TeamXbox.com confirms ZuneHD’s gaming credentials
TeamXbox.com is claiming to have been sitting on some inside information for the last few months, with more details on the ZuneHD, described by them as a “digital entertainment handheld.”
Code-name xYz to symbolize its position between Xbox and Zune, the device is said to offer both gaming and media playback, as well as Internet-related services, all in a portable format. Apparently the device will be devoid of any business application or user interface (UI) that resembles a smartphone, featuring instead the NXE user interface.
“Although the Microsoft handheld is definitely a converged device, this is not a Zune Phone.” The source added: “Microsoft won’t compete with its Windows Mobile customers.”
The “xYz” is supposed to have a large WVGA touchscreen display and “hardware features not found on any handheld on the market.”
The device will integrate closely with Microsoft’s other services.
“This is a Live Anywhere device” “There will be a single online marketplace; the lines between the Zune, Xbox Live and Sky marketplaces will blur when the handheld launches.”
This will allow a user to buy a song, a movie or a TV show on your Xbox, play the content later on the handheld or the other way around or play an Xbox Live Arcade game either on your Xbox or in this handheld, based on your Gamertag. The device will also offer many Live Search services, such as Maps, News, Traffic and Video.
While TeamXbox.com goes on to speculate about WIMAX, at WMPoweruser.com we think that is unlikely. This information does however indicate that the device will be quite a departure from what we believe Windows Mobile 7 will be, suggesting that the ZuneHD will not be Windows Mobile 7 PLUS, but rather a separate development branch of the OS, and certainly a lot more play than work orientated.
Does this information make the ZuneHD more or less attractive to you? Let us know in the comments below.
Read the full article at TeamXbox.com here.
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Interesting indeed.
Not sure if this pleases microsoft’s WinMo partners. I know they say no business apps but this cant be good in their eyes.
It good for end consumers though – as long as winmo 7 includes the xbox and zune side of things as well.
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For this to work Microsoft need to sort out their services. Why would I switch to this device over the ipod or iphone where I can get DRM free tracks cheaper than the current plans Microsoft are offering. I went android because I did not want to be locked in by apple yet Microsoft are planning even more tie ins and restrictions. On android I use amazon the cheapest and best service available.
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Dom Reply:
May 15th, 2009 at 10:44 am
I use Amazon on my Zune.
(Admittedly I have to in the UK but I probably still will once the Zune has gone global as well).
I think with the way Microsoft has handled the Market Place in WM6.5 demonstrates that they offer the best of both worlds; they don’t 100% lock you in like Apple as apps will still be installable from other sources but give you the option to have a nice converged and certified source for apps OTA.
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Look, this has been MS’s m.o. for as long as they’ve existed. A competitor comes out with a snazzy new product (Pre/iPhone), so MS informs everyone they are going to come out soon with something mind-blowinlgy awesome, taking the buzz away from the other product announcements. Eventually, nothing will actually be introduced, or will be so underwhelming people might wonder why they were told by the press and bloggers why they should wait for this.
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efjay Reply:
May 15th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Since this is supposedly not a phone, this really wouldnt be a logical move to make to take focus away from other phones’ launches, would it? And IIRC isnt it Sony’s MO to announce something and eventually produce nothing ie Emotion engine?
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Can they announce or release something exciting already??? Windows 7 is a good start…but nowadays, people want mobile. It’s the “in” thing. Zune annoucement at E3 with detail is needed. They are keeping us waiting too long.
AND PLEASE CAN SOMEBODY TELL MS THAT THE SIDEKICK IS NEAR EXTINCTION!!! I would use it as tiolet paper if I could.
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I think it may be a good time to buy Microsoft stick and hold it for 3 months. We should see a nice increase when these products are announced and received.
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the xbox article makes it sound more like a 3rd handheld rather than a zune hd. they’ve got windows mobile, zune, and then this. either way, anything with tegra has got me pretty excited
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Well if it is a handheld gaming device and a media player the better release zune outside the US now :p I dont care if i cant get the zune shop i just want the device :p
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Zune and iPod: Most people compare the Zune to the Touch, but after seeing how slim and surprisingly small and light it is, I consider it to be a rather unique hybrid that combines qualities of both the Touch and the Nano. It's very colorful and lovely OLED screen is slightly smaller than the touch screen, but the player itself feels quite a bit smaller and lighter. It weighs about 2/3 as much, and is noticeably smaller in width and height, while being just a hair thicker.
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