Zune HD?

[Lance Uppercut]

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12519_7-10217589-49.html

I like my Zune 30, despite it freezing every leap year (http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/31/30gb-zunes-mysteriously-begin-to-fail-at-12am-december-31st/). Even so, I've been looking for the right time to upgrade to a new model, and if these rumors are true, I'll be upgrading to this touch screen model.

[Murtaug]

This bummed me out. I just bought a Zune 120 about two weeks ago, I do not need fancy new hardware making me itch so soon.

[Telefrog]

I'm pretty excited by this. I love my 30GB brick and would gladly update to an HD model.

[boratika]

You know what feature I'd like to see in future Zunes that current models lack? The ability to be sold outside North America.

I guess they don't like colourful monies.

[Wraith]

Although I don't have a Zune or iPod Touch yet... part of the reason I've considered the Zune is because it meant I wouldn't have to wipe greasy thumbprints off the screen all the time. Bleh. But the promise of a full HD screen (on a still compact device) would probably get me to put up with a touch screen anyway.

[hunterx280]

I wonder how good HD can look on such a small screen. I will definitely keep an eye on this. I wonder if we will see HD head mounted displays soon. If it's in 720p I would consider getting one for the FPS gaming. That would be SWEET.

[Philonious]

What would be the point of HD on a screen that size... Aside from a bulletpoint to sway the ignorant masses? I hadn't thought that the Zune was doing all that well... Of course I'm posting from my iPhone so I might be biased.

[Wraith]

What would be the point of HD on a screen that size... Aside from a bulletpoint to sway the ignorant masses? I hadn't thought that the Zune was doing all that well... Of course I'm posting from my iPhone so I might be biased.High-res video & photos?

The current Zune is 320x240. I guess even if they didn't go full HD, something like 720x480 would still be a huge improvement.

[NoName]

If this is Microsoft's attempt to combat the ipod touch, are they going to come out with their own app store?

I'm guessing they'll copy a lot of the default apps that the ipod touch has, just replacing everything to MS programs (ie. MS live maps and MS video instead of google maps and youtube).

I dono, if they have wifi, a decent web browser, and have flash support, I might consider it.

[Wraith]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/wraithakamrak/cog/zuneHD_cut1.jpg

It looks like the space at the bottom of the player has some functionality as well...

[pronounconnoun]

You know what feature I'd like to see in future Zunes that current models lack? The ability to be sold outside North America.

I guess they don't like colourful monies.

Why would they? Microsoft cant spend it in the US.

[TheEpicOfTyler]

My 30gb is going stronger than ever, I have no need for anything else right now.

[DigitalFirefly]

Maybe the HD means it outputs HD video. Personally I don't want a touch screen video player. I'm gonna smear the screen right before I watch it.

My current 30 gig Zune reboots twice a day on me. I need to replace it with something soon.

[Telefrog]

If this is Microsoft's attempt to combat the ipod touch, are they going to come out with their own app store?

I would imagine so, since people are already making apps for the current Zunes using XNA. All homebrew hobby stuff, of course, but it's out there.

[Hexxagonal]

It looks like the space at the bottom of the player has some functionality as well...It looks like a touch pad with a button, which means no screen touching (a plus in my book). Here's to wishing.

[Lance Uppercut]

I would imagine so, since people are already making apps for the current Zunes using XNA. All homebrew hobby stuff, of course, but it's out there.

Link please.

[Telefrog]

Link please.

Ask and ye shall recieve (http://www.zunerama.com/zune-games-directory.php)!

[DylonCorp]

Oh snap!!1

And that site looks promising as hell.

[Smoof]

My current 30 gig Zune reboots twice a day on me. I need to replace it with something soon.

Mine does to, I'm finding it really obnoxious. Though I can't complain, since I bought it for $60 around September.

[Orca]

When the new ones came out I passed my 30 GB down to my wife. If this thing is half-decent I'll pass the 80 GB down to her and the 30 GB can find a new home :D

[Wraith]

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2009/04/zunehd2_wmpower_leak.jpg

Another ZuneHD render surfaces, fanboy specs too? (http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/15/another-zunehd-render-surfaces-fanboy-specs-too/) (Engadget)Fortunately, Zunited's sources have stepped up with an assertion that the pic is in fact an authentic ZuneHD.

[Lance Uppercut]

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/9306/37667647.gif

[Shadowstorm]

Specs (rumored):



16 and 32 GB versions
A capacitive, multitouch OLED screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio and TV out, possibly with an HDMI port on the side
HD radio and HD media playback; HD content will be available from the updated Zune Marketplace
Support for wireless sync and a browser that supports multitouch
Support for 3D Xbox games

Source (http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2009/04/roundup-of-the-latest-zune-hd-talk.ars) (2 (http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/04/15/exclusive-lets-talk-some-zune-hd-specs)). It also appears that numerous other sources are saying that there is indeed an 80 GB and a 120 GB version planned.

[Lance Uppercut]

80 would be the sweet spot for me. Enough space for my music and any games that might come out for this.

[Wraith]

Engadget labeled those as "fanboy specs" that, while not outside the realm of possibility, probably aren't real, even if the picture seems legit. But taking them as rumor for now,


If MS can release 16GB/32GB flash versions for considerably less than the iPod Touch (currently at $300/$400), I'd be interested. Especially if it's more Touch-like in functionality (browser, apps, etc). Otherwise I'd probably be ok with a cheaper laptop drive (80GB/120GB) in a bit thicker case.
Even if they don't have TV out on the device, it could still be done with an adapter/dock. Having the hardware power to output HD video suitable for watching on HDTVs would be pretty sweet. (Thinking about it, I'd like to be able to buy/rent a video through Xbox Live, put it on a Zune, and play it on a TV in a different room. No need to move the 360 and hook it up. Just plug in the Zune and hit play. Though I suppose that creates the need for a remote...)
Wireless sync just seems like a no brainer; something that Zune users have been wanting for a while.
I'd assume "support for 3D Xbox games" means XNA community games.

[Shadowstorm]

I'd assume "support for 3D Xbox games" means XNA community games.



Precisely. Xbox Live Arcade stuff. Geometry Wars, etc. Not full fledged Xbox 360 games like Halo 3 and such.

[TheEpicOfTyler]

They should put a digital tuner into it so I don't have to buy a TV.

[Wraith]

I'd even be surprised if Live Arcade games were included. They're all designed specifically for use with the 360 controller and nothing else, whereas XNA games could be a bit more flexible in their control schemes.

[Wraith]

They should put a digital tuner into it so I don't have to buy a TV.Throw in a projector while they're at it and you're set.

[Vermillion]

I have the 80 GB model and I love it. It is my player of choice. My ipod has been relegated to the beater portal player, one I'd wear rowing cause I could give two flips if I kill it. Stupid iTunes POS.

I am excited about this new model, but I am concerned about the smaller HD sizes...

[Wraith]

Has neowin's specs page changed since Shadowstorm's post? This is what they have up now, at the same link (http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/04/15/exclusive-lets-talk-some-zune-hd-specs):We've teamed up with Ryan Rea (aka volvoshine) from LiveSide.net and are going to let the world know what we do and do not know about the Zune HD. We've got the green light to go ahead and share the specs that our sources within Microsoft have confirmed to us.

An overview of the Zune HD specs:


3.6 inchish OLED full touch screen.
NVIDIA Tegra powered (http://liveside.net/main/archive/2009/04/12/what-in-the-world-is-tegra.aspx).
4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, and 120GB versions.
HDMI Connection to stream straight to your TV.
HD Radio.
Web Browser.
WiFi compatible, with wireless marketplace.
Released, early fall.
International release of the Zune device itself.
Home AV packs, Car packs, Charge packs.


Unconfirmed rumors (A Microsoft spokesperson declined to comment or confirm):


Camera?
Company insiders tipped us off with the possibility of a limited edition dock accessory in various colors.
3D Xbox Game Support?
Windows Mobile 7 preview bits included? (Maybe these reports mean an early WinMo 7 beta?)


There has been a tremendous amount of buzz created throughout the past week regarding the Zune HD, with a ton of speculation regarding the device. We were asked by some members of the Zune team to remember, the device is still months away. The specs, UI, and the device form factor itself can change before the launch later this year. We're excited, just as many of our international viewers are excited.Also from Zunited (http://www.zunited.net/news/index.php/zune-hd/technical-specs/76-zune-hd/324-zune-hd-technical-specifications).Our good friend Ryan Rea, Neowin.net, and Zunited are now ready to publicly release the Technical Specifications for the Zune HD. Ever since the teaser release of the ZuneHD's images, there has been a continuous leak of new images and information about this device. It show the power of the people. First seen at neowin.net the technical specifications are subject to change. Zunited can comfortably confirm most of the specifications listed below. We do question whether or not the may change by the actual release:

[Hexxagonal]

The number of HD radio receivers will probably double with this release =p

I'm not sure about that web browser... but a basic text RSS reader would be awesome!

[Lance Uppercut]

I didn't even know there was HD radio.

I'm a little disappointed that the hard drive space isn't larger, especially with "HD" video files.

[Sl1pstream]

32GB means that I won't be getting this. I need more space than that for just my music. It sounds interesting though.

[DeathtollWRX]

Question for you Zune guys. I have a ton of movies in AVI,MOV,WMV and I hate converting them. If I buy a Zune can I just drag and drop them over and play them in these formats?

If what I ask is true i'll be in the market for a Zune (one of yours hehe)

[Brady]

If there is a 120gb version, I want it. If not, its nothing but trash to me.

I've been itching to get a new mp3 player. Whatever player I choose absolutely 100% has to be 120, as 80 isn't large enough right now.

[PathMaster]

Hmmm, depending on what video support is like I would buy this damn near release. I want to be able to play some video podcasts and other videos, on a larger screen then some current devices. Hopefully I will not have to dick around with a lot of codecs or conversions. *Prays for support similar to Cowon's*

[miah]

I love my partners Zune. I have a iAudio X5 that works well, but I need to buy a new battery for it, and do some surface mount soldering. I kinda want to buy a Zune because I really love their interface, if I could install a larger display, and tweak Rockbox to look as nice as the Zune I wouldn't want to switch.

[miah]

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/9306/37667647.gif

Ya, couldn't have said it better..