New Zune HD Pics, Video, and Release Info Surfaces

[Adam Krebs]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://gizmodo.com/5302077/rumor-zune-hd-comes-in-1632gb-sizes-launches-september-8' target='_blank'>http://gizmodo.com/5302077/rumor-zu...hes-september-8</a><br /><br /></div><p>Gizmodo got a tip about the release date of the new Zune HD, including this cool product shot below:</p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/zt/auto/1245941167.usr495.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><p>They're saying the device will launch on September 8 and come in 16 and 32 GB varieties, which jibes well with what we've heard so far.&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, Engadget's got a <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/zune-hd-video-hands-on-quickie/" target="_blank">video hands-on</a> with the device and photo gallery including shots of the dock. There's no music loaded so we can't see all the cool improvements in that department (check out this <a href="http://vimeo.com/4889455" target="_blank">older video</a> to see some of them), but if you needed another look at the power of Tegra, it's still as awesome as ever. Also, the last frame in the video shows that Internet is indeed a top-level menu item, not hidden in "more" as previously thought. Personally, I'm interested in the promo pictures behind the album art while playing music (see the picture, above). I think it would be really cool if it had a smaller version of the Now Playing visualizations that the software has featured since v3; it really does feel more engaging with the music you're listening to.</p>

[Espiox]

I hope that image doesn't mean that 32GB models will only come in silver. I'd rather like a black one but there's no way I'm getting anything less than 32GB.

[Adam Krebs]

Same. I really hope they don't take too long to come out with the 64 GB version though.

[Jason Dunn]

I hope that image doesn't mean that 32GB models will only come in silver. I'd rather like a black one but there's no way I'm getting anything less than 32GB.

Same here - I want the black one, but definitely want the 32 GB version.

[SoundMix]

I will predict these will not sell any better than the old Zunes. I'm perfectly happy with my 80GB Zune and would never trade it for one of these size challenged models. I would like 120 GB or larger Zune with the new features. And I'd like to play the DRM files on my Zune that already play in Media Center. The Zune staff has no clue to what is important. In many ways they are as arrogant as Apple. Where is Bill Gates when you need him?

Extremely dissappointed! :mad:

SoundMix

[Jason Dunn]

I would like 120 GB or larger Zune with the new features. And I'd like to play the DRM files on my Zune that already play in Media Center.

I'm curious - what sort of hardware features would you add? Being thinner, lighter, a 3D chip (Tegra), and having an OLED screen isn't on your list - so what is?

[jentse]

I think what soundmix means, is that it's disappointing there doesn't seem to come a high-capacity Zune HD (at least not yet..). Same for me. :(
The new hardware features are all great, but it just doesn't make sense to buy a HD when you suddenly have to choose what content to put on it. Already, my Zune80 is too 'small' to hold all my music, so that's why I wouldn't buy a 32g Zune HD.

IMO, Microsoft has made a mistake here, by not offering a 120/132 Gb model of the Zune HD. Because that would really be a USP over the iTouch!!
When 132 Gb flash would be too expensive, I could do well with a slightly more bulky 120/180 Gb harddrive based model of the Zune HD. :cool:

Let's just wait what will happen the next 6 months. As long as they're not releasing it here in Europe, there's no need for me to be interested/complaining anyway... :mad:

[SoundMix]

Hi Jason,

Since you asked.

I do not believe a touch screen is better than hard buttons. I own a Cowon D2. The screen is always smudgy with fingerprints. It is much harder to navigate while being active (exercise).

Memory....the new Zune is a mentally deprived...with only 16GB..it is extemely limited. It won't hold very many Podcasts/family pictures/videos/movies/or music. I do not want to juggle my content.

No external memory card support. Even my $40 Sandisk supports external memory. This is a huge mistake.

Still no hardware EQ. The first MP3 players had EQ. And all of the good sounding ones still do.

No Ogg. A better audio compresser than MP3 or wma. Again all the better sounding players support ogg.

The best part of Zune is it's PC software...it forgives some of the shortcomings of the hardware, but it doesn't communicate well with MS Media Center or Media Player and it will not allow me to transfer anything to my other players.

WMC and WMP allow me to play all my content through my network and see/listen to it on my TV, DirecTV or Blu-ray player and they work with all of my players except Zune.

Zune software works ONLY with the Zune and Xbox. And the Zune will not play/convert DRM video files that play in ALL my other players, TV, DirecTV, and in WMC and WMP. Why doesn't Microsoft support the Zune in WMP. I expect this from Apple, not MS Zune.

What good is an oled screen for playing music? I did not buy an MP3 player to play games. And have fun playing without buttons. I can't play some of the video content I own (I can on my D2), so what good is higher resolution? If I want something to play HQ video and audio, I want at least 120gb.

IMHO, this new Zune has made a big jump forward and a huge jump back. That said, I expect they will release a 120GB or larger version. If not I'll buy another brand, probably Cowan that has a user replaceable battery.

Paul

PS. I love Zune's wireless sync.

[Kacey Green]

I hope an HDD version slips in with these, my 120 is at 19 gb and falling, I delete at least 20 songs a day too.

I want the new hardware, but don't want to have to choose what to bring. I also don't mind if its a little chunky, the 80/120 are bigger than the 4/8/16 now.

[Phillip Dyson]

Between my audiobooks, podcasts, music, and pictures my Zune 80 is running at about 40gb used. However, if I really look at my usage I dont actually listen to music to much. And I don't really need more than one audio book at a time.

I could probably get buy with a 32gb device. Of course once I don't have all of my music with me that will be time that I don't have it with me. Of couse with Zune pass, that song may only be a wifi hotspot away.

Unless I can tether it to my phone over bluetooth.

[Kacey Green]

update:
16.01 GB free, 85.48 is music, most of that from the Zune Pass
*crosses fingers that the Zune HD HDD was just too thick to be seen with the new thinness*

[a_bLAK_BOy_t]

Same here - I want the black one, but definitely want the 32 GB version.
yah hopefully they wont do like the iPhone. 8 GB is black, then the 16 GB is white... =/