Zune HD Price and Details

Kris Erickson • Aug 14, 2009 • Comments (1)

Microsoft's hot new portable media player is coming to retail stores on September 15th, 2009. The Zune HD makes a number of improvements over its predecessor, including touch screen, internet browser and high definition video-out feature. Don't worry PSP owners, the superiority of your gaming device is assured, at least for now - the Zune HD can interact with Microsoft's Live service, but doesn't currently play games.

Pricing for the device does give it the upper hand, though. The 16GB Zune will set customers back an estimated $219.99, while a larger 32GB variety costs $289.99. Readers will notice that this is slightly cheaper than the anticipated price for Sony's PSP Go, which arguably contains slightly less impressive technology (see features below). Will we see a PSP Go price drop if the Zune HD catches on with consumers? We'd say that's pretty likely.

Zune HD features:

• Built-in HD Radio receiver. Allows you to listen to higher-quality sound than is available from traditional radio channels, as well as access additional programming through HD2 and HD3 multicast channels from many of your favorite local FM radio stations at no extra cost.

• HD video output capabilities. Supports HD video playback from the device through a premium HDMI A/V docking station (sold separately) directly to an HD TV in 720p, making it easy to enjoy better-than-DVD-quality video on your own big screen at home.

• OLED touch screen. Allows you to easily flip through music, movies and other content. The 3.3-inch glass screen and 16:9 widescreen format display (480x272 resolution) offer a premium viewing experience.

• Built-in Wi-Fi. Allows for browsing, streaming or downloading new music from Zune Marketplace.

• Internet browser. Full-screen Web browsing, optimized for the multi-touch screen with zoom-in and zoom-out gestures.

• Accessories, at home and on the road. Zune HD and AV Dock charges and syncs players while playing supported 720p HD videos on HDTVs. Play HD Radio, music and podcasts from your Zune HD device through your car stereo using the Zune Premium Car Pack.

Comments

Brad!

- August 15, 2009 4:59 PM

>> "the Zune HD can interact with Microsoft's Live service, but doesn't currently play games." The current Zune plays games and can be targeted by Microsoft's XNA Studio (game development software). Why would the newer version of the Zune not support games? Or did you just word this poorly and what you really meant was it plays games, but not Xbox Live games?

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