Microsoft today made the long rumored touch screen Zune HD device official. Set to launch in the fall, it appears that Microsoft is smartly looking to leverage their large (17 million strong) XBox 360 community as one method of content distribution. Look for Zune to be a premium content partner on Xbox LIVE Video Marketplace where you’ll be able to obtain all sorts of exciting TV and film releases.
Zune HD comes with a built in HD Radio Receiver (??), as well as a 480×272 OLED touch screen interface (16:9 widescreen format). There’s an HD-compatible output to allow the Zune HD to playback supported HD video files from the device via HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) docking station (sold separately) to a TV in 720p. Worth noting that supported 720p HD video files play on the device, downscaled to fit the screen at 480 x 272 — not HD resolution. Zune HD and AV Dock, and an HDTV (all sold separately) are required to view video at HD resolution. PS - Yes , there’s Wi-Fi – but HD Radio? Did I miss the resurgence of terrestrial radio? Pricing is TBD and Microsoft is expected to show this off at the upcoming Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) next week.
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