DailyTech - Microsoft Zune HD Release Date Gets Official

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Gadgets Microsoft Zune HD Release Date Gets Official
Shane McGlaun (Blog) - August 13, 2009 10:00 AM

51 comment(s) - last by quiksilvr.. on Aug 17 at 7:52 PM

(Source: Engadget)

Zune HD can be pre-ordered today

Microsoft is holding steady at third place in the MP3 player market well behind Apple and behind second place SanDisk. Microsoft is still trying to woo customers to its Zune PMPs and has officially announced pricing and availability for its latest Zune player.

The Zune HD specifications and rumored pricing were leaked this week and today Microsoft has made pricing official. Redmond will be offering the 32GB Zune HD for $289.99 and the 16GB version will sell for $219.99.

Microsoft is taking pre-orders on the platinum 32GB Zune HD and a black 16GB Zune HD now online. The Zune HD devices can be purchased in stores on September 15. The pre-order devices are in the platinum or black colors only, but the device will be offered in five different colors and have ten different art engraving options.

The Zune HD is the first Microsoft PMP to offer a touch screen. While the specs on the HD leaked a while back, Microsoft has officially confirmed them the Zune HD will offer a HD radio receiver, HD video output, an OLED 3.3-inch screen with 480 x 272 resolution, integrated Wi-Fi, and a full internet browser. The device also runs the NVIDIA Tegra HD processor.

Along with the debut of the Zune HD device will come a slew of new accessories as well. The Zune AV Dock will connect the HD to your TV with 720p capability and will sell for $89.99, the Zune HD AV & Power Pack will sell for $49.99 and connect the Zune HD to the TV and keep it charged.

There will undoubtedly be a slew of other accessories coming from third-party vendors as well to lure money out of the pockets of new Zune HD owners.

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RE: More Storage

By Mitch101 on 8/13/2009 11:19:06 AM , Rating: 3

While I agree with everyone here on a 64gb version its most likely in the pipeline when 64gb SDHC memory is readily available. The design probably only allows for one memory chip but we wont know that until someone cracks it open.

I would have preferred to have an SDHC expansion slot instead.

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RE: More Storage

By encryptkeeper on 8/13/2009 1:12:06 PM , Rating: 2

I would have preferred to have an SDHC expansion slot instead.

This is the one major thing both iPods, iPhones, and Zunes lack. And by the way, why is it that there are no Zune HDs or iPhones or iPod Touchs' with hard drives? Would they just be too big physically to carry around, or is it that having 120 GB or so of space would make too much sense?

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RE: More Storage

By Smilin on 8/13/2009 1:30:34 PM , Rating: 4

HDD = bigger, drastically lower battery life, device becomes shock/drop succeptible, at lower capacities flash memory is a more cost effective storage solution.

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RE: More Storage

By quiksilvr on 8/13/2009 5:57:29 PM , Rating: 4

People! This isn't the question that should be asked! The real question should be:

WHY ISN'T THIS A PHONE?!

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RE: More Storage

By Mitch101 on 8/13/2009 6:06:46 PM , Rating: 2

Its coming.

Windows Mobile 6.5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gH7IuD2aD_4

I've heard various things like 6.5 is the consumer version and 7.0 will be a corporate version. Could be the day Blackberry gets some competition? Exchange 2010?

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RE: More Storage

By imaheadcase on 8/14/2009 1:46:28 AM , Rating: 4

Thats just a OS, he is talking about how this has so much potential as a phone but MS did not go that way. Almost every site that first heard rumors about the ZuneHD thought it was a phone by the leaks features when first heard of.

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RE: More Storage

By Smilin on 8/17/2009 10:50:07 AM , Rating: 3

Settle down beavis.

Not everyone wants phone. Seriously why do I want to pay $99.95 a month just to listen to music?

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RE: More Storage

By quiksilvr on 8/17/2009 7:52:27 PM , Rating: 2

There can be two, you know. A Zune HD and Zune HD Phone. Some people want to spend $99.95 for unlimited minutes, text, pictures, email, GPS, TV and internet access.

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