The Zune HD is upon us, and whether you love it or hate it, you have to admit that it is devilishly good-looking. I happen to think it’s also a great media player, based on my day with it and on previous demos, but the final judgment will come in a day or two with the full review.
In the meantime, I’m sure a lot of people have been waiting on a decent walkthrough of the Zune HD’s interface. I’ve got just that for you, in HD no less, so click that play button and get an in-depth tour of the music and video navigation, browser, and marketplace.
For the record, I didn’t choose the thumbnail. I’ll get a YouTube version up for the review since the HD matters for readability. I’ve tried to strike a balance between brevity and completeness, but it ended up being over 10 minutes long anyway. Well, what else have you got going on? Look at these pictures while I talk talk talk in the background.
I didn’t have time for the dock and HDMI out, video of that and the TV UI will be in the full review. It’s nice, but you’re not missing out on much — if you really must see it right away, there’s a video with no explanation or sound hereabouts.
Update: Honestly, guys? Eight links to Apple Insider? We’re happy to have alternate points of view, but if you want to share a link please just do it once.
I wonder what font are they using ? Looks really good
Zune HD is indeed pretty awesome. Now, without the camera, the iPod Touch maybe looked down upon.
Read this http://www.dotcominfoway.com/blog/zune-hd-on-the-way-is-the-party-over-for-ipod-touch
The Zune HD doesn’t have a camera either. Nobody’s crying about that, now are they?
Your sole objective seems to be hijacking comments section by pouncing early and increasing traffic to your site/blog. I have been watching you for a while, you don’t seem to have anything interesting to add. Your comments have always been lame. This was pointed out Techcrunch readers earlier. Please stop this systematic spamming Ms Kolammal.
There is nothing this text !
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/09/14/from_oled_to_tegra_five_myths_of_the_zune_hd.html
Zune HD blows
Oh, sure. Let’s check out an article on AppleInsider, possibly the most biased anti-everything-except-Apple website out there, for nonpartisan coverage on the Zune.
Man, I own a Zune. Not the HD, but a Zune. I’ve owned a few iPods, too. Zune trumps them. The software trumps iTunes, the video is better, navigation is better, sound quality is better…
But that doesn’t matter, obviously. Anything Apple makes is, BECAUSE it has an apple stamped on the back of it, infinitely superior to anything Microsoft makes.
Oh Apple. You could take a dump on a plate and put an Apple logo on it and people will still thrown down $250 for it.
I really don’t like the last line of the article. “Despite the hype, the Zune HD appears to have failed before even hitting the market.” I am sure everything else is reasonably accurate, but AI to say that just seems really ridiculous. Lets give it a year and then decide if its a failure. Full Disclosure: I currently own an iPhone, a Macbook Pro, and numerous ipods. So, I do love Apple products, but that doesn’t mean anything that is non Apple is bad. AI is usually really pretty good when they talk about Apple competitors but the fanboy came out on this one.
@Cloudsymphony
Indeed. I happily own several Apple products (iPhone 3GS, Macbook Pro), a Zune and a Windows 7 PC, and that AI article just makes me lose faith on Apple enthusiasts. People just can’t get over the fact that other companies (even the widely hated Microsoft) make comparable and even better products.
My Zune 30’s software is better than any iPod software Apple’s ever put out, aside from the iPod Touch. Learn to appreciate products for their quality, not their maker.
MS fanboys,,,iPod Touch is quality product.Macbook,iMac all are quality products from apple.We are talking here for maker.iPod touch is superior product,so it is.Vista is a crap.Xp is a good product.
http://www.electronista.com/articles/09/09/15/zune.hd.and.40.software/ gives a quick walk through of Zune’s UI.
Looks Cool.
I’m pretty sure the font is some version of the Segoe font.
good to know, it’s a nice clear typeface and it scales well.
this is also good to know:
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/09/14/from_oled_to_tegra_five_myths_of_the_zune_hd.html
Give it a rest, dude, it’s a pretty pathetic article.
What numbers were wrong?
may be more than 75000 Apps hurts…Zune is an improvement and copy cat of iPod Touch.And full iPod Touch Upgrate yet to come,see next year.
get a great deal on this thing at amazon.com. here’s the link:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002JPITXY
Very cool! Why the HECK is there NO ZUNE HD Phone??? I would totally give Zune HD Phone a look! That would be perfect for people like me who could care less about an App Store! Build in a camera too and I would be a happy camper!
HD is BS.
There is no HD on a hand held device. IMO it isnt’ necessary. And “hd radio” is only meant to infer the signal is digital.
did you mean “imply” rather than “infer”?
http://grammartips.homestead.com/imply.html
LOL Zune.
I think the new Archos 5 is a zune-hd\ipod-touch killer… no doubt about that for me..
(500gb + any imaginable functionality in your hands)
I wonder if the Android based devices will be a snapshot in time w/re to the OS version or if they will be upgradeable? Probably depends on the device and vendor, do we know about the Archos?
They’ll totally be upgradeable. I guarantee it.
Totally makes sense. Don’t Blackberries stay baked with the version they ship with? I know a ton of devices do, except the Apple’s mobile os x platform.
hmmm… all these love fets reviews from Crunchgear and Tech crunch on the Zune HD make me wonder if you are on the take…..
You can’t possibly love a silly Media player this much.
Zune has what.. 1% market share? Maybe if MS pays companies for nice reviews, everyone will buy one and help them beat apple? FAIL!
Save the Zune Ads for my TV set, not my internet unbiased reviews. Techcrunch bookmark has been deleted…..
Sorry, but this – like any other comment you come across on TC which alleges that TC staff are on the take – is total idiocy. If a company was trying to pay off a journalist for a good review, don’t you think that person would have far more to gain by breaking the story and exposing a large company like MS as being completely corrupt? It would be huge; the kind of story that would make anyone’s career.
If you don’t agree with the review then fine, tell the reviewer why, but crying out that they’ve been paid off just displays too much ignorance and not enough common sense.
sicne when did marketshare of a product mean anything? zune HD is a nice device and most people on tech blogs who are not apple fannboys like it
So, it’s only unbiased if they bow to Steve Jobs and hail the iPod? It doesn’t really matter if something is brand new from a never before heard of company and has no marketshare. If it’s good, it’s good… if it’s bad it’s bad.
Go to a Mac site where they preach to the chior, if that’s all you want. CG rules.
I applaud apple for what they’ve done with the Touch and the iPhone…they are phenomenal, but Palm made some tech advances with the Pre and MS has obviously made some strides with the Zune HD.
I’m glad you deleted your bookmark though because that means you won’t reply to my response, nor will you waste readers time with your narrow minded “all hail King turtleneck” banter.
You apple zealots kill me.. to be that devoted to a brand of anything – consumer product, political party, religion, redefines you as a cult member. Get a grip on reality.
I don’t think that CG people are on the take, but I do think that there are corporate moles in here, hyping garbage.
You’ll find that I think 99 percent of the stuff we write about is silly nonsense. I just think the Zune HD is a nice change of pace from the iPod (I’ve had an iPod, on and off, since 2003, so I’m a little tired of it).
“You can’t possibly love a silly Laptop this much.
Apple has what.. 1% market share? Maybe if Apple pays companies for nice reviews, everyone will buy one and help them beat Microsoft? FAIL!”
-There Fixed it for you
Actually the Apple marketshare is a hell of a lot more.
Anyway, I hearby declare the terms “fanboy” and “zealot” to be at end of life and will no longer be supported when discussing technology.
It’s crazy.
You idiots ever thought that there is a market beyond the United States where Apple almost doesn’t exist? Worldwide, what market share does Apple have among laptop and desktop computers? Nowhere even near double digits.
I would’ve seriously given Macbook a shot if it wasn’t for the Mac zealots. That would place me among your class, your cult. Getting a macbook would be like taking a Scientology course…ewww.
This stupid puran is idiot also.Nobody can afford apple in asia.Very few,thats the only reason and other is Windows is free in most of the asian counteries,becuase of pirachy.All windows software is popular becuase of piracy.What is the market share of WinMO against iPhone? you dumb.
iPhone has just 3 years .It will destroy WinMO.Google Android is good.I’ve used it.It is really nice.I’m waiting for Google OS also
You’re right Mike.
I have Vista,XP and mac OX.But i’ll prefer to work on mac.
And my friend is an Indian.His friend are also using mac in india.And mac community is growing there also.All big IT companies,their Film industry bollywood are using mac.Graphics designer,software engineers.China and gulf country also.
But i guess puran is poor crying MS fanboy.We are also using MS.But we go by quality not OS maker.
You can “declare” all you want, until they all stop acting like “Fanboys” or “Zealots” who belong to a cult and seem to be proverbially sticking their fingers in their ears, screaming like children “Blah,Blah.. I can’t hear you” when it comes to any product that’s not Apple… they’ll continue to be both FANBOYS and ZEALOTS.
Declare? who the f*** died and made you Steve Jobs?
an another F***** fanboy of MS…read the full review with various publisher
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/09/17/review_roundup_zune_hd_plays_catchup_to_ipod_touch.html
why don’t they make a 7-8 inch zune hd-like device and get ahead of everybody else?
why don’t they sell the thing in Europe?
why don’t they include a robust skype-like functionality on it?
frustration
1. Cos the majority of people don’t want a 7-8inch behemoth in their pocket
2. Good question. Annoys the hell outta me!
3. Cos its a PMP. Not a communication device.
That is Microsoft.
What a boneheaded comment! Do you have anything useful to add here?
Thats why its sucks
funny i say the same thing about apple and their products.
“that’s apple, and that’s why i’m not buying anything from them because the company sucks. the products not so much but apple can bite me.”
i doubt they care because i don’t give them my money .
m$ sucks too but i find that their fans are a lot more realistic about the faults of the products and the company.
They have to becuase they dont have choice…some people use bas prosuct like MS they know its bad but they cant help it,like you.crying fanboy.They can steal ideas only.
The Europe thing is ridiculous, for sure. As for Skype and such, it’s a big gamble putting out a device that threatens telecoms. Even MS would hesitate before putting out something like that. You saw how Apple, in pole position in the mobile world, handled Google voice etc.
As for the 7-8 inch version…… not really gonna happen. MS is letting everyone else do that… with their OS.
Apple does have several VOIP options in the app store which are usable on the iPod touch. It’s a wifi only device. Telco’s have no input on the Zune or the iPod touch.
Yea! Cul de sac, do make say think…Finaly a technologist with a decent music taste. And the Zune looks great!
great bands. :)
i know. i mentioned that to him before. this video is really good (minus the alley way shot and the resetting the camera and piggybacking on wifi connection at uhm starbucks? lol) and because of this i know saosin has a new record, and i learned about 3 or so new bands, and if i wanted to buy a zune i wouldn’t be intimidated because from what i can see for myself it’s pretty responsive and the ui is solid. thanks devin!
Seems like a great little media player. Obviously not meant to be like a “pocket computer” like the iPod Touch, but a great PMP nonetheless. It seems like there are many more graphics than words, which could be confusing to use even though they look pretty. I think this hardware would have been perfect for a phone and I would love to see this hardware in a phone like next week running WinMo 6.5. I’m not sure how popular this will be since the iPod Touch & new Archos have much more functionality for the same or less money. Even the new Sony player has a YouTube client…where is it on here?
Actually, the only thing it is lacking compared to the Touch is apps, which its bound to get either through MS or 3rd party jailbreaking. Its superior in pretty much every other way otherwise AND its cheaper too.
8GB Touch = $200
16GB Zune HD = $220
32GB Touch = $300
32GB Zune HD = $290
Just get those darn apps and bam, not only is it a “pocket computer” but one that’s better than the Touch.
75000 Apps,Apple Customer Care,Apple iPhone OS ,ITunes,Upcoming new tech to iPod Touch.
So the more Apps the better the platform? How many “apps” are there for Windows compare to OSX?
You **** more than enough apps…mac OSX is 10 times better than windows,,,ask any of IT guy or software engineer…
This is not stupid link,,check this out.
http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2009/09/15/zunehd-launched-appa.html
but it is about Stupid MS Stupid Tech.
I don’t know what you’re smoking, buddy, but I want some. Any IT guy or software engineer? Really? Let’s see, as a software engineer, I’ll tell you this: I’ll stick to Windows for my programming. And don’t even bother, I’m typing this on a Macbook Pro (which I only program on when coding for the iPhone).
I’m also an engineer.And i’m using mac.And I love it.Amazing.Windows is not close enough to maz as far as quality matters.
Superior LMAO The Zune HD is inferior in o0o so many ways.
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/09/14/from_oled_to_tegra_five_myths_of_the_zune_hd.html
You can stop spamming your stupid link now. We’ve seen you more than twice and that’s twice too many. Stupid tool.
that is my point why do we need two devices? can’t we have one that does it all? that is not iphone…
You look like Zuckerberg without a shave!
thnx for such gd post
Zune HD rocks man!!!!!. There should be a Zune HD phone too like the iPhone. Not to forget thanks for the walkthrough.
I dont think Microsoft will ever compete in phone market.It is not even close to Blackberry or Androis,And will never.iPhone is way ahead.
Even if they constructed a phone, I am sure someone would file a lawsuit stating Monopoly on it. Which seems to be the trend when they do thing like that lol.
Microsoft have done this before.
All I have to say is HTC Touch Pro 2! This device is amazing! And its running creeky old Windows Mobile 6.1! When Microsoft releases WinMo 7 on a new gen of hardware, whatch out!
Devin, the video was really great. Your speech was pleasant and informative. I hope in the future you work out the wi-fi beforehand. That would’ve saved time, and felt a little more professional, but that’s kind of moot. I’m sure it’s a little awkward trying to capture and deal with new devices, while talking about them.
I haven’t really followed you, but your iTunes lite article, and this video have both got my attention. Good stuff.
heh, thanks. I don’t use wi-fi at my apartment, basically. I was hoping one of the neighbors had left theirs open but in the end I had to just hijack it.
Oh well, I’d rather be informative than professional.
hahaha. i am going to use this on my professors and say if devin says this then it must be right.
“I’d rather be informative than professional.”
-Devin Coldewey
aside from that borrowing of wifi, it was a good runthrough of the zune interface. i also liked the “whatever” parts when you would get stuck on something you don’t remember but then get back to it later on and sync all the functions back together. aside from the rambling way this was set up (fun that it was a 1, 2, 3, steps thing but more of the way i would think to use this device), this was a really good video. I like the ping function and deleting album tracks i don’t want etc… this is a really good device. thanks m$.
Good “Unbiased” walkthrough/review and not unprofessional at all Devin… this is NEW Media, if people want suit and tie production values with all sizzle and no steak (so to speak), they can go watch prime time ‘network’ news.
Ha! I actually love the thumbnail! You’re a beauty! :)
It looks really awesome. I think Microsft made an amazing media player. I hope the apps they said they’ll provide are good.
next time don’t smoke so much before shooting a video :)
good review and good bands. it’s funny that someone’s taste in music has an influence on how i view what they have to say about a music player (as the art and the tech are really separate things), but there it is.
Screen looks horribly washed out in the light.
True, its below my expectation.Not as good as Microsoft is adervetising.
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/09/14/from_oled_to_tegra_five_myths_of_the_zune_hd.html
MS.. same $hit, slightly different name, and higher price.
no body beats the wiz : same $hit, same thread, 4th time, die in a fire, you bring nothing to this thread.
The browser sucs.Not good.Mobile safari and opera is way better.UI is ok also.And no you tube.This stupid MS sucks.
“http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/09/14/from_oled_to_tegra_five_myths”
Because we all know a site called “Apple Insider” is the place to go for objective review and commentary on Microsoft products.
I also dont follow Appleinsider becuase i dont have mac.But most of the story is true,thats sad for me.Becuase I had a hands on experience with ZHD.And I’m not happy.
Great product. I love to see quality competition as the end result is best products and lower prices for US, customers. :) Keep on competing!
Its great, got one yesterday
only thing I see a problem with is using it in the car
definitely wouldn’t recommend it, as i almost crashed trying.
Prolly just still use the 120
but other than that, this is a beauty, and would def recommend getting one :D
Whoa! I kinda snickered when I heard another Zune was coming out. The last one looked like a brick made of rubber.
But I started hearing positive buzz. Now looking at that screenshot next to its big brother. Wow!
Way to go Microsoft!
http://www.traderbots.com/stocks/Stock.aspx?symbol=msft
Review of the new Zune 4.0 software:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1D8oIC2gfg
OMG. its not that good.Its ok only.Zune is still behind.
I have something for you guys.
http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2009/09/15/zunehd-launched-appa.html
i actually thought the old zune was crap and i resisted buying it but now that i’ve seen it and have had experience using other people’s i(whatever device it is, touch, pod, phone, etc…), i think this might be something that i would buy. i like that it’s a clean shape, and i like the way they designed it. the button is useful aside from it being there for a design purpose, because otherwise it seems redundant since it’s all touch either way. sounds good. looks good. very intuitive. i almost can’t believe i’m saying this but good on you microsoft. i hope they take feedback from users and just keep updating it because it can be a really interesting media platform. i think they should have a goal not to embrace stagnancy and embrace new technology and programmers. i can’t believe i almost bought in to all that zune hate. it doesn’t even look that bad.
Microsoft fanboys is crying for its Zune HD
Looks like the best Zune up to date. Anyone know if it has Bluetooth? I can’t wait to try it. I was looking to change from wired to BT headsets. I found these bt headset but I can’t find the manufacturer http://www.budsgoblue.com/. They look cool but I wish they had more info
This zune is pretty damn cool. The only problem is that its not a phone aswell, simply because I rather have one thing in my pocket that plays music and calls rather than 2, the zune and a phone.
As for ipod vs zune, aside from the apps which bring a ton more functionality to the ipod touch, I would go with the zune.
If microsoft would integrate 3g in the zune and bring apps, it would be amazing (they should just make a zunephone which doesn’t have an overpriced monthly rate) <– I would buy it!
I think next iPod touch is with 5MP cam with video or more,with 3G/4G data plan option,HD capability upto 128 GB space,GPS & compass,25000 more apps to the Application Store.
@Mike
No it does not have bluetooth. The device looks amazing though.
Yeah,looks is fine.Performance & software is not as good as iPod touch.I like ipod design much better.Zune front is good ,back is horrible.
I think this thing looks great, but still… “MARKETPLAC” WTF!?
I know… it’s almost becoming a Zune mark of trade, the cut-off text there.
WTFOMGFBICIABBQ!!!!111 Blargh!!!!!111oneuno
Word is incomplete!!!!! Does. Not. Compute.
Seriously, get over yourself. It’s a design decision. If it makes such a huge difference to you, you are free to not buy it.
It can Bing. But can it squirt? That would be awesome.
if thats a weak attempt at a troll, nice work ill bite.
its got all the similar features of the previous zunes ’social’ wise (yeah, crap name but the idea is solid) so you can share stuff with your friends still
Nice
Ugh…. I’m tired of fanboys. If you like your product so much, why bash other one? The Zune and the iPod are aimed at different kind of people. The Zune is for people who want a good PMP and the iPod is for people who want a decent PMP and “a pocket computer”
Coming from a spot where everybody just needs to hate you just because you are Microsoft (and surely not being Apple): they really did something good with the ZuneHD; not groundbreaking but good, and especially for Microsoft.
Any Zune users out there rate the software you get with it to manage your tunes on a mac? Can you use iTunes? I’m not averse to change, I’m just not up for moving all my stuff… ugh laziness…
Look this are an honest reviews from different media.
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/09/17/review_roundup_zune_hd_plays_catchup_to_ipod_touch.html
Great video tour of the Zune HD!
Thanks.
My local Best Buys are sold out. Amazon still has it though (only 16, 32 is sold out)
[Amazon self-link removed by editor]
People spamming with their Amazon associate links or what have you WILL be moderated. If you have nothing to add, go away.
So… you have to sneak behind a bar to search the web?