Back to School with Zune HD

While students are scurrying back to school and the autumn equinox approaches, Microsoft is offering some unique opportunities. We reported that Windows System 7 is expected in October 2009. Now the Zune HD is coming to stores in September offering an attractive alternative to Apple’s digital media player as we approach the holiday season.

Zune HD, the next generation of Microsoft Corp.’s portable digital media player, is set to hit store shelves on Sept. 15. The player, available in 16GB and 32GB capacities, is the first touch-screen Zune and includes powerful playback technology to give you a different way to experience media on the go. Combined with unparalleled PC software and online services such as Zune Pass, Zune provides a rich and meaningful connection to music, videos, podcasts and more.

Obviously targeted to compete with the Apple iPod Touch, the Zune HD provides some very unique features and forms a media partnership for Xbox video gamers. Zune will extend its video service to Xbox LIVE internationally this fall. This marks an important development in the Zune strategy and brings the Zune brand to more than 17 million international Xbox LIVE subscribers. In addition, Microsoft confirmed the next generation of the Zune portable media player, Zune HD. Available in the U.S. this fall, 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.

Features will include:

• Built-in HD-Radio receiver allows listening to higher-quality sound than is available from traditional radio channels, as well as access additional programming through HD2 and HD3 multicast channels from many of your favorite local FM radio stations at no extra cost.
• OLED touch screen lets you easily flip through music, movies and other content. The 3.3-inch glass screen and 16:9 widescreen format display (480×272 resolution) offer a premium viewing experience.
• Built-in Wi-Fi. Allows for browsing, streaming or downloading new music from Zune Marketplace. Built-in software will include an Internet browser.
• HD video output capabilities. Supports HD video playback from the device through a premium HDMI A/V docking station (sold separately) directly to an HDTV in 720p, making it easy to enjoy better-than-DVD-quality video on your own big screen at home.

The Zune HD is expected to be available in 5 colors.

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