Well I could hardly let today go by without some acknowledgement of the release of the Zune HD and update to both the PC Software and the online services. I can’t very well do a review of the device as I can’t get it and I don’t think I will be doing a review of the software as there will be many other better qualified reviewers to do that, I might write a short post about my new favourite features of the new software. What I will write about is some of the things we have heard about the Zune today that have been rumoured before.
Firstly I think the inclusion of applications on the Zune HD needs a mention as this only makes the device more attractive and even more of a competitor to Apple’s media devices. However there are some differences between the application ecosystem on the Zune and Apple’s application ecosystem. The difference is that Microsoft will be releasing the apps and they will be free for everyone. Below you can read part of the Zune Press Release.
Zune HD also features new casual games and non-gaming functionality such as a calculator and an MSN Weather application. Later this year, Zune plans to release free applications such as Twitter for Zune and Facebook for Zune, in addition to fun 3-D games such as “Project Gotham Racing: Ferrari Edition,” “Vans Sk8: Pool Service,” and “Audiosurf Tilt. TM” Games can be added to Zune HD via Zune Marketplace over the Wi-Fi connection or when connected to the Zune PC software.
Another interesting piece of information is from Paul Thurott in his reviews of the entire Zune family updates where he says:
Going forward, Zune will be Microsoft’s entertainment services brand, and you will see it appear wherever it makes sense, starting first with the Xbox 360. But that’s literally the beginning, and in the future, you can expect to see the Zune brand pop-up all over Microsoft’s products. I’m talking Windows. Windows Mobile. Whatever.
Obviously this isn’t official confirmation but it certainly sounds like he knows something we all don’t and it backups rumours and concept shots of Windows Mobile 7 with what looked like a Zune application running on it. Next question now though is when will this expansion of Zune take place, maybe by Christmas, maybe in February when there is scheduled to be another update for Windows Mobile or will it be when Windows Mobile 7 launches, well over a year away?
A piece of information I am most excited about came from @Zunited in a tweet which says:
Zune and Zune HD will go international this fall covering the UK and select other countries.
I have asked where they got this from and I am still waiting to hear but I really hope this is correct and I am looking forward to ordering it the minute I can. I think I should probably thank you all for signing my petition to get Microsoft to bring the Zune HD to the UK and the rest of the world, I doubt it has made any difference but its the thought that counts. Oh and today I was sent a link by @Solar257 to this article about why Microsoft haven’t/didn’t have any plans to release the Zune HD outside of the US.
