Next gen Zune reportedly on track for holiday season

We've already heard some talk that a new Zune would be coming before the end of the year, but it looks like things now may be starting to get a bit more certain -- at least according to the folks at Whiz Byte, who say they've heard as much from a Microsoft press representative. Specifically, the rep reportedly said that we can "expect an update later this year prior to the holiday season." While there's no word on exactly what form that "update" will take, the rep did give a few less than surprising general indications of what we can expect from the Zune in the future, stating that there's "three predictable paths along which we'll expand Zune." Those include updates to the device family itself, including "new sizes, styles and price points," along with new features that'll help the Zune "move towards parity with iPod" and new geographic markets for the Zune.

[ASSASSYN 36o]

OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH That zune looks better. It has an even larger screen. I want it.

[ArduousAndy]

Its a software update that and the "big update" coming for the 360 in october will probably be connected

[M1am1U]

I use my Zune like crazy. It's been one of the best gadgets I've ever purchased. I'm really looking forward to some of the updates, especially video marketplace and possibly gaming capabilities.

[Dr Pepper]

While this is a cool product, I don't see how it relates to videogames.

[M1am1U]

it's certainly not what it was intended for. If they integrate simple games into it, that would be fine. I certainly don't look for them to come out with DS or PSP type gaming by any means. As far as being posted on N4G, well, I think it just kind of gets lumped in with MS. Still relevant, IMO.

[snoop_dizzle]

there is a tech section on this site so it has some relevance.

[Kyur4ThePain]

They at least realize the Zune isn't as good as the iPod yet...

"along with new features that'll help the Zune "move towards parity with iPod""

[kewlkat007]

the second day they came out and I listen to a lot of music. I have gone through 3 Ipods with battery issues and such. I tried the Zen Vision M, which is great by the way but was too thick. MY first Mp3 player was a Nomad, and I think creative puts out the best sound, and that Zen plays whatever you stick on there unlike Ipods.

What I didn't like about the Zune was the buttons. I have big hands and after a while, my bug thumb started to hurt handlning the Zune with one hand. Unlike the Ipod, which is more centered, and of course the click will just works. I've come to the conclusion, just like phones, you can never have every thing you want in them types of products, as one.

Only if I can have, the file compatibility of the ZEN Vision, the control/navigation of an Ipod, with the screen and features of a Zune, I would have my fav player.

It's looking like they haven't changed the controls on this one. I even rather the Zen Vision control over this one new design, or rather old design. The bigger screen is nice, but the Iphone, while I don't want one now, it just put itself way ahead with the touch-screen and all. I think we are getting there.

MS work on the SIZE, then Controls, like come out with something innovative like the click-wheel. Work on colors that attract people like the Wii does to everybody. When in doubt, go with "pink" that seems to be in. The features are there and will only get better.

[Kaneda]

Is that scroll wheel ring light up? :) Red? :) hahahaa... just kidding...

[Smoove808]

I can't wait for this!. I got a zune last holiday season and it fell from the top of my 360. The LCD cracked!! I was so dissapointed that something like this happened only 2 weeks after getting my new toy. I even tried to call microsoft and express my loyalty and sadness for this matter. There was nothing they could do. Help out an unofficial spokesman will ya!!!! Sooooo, it will be nice to have a product smaller than a brick that will have less gravitational force when accidently dropping from a 360 to a tile floor.

[Mr Murda]

Microsoft has an opportunity to really make an impact with Zune 2.0, but they need to add/integrate these features....

-Fully integrate LIVE content across the PC, 360, and Zune Formats. This means allow all downloaded content (videos, music, trailers, etc) via marketplace to become usable on Windows, Zune, and the 360. A LIVE membership would be usable and viewable on all of these platforms and have access to the marketplace on PC, and the Zune using it's wifi capability.

-Develop arcade games for the Zune. (Hexic, Hold Em', Board Games are a "no brainer")

-Bigger HDD

-Obviously WiFi capability to access marketplace, and potentially some kind of web browser.

-and AM radio FTW! (J/K)

Seriously, I see no reason why this couldn't become reality and they could even go as far as charging $50 a year for the LIVE subscription to be used on all platforms (Zune, PC, and 360...one fee covers all).