Say Hello to the Zune HD [Archive] - Thoughts Media Forums

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Jason Dunn

05-27-2009, 05:50 AM

See, I had this plan tonight. I was out at a meeting and was getting home a full 45 minutes before the press embargo on the Zune HD was up, so Zune Thoughts would be one of the first sites to bring you the awesome news about the Zune HD. Then a site in the UK broke their embargo and everyone was allowed to publish the news...and I didn't realize that until I got home and checked my email. So that's why Zune Thoughts is bringing you this news late - hopefully when it come to actual hands-on time with the Zune HD, we'll be able to deliver something unique and special. Without further ado, here is the Zune HD and what I'm allowed to say about it so far (yes, there are a few bits of info that I know but can't share yet).<img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/zt/auto/1243397162.usr1.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" />The Zune HD is designed from the ground up to take on the iPod Touch head to head. The hardware design is completely different from previous Zunes - one look at the sleek thinness tells you that. Microsoft wanted to get some information out about the Zune HD, but they're not spilling all the details just yet. Here's what we know for sure. <MORE />The Zune Rocks a 3.3 inch OLED Touch Screen: If you haven't seen an OLED screen in person, it's hard to describe how completely OLED kicks the ass of any other screen on the playground. Think about your mobile phone from ten years ago and the screen it had, now compare that to what you have today. OLED is an even bigger improvement. It's hard to say exactly how good the screen on the Zune HD will look until I see it in person, but I've seen plenty of OLED screens at CES, everything from a cell phone screen to the screen on the OQO, to a small TV, and each and every one has impressed the hell out of me. Amazing contrast, stunning brightness, and life-like in every way. The Zune's 3.3 inch screen should make the screen on the iPod Touch pale in comparison - and the iPod Touch's screen makes the Zune 80/120 screen look bad, so that's no small feat.My one concern? The 16:9 aspect ratio screen on the Zune HD is 480 x 272 in resolution. That resolution isn't very high - the iPod Touch has a screen resolution of 480 x 320. That's right - more pixels. The 16:9 aspect ratio gives the Zune HD a 167 PPI (pixels per inch). The iPod Touch has a higher resolution, but also a bigger screen, so it has a PPI of 163 - pretty much indistinguishable from the Zune HD. If you've seen an iPod Touch, text, photos, and videos should look basically as crisp and clear on the Zune HD. Quite a bit better than the 125 PPI of the Zune 80/120, but nowhere near as crisp and clear as the amazing 222 PPI on the Zune 8/16. I would have liked to see Microsoft go past the screen resolution on the iPod Touch, not just match it - but maybe the OLED screen will make up for that. Oh, and the Zune HD has a capacitive touch screen, just like the iPod Touch. Capacitive touch screens tend to be more sensitive to touch and are generally considered to be superior to resistive touch screens (which all touch-based Windows Mobile smartphones currently have).<img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/zt/auto/1243398186.usr1.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" />The Zune HD Rocks HD Radio: I know very little about HD Radio, never having heard an HD radio broadcast in my life. You can read all about HD Radio on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HD_Radio" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>. My take on it is that it's like having a fax machine: if you have the ability to receive, but no one is sending, it's a pretty worthless technology. It looks like there are a healthy number of radio stations broadcasting HD Radio (you can <a href="http://www.hdradio.com/" target="_blank">check availability here</a>), but whether or not you can find your favourite radio station broadcasting in HD Radio is anyone's guess. HD Radio has the ability to bring metadata along with the broadcast, so you can see who sings the song you're listening to, and potentially tag it for looking up later. Oh, and in case you're wondering (I was), regular FM radio is still supported.The Zune HD Outputs HD Video: As you can guess from the name, the Zune HD is all about high-definition content. On the device, the graphics chipset (which just has to be the Nvidia Tegra chip) will support the playback of 720p video content. That's 1280 x 720 content, scaled to fit on the 3.3 inch screen of the Zune. Super high-quality video anyone? Hell yeah! Should be great. Zero word on formats - we can assume HD WMV support, and the Zune would be insane to drop MPEG4/h.264 support, but who knows...what it really needs is Xvid/Divx support to round out the offering. If Microsoft is positioning this as a video device - and with that screen, you know they are - but they're still lacking a major video codec, it's going to be a huge loss. People won't buy a device that won't play back their content. Xvid and Divx support needs to be there - and MKV support is Microsoft is serious. There will also be a dock that will output the HD video over HDMI. This makes the Zune a fantastic portable media device - rip a few DVDs, load up a few HD TV shows, and bring it with you.The Zune HD Smurfs the Interwebs: Finally, the Zune has a browser. It's based on Internet Explorer, so I'm dubious about how well it will work, but this combined with the built-in WiFi opens up the ability of the Zune HD to use browser-based authentication, which means WiFi in hotel rooms, airports, etc. That's a critical feature that the Zune was missing, and this makes the Zune far more usable in real-world situations. How functionality will the browser be? Will it be the same browser we've seen in Windows Mobile 6.5, which isn't all that impressive? Or will it be something else? Will it support Flash? Embedded videos in formats that the device supports? The Zune HD also has an accelerometerThere's still a lot we don't know. CPU? Unknown. Storage capacity? We know it's Flash-based, no a hard drive, but we don't know the capacities. Will they match the iPod at 16 GB and 32 GB, or will they one-up them and offer a 64 GB model? Unknown. We don't know anything about the software on the device - will the video and photo apps have been improved? What about battery life? That's a big question - a big, bright OLED screen and HD video playback puts a big question mark on the battery. And what about price point? Will Microsoft match the iPod Touch, or under-cut it? And you'll notice there's no mention of it being available outside the USA right away - that's right, Microsoft is again being US-centric in their focus at launch time. It looks like Canada is going from having Zune hardware, but no marketplace, to having no new Zune hardware, and still no Zune Marketplace.There's more analysis and thoughts from yours truly to come, but I definitely want to hear your opinion. Does the Zune HD look like something you'd want to buy? Yes, no, maybe? If not, why not? And if maybe, what are you waiting to hear confirmed before you want one?Jason Dunn owns and operates <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/" target="_blank">Thoughts Media Inc.</a>, a company dedicated to creating the best in online communities. He enjoys <a href="http://photos.jasondunn.com/" target="_blank">photography</a>, mobile devices, <a href="http://www.jasondunn.com/" target="_blank">blogging</a>, digital media content creation/editing, and pretty much all technology. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his lovely wife, and his sometimes obedient dog. He really wants to get his hands on the Zune HD.<img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" />Do you enjoy using new hardware, software and accessories, then sharing your experience with others? Then join us on the <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Thoughts Media Review Team</a>! We're looking for individuals who find it fun to test new gear and give their honest opinions about the experience. It's a volunteer role with some great perks. Interested? <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Then click here for more information.</a><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" />

Adam Krebs

05-27-2009, 07:47 AM

Here's hoping for some international love this time around. Gizmodo seems to think (http://gizmodo.com/5270945/zune-hd-is-real-has-multitouch-web-browsing-oled-screen-and-hd-video) it's so: "Other tidbits: The Zune Marketplace is set to cross oceans, coming to several western European countries and, finally, Canada."

And damn this thing looks cool. If the Tegra stuff is even half as cool as the videos show it to be, I might not know how to react :)

Also, I think the black back looks a lot better than the grey one. I'll hold out judgment on platinum until I see more shots. Fall can't come soon enough!

Stinger

05-27-2009, 08:16 AM

Please bring this to the UK with a Zune Pass option! I'm fed up of Apple charging for iPod touch software updates.

Kacey Green

05-27-2009, 11:40 AM

I don't mind flash-based, but my 120 is nearly full, maybe a 128 GB ssd option? or if there is anything like that out there, I don't want them to do like the itouch and have the audiophiles stuck with last gen hardware.

Kacey Green

05-27-2009, 11:41 AM

I just thought of this, WMV HD is pretty chunky you'd need more than the 120s to get a nice comfortable amount of both video and audio in there

SoundMix

05-27-2009, 12:57 PM

Not interested, unless they have a 120GB model.:(

inteller

05-27-2009, 01:28 PM

going to Europe only....I see they have figured out a way to wiggle out of providing unicode support.

inteller

05-27-2009, 01:59 PM

what prevents the Zune 30/80/120 from providing 480p out? They allowed the Zune 80 to do 480i out with the Home A/V kit, but the FReescale CPU in these is capable of doing much more. I think if they can do it, they should provide a firmware update to do 480p out if attached to the new dock. It would sell more docks, and give those who cant afford to the ZuneHD to at least get DVD quality on their TV.

"
Smart, Serial and Parallel Panels,
TV out, 2 Simultaneous Displays
800 x 600"

Hell according to the Freescale website it whould be able to do TV out and display on screen at the same time, but I understand showing two different orientations might be difficult.

Brothernod

05-27-2009, 02:43 PM

First and foremost I'm very excited that they are announcing this now as I know a couple people contemplating a PMP purchase this summer that I wanted to steer towards the Zune.

The OLED screen really excites me and might be enough alone to get me to purchase the device. I already have an 80 and an iPhone and was looking for something with a larger screen solely for video watching, but an OLED screen might be awesome enough to sacrifice size for.

The HD radio also excites me, but mostly as a curiosity. I never got good enough signal on my Zune to care with FM, but it's still a very interesting differentiating and bold move which I wholly support.

After that my next thoughts were off the loss of buttons :/ One of my favorite things about my Zune 80 is being able to change songs without pulling it out of a pocket (I can usually click forward or back a track through my jeans even which is convenient to the max). I also mostly use my Zune in the car, and honestly I was always hesitant using my iPhone as a media player in the car since I can't skip tracks and stuff without looking, which feels pretty unsafe. I thought Sony's top buttons were brilliant and was hoping Microsoft might copy that. ::shrug::

I'm curious about the E3 announcement, as it seems like it indicates there will be some serious gaming on this, or heavy 360 integration. Either could be very cool. Selling this as a PSP (though I find it hard to believe a non button device can be considered in the same catagory as a button'd game player) would be a great angle for my friend to get one (the lack of car stereo integration has been what's prevented him from moving over so we can share songs at work).

What I really want to see is a video rental service for the Zune and 360 like the Zune pass. Netflix is cool, but it's all streaming which doesn't do my Zune any good, and the selection is pretty hit or miss. Having a video service where I could get my TV shows on my TV, and on my Zune for when I head out, would be amazing and I think a strong bullet point for the Zune/360/Microsoft ecosystem.

I still have to keep my 80 as I travel a lot and like to have my whole music collection and a season of tv with me at all times, so unfortunately this can't replace my current Zune...... but maybe with some of the news to come it might get purchased anyway to complement it.

inteller

05-27-2009, 03:52 PM

unless Microsoft is just really dumb, I don't think this is the only device. I think a gaming oriented zune will be unveiled at E3. It is simply impossible for Microsoft to take on Apple with one device. They need two twists of the same device, one geared towards music/video and the other geared towards gaming....but both can do the other limitedly.

This device as it is needs to be a 32Gb SSD for $199. A gaming oriented device with 64Gb SSD needs to be $299.

However, if they try to push this one device as gaming/music/everything for $299 they have failed.

Brothernod

05-27-2009, 04:36 PM

I don't know about that. I don't think I want 10 different "zune" products and to have to try to explain to a family member or friend exactly which one does what they want.

I can understand more expensive devices doing more, but things need to remain simple, 3 product lines seems to make sense, it mimics Apple, in a good way.

I also don't think a $300 gaming portable device would sell. I know I wouldn't buy one. I wonder just how many of the non-base model flash devices sell. Considering they double in storage every year, it always seem silly to go above the base model.

Jason Dunn

05-27-2009, 04:53 PM

Here's hoping for some international love this time around. Gizmodo seems to think (http://gizmodo.com/5270945/zune-hd-is-real-has-multitouch-web-browsing-oled-screen-and-hd-video) it's so: "Other tidbits: The Zune Marketplace is set to cross oceans, coming to several western European countries and, finally, Canada."

Yeah, there's another article I have to publish where Chris Stephenson talks about the plans for releasing marketplace across the pond.

Also, I think the black back looks a lot better than the grey one. I'll hold out judgment on platinum until I see more shots. Fall can't come soon enough!

Yeah, I'll want to see them in person too, but I think the black looks slick

Jason Dunn

05-27-2009, 04:55 PM

Please bring this to the UK with a Zune Pass option! I'm fed up of Apple charging for iPod touch software updates.

This is a curious statement. :) You're saying you'd switch to the Zune if you had access to the Zune Pass, but only because the Zune updates are free? You can switch today and not have to pay for updates if you don't mind not having the Zune Pass.

Jason Dunn

05-27-2009, 05:12 PM

I don't mind flash-based, but my 120 is nearly full, maybe a 128 GB ssd option? or if there is anything like that out there

The problem is cost. 128 GB SSD is still very expensive - it would drive up the cost of the device to the point where it wouldn't recoup the costs of making it. I'd love a 128 GB SSD version, but not if it cost $699. So I think you're going to be out of luck - it just means you can't keep EVERYTHING you want on the Zune HD at once and have to ration your storage a bit. :)

Jason Dunn

05-27-2009, 05:14 PM

I just thought of this, WMV HD is pretty chunky you'd need more than the 120s to get a nice comfortable amount of both video and audio in there

Yeah, here's definitely a tension between a Flash-based device that will have limited storage (compared to a hard drive model) and the fact that it can play back HD content, which takes up lots of storage space. I wish Flash memory were cheaper and they could do a 128 GB device and keep the price low...but we're not there yet. :(

Jason Dunn

05-27-2009, 05:16 PM

what prevents the Zune 30/80/120 from providing 480p out? They allowed the Zune 80 to do 480i out with the Home A/V kit, but the FReescale CPU in these is capable of doing much more.

Nearly all modern TVs will interlace a de-interlaced signal, so 480i vs 480p is basically a moot point. And 640 x 480 is DVD resolution (720 x 480 is that whole square vs. non-square pixel thing). So you've already gotten your wish. It's just not that impressive. ;)

Jason Dunn

05-27-2009, 05:22 PM

After that my next thoughts were off the loss of buttons :/ One of my favorite things about my Zune 80 is being able to change songs without pulling it out of a pocket

Yeah, that's one of the things I'm grumpy about as well - touch is all well and good, but by getting rid of the d-pad and the buttons, it's less useful as a device in a lot of ways. Pure touch games for instance are much more limited than games based around a d-pad and buttons. I think that by them going for a 16:9 aspect ratio, they dropped off the d-pad to prevent it from getting too tall. They could have left a few buttons on there though...I really like the speed of navigation and use that the buttons give me on the Zune we have today. Navigating the iPod Touch is sloooow in comparison when it comes to music.

What I really want to see is a video rental service for the Zune and 360 like the Zune pass. Netflix is cool, but it's all streaming which doesn't do my Zune any good, and the selection is pretty hit or miss.

But what if you could download the Netflix content? I think we're going to see some interesting announcements at E3.

Jason Dunn

05-27-2009, 05:26 PM

This device as it is needs to be a 32Gb SSD for $199. A gaming oriented device with 64Gb SSD needs to be $299.

On what planet is a 32 GB Flash device $199? Apple buys more Flash memory than basically anyone on the planet, so they get better prices than anyone else...and their 32 GB device is $399. What an imagination you have! :eek:

As for a gaming device, nah, I don't see that happening. Microsoft can't take on Apple AND Nintendo at the same time. It's just too much - and they have more than enough trouble trying to match up to Apple's offerings.

Some of the rumours that originated on other sites are downright stupid. When the Zune HD is fully unveiled a lot of people are going to have egg on the faces about what their supposed "sources" told them. People are willing to believe anything it seems...

inteller

05-27-2009, 06:09 PM

"When the Zune HD is fully unveiled a lot of people are going to have egg on the faces about what their supposed "sources" told them."

WTF? It HAS been revealed.

Brothernod

05-27-2009, 06:46 PM

Jason, do you know (are allowed to say) a rough release window? Just curious if I need to tell my friends to wait until September or October, it's kind of hard to suggest a non-technical person waits 4 months for something they want as is.

I also gotta say I didn't believe the OLED rumor when I heard it, so the rumor mill made a great call on that one. I figured they were still too expensive based on Sony's pricing for it.

As far as navigating I have mixed feelings. When it comes to actually manipulating my playing music I'll take my zune over my iPhone hands down. Skipping tracks and restarting them and pausing with a single press just can't be beat by a touch screen with multipresses and a requirement to look. When it comes to selecting music though, I don't know. I tend to overshoot my target with my Zune a lot which is annoying, and the ability to skip directly to a letter by pressing on the side of the iPhone is very nice.
Ignoring input method the on the go playlist features of the iPod beat the Zune hands down (man is it annoying having to click ok after each song). I'd really like to see improvements there from Microsoft.

I have a lot of love for my Zune, and a big part of that is their love for me, their consumer. The fact that they actively work to update the device I purchased years after I purchased it, builds a lot of loyalty. I think any one that accepts Apple's "accounting" excuses for charging for iPod touch updates is a mindless sheep.

Keep up the great site Jason.

snap

05-27-2009, 06:57 PM

Jason Dunn

05-27-2009, 07:00 PM

WTF? It HAS been revealed.

What's been revealed thus far are a few photos and the very basics about the hardware. We know nothing about the software on the device, the services powering the device, the updates to Zune Marketplace, very little about the Xbox 360 changes, etc. All that talk about being able to play Xbox 360 games on the Zune? We know nothing about that yet.

And tone down your rude dial or you'll be taking a vacation from this site for a while - I'm tired of the bad attitude you throw around here. There's no need for it.

Jason Dunn

05-27-2009, 07:08 PM

Jason, do you know (are allowed to say) a rough release window? Just curious if I need to tell my friends to wait until September or October, it's kind of hard to suggest a non-technical person waits 4 months for something they want as is.

"This fall" is the only date that Microsoft is giving out, so that's all I can say. Sorry. :o

Jason Dunn

05-27-2009, 07:10 PM

Any word about any further SW updates to the older Zune models? I suspect not since they are moving to a new interface, but perhaps some new Xbox-to-Zune integration features could be added that would work for all models?

There's nothing I can share about that right now, but when Microsoft is willing to answer those questions you can be sure I'll be asking them. :)

inteller

05-27-2009, 07:22 PM

the services powering the device, the updates to Zune Marketplace, very little about the Xbox 360 changes, etc.

oh really?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2009/may/27/microsoft-zunehd

"Zune Video enables users to download movies to their Xbox (http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/xbox) 360, and existing subscribers to Xbox Live are expected to be offered unlimited access to Microsoft's video catalogue for a single extra payment each month."

You are a journalist (or at least you make this site give the appearances of one). Criticism comes with the job/hobby/whatever you want to call it. If you want to pull out bans on your critics or whatever then fine it is your perogative and your credibility will advance accordingly.

Jason Dunn

05-27-2009, 07:47 PM

oh really? "Zune Video enables users to download movies to their Xbox (http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/xbox) 360, and existing subscribers to Xbox Live are expected to be offered unlimited access to Microsoft's video catalogue for a single extra payment each month."

Zune Marketplace replacing the Xbox Video Marketplace doesn't tell us anything about the device integration, and that's what I was referring to in saying that there's much we don't know yet about the Zune HD. Other sites threw around the idea of being able to download a movie on their Xbox then watch it on the Zune - or downloading a movie on the Zune then watching it via their Xbox. What about Xbox Live games? The rumour was we'd be able to copy a game from the Xbox 360 to the Zune, play it on the Zune, then resume playing it on the Xbox 360. Not a word about that yet, is there? There is more to be learned about this whole new platform and device - that's all I was saying.

You are a journalist (or at least you make this site give the appearances of one). Criticism comes with the job/hobby/whatever you want to call it.

I'm fine with criticism of my opinions - people are free to disagree with me all they want. You have a tendency to criticize the person rather than the opinion - and I view you throwing a "WTF?" my way as exactly that. It's rude. That's not acceptable in this forum, and if you look around, you're the only one doing it here. There's simply no need for it, and I'm politely asking you to stop.

ACE

05-27-2009, 08:19 PM

I have to say, I'm a bit skeptical about the ZuneHD. I'm a big time Zune fan, but have had my hopes up high in the past to only have my hopes dashed by mediocre, upgradable features (Canadians should know this all to well with the Zune Marketplace - or the lack of it with MS saying "soon!").

The initial release of information still lends to the notion that the combined services of the Xbox and Zune will be minimal. I'm freakin' out about the ZuneHD's web browser being based upon IE - hopefully it's a peak at the browser for WinMo 7 instead of using any iteration of mobile IE thus far.

Call me a glass-is-half-empty kinda guy, but I've gone through this many a time with Zune. I'm hoping for the best, but expecting the worst... But I wish it were vice versa...

inteller

05-27-2009, 09:30 PM

I'm fine with criticism of my opinions - people are free to disagree with me all they want. You have a tendency to criticize the person rather than the opinion - and I view you throwing a "WTF?" my way as exactly that. It's rude. That's not acceptable in this forum, and if you look around, you're the only one doing it here. There's simply no need for it, and I'm politely asking you to stop.

***long quote trimmed by mod JD***

:confused:OMG I suggest if you are going to maintain an op-ed blog publication to get thicker skin. An opinion by its nature is personal if being presented by the originator, which in this case it is. If I attacked you for presenting someone else's opinion that would be a different matter...don't shoot the messenger as they say. But it isn't. And to suggest I'm some anomaly because I'm the only one leveling criticism is pretty :rolleyes:.

As a Zune oriented site, I find it a little discouraging to come here and not find the latest Zune news and have to go get my Zune fix from a generalist site like engadget. I thought the whole point of Zune MVPs were to provide them info before everyone else.

jdmichal

05-27-2009, 10:46 PM

Jason Dunn

05-27-2009, 11:08 PM

We're having a rip-roaring discussion about the Zune HD over in the Apple Thoughts forums:

http://forums.thoughtsmedia.com/f383/microsoft-announces-zune-hd-93889.html

Join in. :)

Stinger

05-27-2009, 11:15 PM

This is a curious statement. :) You're saying you'd switch to the Zune if you had access to the Zune Pass, but only because the Zune updates are free? You can switch today and not have to pay for updates if you don't mind not having the Zune Pass.

I don't think free updates is enough to swap in itself.

However, combine that with the Zune Pass, and a similar form-factor to my current iPod touch, and Microsoft might have a deal.

inteller

05-28-2009, 12:01 AM

Jason is only speaking what he knows is the truth here. And he has made it pretty clear that he knows more, but is not able to say it yet. Forgive him for obeying the rules.

Now if you want those random rumors, feel free to go to those other sites. Maybe their contacts don't play by the rules as well as Jason's. Or maybe they're just making up random **** to get page hits. But don't fault Jason for not reposting every random Zune article and rumor on the internets.

I for one am happy to have a site where I can go and get true news, instead of what mostly amounts to random noise that I don't have time for. That's why I'm here.

the reposts of stuff I already know are here already. if I want to know what free stuff I can get from marketplace I'll just open up my email and read the newsletter.

I think what this amounts to is a post that was poo pooing some people for throwing out rumors (a lot of which came true) , saying that they were going to eat their words etc etc and now it is pooh pooh because the scoop came out and it wasn't here.

When UK sites are blowing the lid off of Zune stories something is very wrong. They don't even have Zunes int he UK so how are they getting the dirt before the Zune "MVPs"?

I mean the Zune HD images that came out what, a month ago? Instead of saying stuff like "this is what the HD MIGHT look like" just go ahead and say "yep that's it" if you know.

Jason Dunn

05-28-2009, 12:17 AM

When UK sites are blowing the lid off of Zune stories something is very wrong. They don't even have Zunes int he UK so how are they getting the dirt before the Zune "MVPs"?

The Zune MVPs got information a few hours before the press embargo was due to be lifted - at 12:01 AM eastern time. Other press sites got the same information and were under the same deadline. The particular site in the UK that you're referring to broke the press embargo - I think it was an accident, but who knows - and when they did that, Microsoft had no choice but to lift the press embargo across the board. I was unfortunately out for a few hours and didn't know this until I returned a few hours later. I've already expained this once - what part of that don't you understand?

Instead of saying stuff like "this is what the HD MIGHT look like" just go ahead and say "yep that's it" if you know.

Do you understand what an NDA is? I can't confirm rumours or speculation without breaking my NDA and getting kicked out of the MVP program. Is there something you don't understand about that?

inteller

05-28-2009, 12:36 AM

The Zune MVPs got information a few hours before the press embargo was due to be lifted - at 12:01 AM eastern time. Other press sites got the same information and were under the same deadline. The particular site in the UK that you're referring to broke the press embargo - I think it was an accident, but who knows - and when they did that, Microsoft had no choice but to lift the press embargo across the board. I was unfortunately out for a few hours and didn't know this until I returned a few hours later. I've already expained this once - what part of that don't you understand?

Do you understand what an NDA is? I can't confirm rumours or speculation without breaking my NDA and getting kicked out of the MVP program. Is there something you don't understand about that?

I guess a better question for yourself is, what has adhering to an NDA and being an MVP exactly got you thus far?

more news that hasn't been reported here:

"Zune HD will be a music player, not a super-device"

Zune HD will be a music player, not a super-device | Digital Noise: Music and Tech - CNET News (http://news.cnet.com/8301-13526_3-10250240-27.html)

"I spoke to the Zune marketing team this morning, and they didn't have much to say beyond those points. In fact, they weren't originally planning on saying anything until later this summer, but felt they needed to set expectations for Zune customers in light of all the rumors. "

I thought being an MVP was something exclusive, yet CNET seems to get the goods? Seems like anyone can call them up and report.

If I were in your shoes I'd feel like I was getting played for a chump.

Jason Dunn

05-28-2009, 03:27 AM

I thought being an MVP was something exclusive, yet CNET seems to get the goods? Seems like anyone can call them up and report.
If I were in your shoes I'd feel like I was getting played for a chump.

You know, I was going to respond to your post point by point, but I was reminded of the old adage:

"Never argue with a fool, they will lower you to their level and then beat you with experience."

You're banned. Go find another site that can live up to your impossible expectations.

colmets123

05-28-2009, 04:21 AM

I really like the look of the device. I would only get one if it comes in a 80gb or 120gb. I have tons of music and a 32gb device will not cut it. It will probably be more expensive because of the size but i will most def pick one up. I also read some where on the web that it will come in a 120gb size. Maybe wishful thinking but if your going to use XBOX live to download music,games or videos you will definitely need a device at least up to 80gb. :)

jdmichal

05-28-2009, 02:01 PM

I think the only thing I'm really worried about with storage size is the combination of HD and flash memory. I'm really excited about the prospects of not having to transcode, but even 32GB is not enough for more than a season of decent HD content (720p). I'm already used to carrying around my entire TV show collection on my 120.

Conclusion: I don't think I'd get one of these in anything less than 64GB.

Jason Dunn

05-28-2009, 08:17 PM

I'm really excited about the prospects of not having to transcode, but even 32GB is not enough for more than a season of decent HD content (720p). I'm already used to carrying around my entire TV show collection on my 120.

I'm the same way - if they do a 32 GB one, or even a 64 GB one, I can't put my entire music collection on there, let alone TV/movie content. BUT...if the viewing/usage experience is light years better, I'm personally willing to carry less with me and have a better overall experience. That's just me though. :)

Lee Yuan Sheng

05-28-2009, 09:06 PM

On what planet is a 32 GB Flash device $199?

Does Creative count? :P

Jason Dunn

05-28-2009, 09:15 PM

Does Creative count? :P

The Zen X-Fi? Well, sort of. The 32 GB unit is $249 USD right now, regular price is $279 USD. I betcha Creative spent $100 USD on the 32 GB Flash and $50 on the unit itself. It's not a very high-end unit from what I've seen...but it does have lots of storage, I'll give it that.