Zune HD is Microsoft’s rumored PSP2 killer with a fee
Microsoft recently revealed the new Zune HD as the successor to the existing Zune music device. The device comes with a super crystal clear OLED screen that has the capability to output 720p. Hints given by Microsoft indicate that there is more to the Zune HD than just another touch-screen MP3 player. All clues indicate the Zune HD taking on the handheld (PSP2 and DS) market.
The original Zune had some games available on it. The games were your basic variety, which can be found on any cell phone for free. However, with the announcement of the Zune HD, Microsoft may be gearing up to take on the handheld game market as well as the iPod Touch market.
Rumors indicate that the new Zune HD will sport a 16GB and 32GB storage setup, which is about the same configuration the new PSP2 is rumored to be. The PSP2 is said to ditch UMD and go PSN store completely, which actually makes some sense. Currently the PSN store is probably the second largest mobile app store after the iTunes app store.
As many of you may already have read, Capcom is preparing to unleash around 40 PSN PSOne titles soon for the PSP (PSP2?), which is an insane amount. Other big name publishers are said to be following suit. It makes you wonder what is going on behind the scenes.
However, Microsoft has a big weapon of its own – the Zune Marketplace. The biggest hint that the marketplace will be extended out to the Zune HD is unsurprisingly revealed on Microsoft’s teaser picture. The company has refused to go into details regarding how the Marketplace will play into the Zune HD. The company has revealed that the old Video Marketplace for the Zune will be getting the axe.
Also, according to Joystiq, Microsoft teased a little by indicating that gamers will have to wait till E3 to see “how Zune integrates into Xbox LIVE creating a game-changing entertainment experience.” Unfortunately, it seems like there will be some sort of fee associated with the Zune Marketplace even for existing XBL subscribers, which will allow 10 free song downloads per month. Stay tuned for more information about the device from E3 next week.
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44 Responses to “Zune HD is Microsoft’s rumored PSP2 killer with a fee”
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May 28th, 2009
lol, they can’t even get the word “marketplace” to fit on the screen.
This new Zune does look sleek. but I just don’t see how this competes with the DS, and more specifically the PSP…and especially in that form factor…I can’t how you are going to play games either vertically or horizontally.
And anyway, isn’t this only coming out in the US?
May 28th, 2009
Well Mike twisting the truth again ha. So when did the PSP and the DS come into play? It was clearly stated that it was going after the Ipod Touch. I can see where your going with it but those two platforms were not even mentioned. Maybe Microsoft is going after the $10 game market like the Ipod Touch. XNA games can be put on the Zune and maybe the arcade will open up to it as well. As for full blown titles I don’t know but we’ll have to wait for E3.
May 28th, 2009
@CAD,
How am I twisting anything? Microsoft rep said that game-changing news regarding XBL with Zune HD will be announced at E3 of all places.
I am saying it will compete with the PSP2 not PSP. PSP2 is rumored to have 16GB and 32GB with touch-screen and PSN reliance.
Not sure why I am repeating myself, I clearly say all of this in the story.
May 28th, 2009
I agree Mike, no twisting here that I can see. If the psp2 is going touch with PSN compatibility, I may be interested. (got rid of my orig psp and got the DS lite)
16 and 32 gig is not really big enough though if it is purely downloaded games. If they are going casual 16/32gig will severely compromise on game content and graphic quality ??
May 28th, 2009
nipple twisting?
May 28th, 2009
Where are you headed with this Harry ??
May 28th, 2009
i like nipple twistin
wot were we on about again?
May 28th, 2009
nowhere, just watching the clock.
May 28th, 2009
“How am I twisting anything?”
Mike, you took the original quote “how Zune integrates into Xbox LIVE creating a game-changing entertainment experience” and then went on to spew, “All clues indicate the Zune HD taking on the handheld (PSP2 and DS) market”.
If anything this means “game-changing” for how entertainment items such as music and movies are incorporated with Live, and it might include a few simple games. Nobody said, including Engadget and Joystiq, that this was Microsoft’s “PSP2 killer”, or that it would compete with DS except you.
Seriously, what clues? The fact that it has no similar controls to PSP or DS (and likely PSP2 for that matter)? The fact that Zune currently has about 5 games? The fact that it is a personal media player and not a gaming handheld? If anything, try to be a little bit more realistic and say it could possibly come out with some IPhone similar games, and some more of what was on Zune (which really isn’t that much).
To say this, obviously a personal media player, would directly compete with gaming focused handhelds (or next versions of, let alone “kill” them) that have been on the market for years is ludicrous and flamebait at best. A more accurate comparison would be to the Sony Walkman or IPod.
And the fee is not required to access Zune Marketplace, it is the same as Zune Pass now, an option to listen to as much music as you want and be able to download about 10 songs a month as well. This story belongs in Tech.blorge.
May 28th, 2009
Mike I don’t see how this is going to compete with the ds and psp when it doesn’t really have any controls?
But def expect it to compete with the iphone
May 28th, 2009
ipod. It’s not a phone.
May 28th, 2009
May 27, 2009 | Zune HD confirmed – as competition for the Apple iPod Touch
By Dave Parrack
Looks like one of you guys has got their facts wrong. LOL (found this story in the windows section)
May 28th, 2009
Yep. Looks like Dave nailed it.
May 28th, 2009
Come have a discussion that matters with me.
http://blorge.net/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=20
May 28th, 2009
Come have a discussion that actually matters with me.
blorge.net/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=20
(you can delete the post awaiting moderation)
May 28th, 2009
I like where M$ is going. but i would to see a real portable gaming device than a music player that plays games. They should make a Xbox Portable or something. but i also think they are way behind in the portable gaming business
May 28th, 2009
Roca
Considering the popularity of the Iphone and the Ipod Touch, I would say this is going in the right direction. I was going to buy the Touch but now I’m holding off for the Zune HD, maybe. But the only question is does it have a camera and does the Touch have a camera? I know the Phone does but I’m not sure about the touch. Also does the touch go on the internet? This might be a deal breaker for me but to be able to connect it to the 360 for content is a pro as well. The DSI is also a possibility for me to but the screen size is what kills it for me. Oh what to do?
May 28th, 2009
OK so I just looked it up and there is no Camera with the Touch and the DSI doesn’t go on the web. So I guess when I weigh my Pros and Cons the Zune HD is it. 720P with HD Radio and everything else the Touch can do plus connect to my 360. I just wish there was a camera but I guess my phone will always have that feature. I could get the Iphone but I refuse to go to Rogers and their rip off cell service just for this product. I get unlimited Web browsing on Telus with my HTC. If they would just make the games adapatable to Windows Mobile Phone I would never bother with any of these products.
May 28th, 2009
So in other news the 360 has reached 30 Million sold world wide and over 20 Million Live Subscribers.
May 28th, 2009
I’d love to kmow the real numbers. How many of the 30 million are replacement units.
May 28th, 2009
You may have a point but then that point would extend to the PS2 as well. But why buy another 360 when after the warrenty is over they will fix it for $130.
May 28th, 2009
wow ms is SUB-zeroing the shit out of you xbl users
May 28th, 2009
CAD, Where you from?
The Ipod touch is great but hold off to see what the zune store offers. I have the 32gig touch and I spent over $150 on stupid apps and games. Some are good but a lot of stupid ones. I wish Apple would force them to put demos out so we don’t spend money on crap.
May 28th, 2009
20 million XBL members
how many of those make a new account every month to get a free month
May 28th, 2009
@Roca
It doesn’t work like that. The free trials come when you buy a new console and you have to enter the specific code on the card to register. You can’t just make a new account unless you pay i.e. if you wanted to change your user name.
You sound a little bitter
May 28th, 2009
he’s a troll. stop responding to him!
May 28th, 2009
ncaissie
I’m from Toronto, Canada
May 28th, 2009
ncaissie
No Demos ha. This is where the Zune hooked upto a 360 is starting to make more sense.
May 28th, 2009
How many of LIVE users are actually ACTIVE Gold users though ?
I had gold for the free month and I am now on silver. Unsure whether I will go to gold membership either. Can’t justify the cost just yet.
May 28th, 2009
I am. I justified it by saving more money with Netflix with 1 at a time (unlimited) and streaming vice 2 at a time and no streaming. Can’t see this outside of NA though, unless it makes a worldwide debut.
May 28th, 2009
Yeah, well we all know my opinion on sub quality netflix. But I’m not going there again …. lol
May 28th, 2009
Yes definitely not worth it if you cannot afford (or do not wish to pay exorbitant prices for) a good connection for HD streaming.
Sorry… I thought you lived outside the U.S. and hadn’t streamed (experienced) Netflix yet… has something changed?
May 28th, 2009
I’m a gold user.
We don’t have Netflix here in Aus. He hasn’t experienced Netfix.
Stop flaming spidey! #$%$#^#^
May 29th, 2009
Don’t be presumptuous CarlB (and Harry). Yes I don’t live in the US, but I do have friends/relatives there and I have visited recently.
May 29th, 2009
Netflix works at DVD quality or better for me, except for older (70’s material like Doctor Who and such). I can see how this wouldn’t work (be “subquality”) so well for an unstable or lower quality connection though.
May 29th, 2009
^ Fair enough.
May 29th, 2009
Can’t justify the cost just yet.
So $50 is expensive for you. Personally Netfilx, Cross game chat, 1 vs 100, MSN Messenger, Movie/TV Downloads, Demos on every Arcade/XNA Title, Demos on 360 games, XNA Games, Strategy videos, Content upon Content upon Content is more then Justification for me.
May 29th, 2009
CAD.
You really shouldn’t make it seem like you get all that stuff for $50.
Netflix has an additinal cost.
movie/tv downloads is another.
In fact, if and when MS has a MMO put together for you guys, they shouldnt charge a monthly fee for it, as you are already paying one.
May 29th, 2009
I think it just depends on your views
I’m a PC man at heart and I can get pretty much anything that XBL provides for free on PC (obviously netflix and movies would require extra $$$).
I don’t think $50 for a year is bad at all (I probably spend more than that on Snickers), its just the principle of it.
May 29th, 2009
Sony won ‘t make a new PSP maybe at next year’s E3 they might announce one and a touch screen PSP will be lame i highly doubt Sony is going to do any of that touch screen crap. iPod sucks for gaming DS sucks for everything. And yes Microsoft should enter the handheld business maybe they will make a profit for the Xbox brand it needs it bad. Also it should be call XP (Xbox Portable) and it should have:
Windows Mobile
Windows Live Messenger
Achievement Points
Xbox Live
Microsoft Office
Internet Explorer
Built-in Flash Memory
Built in Microphone and Camera
All video and audio codec installed
Adobe Flash 10
Wi-Fi
HD Resolution like PSP
Wide HD LCD Screen
$200 or $250
Realiable a must
Remote Connectivity with Xbox 360
A brand new menu like PSP and PS3 nothing like the Xbox 360 please.
I would be the first one to buy it. So i can a second awesome must have handheld Sony will still be the best and PSP will always be my favorite handheld console. I would definitely be a XP fan a big one Microsoft make it happen please.
This is what they should announce at E3 since i bet they got nothing for Xbox 360.
May 29th, 2009
@ Spidey, I was just playing around with Media Center (i hate spelling it the American way too) in the Xbox and noticed that Bigpond Movies has something similar to Netflix, which you can access via the media center extender. Movies are $5.95 each, which is cheaper than the $8 that the local Blockbuster charges me.
May 30th, 2009
SW, agree 100%
Harry, I will have to have a look. Are they HD, streamed or downloaded ??
We hire BD’s for $1 – $1.50ea on Tue nights (special deal our local civic video store has)
May 30th, 2009
@ spidey,
from what I understand it’s streaming or downloaded. Only problem I am having is getting it to work on my laptop, for some reason the bigpond media organiser is not installing. Probably due to Vista.
$1 rentals? Damn, you never see those anymore. Video Ezy had a $30 a month ‘All you can eat’ plan a few years back where you can take out any 2 new releases and 2 ‘weeklys’ at a time. I joined for a few months and was in and out with 4 dvds each day. My burner went through a bit of a workout, but I ended up with a kickass collection! haha
May 31st, 2009
DAMN VISTA ……