get the Zune video and TV service on the Xbox Live here in the UK.
Zune HD has a built-in HD radio receiver, HD video capability, 3.3in OLED touch screen and an internet browser using a mobile version of Internet Explorer. It's seen as a key rival to Apple's iPod Touch.
However, there are no details of a UK launch for the Zune HD yet.
What we do know is that the Zune video service will be the "premium partner" in the Xbox Live Video Marketplace, bringing "an exciting catalogue of TV and films to the platform".
At the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles next week, visitors will be able to see first-hand how Zune integrates into Xbox Live.
Users will be able to watch a wide selection of TV and film content how and when they want, either by instant streaming, downloading to rent or downloading to own. There will be additional content in high-definition.
This is the first time Microsoft has marketed the Zune entertainment service in Europe and is described as a "key step" in Microsoft's strategy to offer consumers a connected Zune experience across three screens (TV, PC and mobile).
"Zune's international expansion starts with video on Xbox Live," says Chris Stephenson, general manager of consumer marketiing for the TV, Video and Music business. "Eventually we'll offer the full digital entertainment experience spanning screens, devices, platforms and geographies."
Comments
I own an iPod Classic 80GB and have to say it is a great player. I've experimented the Zune 80 and I didn't really like the way it felt/behaved, that's why I bought the iPod Classic. Not to mention I saved a few pounds as well since the Zune was a bit more expensive.
I hope Microsoft does it right this time. We need better competitors out there. Although I like the iPod I would prefer to have a lot more choices with the same or better quality in the market. And the Zune have some nice functionalities that the iPod doesn't. Being now HD is even better. Let's wait and see how it goes.
Although it is a Fantastic technology HDRadio is not transmitted in the UK so this would be of no use here, currently only US has adopted this technology.
Will it have true gapless playback?
This is a major feature that only apple seems to have. I used Sony players as ATRAC was gapless. Now they dropped it, I no longer even consider them.
Due to apples reliability issues & the fact that it ties you to certain PC�s etc etc I won�t use them either. Why do you need to put your credit card details into I-Tunes just to get art work???
So many music genres have the need for gapless � dance, classical, live recordings etc, it is perplexing why no-one other than apple implements this feature or why Sony dropped it.
Perhaps this is why no-one can budge apple from the top spot. Just a little more thought on what the consumer wants and Sony, Microsoft, Creative and the rest may have a better chance, but it appears they are too lazy or don�t care.
I have looked at the Zune as well as others to replace my old Sony with a bigger capacity device but it appears I am stuck with the older unit due to a lack of foresight from manufacturers and thus can�t find a suitable replacement with the true gapless feature.
In my opinion it will be pointless to bring it to Europe without the must have feature of gapless.
I got my hands on a Zune 80 from the USA a few years back, and would never consider Apple again. The Zune build quality is better, the sound performance is better, it hasnt had to go back for repair once (unlike all 3 ipods I have owned), and unlike the overglorified 'ipod Classic' it doesnt skip MP3's created in some LAME versions.
Lets hope this time MS have managed to get all the EU legal mess resolved and we can start seeing them as an active market competitor here!
lets face it we will never get the zune HD in the uk as microsoft have said we would with the older models. no online store functionalty in europe due to licencing restrictions "well that what thay have been saying"
why suddenly start now
i have had a zune in the uk for quiet a while now and
there are ways around microsofts blocks to non can/us users so you can buy music direct to your zune in any wifi zones direct to your zune without your pc wich is a great touch over the ipod.
i just dont think microsoft can get in on apples grip on europe thay have just left it to late.