Microsoft unveils Zune HD, Zune marketplace headed to Xbox 360 [update]
by Randy Nelson 
{ May 26th 2009 at 8:30PM } 
The cat's out of the bag on the Zune HD, with Microsoft confirming the handheld media device's existence and its intent to go touchscreen-to-touchscreen with the iPod Touch this fall. Our technomigos at Engadget have full details on the new Zune -- including word that Microsoft is doing away with the current Xbox Live video marketplace in favor of the Zune marketplace.
How this will work exactly won't be fully revealed until E3, where Microsoft promises that attendees will learn "how Zune integrates into Xbox LIVE creating a game-changing entertainment experience." This integration could very well be related to the hinted-at 360-Zune team-up we posted about last December.
Still, the announcement does bring up some interesting questions in the meantime. Chiefly among them: Will video content purchased on one device be playable on the other and vice-versa? Microsoft isn't saying, although that would make perfect sense. Also, the Zune marketplace offers an extensive catalog of downloadable songs -- could this be an indication of an iTunes-like music service debuting for 360? Microsoft's press conference has just become more unpredictable.
Update: The Guardian reports that Microsoft told it to expect movie, TV and music downloads via the Zune marketplace on 360. In addition, a subscription service like (or one and the same to) Zune Pass will likely be offered to Live users, allowing them unlimited song playback and 10 song downloads a month for a set fee. Final details are expected to be announced at next week's E3.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Pantsparty @ May 26th 2009 8:34PM
Interesting. I'll stick with Apple Products.
Ashkental @ May 26th 2009 8:41PM
I second that my friend
- More Reliable
- Better Quality
- Better Softwares
- Full integration with my iMac :P
I don't really like microsoft products, it's just that Apple's don't break like Glasses, and tastes much better ;D
Nick the Hero of Canton @ May 26th 2009 8:45PM
The iPod is a piece of shit compared to the Zune.
And no, I don't think everything Microsoft makes is amazing and durable. My 360 just RROD within 30 minutes of plugging it in after I got it back from repairs for the E74.
Cosmo @ May 26th 2009 8:49PM
Damn Nick that sucks. The Xbox 360 Falcon Arcade I bought in May 2008 E74ed two weeks ago and its been repaired and I'm waiting for it to come back, I gifted it to my brother. Let's hope the RROD doesn't happen when it comes back.
AwesomeTown @ May 26th 2009 8:50PM
Actually, I was thinking that I hope it turns out to be pretty awesome, because I like what I'm hearing already. I want something better to replace my iPod so I can get rid of the abomination of iTunes for Windows.
Avada Kadavra 9 @ May 26th 2009 8:51PM
I have a zune and it works fine, better than my apple ever did breaking within 2 months, not to mention it has more features and the zune pass is amazing. Yes first generation of zune sucked, but so did iPod - even more so.
nutman @ May 26th 2009 8:55PM
@Ashkental
WOW! Your comment is REALLY ignorant. You know nothing about the Zune do you? I'm sorry but when people say just completely wrong things I have to respond.
I have dropped my Zune over 20 times with the headphones in and it still works perfectly. It also fell into a sink full of water.
I am accident prone...Zune is fucking durable though thankfully!
And no I'm not saying that iPods are shit because I wouldn't know! I have never owned one.
Doug @ May 26th 2009 9:15PM
Seconded, pants!
Pantsparty @ May 26th 2009 9:11PM
Well, It seems a matter of opinion. Everyone has their own preferences. I'm just saying, as a Mac user I find my Ipod to work perfectly with my Mac. I'm just one person that doesn't see this new Zune as something to switch me over.
iSwarm @ May 26th 2009 9:11PM
I admit it looks sweet, but Apple to me is more reliable hardware wise to me.
cknblade @ May 26th 2009 9:22PM
Leave the troll alone.
Van Faulk @ May 26th 2009 9:41PM
@Nut man.
That's nothing. I accidentally dropped my zune outside last november and we had freezing rain. My zune spent nearly 4 hours being rained on in sub zero temperatures until it was frozen to the middle of the road. I had to use hot water and a hammer to get it out. When i did, it was still on and still playing the bsg soundtrack.
IN contrast, My ipod dies 6 hours after I boughtit and apple wanted 70 dollars to fix it.
Reader @ May 26th 2009 10:28PM
I've also dropped my zune more times than I can count, and it's always ran strong. It's also never froze up on me, which used to be a semi-common thing in MP3 players (out of the 5 or 6 times I had used an iPod pre-touch, I had one freeze on me). I'm sure the iPod is great, but it doesn't have any advantage over the Zune (besides market saturation). The software also works better than other MP3 players I've had, though I wouldn't use it as my main media player.
Brodo @ May 26th 2009 10:44PM
Im not terribly excited. I have a zune and the zune marketplace still has not come to Canada. They said it was supposed to come at the end of 08.
So im thinking there is a good chance that these new features may not even be available for Canadians
ill trooper @ May 26th 2009 11:37PM
"Yes first generation of zune sucked, but so did iPod - even more so."
BZZZZ - Wrong! You may not like iPods, fair enough, everyone has their preference, but the first iPod was amazing at the time. I still have it and yes, it still works although I never bother using it anymore since I've acquired the iPhone and two other iPods since that first 5gig player from so long ago.
TheLionOfAzzalle @ May 26th 2009 11:48PM
iPods ROCK!
Sorry but Zune = FAIL
And this is coming from a diehard 360 fanboy....lets be real here folks. The zune has nothing on the iPod.
Quattro @ May 26th 2009 11:52PM
@TheLionOfAzzalle
Is this based on anything or are you just trolling.
SoCoolCurt (PSN: KillaKornbread - XBL: SoCoolCurt) @ May 27th 2009 12:56AM
i absolutely love my Zune. i've never owned an iPod so i can't compare but i know how great my Zune is to me anyway. i notice that everyone on here that says Zune has nothing on iPod fails to list a single reason as to why that is. they are both excellent MP3 players, the iPod just happens to have a bigger brand name.
i don't know if iPods do this or not but when i download music, all i have to do is make sure it's in a certain folder and then the Zune does the rest. when i walk in the room with my Zune, it starts the Zune software on my PC automatically, adds any downloaded music to the Zune software, and then syncs it with my Zune. and all that is done by me simply walking into my bedroom, no cables or anything involved. Zune is friggin awesome, and i'm sure Zune HD will be no different.
ill trooper @ May 27th 2009 3:28AM
"i notice that everyone on here that says Zune has nothing on iPod fails to list a single reason as to why that is. they are both excellent MP3 players, the iPod just happens to have a bigger brand name."
Yeah, both are fine brands. But MS has never supported the Zune on Mac OS X, so you can't even use one if you're on a Mac, so that would be a key reason someone with a Mac might think the Zune has nothing over an iPod for them.
DWells55 @ May 27th 2009 8:39AM
Anyone else think the name "Zune HD" is total BS? The screen resolution of 480x272 is not only lower than the iPod touch, but it's less than one seventh of the lowest HDTV resolution, 720p.
ben murray @ May 27th 2009 9:05AM
Hmmmm.
I quite like the look of this new Zune. However I have bought into the Apple ecosystem for a bit now so are we assuming that this new zune-ness for the Xbox will be a sealed system like iPod? I always liked the fact I could plug my iPod into the 360 directly and was a bit dissappointed they didn't update it to work with iPhone/IPod Touch.
I stream stuff from mac to xbox but i wish it was a 'proper' microsoft app and i wish the itunes purchases (all unlocked via paying more on itunes) would play without me having to reconvert.
Record Companies! Movie studios! Let us just buy your damned music and movies and play them anywhere!
Kizzle @ May 27th 2009 10:14AM
DWells55: "Anyone else think the name "Zune HD" is total BS?"
No. When your screen is this small, having 720p, or even close to 720p, would be pointless. Same principle as buying a 42 inch (or less) HDTV with 1080p resolution - unless you're sitting with your nose practically against the screen, you're not going to notice a difference.
JonEthan @ May 27th 2009 11:40AM
Does the Zune work with macs now? I'm an art student, the entire department is mac-based. So I bought a mac + adobe CS4. I have an iPod touch, but if this Zune / XBox integration thing is good enough I would want to look at it. I know the first gen Zune didn't work with macs, meaning I CAN'T buy one no matter how much I'd like to.
Like it or no, apple's market share has been rising. It's still nothing compared to windows, I know, but it's still there. It's an entire portion of the market that was (is?) being ignored. Not all mac users are apple snob-fanboys.
It depends though. If the game selection is strong enough, I may nab one to use just for that.
unsubtleNinja @ May 27th 2009 1:14PM
DWells55: "Anyone else think the name "Zune HD" is total BS?"
It's called the Zune HD because it supports HD Radio streams on top of the output of HD video. If you actually looked and the Engadget post or the product page you might have actually known that.
Cj @ May 26th 2009 8:34PM
Woo! Move over Ipod. Iv been a Zune fan since the 30GB. I wonder what the Xbox game integration will be. Arcade games?
Chris D.(PSN: Aggie_CEO | XBL:The Aggie CEO | Steam: Aggie_CEO @ May 26th 2009 8:39PM
I'm still guessing as of now just music on your 360 via the Zune Marketplace. I just dont see how current XBLA games would work on there...
Cj @ May 26th 2009 8:41PM
Virtual controller? Games made with a Zune HD control scheme?
iluvmyzune @ May 26th 2009 8:44PM
Arcade games only need a lil power to play. It may not be all games (aka portal), but most like N+
Chris D.(PSN: Aggie_CEO | XBL:The Aggie CEO | Steam: Aggie_CEO @ May 26th 2009 8:48PM
Virtual Controller could be possible but it would have to be done just right.....
sure there are a few XBLA games that you can use just with Touch and 2 buttons....but damn sure wont be Castle Crashers....shame too cause I would love to play that on the go
Doombot (zuburi) @ May 26th 2009 9:28PM
I am hoping beyond hope that the screen is going to slide up a little bit like a phone, and there's a d-pad + buttons underneath.
That would be tits. Introduce it, let it build hype, then at E3 show off the buttons.
Anyone wanna buy my Halo3 Zune? :D
ArchiGamer @ May 26th 2009 8:36PM
I rather not have RROD at the palm of my hands.
nutman @ May 26th 2009 8:53PM
Dropped my Zune over 20 times with the headphones in and it still works perfectly. It also fell into a sink full of water.
I am accident prone...Zune is fucking durable!
ArchiGamer @ May 26th 2009 8:58PM
Nutman
Oh, excuse me for your lack of humor. Its a joke, and I never said anything about the past Zune being trash or anything.
nutman @ May 26th 2009 9:01PM
I didn't vote you down if that's what you're thinking.
Being one of the few Zune owners out there I just like to clarify some misconceptions that people may have about it.
PedoJokerBear (aka Deeznuts) @ May 27th 2009 9:05AM
i downvoted cause the joke was terrible :D
Duke @ May 27th 2009 11:25AM
Same old tired troll joke isn't humoring many.
Chris D.(PSN: Aggie_CEO | XBL:The Aggie CEO | Steam: Aggie_CEO @ May 26th 2009 8:36PM
I was going to get a Zune120 till I heard the rumors about this some months ago. I have to say that IF the HD is at LEAST 32GBs and its under $250 I'll buy one. Never really been an iPod fan so the Touch was never a big deal to me....now what about apps?? and I wonder if its going to have WinMo7 on it
Cellien @ May 26th 2009 9:51PM
I always wanted a Zune as well (really wanted the Halo one!) I ended up getting an iPhone and forgot about PMPs for some time. Then my brother fixes iPods so he scored me a 30 gig w/ new HDD for $30. :| I still want one of these though. The Zune has always seemed like a better PMP than the iPod, imo.
Mazrael @ May 26th 2009 11:50PM
I've been waiting for the Zune to even be released in the UK.. I gave up & got a Walkman.. Looks like Zune HD might actually make it over here if they spoke to the Guardian..
Insight is the mustard of your doom @ May 26th 2009 8:37PM
That's a pretty sexy piece of machine.
If it'll play FLAC files, I'll buy it. (I don't really perfer FLAC if you're wondering, but the place I get the majority of my shit from recently had a freeleech so I was all over that)
Chris D.(PSN: Aggie_CEO | XBL:The Aggie CEO | Steam: Aggie_CEO @ May 26th 2009 8:40PM
FLAC files are the shit!!!! sure they are big as hell but damn if they dont sound good as hell
Insight is the mustard of your doom @ May 26th 2009 9:02PM
Agreed, but you really can't tell the difference if you don't have a nice ass sound system or some quality headphones (neither of which can I afford), and even then it's been hard for me to hear a difference between them and, say, v0 MP3s. I just like FLAC support 'cuz I've got so damn many of 'em, thanks to What.cd
Tyler @ May 26th 2009 8:37PM
It looks like a sideways microwave oven...
Deezul @ May 26th 2009 8:38PM
If they also allow the Zune to be used as a 360 memory unit, and just phase out or really lower the price, people will be all over it. I'm have my zune 30 for over a year, so I'd pick up an HD and give the Zune to my kids. As much as MS has done to make the older Zunes run the newer software, I don't think the Zune 30 has the horse power to run XBLA games. Then again, maybe that's why those 5 games were rolled out - to gauge reaction to them. I may just have to pick this one up day one. Especially if they throw a browser on it to use with the wi-fi.
Arnie @ May 26th 2009 8:56PM
I really like this and even though I have the Zune 80, I can see myself buy this. Also, the Zune already kinda integrates with Xbox with both have them sharing the XNA tooolset which will allow powerful stuff to be built on this device. Hopefully, with this we will see a new version of XNA for the new possible control schemes.
Saria the Cat @ May 26th 2009 8:40PM
This is exciting but, **personally**, Microsoft is a little too late with this. Apple has already snagged me when it comes to the music department. iTunes already exists, is established, and works well, the apps library and community is great, and the iPod Touch does everything and I've ever really wanted in a portable media player.
It just seems like it'd be tough to compete with Apple in this area, but only time will tell I guess.
Tyler @ May 26th 2009 8:51PM
I think the 360 integration will be the selling point. I can see it allowing you to que up downloads on the 360 (like PSP remote play), view your friends list, communicate with friends. Hell, maybe even change your avatar's clothes and such. If Joystiq's prediction of clan support comes true, I think being in touch with your clan on the go, via the zune, will be pretty cool for hardcore gamers. Just a few ideas I came up with.
Doug @ May 26th 2009 9:15PM
Saria: You are dead on. It's good to have competition, but it's a long road ahead to catch Apple and my spending dollar.
cknblade @ May 26th 2009 9:28PM
Agreed somewhat. I've never really liked apple, and my ipod right now, 5th gen video, is on the fritz so I've been thinking about picking up a zune. From what I hear, and from experience in best buy, it seems to be much more solid than an ipod. The issue, as Saria pointed out, is that right now MS is jogging along behind the truck that is apple; it needs to jump ahead and do something before apple does, and do it very well. If it can do this, it will get well needed attention (which I think is the only real problem with the zune; the lack of publicity), and not get clumped into the "ipod clone" category.
ill trooper @ May 26th 2009 11:37PM
"I think the 360 integration will be the selling point."
...And also possibly a strike against it as people might think you need a 360 to get full functionality out of this device. The iPod Touch has proven itself and dominated this arena and will continue to I would think, especially with the rumors that Apple is adding a camera to the device just as Microsoft finally joins us all in 2007.
But, this is a very attractive option for those that can't stand the thought of buying an Apple device. Or having the sheer amount of apps for the iPhones and Touches. Or wanting the compatibility with all the iPod accessories and car interfaces. Etc.