Zune HD Hands On: Photos and Video Tour

Gizmodo writes:

"Having just played with a prototype for a few minutes, I'm really impressed with the Zune HD. I've got a video, too, showing off how well the animations work.

The device is tighter and more physically beautiful than the iPod Touch and it's got a better UI, the main menu's scrolling so natural through the swipe gestures."

[Fishy Fingers]

Nice looking piece of kit. Seems to navigate much better than the previous models. Anyone know whether it's multi-touch or not?

Now they need to catch up with Apple with their own App Store type thing. Thats one of the most attractive features of the iphone/ipod touch, the ease of which you can obtain new features/games/music/movies etc

[The Master Chief]

Supposedly the "Zune Store" will be integrated within XBL and XBLA. XBLA games will destroy iPhone games.

[Fishy Fingers]

Well personally I wouldnt be so sure until I've actually seen what they have to offer. Another reason why I wondered whether it's multi-touch or not as if it isnt that kind of limits you options, especially with games.

I like to actually see something in action before I post it up on a pedistal.

[Jrome]

It supports multi-touch, and it does have a "Marketplace". It will also feature integration with Xbox Live and all that.

I have a Zune 80 and I'm definitely upgrading to this when it comes out.

EDIT -- @ FamilyGuy

It supports up to 720p videos I believe and you need to buy the dock to use the HD streaming to your TV.

[pain777pas]

It has HDMI based on some article I read recently but its too similar to the Iphone I need to know more about this product based on what I saw I'm kinda like.......... so what in comparison to the iphone they need to do more here to make me get excited.

[lovecipher7]

Yes it is multi touch it has the same type of screen the iphone and ipod touch has.

[4Sh0w]

I want to see the web browser and its 360 intergration if its anything close to what I'm expecting then I'm almost positive that Im going to get this new Zune, really love the whole style of this thing. Great job microsoft.

[SaberEdge]

I borrowed my cousin's Zune for a couple months and I really loved it. This new Zune HD sounds and looks amazing. I can't wait until we find out more about it. I already know I am getting it though.

[FamilyGuy]

But why was my comment deleted? It was on topic...

[IdleLeeSiuLung]

Functionality aside, MS products tend to look ugly. Sony tends to look amazing, but this is a nice surprise. Very sexy indeed, if it has the right features, specs and price I will buy it. If it is overpriced like Apple products, forget it!

[bjornbear]

And if by "destroy iPhone games" you mean make everyone that has an iPhone throw it away and buy a Zune HD because of the games....or that the thousands of seperate devs. making games using the SDK will stop making them in sheer AWE of the Zune...i think not =P

But hey, about time iPhone got some competition...lets js hope what happened with the Zune won't happen to this =P

[rCrysis]

very nice. I've always loved the Zune interface compared to the iPod interface. It has more of a personal feeling.

[dirthurts]

Can't wait to get ahold of one.
I wonder how much it will be? I'm betting 250...
that makes me sad.

[NegativeCreepWA]

I think it'll be more than that, I just got 120gig Zune a few months ago and it still cost $250.

[Shadow Man]

are the best features.

[talltony]

Than the iphone or ipod touch but if it doesnt have a great app store then it will never be as good.End of story!

[MetalGearBear]

it not!!!!!

[cherrypie]

Absolute Day 1 purchase.

I've got two Zunes now (16 and 120). I'll probably sell one and get the Zune HD at the earliest possible.

This is going to be a massive game-changer for a lot of markets.

[TheIneffableBob]

That video was totally unfocused.

Nice looking device, though.

[arsenal55]

Hmmm. 8 gig for 200-250 maybe? i think im going to sell my ipod touch for this. only apps i use for ipod anyways are facebook, myspace and some others.

[timestoby]

lets hope they dont think touch games like the ones on the iphone are wot we need. ill be waiting for the dual anolog d-pad adapter thingy for the 3d games lol

[Meus Renaissance]

That looks great. However it doesn't seem to have any browser in-built does it? The iPod Touch doesn't sell just because of it's design but it's multi-functional capabilities. I'd like to be surfing the net whilst listening to my music.

[Jrome]

it does have a web browser. and wifi.

[cl63AMG]

I heard it was supposed to come with some sort of mobile/zune version of Internet Explorer. The thing I haven't heard unfortunately is any word of bluetooth or speakers...

[really duh]

E3 will be the place for details.

[xbollox]

no, it's not an ipod touch:

it's a POS for morons who don't mind giving their money to the pigs who shamelessly steal other people's ideas and create giant monopolies out of it

f@ck you morons

[Bladestar]

ohh wow... I know that there are people that may not like a piece of hardware but it seems with you it's personal... are you sure you are ok? I would seriously suggest that your parents do a better job making sure you are taking your medicines. Please don't go now and start kicking your dog because a new Zune is coming...

[SaberEdge]

Stealing what idea? What idea did Apple invent? A portable media device? Hardly. They simply made improvements to the idea, the same as Microsoft is doing.

I bet you didn't complain when Sony copied the achievement system or any of the other ideas that Microsoft brought to consoles first.

The Zune HD looks to be exactly what I have been wanting in a portable media device and I can't wait for it.

[silverchode]

bladestar u act the same way towards sony.

[Obama]

Says Bladestar when you made up a long boring as* fictional dialogue on the sev lookalike thread just to take a jab at Sony. I think you are the one who needs to see the doctor.

[beans]

Well I'm actually looking forward to hearing more about this device at E3. It will be cool playing community games and XBLA while on the run. Live anywhere also might come to reality real soon so let's just keep our fingers crossed.

[BlindBandit]

I Don't have a $box 360, so the Zune HD is not for me & two Zune HD will beat the iTouch, i will tell you that because the Zune was better then the iPod & now the Zune HD is better then the iTouch.

If you want a real mp3 player get the X series from Sony because it's all about music but cost $300 for the 16gb which is not bad but Zune HD is fine for those who want a mp3 player that does the same thing as the iTouch but with out the crappy iTunes, yes i said it iTunes suck & this is why i don't have a iTouch today because of iTunes.

[beans]

Whats does $box 360 mean?

[really duh]

Support MS.

[fredy]

this guy on crack..

[slyrunner]

rulez everything,lol.jp but it is a amazing

[ichimaru]

Please allow xbla games!! or atleast achievements too kool if they did

[SaberEdge]

If that was even possible it would be beyond amazing. No matter what though, this is Microsoft, we know the gaming aspect is going to kick as5.

[kewlkat007]

Obviously I've been waiting for this day. After going through 4 ipods in 5 years, I'm ready for a switch.

I also sold my ipod touch 32gig 2nd-gen month ago. I've always been impressed with the functions of the zune but said I would wait for newer generations.

Well here we go. I'm actually surprised at Ms.

[bjornbear]

WOW man! How did you do that?! =O I've had my 30Gb Video for 2 and a half now, dropped it so many times, once in water...its still fine =)

[kewlkat007]

I've had Battery issues, HDD issues after a year or so on most. I started my MP3 addiction with a Creative Zen way before Ipods and strayed away from creative(though it has better sound) because the Ipods were thinner.

One of the reasons I returned my first Original Zune. Just too fat but look at it now...hehe

[Silent]

This compare to an IPod Touch is ugly. Come on screws!?!?!?! wtf is up with the 4 screws in the back? Seeing screws on a portable media is just nasty. Its like walking around with finger nails that hasnt been clip in weeks. Ipod is sleek and stop denying and stop lying to yourself that this is better than Ipod Touch.
If this is $99.99 then im sold LOL.

[Microsoft Xbox 360]

Never buy Microsoft hardware in the first 3 years of the products lifetime.

[rklshinobi]

On G4TV they announced that you can trade in a 30GB Zune for between 30-70$ discount on the HD Zune...YAY :D