Zune HD Specs Include Xbox Live Connectivity

Kris Erickson • May 27, 2009 • Comments (1)

Earlier this week we reported that Microsoft was working on a handheld entertainment device with gaming functionality, possibly called the ZuneX. Where there is smoke around industry rumors, there is almost inevitably fire, and this one turned out no differently. Microsoft today announced that it will release a Zune HD device later this year that integrates the Zune marketplace and Xbox Live online services.

The company promises that at E3, "attendees will see first-hand how Zune integrates into Xbox LIVE creating a game-changing entertainment experience." Exactly what this means is still unconfirmed, but we believe it could signal several possibilities: Zune-purchased music available as custom soundtracks in-game? Ability to play minigames on the handheld while away from home? Without any visible gaming buttons, we are skeptical that this new Zune will play games as previously thought. However, nothing is outside of the realm of possibility, including a peripheral game attachment, for example.

Here is what we know about the Zune HD Specifications so far:

Zune HD is the next iteration of the Zune device family and brings a new level of listening and viewing experiences to the portable media player category.

Zune HD comes with a built-in HD Radio receiver so users can listen to higher-quality sound than traditional radio on the go. Users also will have access to the additional song and artist data broadcast by HD Radio stations as well as additional channels from their favorite stations multicasting in HD. If you don't like the song playing on your station's HD channel, switch to its HD2 or HD3 channels for additional programming.

The bright OLED touch screen interface allows users to flip through music, movies and other content with ease, and the 16:9 widescreen format display (480x272 resolution) offers a premium viewing experience on the go.

The HD-compatible output lets Zune HD customers playback supported HD video files from the device through a premium high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) audiovisual docking station (sold separately) direct to an HD TV in 720p.

Zune HD will include a full-screen Internet browser optimized for multitouch functionality.

Zune HD is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing for instant streaming to the device from the more than 5 million-track Zune music store.

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Comments

Aden Fraser

- August 16, 2009 7:50 AM

As a Zune owner since 2006, I was ofcourse going to purchase this anyway but for everyone else - you have to admit that these specs are killer. OLED screen, NVidia Tegra and 720p output.

Nice.

Xboxist

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