Zune HD – You know Microsoft’s leak culture is bad when its announcement of a new portable media player is not really an announcement, but a “confirmation.” Yes, the oft-rumored and even pictured touch screen handheld is real, and there are bare-bones specs and (more) pictures to prove it. Obviously rivaling the iPod Touch, the Zune HD — we don’t yet know if that name is final — will have a 3.3-inch, 480 x 272 OLED multi-touch screen, with an HD Radio tuner and HD video playback through a dock. It’ll also include Wi-Fi and a special version of Internet Explorer to browse the Web, running on a modified version of Windows CE rather than Windows Mobile. Over on Xbox Live, a Zune-branded store will replace the Xbox Video Marketplace, so expect a lot of cross-branding down the line. As for gaming, Microsoft’s being cheeky, saying we’ll have to wait until E3 to find out how the new Zune plays into that — unless something leaks first. [via Electronista]
Twitter’s the new tech hype machine, and if you keep your ears to the wire, you’ll get tidbits of news in unlikely places. The latest comes from Microsoft’s Office ‘10 Twitter page, which has oddly dedicated 40 percent of its posts so far to Zune-related issues. First, we’re told that June 2009 will be “an important month for Zune lovers,” followed by confirmation of a new product launch. “Hold off from buying an iPhone/Pre,” the feed sayeth. There are other dots to connect here. We’ve heard that Microsoft is working on an iPhone rival, codenamed Pink, plus the possibility of a Zune HD. Then, there’s the fact that E3 falls on the first week of June, raising the possibility of some Xbox connection. Also, Xbox Live director of programming Larry Hyrb is tweeting about “the coolest opportunity I’ve had in a long time.” So the takeaway is this: Microsoft is working on something, and they think it’s going to be awesome. [Twitter via Engadget]
Word on the Wall Street Journal is that Microsoft is teaming up with Verizon to create an iPhone-like smartphone, complete with a touch screen and apps for sale at the Windows Marketplace. Reportedly, Microsoft will design the software and hardware, then hand the manufacturing off to a third party, kind of like Google does with its Android operating system. This isn’t a surprising rumor, but there’s a twist: USA Today reported that Verizon is in talks with Apple to reel in the iPhone. Could both of these unconfirmed stories pan out? Maybe, but get ready for yet another shocker: BusinessWeek says Verizon and Apple are actually working on an “iPhone lite” and a media pad that only includes Wi-Fi for making calls. With so many crazy rumors packed into such a short period of time, they can’t all pan out. Which one would you like to see the most? [Wall Street Jounal via Engadget]
As if iPod needed a latent endorsement over competitor Zune–watch this thief make away with every valuable on the desk while tossing the Zune back. At least he got an extra pair of earbuds out of it. [Slippery Brick]
The holiday season was not kind to Microsoft’s Zune. Sales of the the media player dropped by 54 percent, or $100 million, during the last quarter of 2008, compared to the same period in 2007. Adding insult to injury, Apple’s iPod saw a 3 percent sales growth during the last quarter. Consumers aren’t the only ones who are souring on the gadget; earlier this month, Financial Times wrote that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is “all but ready to throw in the towel” on the Zune. He’s happy that the mobile media player market is shifting towards software — something the company can really grasp. [SEC via Wired]
No matter how nicely the name rolls off your tongue, a ZunePhone is looking less like a reality. In fact, an article in the Financial Times suggests that Microsoft CEO Steve Balmer has practically given up on the Zune altogether. “In digital music… Mr Ballmer seemed all but ready to throw in the towel on the Zune mobile device, which has failed to gain ground on Apple’s iPod,” the article says. Balmer believes that the market is shifting towards “general purpose” devices such as the iPhone and iTouch, a statement that left the door open to a question about the Zune phone’s chances. “You should not anticipate that,” Balmer replied. MS wants to focus instead on making software for the mobile devices that are already successful. [Financial Times via Silicon Alley Insider]
Microsoft has revealed forty six new Zune Originals designs for the holiday season. The new designs include a Zodiac series featuring artwork of eastern and Western astrology. Zune users are also able to personalize their own Zune Originals using their own images. [Zune Originals via Zunerama]
I’m not into themed technology too much, I’ll be honest: electronics inspired by a video game or movie make me feel a little silly. The “Crimson Omen” Gears of War logo however, is pretty damn badass. The all-black Zune 120 runs about $280 and features collectible packaging with GoW2 art, matching wallpaper, and the aforementioned logo engraved on the back. Zunes have really come pretty far from the original brick, I’m actually considering a switch off of the Apple train. [via Amazon]
If there’s a truth to our culture, its that America loves an underdog. Its ironic, of course, that Microsoft is the underdog here. The Zune 2, in this case, gives that underdog one hell of a bark and a bite. This feature-rich, high-style personal media player gives the iPod Touch a run for the money- for just 80% of the price. What’s new about the Zune 2nd Gen?
The 2nd Gen Zune is 27% smaller than the original 30GB Zune.
A larger, 3.2 inch lcd screen.
The Zune 2 now includes a wireless sync with your PC.
The round button control on the old Zune is now a “squirqle”, a touch-sensitive pad that controls nagivation through your media.
An updated, sexy OS with expanded functionality.
The Zune 2nd gen is also available in 4GB and 8GB versions, just like the iPod Nano, for $149 and $199 respectively. But the granddaddy 80GB version in black is available now for $249. Beat the holiday rush and grab yourself a Zune 2 now.
