Zune HD Has Nothing But Potential Right Now
In a world of converging devices, is there is absolutely no room for a single purpose device. The iPhone and iPod touch have made that perfectly clear; if you are going to launch a successful portable media player, it better do a few tricks. Palm knows this because the Pre will sync with iTunes, and Apple obviously knows this. Does Microsoft understand? The Zune HD has been officially announced, and to be honest, it looks very slick, powerful, and downright sexy. I am actually interestd in it, but I cannot help but to wonder if it will offer enough.
Microsoft has nothing but potential with the Zune HD. The zune marketplace is an honestly good, in fact it is the best subscription service available because of the 10 free tracks per month. Xbox Live, and Windows Mobile store, Sky Drive, Live Spaces, and Live Anywhere are just waiting to be unleashed on a mobile device, but will the Zune HD be this super device? It has the specs to pull it off; a multi-touch OLED screen that is a full 3.3 inches, HD TV out, and a proven UI all seem very impressive. If Microsoft cannot pull of the convergence factor and replace several devices, or if the Zune HD cannot bring the Zune Marketplace, Xbox Live, and Xbox gaming together in my pocket, it will be dead before it is released. If it can pull of the convergence trick however, it will be a seriouscompetitor to the iPod empire.
Look for the Zune HD in the fall, in the meantime, here is a video preview of the device:
Zune HD Video Hands On from Gizmodo on Vimeo.
