Rumor: 16GB and 32GB Zune HD hitting stores in September

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The release of Microsoft's Zune HD is very anticipated by many people, and for many reasons. So far, from what we've seen, it's a very sexy device and provides an alternative to Apple's iPod touch; however, we don't know all the details. Nobody is yet sure on the storage space that will be provided by the device, nor is anybody (except Microsoft, of course) exactly sure on a release date. The folks at Gizmodo hope to sort a bit of that out for us.

They've received a documents that are apparently straight from inside Microsoft, which point to both storage sizes and an exact release date. According to Gizmodo, you'll be able to pick up a Zune HD in both 16GB and 32GB versions, and you'll be able to do this on September 8. Keep in mind that these are still unconfirmed, but the documents are said to look legit, and the information is what you'd expect.

Again, no word on pricing; it's known that the Zune HD will use an OLED touchscreen, as well as being powered by Nvidia's Tegra platform, so these will contribute to a higher-rather-then-lower price, no doubt. Neowin has previously posted the specifications that will be included within the device:

3.6 inch (or thereabouts) OLED full touch screen.
NVIDIA Tegra powered.
4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, and 120GB versions.
HDMI Connection to stream straight to your TV.
HD Radio.
Web Browser.
WiFi compatible, with wireless marketplace.
Released, early fall.
International release of the Zune device itself.
Home AV packs, Car packs, Charge packs.

As you can see, there are a lot more different ranges of storage in these specifications, and here you'll see that there should be 4GB, 8GB, 16GB and 32GB. There's a few different figures floating around now, so we'll have to wait and see. Expect to see any new information posted right here on Neowin as soon as it shows up, as usual.

Image courtesy of Gizmodo.

(1 reply) #1 +xiphi on 24 Jun 2009 - 23:09

Can't wait to get my hands on one of these.

#1.1 Vakerorokero on 25 Jun 2009 - 08:25

At least they are doing an international release, that means it will easy to find by 2014 everywhere.

(3 replies) #2 M_Lyons10 on 24 Jun 2009 - 23:12

I have to admit that I've always been an iPod user, but the new Zune is gorgeous... I would have to play around with one to see what the software is like, but I'm definitely interested.

Does anyone know if I would need another program on my PC to have a Zune, or can I use iTunes? I know it's unlikely, but I hate having a lot of unnecessary stuff...

#2.1 +xiphi on 24 Jun 2009 - 23:21

You will need the Zune software found on www.zune.net

#2.2 Bhav on 24 Jun 2009 - 23:32

Hmm..if it was drag and drop then I'd probably get this

Edit: well, that's if it ever comes to the UK grr!

#2.3 metheweirdo on 25 Jun 2009 - 00:05

Bhav said,

Hmm..if it was drag and drop then I'd probably get this
!

the thing is, that if they would make it drag and drop, there would be no way (yet anyway) of the zzune getting the artist background to put under the album art,(see picture above on the article)

(2 replies) #3 The Teej on 24 Jun 2009 - 23:16

I really hope that 120GB version is true, that's probably the version I'll be gunning for.

#3.1 darkmanx21 on 24 Jun 2009 - 23:30

Same here. I want the larger version, although I realize it's completely useless as I'll never listen to them all. Lol. I want to know the battery life on this thing because frankly, the current one is garbage in comparison to lots of competitors.

#3.2 ataris_kid on 24 Jun 2009 - 23:44

The Teej said,

This.

I'm not about to buy a small flash memory media player when my content library far exceeds that.

(2 replies) #4 dagamer34 on 24 Jun 2009 - 23:24

In case no one has noticed, that's the same day of Apple's likely annual September iPod event.

#4.1 Sam Symons on 25 Jun 2009 - 00:12

dagamer34 said,

Hey, very good point.

#4.2 andrewbares on 25 Jun 2009 - 02:02

Dude, it's pretty obvious, they both launch products every year. They've always been at the same time.

But hey, some ppl might have not noticed.

(9 replies) #5 +chconline on 24 Jun 2009 - 23:37

I'm no Apple fanboy (in fact more negative than positive) but as an iPhone owner I had to say that it's not just about looks -- Microsoft themselves should understand that what contributes to something's popularity also comes with the amount of compatible applications. The iPhone/iPod touch has apps for pretty much everything. They need to kick up the developer base for the Zune as well if they want to beat the iPod.

#5.1 macrosslover on 25 Jun 2009 - 00:04

but I just want a music and video player.

#5.2 metheweirdo on 25 Jun 2009 - 00:06

while i agree with your statement, i dont think you should bring the iphone into this, only the ipod touch

#5.3 +xiphi on 25 Jun 2009 - 00:07

Last I checked, the Zune was a portable media player. I don't need to have apps and whatnot. I just want it to play my mp3's and videos.

Zune != pocket pc

#5.4 Draconian Guppy on 25 Jun 2009 - 00:15

+1 Apps are a plus, but not a must on a music player... IMO.
1. Sound quality
2.software integration

#5.5 .Neo on 25 Jun 2009 - 00:35

metheweirdo said,

The exact same thing applies to the iPod touch...

#5.6 Edgar J on 25 Jun 2009 - 02:18

I still like Apps, calendar, notes, some games, myspace,facebook etc.

#5.7 Shadrack on 25 Jun 2009 - 03:36

They don't have any apps yet because this is their first zune to have the capability for a diverse touch interface. Further, the windows mobile platform arguably has had more success with 3rd party app than the iPhone to date.

#5.8 Quikboy on 25 Jun 2009 - 04:36

cakesy said,

(snipped)

Apps aren't necessary. They are nice of course, and I'd love to see a platform for them on the Zune too, but I think most people that want PMPs, are looking at how it works with media, not a bunch of apps it can do (I think most of us have something called 'computers' for that).

It is innovating, by integrating a bunch of new technology and features into one awesome product (based on what I've seen and heard).

Last edited by rm20010 on 25 Jun 2009 - 07:05

#5.9 Harbinger on 25 Jun 2009 - 12:40

chconline said,

One could argue that Apple should focus some more on sound quality. I mean, they should be ASHAMED of the headphones they bundle. They sell a device that first and foremost a MUSIC player. And its not just the headphones, the ipods seriously lack in sound quality compared to other players out there (most of them being also cheaper). Any audiophile will tell you this.

Obviously if you're one of those listening to 128kbps mp3s all the above means nothing to you. But hey, its not like ipod supports .flac, .ogg and the likes. I for one want my music lossless and pairing my Ultimate Ears SuperFi's with an ipod is an atrocious crime for my audiophile ears.

#6 KamiQuazi on 25 Jun 2009 - 04:18

Zune Information directly from Zune.net

#7 sm1174 on 25 Jun 2009 - 04:26

My wife whom is an ipod aficionado loves the new look of the ZHD and drm free music, vids, file sharing & compatibility from my current zune & loves my custom wallpapers. I will definitely be purchasing one or two during the release.

#8 Quikboy on 25 Jun 2009 - 04:39

Awesome. Can't wait!

#9 Xam_Remny on 25 Jun 2009 - 05:42

I hope they release it in Europe this time.

(1 reply) #10 E.Fahd on 25 Jun 2009 - 06:48

Tegra + XNA = Win.

#10.1 GP007 on 25 Jun 2009 - 09:04

That's what I'm hoping for. Just let people have the option of taking XBLA and XNA community games with them from their 360. That alone is huge.

Also open it up for people to make loads of stuff using XNA etc, that'll get the ball rolling fast.

(1 reply) #11 CarlosMiguel on 25 Jun 2009 - 06:55

Is zune cheaper than than iPod Touch?

#11.1 Harbinger on 25 Jun 2009 - 12:46

CarlosMiguel said,

Afaik there's no pricing announced yet.

#12 teanscatt on 25 Jun 2009 - 20:32

Excellent news! Little by little HD Radio is catching on. I think if we abandon radio, we lose the stories. We give up learning about the heart and history of music. Radio personalities, for instance, share with us stories like the one about the recording of the oldies classic "Under the Boardwalk". The night before it was recorded by The Drifters, the lead singer, Rudy Lewis, died. Johnny Moore was brought in to record lead vocals and it was the first time he had done the song. It was a hit and the rest is, well..., history. For more info on HD radio and a great selection of <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.hdradiotuner.org"> HD radio receivers, HD radio tuners, and home audio go to http://www.hdradiotuner.org </a>

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