Product Description
Zune is the premium digital experience that gives you access to the latest in entertainment and technology, allowing you to enjoy, connect, and discover content in a whole new way--the way you like it. Browse, stream, buy, and play all you want, including music, HD video, podcasts, games, and much more. Gain the freedom to enjoy your entertainment; Zune is everywhere you are--on your PC, Zune portable player, and Xbox 360 through Xbox LIVE. Zune brings your content up front, so you're always in control.
Instant entertainment that you control.
Browse, stream, buy, and play all you want, including music, HD video, podcasts, games, and much more.
With a 3.3-inch size and vivid 16:9 display, truer and brighter entertainment is at your fingertips.
Weighs just 2.6 ounces and is only 8.9 mm thick.
Instant Entertainment that You Control
HD Radio Technology: More Stations, better sound, no fees
HD-compatible Video: High-quality video on the go or on your HDTV
Internet Browsing: News, email, traffic? It's all in your pocket.
OLED Touchscreen: Wide view with a special touch
Games: More games, more fun
Zune HD
Portable perfection
The new Zune HD wireless media player takes you closer and connects you to a whole new world of entertainment. With built-in HD Radio receiver, HD-compatible video, multi-touch navigation, OLED screen, and games, Zune HD delivers the next level in music and video experiences.
Zune HD 32 GB: Holds up to 10 hours of high definition video; 48 hours of standard definition video; 8,000 songs; or 25,000 pictures. Available in Platinum.
HD Radio Technology
The new Zune HD gives you access to many local HD Radio stations with crystal-clear digital sound at no extra cost. Receive additional channels from your local stations and get more of the content you love, including sports, news, and music, in various genres and formats.
Like something you hear on HD Radio? Song tagging technology allows you to buy the song if you are connected to a Wi-Fi network or to tag it for later purchase.
Click here for more information about HD Radio.
HD-compatible Video
Watch HD movies, TV shows, and more on your HDTV directly from your Zune HD. Just connect via the Zune HD & AV Dock to your HDTV (both sold separately) to watch 720p HD video. The Zune HD also will play your videos on the go in its sharp, brilliant OLED screen. Videos on the player are downscaled to fit the screen at 480 x 272--not HD resolution.
Quickplay
Get instant access to your stuff with shortcuts to favorites, recently downloaded or played music, videos, and more. Quickplay cuts through the clutter and brings up front the content that you care about most.
Games
Loaded with multi-touch and accelerometer, the Zune HD player makes portable gaming even more exciting. Download from Zune�s catalog of free games and popular titles--play them all to the sound of your favorite music.
OLED Touchscreen
Get instant access to your content with multi-touch navigation. With a 3.3-inch size and vivid 16:9 display (480 x 272 resolution), truer and brighter entertainment is at your fingertips.
Wireless
Zune HD allows you to buy, stream, and update your music--and download free games--wirelessly via a Wi-Fi connection. Feeling entangled? Wirelessly sync your Zune HD to your home PC via your home network. You also can stream millions of songs over Wi-Fi directly to your Zune HD and turn it into a portable digital jukebox.
Internet Browsing
Surf the web anytime, anywhere you have a Wi-Fi connection. Enjoy your favorite websites with a well-featured web browser, including tap-to-zoom technology, built-in accelerometer, and touchscreen QWERTY keyboard.
Zune Marketplace
Download free Zune software to access Zune Marketplace from your PC. Download or stream new music, rent the latest movies, buy TV shows, and watch free trailers and previews--plus thousands of audio and video podcasts. You also can download from our catalog of free games including classic and other popular titles.
Expand Your Entertainment with Xbox 360
Zune features movies, TV shows, and more in both high and standard definition. Browse and watch from thousands of titles for rent, or purchase available instantly through Microsoft's Smooth Streaming technology. Buy videos once and watch on multiple screens: on your Xbox 360, Zune player, and PC. See www.xbox.com/live for system requirements. The convenience of on-demand, only on Xbox 360.
Accessories (Sold Separately)
Zune HD & AV Dock
This all-in-one package enables Zune HD players to charge, sync, and play supported 720p HD videos on HDTVs. Send music to your home audio systems and control it all via a wireless remote.
Zune Premium Car Pack
Charge and play music, podcasts, and HD Radio stations from your Zune HD while you drive. The FM transmitter/car charger auto-seeks the best available frequency on your car stereo. A USB port located on the transmitter/car charger allows you to charge a second Zune player simultaneously.
Zune Sync Cable
Charge your Zune player and sync with your collection on your PC.
Zune Charge Pack
The Zune AC Adapter fast-charges your Zune player up to 70% within an hour. Folding blades make it easy to travel with. Use the included USB cable to sync with a PC.
Zune Power Pack
Connect your AV cable to your docked Zune HD to play music, HD Radio broadcasts, and audio podcasts through your home audio system. The HDMI cable connects your docked Zune HD to HDTVs to view movies and videos. Also includes Zune AC Adapter; Zune HD player and Zune HD & AV Dock sold separately.
Zune Sync Dock
Connect to your PC and sync your collection while you charge your Zune in style. Control from a distance with the included wireless remote, which gives you full access to your Zune player from anywhere in the room.
Product Description
Zune HD 32 GB Video MP3 Player (Platinum)
32 GB capacity for up to 8,000 songs, 48 hours standard definition video, or 10 hours high definition video
3.3-inch OLED screen with 480 x 272 resolution and 16:9 display
HD Radio gives you access to many local stations with crystal-clear digital sound at no extra cost
Watch supported 720p HD movies, TV shows, and videos in high definition
Buy, stream, and update your music, download free games, and surf the web via a Wi-Fi connection
A great player, easy to use [Pastor Joubert III]
This is the best, its a feature packed and easy to use mp3 player. with one press you music is shuffled and played. you can wirelessly stream you library over wi-fi, TV out at 720P, and the most beautiful and responsive user interface/ operating system on an MP3/ PMP, easily outshining the the Ipod touch in all but application availability, but more apps are coming soon and fast.
Then the Zune software. not only is it the most beautiful music manager i have seen but it also is also the easiest. organizing Meta data is the easiest its every been, easier that I tunes. Discovering new music has never been easier with the zine pass, download unlimited songs from the Zune markets place and keep 10 of your choosing at the end of each month. Its like buying a CD every month and getting everything else for free. this is not music renting, you can listen to the songs all you want as long as you are subscribed, and special "channels" designed to mimic your music tastes and introduce you to new music will be made, these are playlists that change weekly with new and undiscovered content that you may enjoy all you want, and with wireless sync you can sync these lists from your Zune dock in your room even if your PC in in another room. Zune is a fantastic replacement for Ipod, i see no reason not to switch, other than you have a ton of music from Itunes.
Amazing! :D [Preston Arsement]
First off this is the best PMP on the market. Second this is an amazing player the graphics detail screen touch videos music software its all glorious. The apps only a few right now but the games are super fun goosplat and space battle 2. The internet is snappy and quick the quick pin menu is very nice so is the HD radio. Music quality is superior design is very nice and gorgeous worth the money and some more get it while its in stock!
Easily the best PMP on the market! [Iris R. Wood]
Let me start off this review by saying I'm pretty non-biased when it comes to technology products, unlike some people who have already reviewed this product in a completely idiotic and non-informal way. I own an iPhone (comparable to the iPod Touch) and a previous-gen Zune 80GB. So let's start off the review by discussing why I think this product is far superior to the iPod Touch:
-OLED Screen The screen allows for crisper colors than the iPod Touch can handle (deeper blacks for instance). This is going to be fantastic for watching movies and playing games.
-Slickest UI on the market Have you seen videos of this device in action? It's drop dead beautiful. The UI is extremely slick and very visual. Unlike the iPod Touch, Microsoft has focused on working with high end typography and insanely modern visual techniques to create a really rich experience. The iPod Touch's interface is very static in comparison. The Zune HD offers information about artists, pictures of artists, and other small but rich details when you listen to a song all in a very graphical way (without even having to connect to Wifi).
-Internet browser The browser on the Zune is just as good as Mobile Safair on the iPod Touch/iPhone. It's nothing revolutionary but it's a nice feature. It features everything you'd expect in a browser today, tap to zoom and a quick and easy multi-touch keyboard.
-HD Radio This is some very cool new technology. Apple just finally offered FM radio in the iPod Nano (something the original Zune 30gb had). HD radio is being more widely adopted in many markets. It's a great way to hear new types of music as the stations are a lot more vast and focused on new markets where FM radio has become very static and predictable. There is also an FM radio for your enjoyment as well.
-Zune 4.0 Software is EXCELLENT Are you a music lover? Drop iTunes. The Zune 4.0 software is for people who love music. It includes some of the best ways to organize your albums and also is very ahead in terms of design. iTunes 9.0 attempted to catch up with the Zune software but still falls flat. The Zune software has tons of very rich gradients and free flowing animations that make it a very breathtaking experience. With the Zune software you can also get a Zune pass and stream millions of songs for a low monthly rate.
-Dedicated Apps/Game As already confirmed, the Zune has dedicated applications and games. Unlike the iPod/iPhone's app store though, Microsoft has decided to focus on working hand in hand with 3rd party developers instead of releasing a SDK kit for users to create their own games/apps. Some people may look at this as very negative, but I see a far more positive side to this. On my iPhone I have several games and apps, all of which usually fall flat to what they could be. Too many apps being released are ridiculously retarded like "fart apps". A game already confirmed is a Project Gotham Racing game, which will probably be similar to the experience on the Xbox/Xbox 360. Microsoft will also be releasing a Twitter app, Facebook, and others by the end of the year. More information: "Later this year, Zune plans to release free applications such as Twitter for Zune and Facebook for Zune, in addition to fun 3-D games such as "Project Gotham Racing: Ferrari Edition," "Vans Sk8: Pool Service" and "Audiosurf(TM) Tilt." Games can be added to Zune HD via Zune Marketplace over the Wi-Fi connection or when connected to the Zune PC software."
All I can seriously suggest is be open-minded to the Zune experience. Just because all your friends/family have an iPod/iPod Touch doesn't make it the best on the market right now. The Zune HD's technology is superior in the marketplace right now. The entire experience on the Zune is also really well thought out and gives music lovers (myself and hopefully you if you're reading this!) a great way to see information on your favorite artists/songs. Overall, the Zune HD is an amazing product. Buy it now if you're a fan of music and want a great overall ecosystem being constantly updated by Microsoft.
Kill apple itouch? Most likely. [E. Dai]
Here is a updated information probably you guys haven't seen yet. They will be releasing 3-d games and new apps. Funny how people still diss the zune and want the new apple itouch 3gen when clearly its exactly the same as 2nd gen. Only difference is, is that its a bit faster and has 64gb version? (don't see how it's a best seller on amazon) Society cracks me up.
The promotional video and leaked shots already made it clear but now it's official: the Zune HD will be a gaming and application platform. In addition to a few casual games, calculator and MSN Weather apps pre-loaded onto the Zune HD, the official Microsoft press release touting the launch contains this little nugget of gaming gold:
"Later this year, Zune plans to release free applications such as Twitter for Zune and Facebook for Zune, in addition to fun 3-D games such as "Project Gotham Racing: Ferrari Edition," "Vans Sk8: Pool Service" and "Audiosurf(TM) Tilt." Games can be added to Zune HD via Zune Marketplace over the Wi-Fi connection or when connected to the Zune PC software."
Hear that Nintendo, Sony, and Apple? There's a new handheld gaming platform in town. All that remains to be seen is how it will integrate with the Xbox 360.
Update: A bit more is revealed in a Seattle Times Q&A with Brian Seitz, Microsoft's Zune marketing manager. At the moment, the strategy is to keep all the apps and games free and developed in-house or in close collaboration with third parties -- no third-party SDK for devs to freely crank out apps just yet. Seitz is clear that games will be the primary focus of the "sometimes-connected" Zune HD and the Windows Marketplace is Microsoft's priority for handheld app development:
"So what we didn't want to do was build two parallel app store experiences that didn't work together. Right now our product roadmaps didn't line up perfectly for us to snap to what they're doing or vice versa... Down the road if there's a way we can work with Windows Mobile or another group inside the company that's building an app store and take advantage of that, that's something we'll look into."
Man, Windows Mobile 7 and the rumored OneApp app store can't get here soon enough.
UNBOX - MY ZUNE HD 16GB JUST ARRIVED UPS [Robert L. Novak]
I have unboxed my new ZUNE HD 16GB. I am shooting a video review as I go. I will post it soon. I have updated my Zune as prompted upon connecting it. I am noticing that in the new Zune Marketplace, some apps and games are already available - hey, all of those cool apps for the touch and iPhone didn't show up instantaneously you know! I will be upfront and tell you I simply don't have time to review every facet of this device's offerings, nor do I have time to do the same for the new Zune software. I'm doing this so that you get an honest experience versus a factless rant. It is my guess that most people have never really actually played with the Zune software so I will try to document it as best I can. I prefer products that are alternatives to Apple but I don't specifically avoid Apple. If IBM was making the Zune HD, I would have wanted one just the same.
I will do bullets here and if you have questions, post them, I'll try to answer them.
* packaged nicely. It was like opening a secret treasure chest * includes ear buds (nothing fancy, actually they are same as what came with my Zune 8GB) * includes sync/charge cable. Same connectors as my Zune 8GB cable. Which means I likely will be able to use my existing Zune dock * Downloaded the Zune 4.0 software this morning. * Connected Zune to computer. Asked me to confirm software update. Message on screen said device was at 4.0 and it would update it to 4.1. It did and it did it with no issues. * APPS. Yes, APPS. Not many, only a few for now, like Weather and Calculator. * GAMES. Yes, for now; Sudoku, Space Battle 2 (Non-HD Zunes had Space Battle 1), Chess, etc. You know, the basics for now. * Device is charging so I can't play with it yet. The protective sticker on the Zune HD said, "Charge for 30 minutes before using". That is what I am doing. * Zune 4.0 Marketplace and software are very nice. Not insanely different from the 3.0 marketplace but obvious updates include: Apps (games are here), DJ SmartMix feature, the software works faster, and more. Also the nifty little mini player feature. * Mini player - as stated, its nifty. Click the little icon in the Zune software, and the music player mode comes up. Watch my video when it is ready. * No issues so far. Some items like the Social (this is where you can befriend other Zune users), Profile, and earlier today the Marketplace, have been randomly unavailable for a few moments at a time. Nothing annoying. Quite honestly all of my music is on a computer I don't have here right now, so I will wait to connect this to that one so I can sync my music, and update my profile and social info.
Outstanding device (but still needs Flash) [Robert Linthicum]
For me, this device is worth the purchase price for the OLED and HD Radio capability alone, however, continued lack of Flash capability will limit its "iPod-killer" hopes. Also, my experience with Zune support has been very poor (support number rings in the Philippines, and Microsoft has given the CSRs there very limited capabilities to fix problems (CSRs can't for example, credit back Microsoft Points).
