Microsoft's Zune HD Comes to Market
The Computer Giant’s Answer to Apple’s iPod isn’t up to the Task
Sep 15, 2009
Zune is what Microsoft likes to call its end-to-end digital entertainment device; and, in that mode, it's set head-to-head against the battalion of iPod nanos and iPod Touch devices that Apple has in the field. With the release of the Zune HD touch-screen media player, Microsoft has definitely moved a little closer.
The Good News About the Zune HD
Zune HD has stepped up its hardware game, offering an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) multitouch screen, an NVIDIA Tegra HD processor and first-of-its-kind HD Radio capabilities. It’s also tuned up its software. Quickplay--a new signature menu for Zune--allows users one-touch access to favorites and media most recently added. It will help you spend less time flipping through menus to get where you want to go.
HD Video and Music on the Zune HD
Users will be able to connect to a streaming music service on Zune.net that allows Zune Pass subscribers access to music from a Web browser. Zune also plans a video offering on Xbox LIVE coming later this fall.
The Zune HD's portable HD Radio receiver, is pretty cool and, as mentioned earlier, is the first of its kind on a WiFi-enabled device. HD Radio gives users access to over 2,000 stations in the U.S. and have access to more than 1,000 stations that simulcast content in a variety of formats. If a user hears a song they like, they can tag it, an then buy it, either immediately or back home on a PC.
Microsoft also has upped its profile by having standard and high-definition movies and videos available for rental or purchase on the Zune Marketplace online store.
Users can store and play back 720p HD video files to any HDTV using the new Zune HD AV dock accessory, some kind of “PortaDune”. Users can buy or rent movies and take their Zune and dock on road trips, say to a friend’s house or on vacation, and hook into big HD screens.
Two Models of Zune HD to Chose From
Microsoft is offering two distinct models of the new Zune HD, a black-cased 16GB version that lists for $219.99, and a platinum 32GB model with an MSRP of $289.99. Consumers also can buy the platinum body style in red, green and blue and can even have special “Zune Original” designs and words etched into the cases.
The Bad News About Zune HD
It's not so much what the new Zune HD has that's the problem, it's what it doesn't have that will be problematic for Microsoft.
Zune’s top-of-the-line 32GB platinum model is $10 less than a new 32GB iPod Touch, but buyers can still buy an 8GB iPod Touch for $199; cheaper than the Zune entry level model. And, for even less ($149) they could get an iPod Nano that comes with an FM tuner and a video camera.
But, while there’s arguably not that much difference between the two’s hardware offerings than a few bucks, Zune goes dark on the application front.
There’s nothing in Zuneville to compare with Apple’s App Store. And there's the rub. It's an abyss that Microsoft doesn’t even have set plans to bridge (beyond a sad little “coming soon” that sighs almost as woefully as does PC in those brilliant PC vs. Mac commercials).
For social networkers, Zune HD doesn’t even offer Twitter or Facebook functionality. Again, Microsoft says those apps are on the horizon for later this year.
Microsoft does say it hope to have a dedicated app store later this year, but history with various marketing promises and roll-outs of online services has taught the buying public to be wary of such claims.
Zune HD is a better product than its previous iteration. It competes well with the iPod Touch in terms of hardware, music and movies. But for many, it may well be left in the dust when it comes to actual usability.
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