Zune HD: Is the 3rd time the charm for Microsoft?

Ahh, the Zune. Microsoft's been trying extremely hard to break into a market that Apple has on all-but-complete lockdown, but with the announcement of the Zune HD, Microsoft might have a shot at cracking the stranglehold of Apple's preminent media player– that is, if they can get nearly everything right. What's it going to take for people to buy the device? We talk to Chris Ziegler from Engadget, and Todd Haselton from LAPTOP Mag about the bloodbath. Chris thinks Microsoft's biggest omission is iTunes synching support. Add in the ability for people to seamlessly move from iPod to Zune with their current libraries, and the proposition makes a bit more sense. Todd thinks a potential key to the hearts of consumers might be the upcoming Xbox support. He thinks most people look at the current crop of PMPs as multifunction devices, and being a solid portable media player won't be enough.

What's your take? Do you think the Zune HD has a shot, or is Microsoft going to fail with another shot in the dark? Sound off in the comments. Distributed by Tubemogul.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• zune
• microsoft
• company
• hd

[bartoo05]

go zune, fuck ipods. the only people reason have ipods is cuz it came out first and so they just keep the same old shit. and although apps would be cool, people need something better to do than play apps on ipods.

and phones and music players don't mix... phones are for communication!

(scenario) listening to music on iphone... oh shit the battery ran out and i cant get in contact with anyone..if only i had a separate device for my music.......

[villageboyak]

I think the Zune is much better. I'm getting it once it comes out (for my birthday). Who needs all the apps?

[VakomaNOVA]

@videodrome01

You don't have to be sorry lol.

[Nogard229]

If someone buys an MP3 player it's because they want to listen to music, not play fucking apps. It's like buying a DVD player and saying wow it doesn't have any games built in.

[ab30494]

Beauce, Zune in my opinion is better.

Zune pass is great, $14.99/month, for unlimited music downloads.

I have just over 150 songs from zune pass.

If i was using itunes, I would have spent $150 or more for that music

[ab30494]

thats because it just came out, when the touch came out it didn't have very many apps/games.

[ab30494]

Why are people complaining because it only works with the zune software.

touch only works with i tunes.

ANd i think zune pass is better, only $14.99 month for unlimited downloads. with itunes i would have spent well over $150 on music so far.

[JeremiahMarksMD]

I have a ZHD and it's f'n awesome. And with the upcoming updates, it's only going to get better. I can't stand Itunes. I've had an Ipod before and it wasn't the best experience. I've been using Zune since 2008. I had a Zune 30 then I upgraded to the beautiful Zune HD. And IMO, it's so worth it. And I think that the intergration of the 360 & the Zune + the more than likely flash support will = one swift kick to Apple's nuts. You can't be the "top dog" forever. Sooner or later your time will pass.

[ibpointless2]

Why do people not like iTunes?

[flirtwd]

you know, if Microsoft wanted to beat Apple at the mp3 player game they would have done it when Apple dropped the ipod in 01. But they laughed at them. Now nearly a decade later MS drops the zune hd only after the market had matured and so it is way too fucking easy bring out such a device now. It is like painting by numbers. MS will battle Coby and GPX for the mp3 market. Apple is in a league all their own.Like it or hate it the prof is in apple's bank account.ka-ching!!!!!

[ihatestupidsignups]

HD means hybrid Digital folks, still has lower rez video playback on its OWN device. So with Zune I get radio I don't use, usable in the US only, and 30 second mandatory commercials. How about a browser more advanced than IE6 Mobile? Check its acid test rates? Too funny....

[asianoutcast87]

sony was saying tht in the 90's for their walkman's too. then ipod suddenly beat them. now microsoft is gonna shove the ipod up their own ass. lol