Microsoft Confirms All Those Zune HD Rumors

10:10 AM - August 13, 2009 - By Jane McEntegart - Source : Tom's Guide US

In what was more a formality than anything else, Microsoft has confirmed details of the Zune HD, most of which everyone knew already.

While there's been rumors stemming from retailers, "people in the know" and anonymous tipsters for what seems like an age, Microsoft has finally stepped up to the plate and confirmed pricing and the release date of the Zune HD, along with some other minor details for those eagerly awaiting the device.

First off, the previously reported September 15 release date was bang on the money. Microsoft also announced that pre-ordering for the Zune HD starts today as well as pricing, which is again, in line with previous rumors: 16 GB and 32 GB models, priced at $219.99 and $289.99.

What we didn't know before is that pre-ordered 16 GB units will come in black and pre-ordered 32 GB units will come in platinum. However, when the device launches on September 15 (Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and of course Microsoft), the player will be offered in five colors. Customers will also have the option of adding one of 10 engravings by guest artists to the back of the device.

Given that pre-orders don't give you the option of choosing your favorite color or adding an artist's engraving, is anyone tempted to wait until September 15, or is that a really girly question on my part? Let us know in the comments below!

Comments

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Comments

icepick314 08/13/2009 4:24 PM

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unless that preorder "platinum" color is gone after launch, i'll wait till i have some color and design options....

nicklasd87 08/13/2009 4:25 PM

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The only thing I want to know is if it will work with any media player...and I doubt it will due to "Zune Marketplace". If Microsoft makes the Zune usable on any media player, life wil be good...

thepetey 08/13/2009 4:26 PM

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I am picking up one of these for sure, anyone looking for a 32gb ipod touch?

megahunter 08/13/2009 4:29 PM

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not so expensive...

mtyermom 08/13/2009 4:40 PM

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I am pleasantly surprised by the pricing.

kewl munky 08/13/2009 4:45 PM

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Damn I saw upwards of $500 for the 32GB model on another site. Surely they will have to do some price drops on the other ones.

thomasjm52 08/13/2009 5:04 PM

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why do people write "BTW who cares" obviously you do cause you read the article then posted a coment you moron!

duckmanx88 08/13/2009 5:05 PM

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i want a zune hd but i hate the zune software. Downloaded it yesterday. but i did like that music on there is cheaper than itunes. anyone know if the zune hd will work with that media monkey software?

nachowarrior 08/13/2009 5:16 PM

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yes, it's a really girly question

jellico 08/13/2009 5:24 PM

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I see no real reason to pre-order stuff unless you're getting a really good deal or it comes with something that won't otherwise be available to retail buyers. Typically, the price is a bit lower at Walmart, if only by a couple of dollars, than at other retailers. So why not just keep your money in your wallet (or purse, as the case may be) and keep your options open on release day.

ravewulf 08/13/2009 5:25 PM

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I'm waiting for either A: the price comes down or B: I have more money in pocket. College is not kind to my savings account.

ljport78 08/13/2009 5:39 PM

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But what we really want to know is "Will it run Crysis?"

matchboxmatt 08/13/2009 5:41 PM

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32GB for $10 less than 16 on the iPod touch?

I think I'm willing to trade iTunes' app store for that. Not that there would be any apps to use anyway since they're all being kicked out by their insane approval process.

I'm really excited to see what they can do with the Tegra platform too.

anamaniac 08/13/2009 5:58 PM

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ljport78 :
But what we really want to know is "Will it run Crysis?"

U can assume it has somewere along the lines of 100MHz SPU and maybe 64MB of RAM... so no.
But that would be awesome. =D

...
My entire music collection is about 70 gigs... bigger sizes please.

IzzyCraft 08/13/2009 6:01 PM

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Ipod touch vs zunes hd i'd go with zune hd for more memory not like ipod touch has great apps, iphone does the touch does not.

Honis 08/13/2009 6:05 PM

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jellico :
I see no real reason to pre-order stuff unless you're getting a really good deal or it comes with something that won't otherwise be available to retail buyers. Typically, the price is a bit lower at Walmart, if only by a couple of dollars, than at other retailers. So why not just keep your money in your wallet (or purse, as the case may be) and keep your options open on release day.

Don't forget, Best Buy will match Wal-Marts and others online price in store so shop around before you go. I'm probably going to wait a bit for possible bug to be reported and then see if its worth it.

Anonymous 08/13/2009 6:18 PM

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I agree, I need more room, 32gb is not enough for HD video and music. Not to mention games if they ever release anything worth having. My 80gb Zune is fine until they can fix the sizes.

rcx240 08/13/2009 6:19 PM

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I'm gonna have to give one of these a try when my iPod explod- err, breaks. Yeah.

greatgooglymugly 08/13/2009 6:41 PM

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Good Point Jellico- dont want to end up in a situation like those who dove in blindly and bought Archos.

greatgooglymugly 08/13/2009 6:50 PM

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greatgooglymugly :
Good Point Jellico- dont want to end up in a situation like those who dove in blindly and bought Archos.

In Reference to:

Don't forget, Best Buy will match Wal-Marts and others online price in store so shop around before you go. I'm probably going to wait a bit for possible bug to be reported and then see if its worth it.

How ddo you edit posts you have already submitted? I cant find any options to do it. If someone could P/M me it would be appreciated.

grieve 08/13/2009 7:05 PM

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matchboxmatt :
32GB for $10 less than 16 on the iPod touch?I think I'm willing to trade iTunes' app store for that. Not that there would be any apps to use anyway since they're all being kicked out by their insane approval process.I'm really excited to see what they can do with the Tegra platform too.

There are still the 36,000 Apps that made it through...

Honis 08/13/2009 11:12 PM

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greatgooglymugly :
In Reference to

on't forget, Best Buy will match Wal-Marts and others online price in store so shop around before you go. I'm probably going to wait a bit for possible bug to be reported and then see if its worth it.How ddo you edit posts you have already submitted? I cant find any options to do it. If someone could P/M me it would be appreciated.

There is none. I noticed my errors after rereading it in context of the posts that popped up while writing it and had the "Oh damn" look cross my face.

Core2uu 08/14/2009 12:00 PM

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-1

grieve :
There are still the 36,000 Apps that made it through...

Yeah, so "useful" stuff like Baby Shaker...
The iTouch/iPhone have a lot of good apps, but Apple's censorship is just a piece of ****.

matt87_50 08/14/2009 2:19 AM

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"Microsoft Confirms All Those Zune HD Rumors"

what? looking at the article, all they confirmed is the price, storage space, colors and release date!?

for all I know, it could just be a multicolored flash drive!? where are the specs?

Core2uu 08/14/2009 6:03 AM

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Matt87_50 :
"Microsoft Confirms All Those Zune HD Rumors"what? looking at the article, all they confirmed is the price, storage space, colors and release date!?for all I know, it could just be a multicolored flash drive!? where are the specs?

http://www.zune.net/en-us/mp3playe [...] efault.htm

Well that was difficult.

jacobdrj 08/14/2009 7:14 AM

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Just saw a video of the UI on CNET. Looked good.

neiroatopelcc 08/14/2009 9:01 AM

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Does this device have the built in frag grenade option offered by the rivals iGrenade (previously known as iPhone)

eddieroolz 08/14/2009 1:13 PM

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If I was looking for a PMP, I would definitely buy the Zune HD...

Hell, I might even sell my Cowon S9 for this.

bryce55 08/14/2009 7:23 PM

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