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Zune gets HDMI output
MICROSOFT'S ZUNE has always lagged behind Apple's annoyingly ubiquitous Ipod when it comes to design, functionality, desirability and sheer marketing clout, but it seems the folks at Redmond may have caught the Cupertino Cabal on the hop, if rumours about the next-gen Zune are to be believed.
A Daily Tech report – seemingly based on a couple of hokey-looking 'photos' allegedly lifted surreptitiously from a Microsoft promo video – shows what looks like an Ipod Touch with slightly squarer corners and a more angular backplate made from brushed aluminium rather than chrome.
There are no external buttons on the all-glass front panel, with all functions being controlled via touchscreen.
But the biggest news is that the device will carry an HDMI output, making it capable of playing Hi Definition video on an external TV screen or monitor.
There's certainly no evidence of such a port in any of the pictures we've seen, and conjecture seems to be based on anecdotal evidence that the device is being referred to internally as "Zune V4 powered by HD", but if the rumour turns out to be true we might just be mightily impressed.
And the folks at Cupertino will have a thing or two to think about as well. µ
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I dont really want most of the 'features' they put on media players these days. I really just want great sound quality, easy navigation and play the damn music but it seems the kids all want every feature under the sun for a unit to be competative.
Do I need a spirit level? Or to find a taxi with it?
I cant remember looking back at my cassette walkman in the 80's thinking "wow if only this could help me put up my shelves!"
Unfortunately those of us who feel 'less is more' are the minority.
I walk a lot with my Zune in my pocket, I can skip tracks, adjust volume, etc. with out having to take the thing out of my pocket and look at it. Touch screens are too gimmicky and more flash than function. I get that it gives you more screen per area of case, but couldn't buttons go on the side(s) or back? touch screens are lame unless you want to look at your music machine all of the time.
lawl @ battery life.
The question is whether or not MS can unify it's efforts between it's desktop OS, Mobile OS, Zune OS and X-Box OS. Apple was able to successfully port its desktop OS to a mobile platform so Apple developers were immediately ready to jump in with apps, make money and create momentum and excitement. Check out Pangea for a perfect example.
Apple doesn't have to worry about different apps for the iPhone as opposed to the iPod touch whereas MS has to worry about different apps for a gazillion types of cell phones plus apps for the Zune. Really a nightmare for developers looking for a wise investment of their time.
Also gobs of centrally organized content. I'm assuming the Zune store would become part of the X-Box marketplace which would also be available to Vista users. iPhone and iPod touch users can control everything-movies, apps, music-from iTunes as well as from the device itself. Not geeky, but very effective.
The original Zunes had a way over specced CPU which had the ability to pump out HD material at 720p. But it wasnt enabled initially. Not sure if the Mk2 had some form of HD ability enabled.
Remember its doesnt have to be 1080p to qualify as HD nor does it require multi channel surround. Also chances are the full HD output will be docker enabled.
I can live with that.
Apparently this will be a wider release too. Looking forward to see what happens.
I just can't see it working with HD video... it either needs a horse of a CPU, or a dedicated GPU... either of these are just too big.. also lot's of ram... We are talking about 1080p 25-30fps frame rate with sound...
The only way I can see next media player playing HD video is if it's either the size of netbook, or if it costs 900+ $.. wich both is riddiculus for a media player.
To contend with Apple I guess they could try sellings it in more than one or two countries? Works for other products :P