Have we all come down from our Zune HD highs yet? No. Well I thought I'd ask.
Actually the reason for this little post was because now that we know some things about Zune's next entry on the hardware front, there were a couple of things that went through my mind considering what we know about both the device (so far) and the software+services front (so far).
Podcasts: Rob Greenlee has already made it clear that Zune will still support podcasting. That's an awesome thing. Recently, to help move that forward zune.net began streaming all available audio podcasts via the website. So let me see if I understand something: If we're to have this rich browser experience on the Zune HD, does that mean that I can browse over to zune.net and listen to streaming audio podcasts from there? While I would totally prefer to be able to update podcasts that I already have on my device over the Wi-Fi, being able to stream them using the web browser would be interesting as well.
HD Radio: Now I'll admit, I didn't know that much about HD-Radio prior to it being part of this announcement. I had heard some inkling of it because one of my favorite radio stations, KKJZ offers both an analog and a digital stream. Now what I thought was that people had to pay for the digital stream, much like satellite radio. However, the analog and digital streams are actually sent together from the same place. If you happen to have an HD receiver (looking at Zune HD) then you'll be able to pick up that digital stream.
The digital stream also allows for a better feed of the song and album information that allows us to better use the Buy from FM feature that Zune implemented a few releases back. Together HD-Radio and Buy From FM could be a quality experience for Zune users while they're out and away from their comptuers.
XBOX Live Integration: I'm sure now that people are beginning to understand this whole software+services thing that Microsoft is very animated about. Having Zune be the forefront brand for XBOX Live's Video Marketplace has just bumped up it's visibility from 3 million to 17 million in one fell swoop. That's a definite way to get your name out there. I'm very excited to see how this plays out in real time at next week's E3 expo. Most reporters are making note that the integration was actually the mainstay of the press release and the device seemed more like the afterthought. Could that have been the actual plan?
The Older Devices: So what happens to the older devices? Zune was always fantastic about giving the older devices enough of a firmware update that they could feel new again and do what the newer models could do. Yet, with the introduction of the Zune HD, do we expect to see that kind of firmware in the older devices? Could you imagine Zune HD functionality in a Zune 30? Personally, I thought what separated Zune from others was that ability to tell the older generation users that they weren't going to be left behind. Now I don't know what the plans for this may entail, but I would tell current Zune users to hold onto their devices (and continue to use them, haha). I would venture to think that they would still be useable even after the Zune HD's general availability.
Yet it also seems like the devices may have a bigger generation gap (read: experience) than it was to jump from a pad to a squircle, for example.
McDonalds: Will I now be able to browse the web while at a McDonalds for free, much like I'm able to shop the Marketplace? Just thought I'd toss that one in there for shizz and giggles :-)
So these were just a few things I had swirling around in my head. I'm sure E3 will answer some questions people may have and as time goes on to the actual release date we will find out more of what Zune has in store.
17 post(s):
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Nando
on
5/27/09 1:06 PM
I bought my Zune 120 three months ago and I sincerely hope that its firmware will be updated as close as possible to the upcoming Zune HD.
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Marques Lyons
on
5/27/09 1:26 PM
Well, Nando -- we will just have to see what happens with the older devices.
In looking at what the Zune HD can do, you do have to ask how would that translate (firmware-wise) to the older devices. -
Julio Angel Ortiz
on
5/27/09 2:17 PM
I would be surprised if the new firmware was not supported on *at least* the Zune 80 and 120... hardware-wise, they're not much different, and the 120 is too recent to suddenly be forgotten about. The Zune 30... well, again, if the Zune 80 can get it, why not the 30? But I would not be surprised to see the Zune 30 be skipped in this update, and it would be hard to complain considering Microsoft has gone above and beyond in maintaining the original Zune. Still, it would be a great gesture.
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Eric Vogel
on
5/27/09 3:19 PM
I would doubt HD Radio on older devices. I think a new FM tuner that would be needed. Plus royalties to the makers of HD Radio (Included in the tuner cost and to the station buying the equipment.) Would be so nice to have a usable MP3 player (Toshiba Gigabeat S sits on desk, battery usage is not very good and never a update for it. and it was buggy). So now a touch screen with wifi internet, mp3 player and HD Radio. Can't wait. Might have to wait till black Friday or 3-6 months later for price to drop to an affordable level for m.
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JPRushFan
on
5/27/09 3:24 PM
One main reason I have not moved away from my 2006 model 30GB (which works fine BTW)...is the lack of EQ functionality in the new gen models. Would be sweet if the Zune HD has this function...I might have to "cheat" on my good ole 30GB :)
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Julio Angel Ortiz
on
5/27/09 4:08 PM
No, I highly doubt the HD Radio is something that can be implemented in software (I don't know enough about it but I'd just about guarantee a no). But other firmware features might be a boon to the older Zunes if the hardware can support them.
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PESMERGA7
on
5/27/09 5:33 PM
Even so, the biggest sticking point for me (and others I bet) is that price tag. What is going to be the price tag for the premium piece of technology.
OLED screen, wi-fi, HD radio, and other little things will eventually bring that price up--not to mention the storage space.
I'm guessing that there is going to be 8 to 60 gig models. For me, an 8 Gig model with an HD attached to it is not going to be practical. Movies in HD stored in a tiny 8 Gig model would take up at least half the space if you are planning on taking the movie and streaming it out onto an HDTV. For any practical purpose you need at least a 32 Gig model to fit all your media.
Yes, the price tag will definitely separate the able and willing from the money conscious. How many early adopters are there for this new device when these people already have, in all probability, have a iPod Touch or iPhone?
As for me, I'm game if they can keep a 32 Gig or above model under that $300 mark. -
Anonymous
on
5/27/09 6:27 PM
I read in an article that it was unlikely that flash would be supported in the browser "Flash: The Zune HD Web browser is still in early builds, but Seitz says that Flash support doesn't look likely. " (Source: http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/news/2009/05/inside-the-zune-hd-a-new-hope-for-microsoft.ars)
The podcast streaming is done through silvrlight I believe so unless there is silverlight support, you won't be streaming any podcasts -
Marques Lyons
on
5/27/09 6:28 PM
Yeah, Pes -
I think everyone has their ear to ground to find out the capacity and price for the Zune HD. It's that type of information that can, honestly, make or break a person's decision. -
Joe (Redtater)
on
5/27/09 7:35 PM
Agree with what nando posted. I would sure hate to see my 5 month old 120 suddenly turn into yesterdays news. To be honest I am not too hot on touch devices anyway so the capacity and of course the price are big deals. But to steal a line from Billy Crystal and an old SNL show.... It looks simply marvelous!
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Shane Nokes
on
5/27/09 8:08 PM
Joe.
The issue you run into with the who 'yesterdays news' vibe you mention is that every single thing ever created will be 'yesterdays news' at some point.
So why hate what is inevitable, and just not embrace that you bought what you bought and not worry about what will be, and focus on what is :) -
Joe
on
5/27/09 8:26 PM
^^^Oh I totally agree. I am very happy with my 120 and my 30 as well and plan to use them both long into the future. But I was kind of hoping my 120 would be at least a year old before a big brother showed up! :) I was just trying to say (and apparently not very well) that just because its new and shinny I am not going to run out and buy it. That's why I am wondering about the capacity and price of the device which nobody seems to know anything about! I have a feeling though it will be well under 30 gig and probably cost more than a new 120 does.
Hope I am wrong though.....! -
Marques Lyons
on
5/27/09 8:42 PM
It's ok, Joe to have that kind of hesitation. As much as I loves my technology, with some things I have to really sit down and make sure that it was something that I wanted.
If I remember correctly, my XBOX 360 is not that old at all. I came into the Live experience pretty late (but I'm glad I did 'jump in').
But as the information begins to trickle in over the next few months, I hope it's enough information that allows you to make a secure decision.
Gee, that sounded all diplomatic, didn't it? -
EricT. (Ultraman1970)
on
5/27/09 9:31 PM
The one thing I am really excited to find out about is..since Zune is taking over the Video in Marketplace..does this finally mean Zune owners will be able to buy/rent movies to watch on their Zunes. I will be ending up getting a Zune HD sometime..but maybe not right as soon as they come out. Was planning on getting a iPood Touch at the beginning of the year, but with this news..I think that has just flown out the door. Zune wins for me!
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Marques Lyons
on
5/27/09 10:15 PM
Haha. Hey, Eric -
No telling where all of this is going to lead, but the ride looks like it's going to be a fun one. -
Neville (Solar257)
on
5/27/09 10:24 PM
The morning after:
Where are my headphones? They're goin' think I'm a Zune fanboi. Screw that I'm an MVP and I was under NDA anyway. I should just post this and let them comment.
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I know he thinks we see him as a fanboi. We don't really care. It's great that he posts what he wants. What a way to run a blog. First the Zune HD confirmation now this. We can't get sucked in though. Gotta be cool, ice cold.
ICE COLDMaybe we'll leave a ton of comments... naw just enough to keep him happy, ice cold.
ICE COLDbut what if,
what if
what if this is the 'The Blog?'
- My Inspiration -
Marques Lyons
on
5/27/09 11:09 PM
Haha, I know that track from the Outkast album. I crack up everytime I hear it -- but dude, did you hear their take on "My Favorite Things". The drum pattern for that is insane.
The track itself is called "Take Off Your Cool" or something like that.
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