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Zune HD review, an iPod alternative?
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The best thing about the Zune is that it is not an iPod – or so the trendsetters say – but the 
Zune HD (high-definition) next generation portable media player is sure to win over some fans. Some tech bloggers even admit to a bit of giddiness over Microsoft’s latest mobile entertainment device, which until yesterday remained a rumor.
A solid First-Look Zune HD review is unlikely until after the device’s debut at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) next week (update forthcoming), where attendees will see how Zune integrates into Xbox LIVE. Meanwhile the preliminary information on the iPod competitor is compelling, both the pros and the cons.
Zune HD Features
Following yesterday’s announcement by Microsoft confirming the new Zune HD 2009 fall release plan and product features, Ars Technia addressed some common consumer questions and answers on the Zune HD.
In an interview with Brian Seitz, the group marketing manager for Zune, it was reported that the Zune HD does not contain Adobe Flash support – prompting a ‘next product, please’ response by some Web users. While another interview with Seltz via a Boing Boing blog, stated that [Flash support], "it was still being worked out.' (update to come).
Many Web 2.0 sites and YouTube both require Flash capability. Note that Apple’s iPod does not support Flash but some smartphones and PDAs do. (See Flash-enabled devices).
The Zune HD is touted as “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,” by Microsoft.
Integration with Xbox Live is another selling point for the Zune HD, though the upcoming, so-called “Zune Marketplace” is vaguely described.
As for the Zune HD price, this is limited to rumors and speculations which target the anything-but-an-iPod device between $150 and $200 and remain unconfirmed.
On the asthetics front, the Zune HD is likened to a Sony X-series media player, one of the mobile media player's strongest selling-points next to its HD radio and output features.
Basic Zune HD specifications:
Built-in HD Radio receiver with access to HD radio stations as well as additional channels multicasting in HD.
OLED touch screen interface in 16:9 widescreen format display (480x272 resolution).
HD-compatible output supporting playback of HD video files via HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) with an audiovisual docking station (sold separately) direct to an HD TV in 720p.
Full-screen Internet browser, reported to be a version of Internet Explorer (IE) 6 that is customized and optimized for multi-touch.
Wi-Fi enabled;
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