Zune HD coming Sept. 15, followed by international launch
August 13, 2009 by Marcel Bantle
With prices starting at 220 $ the OLED touchscreen player will be cheaper than its rival Ipod Touch. Microsoft also plans to sell Zune HD outside of the US.
The Zune 16 GB version in black will be priced 220 $, while a 32 GB version in platinum color will come with a 290 $ price tag. Microsoft is significantly undercutting the prices for Apples Ipod Touch which are 80 / 100 $ more expensive in comparable configurations.
Nvidias Tegra chip allows the Zune HD to display 720p video, but it needs an optional dock for the output via HDMI. It also offers HD (high-definition) radio. The web browser was developed by Microsoft’s Internet Explorer people but looks a lot like the Apple Safari browser for Iphone / Ipod Touch. It even offers the same multi-touch gestures like pinching to zoom in.
The Zune Marketplace is accessible via the integrated Wi-Fi and allows Zune Pass subscribers to stream songs directly without having to wait for a complete download.
Unlike earlier Zune generations Microsoft plans to offer Zune HD in other countries as well, but “a bit later”, as Zune “marketing guru” Brian Seitz put it. Before launching the Zune HD internationally Microsoft wants to establish the Zune Video Marketplace in 18 different regions via Xbox Live as a “premium video experience”, the Microsoft representative told MP3 Insider, a Cnet podcast. He declined to give the launch dates or name any countries.
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Photo credits: Microsoft
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