The ZuneHD has been acknowledged by Microsoft, and although much of what we reported turns out to have been true (OLED touchscreen, web browser), we were hoping for a little more resolution. A 480×272 screen on a device branded “HD” is a bit misleading. I suppose the HD is for the HD radio receiver inside, but honestly, that’s not much of a killer app, though it’ll be nice for radio fans. I’ll also be happy to use a touchscreen on the Zune OS, which seems well-made for it, but I confess disappointment at what should have been a breakthrough device.
Still, the HDMI out will be nice for sure, so using this thing as a sort of emergency HTPC will be sweet if I get the chance. Here’s the skinny, straight from the press release:
Zune HD is the next iteration of the Zune device family and brings a new level of listening and viewing experiences to the portable media player category.
* Zune HD comes with a built-in HD Radio receiver so users can listen to higher-quality sound than traditional radio on the go. Users also will have access to the additional song and artist data broadcast by HD Radio stations as well as additional channels from their favorite stations multicasting in HD. If you don’t like the song playing on your station’s HD channel, switch to its HD2 or HD3 channels for additional programming.
* The bright OLED touch screen interface allows users to flip through music, movies and other content with ease, and the 16:9 widescreen format display (480×272 resolution) offers a premium viewing experience on the go.
* The HD-compatible output lets Zune HD customers playback supported HD video files from the device through a premium high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) audiovisual docking station (sold separately) direct to an HD TV in 720p.*
* Zune HD will include a full-screen Internet browser optimized for multitouch functionality.
* Zune HD is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing for instant streaming to the device from the more than 5 million-track Zune music store.
In the category of not exactly what we thought, we’ve got Xbox Live integration for Zune Marketplace videos, which will be excellent. I’d rather keep my stuff there than trapped in my Zune app.
In their defense, they do give a disclaimer stating the following:
“Supported 720p HD video files play on the device, downscaled to fit the screen at 480 x 272 – not HD resolution.”
Unfortunately, the device is called the ZuneHD. It’d be like calling your product “Free Skittles” and then saying “product does not come with free skittles.
It’s true, though, they don’t (and never did) claim it was a high-definition video device. But you can’t blame me for wishing it was, with a name like that.
I agree with regards to the name. But you have to admit that HD resolution on a screen that size doesn’t really make sense. That’s like 1080p resolution on a 26″ television screen.
But you also have to remember “HD” could stand for the HD radio or HD output. It doesn’t mean the device has to display it. If you are going to nit pick on it being called Zune HD but not displaying HD how about nit picking about it not having a hard drive. Or talking about how the Dell mini 9 doesn’t have a 9 inch screen but a 8.9 inch screen. Grow up and realize companies don’t always name products around what people think.
I’m with Devin on this one. Most consumers are not as tech savvy as us tech blog readers. So they’re first assumption is going to be that this is true high def. They’re not going to look at the small print. This may actually work in Microsoft’s favor. It’s shaping up to be really nice for sure, but not enough to throw the iPod off it’s Jewel encrusted pretentious thrown. Although, I do see it holding a second place pretty firmly on the market.
Could we say they have taken a leaf out of Apple’s book and called it HD like Apple calling their original Iphone a smartphone when it couldn’t multitask, lacked bluetooth, cut’n'paste etc.
It’s a bit of marketing bravado to call it HD but it’s not far off the mark.
So question on the browser. Will it be the fully crippled and essentially useless browser that’s on Winmo 5.1 w/no javascript, flash or even silverlight support? Or will it be a FULL browser?
Good question, I’m guessing it’s going to be garbage at first.
“a full-screen Internet browser optimized for multitouch functionality.”
Right, a modified version of IE mobile. Sounds like the business.
Why are you tending to lean toward them not doing it right? The device looks great and I am willing to give MS the room to make this a great product. Don’t assume that this product is going to fail because it has a browser based on IE. iPod Touches have a browser based on Safari the Mac equivalent of IE.
Just because Microsoft isn’t apple doesn’t mean they won’t rock it out and come out with a great stable product.
How about because the previous versions of Zune have been FAIL?
@paul
I think the previous versions of Zune have been great. I have one. I just don’t have any faith in them having a decent browser at launch.
Why is the “e” cut off on their promotional pictures?
Now they just need an App Store similar to Apple’s and I’ll gladly switch over from my Touch!
I can’t help but feel that these kinds of products are starting to become obsolete. I think the iPhone is just the start of the beginning of the end of owning multiple devices. Just like with my Touch, if the plans weren’t so pricey and if I could get it on any network, I would pick up an iPhone and toss pretty much every other gadget I own out the window.
Its too bad that its not a phone. I think they’ll have to create one someday though, whether they want to or not, otherwise they might stop making Zune’s. Who needs a Zune when your phone does basically everyone a Zune does? The future is in “All-in-one” devices. It’d be better if they adapt now and help push forward that future. /.02
Well, the SDK is availlable since last year, and devs are still hoping that the market place will open soon.
As great as a single gadget maybe, one won’t be around that is very good for a long time.
Unless battery life drastically improves (or easily replaceable batteries become the norm (though even this may not work)), all in one gadgets aren’t likely to be overly attractive. Also if you have several devices, if one breaks then at least you can something e.g. audio player breaks, but you can still use your phone. This is the opposite of what would happen to an all in one device. More devices do take up more space though. I suppose an all in one device which compromises will be popular (probably mainly based on a mobile phone), but specialist devices will be better for what they do.
As for the ZuneHD, there is no point in having HD playback on such a devices screen (unless you have insane eyesight). The name is arguably misleading, but hardly harmful.
You’re not fair: There is already a lot of HD PMP devices out there, “HD portable player” always means that the device is able to handle HD files and optionally output them to an HD TV.
Zune does exactly that.
While I am a huge fan of HD Radio, I’m with the article writer; HD this ain’t.
HDMI out is what makes this the Zune HD… you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between 480×272 and 720p at that screen size anyways.
So… when are they just going to come out and talk about the XYZ or whatever they’re calling it now?
Microsoft’s Zune HD looks to be better than the current iPod Touch, at least on paper. But we suspect that most people who are buying the iPod Touch today do not only expect to have a good media player and web browser, but also want to tap into the huge ecosystem of apps on the App Store. Without the same ecosystem of apps for the Zune HD, it’s a much more difficult sell. Ironically, Microsoft has been enjoying the advantage of having a huge ecosystem of applications on the desktop for years.
Now for the ultimate accessory for this device. A 720p HD Camera with its own small battery and cable to plug into the ZuneHD in the belt pouch. Record videos on this and have a small Bluetooth remote that allows for pause/REC and zooming in and out. If this cam can be powered for 2 hours it would be sweet.
Oh to be nerdy, have a headband attachment so we can wear the cam on the side of the head. Imagine uses in sports and motor sports!!!. Awesome.