Microsoft Zune HD preview

What you need to know

Previewed by: Donald Bell

Previewed on: 2 June 2009

Tags: Microsoft, Microsoft Zune HD preview, portable media player, tuner, FM radio

We like:

In addition to features found on older Zune models -- a photo viewer, games and podcast management, to name a few -- the Zune HD boasts an 84mm OLED touchscreen, which will look beautiful, if other such screens are anything to go by. It also has high-definition video playback -- using an optional dock accessory -- and high-definition radio, which offers better audio quality than traditional radio and lends itself well to transmitting artist and song data. A modified Internet Explorer Web browser complements the device's Wi-Fi capabilities (song sharing and Zune Marketplace browsing, for example)

We don't like:

With a 84mm display, running at a very average 480x272-pixel resolution, you won't get the full benefit of high-definition video unless you output it to a TV screen

Full review:

In May, Microsoft officially announced plans to release a touchscreen version of the Zune portable media player, intended to compete with Apple's iPod touch. The new device is called the Zune HD, and offers several features not found on the touch, including an OLED display, high-definition radio, and high-definition video playback (using an optional dock accessory). Long-standing Zune features, such as a photo viewer, games, podcast management, and Zune Pass music subscription integration, will continue to be supported. Continue Reading...