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Microsoft Confirms Zune Hd Coming This Fall, Microsofts iPod Touch Killer?
 May 27 2009, 04:50 PM
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Turoth  Group: Forum Member Joined: August 9, 2007 Member No.: 45,971 Posts: 1,882 Skin: IPB 2.2.0 Default My Highscores: Monkeyfun14 R.S. Name: Monkeyfun14 R.S. Status: Member R.S. Clan: Monkeyfun14  |
Microsoft on Tuesday confirmed its plans to take on the iPod Touch with a new, touch-screen Zune that will be able to surf the Web, play high-definition movies, and tune in to digital radio.
The Zune HD, which will be available in the U.S. only starting this fall, features an HD Radio tuner as well as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) touch screen, Microsoft said. It is based on Windows CE and will use a version of Internet Explorer customized for its touch screen, Microsoft said. The software maker did not announce pricing or capacity, though it said the device will use flash memory and attempt to take on Apple's high-end iPod models. "This device is created to go head to head with the iPod Touch," Chris Stephenson, general manager of global marketing for Microsoft Zune, said in a telephone interview on Tuesday. Zune buyers will also be able to play HD content on their TVs via a dock, Microsoft said. The software maker also said that at next week's E3 trade show in Los Angeles it will announce details on a new Zune-branded video service for the Xbox that will replace the current Xbox Live marketplace for TV and movies. The company didn't announce details or specifically say that content will be playable on both Zunes and the Xbox. Currently videos purchased via the Xbox can't be played on a Zune, although both stores use a similar back-end infrastructure to serve up content. Over time, Stephenson said the goal is to move toward a world in which content purchased once can be played on a variety of devices. Microsoft plans to offer the new Zune video service in a number of European markets, in addition to North America.  As for the Zune HD, Microsoft is doubling down on its bet on a radio tuner as a distinguishing feature. Stephenson noted that the current Zune's FM radio is its second most popular selling point. Adding support for HD Radio, a free over-the-air digital radio technology, represents both a risk and opportunity. "It's really one of the first portable HD radio receivers out there," Stephenson said. "It's going to be important for us to communicate the value of HD Radio since it is a fairly nascent technology." One of the big unanswered questions is what sort of gaming abilities the Zune HD will have. There has been speculation on the topic, but Microsoft refused to comment ahead of E3 saying it had no details to share at this time. Microsoft plans to continue selling its hard drive-based model, which will have a software QWERTY keyboard, but said it plans to eventually discontinue its other flash models in favor of the Zune HD. "Expect to see the Zune HD...become the definitive Zune product going forward," Stephenson said. "You will continue to see the hard drive product in the market. (The Zune HD) will take over from existing flash devices." Although Microsoft has said it isn't building a ZunePhone, the company does want to be able to offer its Zune service on phones. However, Stephenson said that is a longer-term goal that will take at least until next year to fulfill. "This is enough work for us this year," he said. "Going forward, Zune will start to surface on multiple platforms across the ecosystem. Expect to see it pop up in many different places." Source C|Net http://www.zune.net/press and http://www.zune.net/ZuneHD Microsoft website detailing the HD. Main features: HD Radio HD video out Web Browsing Multi-Touch Wireless features I think there will be app support as well with XNA api but not sure yet. Supposedly based on Nvidia Tegra system on a chip. Personally I look forward to this. Even if it doesn't take over the iPod I like having a unique product from everyone else makes me feel special =] This post has been edited by Emo_Nemo: May 27 2009, 04:56 PM |
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May 27 2009, 04:56 PM
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Ultimate Spammer! Group: Forum Member Joined: August 13, 2006 Member No.: 19,181 Posts: 5,144 Skin: Darkness From: ZZ9 Plural Z Alpha R.S. Name: Masterchefsp R.S. Status: Inactive |
Is this the Zune type handheld gaming console that has been rumored for ages? That would explain a lot...
Still, we don't even have the Zune over here yet... what the hell are Microsoft thinking? |
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May 27 2009, 04:57 PM
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Turoth Group: Forum Member Joined: August 9, 2007 Member No.: 45,971 Posts: 1,882 Skin: IPB 2.2.0 Default My Highscores: Monkeyfun14 R.S. Name: Monkeyfun14 R.S. Status: Member R.S. Clan: Monkeyfun14 |
QUOTE (Caboose @ May 27 2009, 05:56 PM)  Is this the Zune type handheld gaming console that has been rumored for ages? That would explain a lot... Still, we don't even have the Zune over here yet... what the hell are Microsoft thinking? This one is going to be released to more markets. The iPhone was only released to the USA when it first came out as well so I don't see the issue. |
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May 27 2009, 04:59 PM
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Ultimate Spammer! Group: Forum Member Joined: August 13, 2006 Member No.: 19,181 Posts: 5,144 Skin: Darkness From: ZZ9 Plural Z Alpha R.S. Name: Masterchefsp R.S. Status: Inactive |
Yeah, but how long have you had the Zune? Four... five years? If i remember correctly with the iPod it was only a matter of months.
http://www.engadget.com/photos/is-this-the-zune-hd/ |
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May 27 2009, 05:05 PM
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Turoth Group: Forum Member Joined: August 9, 2007 Member No.: 45,971 Posts: 1,882 Skin: IPB 2.2.0 Default My Highscores: Monkeyfun14 R.S. Name: Monkeyfun14 R.S. Status: Member R.S. Clan: Monkeyfun14 |
QUOTE (Caboose @ May 27 2009, 05:59 PM) Yeah, but how long have you had the Zune? Four... five years? If i remember correctly with the iPod it was only a matter of months. http://www.engadget.com/photos/is-this-the-zune-hd/ Yes but isn't it better they are atleast making a effort now? If you have paid attention to MS news within the last year there is something truly changed about them. |
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May 27 2009, 05:07 PM
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Ultimate Spammer! Group: Forum Member Joined: August 13, 2006 Member No.: 19,181 Posts: 5,144 Skin: Darkness From: ZZ9 Plural Z Alpha R.S. Name: Masterchefsp R.S. Status: Inactive |
They're making an effort? There's nothing anywhere that sais that. If they were truly making an effort then it would already be here
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May 27 2009, 05:09 PM
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Nechryael Group: Forum Member Joined: December 18, 2007 Member No.: 54,568 Posts: 3,758 Skin: IPB 2.2.0 Default From: 51st State R.S. Status: Inactive |
Meh, they'll completely fail it like they did with the release of the first one. You can get radios for the touch for around £15 though...
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May 27 2009, 05:10 PM
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Odd Old Man Group: Forum Member Joined: December 14, 2006 Member No.: 27,897 Posts: 12,921 Skin: RuneScape Black From: Your...Dallas...STAAAAAAA AAAAARSSSSSSSSSSS!!!! R.S. Name: redmonke255 R.S. Status: Member R.S. Clan: Hannah Montana fan club!!1 |
QUOTE (Magical @ May 27 2009, 05:09 PM) Meh, they'll completely fail it like they did with the release of the first one. You can get radios for the touch for around £15 though... You apple people and always wanting to pay extra, huh.  If it turns out good I'll definitely consider buying it. |
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May 27 2009, 05:11 PM
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Turoth Group: Forum Member Joined: August 9, 2007 Member No.: 45,971 Posts: 1,882 Skin: IPB 2.2.0 Default My Highscores: Monkeyfun14 R.S. Name: Monkeyfun14 R.S. Status: Member R.S. Clan: Monkeyfun14 |
QUOTE (Magical @ May 27 2009, 06:09 PM) Meh, they'll completely fail it like they did with the release of the first one. You can get radios for the touch for around £15 though... The first Zune worked well actually it was just a failure in marketing using both I found the Zune to be more feature plenty and the user interface was a bit more intuitive. |
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May 27 2009, 05:12 PM
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Odd Old Man Group: Forum Member Joined: December 14, 2006 Member No.: 27,897 Posts: 12,921 Skin: RuneScape Black From: Your...Dallas...STAAAAAAA AAAAARSSSSSSSSSSS!!!! R.S. Name: redmonke255 R.S. Status: Member R.S. Clan: Hannah Montana fan club!!1 |
QUOTE (Emo_Nemo @ May 27 2009, 05:11 PM) QUOTE (Magical @ May 27 2009, 06:09 PM) Meh, they'll completely fail it like they did with the release of the first one. You can get radios for the touch for around £15 though... The first Zune worked well actually it was just a failure in marketing using both I found the Zune to be more feature plenty and the user interface was a bit more intuitive. Is the first Zune the 30gb brick of an MP3 player? If so, that thing ROCKS. I don't need those girly ipods, I have a manly Zune. 
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May 27 2009, 05:13 PM
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Nechryael Group: Forum Member Joined: December 18, 2007 Member No.: 54,568 Posts: 3,758 Skin: IPB 2.2.0 Default From: 51st State R.S. Status: Inactive |
QUOTE (redmonke @ May 27 2009, 11:10 PM) QUOTE (Magical @ May 27 2009, 05:09 PM) Meh, they'll completely fail it like they did with the release of the first one. You can get radios for the touch for around £15 though... You apple people and always wanting to pay extra, huh. If it turns out good I'll definitely consider buying it. My touch was £70, not that much extra. I think apple have such a strong Market share and there are so many acsessories for them, it will be really hard for microsoft unless they a revolutionary product. |
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May 27 2009, 05:14 PM
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Odd Old Man Group: Forum Member Joined: December 14, 2006 Member No.: 27,897 Posts: 12,921 Skin: RuneScape Black From: Your...Dallas...STAAAAAAA AAAAARSSSSSSSSSSS!!!! R.S. Name: redmonke255 R.S. Status: Member R.S. Clan: Hannah Montana fan club!!1 |
QUOTE (Magical @ May 27 2009, 05:13 PM) QUOTE (redmonke @ May 27 2009, 11:10 PM) QUOTE (Magical @ May 27 2009, 05:09 PM) Meh, they'll completely fail it like they did with the release of the first one. You can get radios for the touch for around £15 though... You apple people and always wanting to pay extra, huh. If it turns out good I'll definitely consider buying it. My touch was £70, not that much extra. I think apple have such a strong Market share and there are so many acsessories for them, it will be really hard for microsoft unless they a revolutionary product. Built in HD radio and HD video output seems pretty good to me. 
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May 27 2009, 05:16 PM
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Nechryael Group: Forum Member Joined: December 18, 2007 Member No.: 54,568 Posts: 3,758 Skin: IPB 2.2.0 Default From: 51st State R.S. Status: Inactive |
QUOTE (redmonke @ May 27 2009, 11:14 PM) QUOTE (Magical @ May 27 2009, 05:13 PM) QUOTE (redmonke @ May 27 2009, 11:10 PM) QUOTE (Magical @ May 27 2009, 05:09 PM) Meh, they'll completely fail it like they did with the release of the first one. You can get radios for the touch for around £15 though... You apple people and always wanting to pay extra, huh. If it turns out good I'll definitely consider buying it. My touch was £70, not that much extra. I think apple have such a strong Market share and there are so many acsessories for them, it will be really hard for microsoft unless they a revolutionary product. Built in HD radio and HD video output seems pretty good to me. With the last one didn't they completely muck up the resolution for videos? Radio isn't that good a feature, I mean all the good stuff finishes at 9am
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May 27 2009, 05:19 PM
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Odd Old Man Group: Forum Member Joined: December 14, 2006 Member No.: 27,897 Posts: 12,921 Skin: RuneScape Black From: Your...Dallas...STAAAAAAA AAAAARSSSSSSSSSSS!!!! R.S. Name: redmonke255 R.S. Status: Member R.S. Clan: Hannah Montana fan club!!1 |
QUOTE (Magical @ May 27 2009, 05:16 PM) QUOTE (redmonke @ May 27 2009, 11:14 PM) QUOTE (Magical @ May 27 2009, 05:13 PM) QUOTE (redmonke @ May 27 2009, 11:10 PM) QUOTE (Magical @ May 27 2009, 05:09 PM) Meh, they'll completely fail it like they did with the release of the first one. You can get radios for the touch for around £15 though... You apple people and always wanting to pay extra, huh. If it turns out good I'll definitely consider buying it. My touch was £70, not that much extra. I think apple have such a strong Market share and there are so many acsessories for them, it will be really hard for microsoft unless they a revolutionary product. Built in HD radio and HD video output seems pretty good to me. With the last one didn't they completely muck up the resolution for videos? Radio isn't that good a feature, I mean all the good stuff finishes at 9am This is what we know is included: OLED 3.3-inch multitouch screen at a 480x272 resolution, web browser (IE-based), Xbox Live integration (Xbox will get Zune's videos instead of their own separate version), HD radio receiver, 720p TV output and streaming music directly from the Zune store via Wi-Fi. |
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May 27 2009, 05:21 PM
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Ultimate Spammer! Group: Forum Member Joined: August 13, 2006 Member No.: 19,181 Posts: 5,144 Skin: Darkness From: ZZ9 Plural Z Alpha R.S. Name: Masterchefsp R.S. Status: Inactive |
And you say you aren't an Apple fanboy... you haven't even seen the product and yet you judge it to be a failure. The original Zune wasn't bad at all, there were a few bugs but the device itself is good and fun to use. I would probably have one myself if it was available in the UK.
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May 27 2009, 05:23 PM
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Nechryael Group: Forum Member Joined: December 18, 2007 Member No.: 54,568 Posts: 3,758 Skin: IPB 2.2.0 Default From: 51st State R.S. Status: Inactive |
I'm not judging it a failure, I'm making predictions based upon their previous actions.
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May 27 2009, 05:26 PM
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Ultimate Spammer! Group: Forum Member Joined: August 13, 2006 Member No.: 19,181 Posts: 5,144 Skin: Darkness From: ZZ9 Plural Z Alpha R.S. Name: Masterchefsp R.S. Status: Inactive |
Again, what previous actions? The original Zune is a good product.
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May 27 2009, 05:27 PM
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Nechryael Group: Forum Member Joined: December 18, 2007 Member No.: 54,568 Posts: 3,758 Skin: IPB 2.2.0 Default From: 51st State R.S. Status: Inactive |
Like their marketing campaign, the apple Market share and their screen resolution.
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May 27 2009, 05:29 PM
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Odd Old Man Group: Forum Member Joined: December 14, 2006 Member No.: 27,897 Posts: 12,921 Skin: RuneScape Black From: Your...Dallas...STAAAAAAA AAAAARSSSSSSSSSSS!!!! R.S. Name: redmonke255 R.S. Status: Member R.S. Clan: Hannah Montana fan club!!1 |
QUOTE (Magical @ May 27 2009, 05:27 PM) Like their marketing campaign, the apple Market share and their screen resolution. The screen is going to be larger than the touch's... |
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May 27 2009, 05:32 PM
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Nechryael Group: Forum Member Joined: December 18, 2007 Member No.: 54,568 Posts: 3,758 Skin: IPB 2.2.0 Default From: 51st State R.S. Status: Inactive |
By how much?
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