Microsoft unveils Zune HD, Zune marketplace headed to Xbox 360 [update]

Here's an absolutely crazy and wacky idea: Let's all wait until actual details are given, then voice our opinions. I'm interested to see where this thing goes. If I can play my Live Arcade games that I've already paid for on this thing, I'm pretty much sold although, now what to do with my itunes library?

Too little too late. Why would I abandon my iPhone for this? I only have so much room in my pocket and the iPhone is simply better in every way. I had a zune once but MS dropped the ball in penetrating the market. They have no answer for the app store.

Game,set, match. Apple has won this product niche.

the zune has not hit europe yet the ipod has a big foothold here lets c but the 360 is huge in this part of the world

I own a first gen Zune (still humming along with no problems) and I'm definitely looking forward to the HD.

That being said, if MS doesn't somehow integrate XBLA into the Zune HD they will be dropping the ball BIG TIME. Since all the other rumors about the HD have turned out to be basically spot on, it's likely that the Zune HD will be using the Tegra mobile graphics chipset from Nvidia, which would provide plenty of power for gaming.

My guess is that MS will announce the Zune HD's gaming capabilities at E3 and that it will take some big steps beyond what the iPod touch offers in that regard.

Going back to the whole point of this thread....I am neither a microsoft for apple fan, but I think that zune is too late to try to compete with the ipod. I was totally against the ipod because of their closed system and how quirky itunes is. But once I got used to it and learned it, I've now built up a large library and am very comfortable with my 160GB ipod classic. So now switching to Zune isn't even a thought. I have to say that as far as hardware and value, the PS3 is a better machine than the 360 "out of the box", but microsoft came out first and established a large comsumer base and xbox live just has way more content than sony's online community. So Sony lost out to microsoft because of the head start and I think that zune will loose out to ipod for the same reason. Commenting on something someone else said about microsoft copying apple's technology.....many years ago, that was true. Microsoft copied SCSI hard drives from apple as well as fire wire and even the windows GUI was copied from Mac. But since then, Microsoft has leapfrogged over Apple and is now the object of Apple's mimicry such as the Intel and other chipsets in the Macs. I can only imagine the backlashes that this comment will stir up, but I just wanted to throw in my opinion. But I will add that I own a Wii, PS3, DS lite, PSP, and a 360 as well as an ipod classic and Zune, so I'm speaking from my own personal experiences.

"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"

This comment is pretty ignorant for it appears that someone did not read the full specs of the device. From what we read it is not Zune HD because of HD quality video but, the fact that you will be able to listen to HD RADIO with the device.

Now listen, I own a MAC, PC, Zune 1st Gen, 80 GB 2nd Gen, iPhone 3g, and iPod Touch. I am not a MSFT fanboy by any means. But, the fact that MSFT keeps adding features like HD RADIO while Apple hasn't even implemented an FM Tuner yet. MSFT is getting more advanced that Apple on this one.

I own and use both a Zune 8GB and an Ipod Video. They both have their strengths and weaknesses, but I find myself using the Zune almost exclusively. It's mainly due to the zune pass; I've downloaded some 300 or so albums in the year I've had it, which would have been a fortune on itunes. Beyond that, the UI of the Zune, while not perfect, makes a bit more sense to me. That's perhaps because I've never owned a mac, and just used to the very PC nature of a zune. The PC software for the zune is decent, (I'd love a mini player like itunes has) but the syncing process is more difficult than on an ipod (especially when trying to sync with a near full zune, or simultaneously remove and add content, it doesn't seem to take what you're removing into account). The zune accepts a wider range of formats for video, and I've never had to convert any as I have had to with the ipod. The touch radial on the zune is overly sensitive, and I ended up turning it off. I've never used the wireless feature or tried to share music, as I don't know anyone else with a zune...I can also very much see how, if you're big into apps, the Ipod/touch/phone will trump the zune for you. in any case, I'm excited about the new Zune, I've been looking for a larger one more oriented to video.

looks like i have a replacement plan. let's hope they stay the course on this ZuneHD 120 ::crosses fingers::

goodness that thing looks frickin' awesome

although i am an apple fanboy. i am excited enough about this to attempt to talk my parents into buying me one. not going to happen but still. HD on a portable DMP = win, no matter the brand.

"3.3-inch, 480 x 272 OLED capacitive touchscreen display, built-in HD Radio receiver, HD output "

Eat your hearts out iPod freaks

Features I'd like to have:

1) Gamertag + Gamerscore data sync'd to ZuneHD
2) Queue downloads over the internet from my ZuneHD to my 360
3) Wireless sync to home network including attached 360
4) XBLA play with 360 at home (for some Uno with the kids when I'm traveling)

Those are just a few I can think of right now.

If you tie anything to a console...I'll buy it. I'm a sucker for that, and I like collecting systems and WHATEVER connects to them. And when it comes down to

Now, all we need is a cellphone based around the zune HD. I would be more than willing to switch back to Microsoft.