tirsdag 2. juni 2009

Zune HD - Microsoft's Ipod Touch Challenger



Microsoft have recently published their prospective answer to Apple's Ipod Touch, the Zune HD. Zune HD will according to the Norwegian website DinSide be available in the US early this automn, and it is the 3rd generation Zune. With Zune HD, Microsoft hopes to challenge the Ipod Touch's "monopoly" as the nr1 media player, and so far it looks like a fair challenge...

The new media player will have lots of new technology. However, some of it will not function in many countries outside the USA, sais the Norwegian newspaper VG. Some of the new features in the Zune HD are i.a OLED screen and close integration with the Xbox. It will also be able to play HD-video on an extern screen when plugged in. Zune HD will also be able to play HD-radio, an alternative to the DAB, which is common i.a in the US. This technology will not be usable many places outside the US, and Zune HD is accordingly the first portable device able to recieve HD radio signals. The screen has, similar to the Ipod Touch, multitouch functions.

The Zune HD has impressed many, amongst them ITavisen. They write that the technoblogs Engadget and Gizmodo both have tested the Zune HD, and the responses are definately not negative. First of all the OLED screen strikes you as stunning. Next, the accelerometer is said to be quicker than those of the Ipod Touch and Iphone. And lastly, Gizmodo calls the device tighter and more physically beautiful than the iPod Touch.

So, will the Zune HD be able to compete against the market where Apple's Ipods currently are in full control? In December 2008 Apple had sold 13 million Ipod Touchs. One other important feature that is still unknown is how many different file types the Zune will be able to play, as converting of files has been annoying Ipod users for many years. Well, to me it seems like the Ipod Touch finally has got a worthy competitor. I definately believe the Zune HD will be a great device, but weither it manages to compete against Apple in the Ipod Touch dominated market remains to see...


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