Microsoft Launches Zune HD

Microsoft today officially launched the Zune HD, the company's next-generation touchscreen media player designed to compete directly against Apple's iPod touch. Originally announced in May, the Zune HD is available in 16 GB ($219.99 in black) and 32 GB ($289.99 in platinum) capacities.
Zune HD marks a significant step forward for portable media players, combining powerful hardware components such as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) multitouch screen, an NVIDIA Tegra HD processor and HD Radio capabilities with software advancements such as the new Quickplay menu, a well-featured Web browser, and engaging music and video playback features to deliver a new portable listening and viewing experience. Quickplay is a new signature menu for Zune, putting customers one touch away from the content they love, such as favorites, last played items and media most recently added, eliminating the need to dig through menus to find the music, videos, pictures or podcasts they want.
Microsoft has also confirmed that the company will be adding games and other applications to the Zune Marketplace for use on the Zune HD.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 Tilt." Games can be added to Zune HD via Zune Marketplace over the Wi-Fi connection or when connected to the Zune PC software.
Wired offers a first-look review of the new device, finding it a worthy competitor to the iPod touch with solid potential, but in need of additional features such as Mac support, greater video offerings, and of course a robust application store.Top Rated Comments
(View all)I wonder how well it'll sell.
Cause I swear I have seen it before...
I think i'll stick with my iPhone and be happy.
Funny how this significant step forward only has one thing to offer the touch/iphone doesn't. The oled screen.
And HD radio. Even the Nano only has FM. Though if you've got an iPhone the need for a radio receiver is null.
Missing a camera and another step behind the big apple. Although, the OLED screen looks very clear and bright; a noticable improvement over the competition.
How is it another step behind Apple? The Zune's internals are way ahead of Apple at this stage.
[ Read All Comments ]

Analytics firm Chitika today released a report showing that by its metrics iOS has now surpassed OS X in overall web traffic share in the United States. Chitika's methodology involves an analysis...
One of the most frequent reasons for an iPhone to go on a trip to the Apple Store's Genius Bar is because of water damage. Typically, a water damaged iPhone can be replaced for a flat $199...
TheVerge's Joshua Topolsky summarizes the iPad 3 casing findings reported earlier today, but also adds his own sources regarding some details of the iPad 3.
Image from RepairLabs
As...
Last July, Apple discontinued the white MacBook from its consumer lineup, pushing consumers toward the company's popular MacBook Air line or the 13-inch MacBook Pro. The company didn't kill...
Popular iPhone Twitter client Tweetbot has finally arrived on the iPad, with a user interface instantly familiar to any current Tweetbot user. Designed for the Twitter power-user, Tweetbot packs a...