Zune HD is coming!!!
Consider yourself lucky if you’ve avoided all the hype so far.
Microsoft has been trying to build-up a head of steam in advance of the release of their third-generation portable music player – the Zune.
The new model is called Zune HD and Microsoft has been deftly “leaking” information about the newest device.
In addition to Wi-Fi synchronization Zune is also capable of storing and playing of your compressed music files – will also store and play compressed high-definition video files (up to 10 hours worth, 720p), let you listen to HD radio stations in your area (if there are HD radio stations to listen to) and also browse the Web. The HD moniker makes sense.
All of this is facilitated by the first Zune touch-controlled screen. It’s a 3.3-inch (diagonal), 19-by-9 inch OLED beauty capable of 480 by 272 resolution.
There are also some interesting accessories about to be made available for the new player: the Zune HD and AV Dock charges and syncs while playing 720p HD videos on HDTVs – and you can play HD Radio, music and podcasts from your new Zune through your car stereo with the Zune Premium Car Pack.
There are actually two new Zune HDs: a 16GB Black model ($219.99 MSRP) and 32GB Platinum ($289.99).
You can order them online as well as from Amazon.com, Best Buy, Wal-Mart and Microsoft.
Beginning Saturday, both 16GB and 32GB Zune HDs will be available in five different colors with the option to customize them with one of 10 new engravings designed by guest artists.
Two points of order:
Microsoft has never supported full-fidelity (16/44) WAV music files on Zune hardware or software. Apple does support those files (and higher resolution, 24/192 files) on iTunes and iPods. Hopefully Microsoft will step up to the plate and allow good-sounding files to be played on their portable devices.
Does anyone know what a Zune is? Does anybody really care? Do you know anyone who owns one – or is thinking of buying one? I don’t.