The new Zune HD was officially released today with a slew of powerful new features. Is it too much like the iPod touch and iPhone? Maybe a bit, but Microsoft competes fairly well with their new toy. I’ll summarize a few points…
It has “apps” just like the iPod touch and iPhone.
Although they’re not ready yet, Microsoft plans on adding apps like Twitter and Facebook to the Zune later this year. You can purchase these at the Zune Marketplace.
It has HD radio capabilities, and the MP3 player has new touches.
The Zune HD will be the first Wi-Fi mobile device with portable HD radio capabilities, and it will be able to pick up over 2,000 different stations across the US. Also, if a Zune user hears a song they like on a radio station, they can purchase the song if in a Wi-Fi hotspot. If not, they can use the Zune PC software to buy it later.
New for the MP3 player is Quickplay, mini mode and Smart DJ. Smart DJ is basically Microsoft’s version of Apple’s Genius, where the Zune will recommend certain songs for playlists and such. You’ll also be able to access and browse your MP3 player even while surfing the internet since with mini mode your music can always be in sight. Quickplay will allow the user to access their favorite and recently added songs with ease.
It will be able to play games.
One of the most exciting new features about the new Zune HD is that it will be able to play games, such as “Project Gotham Racing: Ferrari Edition,” “Vans Sk8: Pool Service” and “Audiosurf(TM) Tilt.” Some of the classic games are even going to be free. I’m waiting for them to release some kind of Xbox Live compatibility so you can play your 360 games (downloaded or console games) from your Zune.
It allows you to buy/rent movies and TV shows, along with stream music.
The Zune HD will let users buy or simply rent movies and what not from the Zune Marketplace. Once synced to their Zune, users can also watch this content on HDTV’s if desired, and as of later this fall they can watch purchased content from their Xboxes. Finally, Zune owners will also be able to stream music from Zune.net if the user is a Zune Pass subscriber ($14.99/mo).
New software updates.
The new Zune will have 4.0 software, complete with all of the features mentioned above. Even the old Zunes will get some love with a new 3.2 software update.
If the new Zune intrigues you, you can pick one up today from any major retailer. The black 16GB’s will go for $219.99 while the platinum 32GB’s will run you $289.99.
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