Zune HD is the first portable media player that combines a built-in HD Radio receiver, high-definition (HD) video output capabilities, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) touch screen, Wi-Fi and an Internet browser.
“The Zune music player is an integral part of the overall Zune experience, and we’re proud to be growing and extending our offering beyond the device,” said Enrique Rodriguez, corporate vice president of the Microsoft TV, Video and Music Business Group. “Delivering on Microsoft’s connected entertainment vision, this news marks a turning point for Zune as it brings cross-platform experiences and premium video content to living rooms around the world.”
Zune HD comes with a built-in HD Radio receiver so users can listen to higher-quality sound than traditional radio on the go. Users also will have access to the additional song and artist data broadcast by HD Radio stations as well as additional channels from their favorite stations multicasting in HD. If you don’t like the song playing on your station’s HD channel, switch to its HD2 or HD3 channels for additional programming.
The bright 3.3″ OLED touch screen interface allows users to flip through music, movies and other content on a 16:9 widescreen format display (480×272 resolution). The HD-compatible output plays supported HD video files from the device through a premium high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) audiovisual docking station (sold separately) direct to an HD TV in 720p.
The Internet Browser is pretty sharp, rendering full html, and packs a nice usable UI into the mix complete with multi-touch control, (much like iPhone and Pre gestures). Zune HD is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing for instant streaming to the device from the more than a 5 million-track Zune music store. The sound and video are the best on the market, making the Zune HD a huge winner in the media player category. And because the Zune HD adds Wi-Fi Internet Browsing and HD Radio, you’d be hard pressed to find a more feature-rich compact player. The stylized contour of the device is no slouch either. It is a highly sophisticated piece of hardware, both in looks and feel.
Zune HD 16GB Black: $219.99 (estimated retail price); Zune HD 32GB Platinum: $289.99 (estimated retail price). Comes in five exclusive colors, your choice of an artist design, Xbox 360 game logo, or Major League Soccer team logo, plus text engraving on back. (www.zune.net)
Zune HD is Here. The First Media Player to combine HD Radio, HD Video and Internet
