Zune HD Preorders Taken: Arrives September 15th
Microsoft have officially announced the Zune HD for pre-orders, with the OLED touchscreen PMP set to land in pockets on September 15th. Given the numerous leaks over the past few days, it comes as no great surprise to hear that the Zune HD is priced at $219.99 for the 16GB model and $289.99 for the 32GB model. Your money gets you a 3.3-inch 16:9 480 x 272 display, NVIDIA Tegra chipset and – via an optional dock – 720p output for your HDTV.
There's also WiFi, an integrated HD Radio and a new internet browser with multitouch and an on-screen keyboard. Pre-order buyers can only choose between the black 16GB Zune HD and the platinum 32GB model, but after the PMP officially launches it will be available in five different colors and with a choice of ten different engravings by "guest artists".
Pre-orders are being taken from today by Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart and Microsoft themselves. However the Zune HD will also be showing up for a preview event at select Best Buy stores in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C. areas on August 22nd and 23rd.
Press Release:
Zune HD available for pre-order todayMicrosoft's new portable digital media player available for online pre-order at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Microsoft Store
REDMOND, Wash. – Aug. 13, 2009 – Zune HD, the next generation of Microsoft Corp.'s portable digital media player, is available now for pre-order and is set to hit store shelves on Sept. 15. The player, available in 16GB and 32GB capacities, is the first touch-screen Zune and includes powerful playback technology to give you a different way to experience media on the go. Combined with unparalleled PC software and online services such as Zune Pass, Zune provides a rich and meaningful connection to music, videos, podcasts and more.
Pre-order Zune HD in 16GB Black and 32GB Platinum through http://www.zune.net/zunehd from Amazon.com, Best Buy, Walmart and Microsoft. Beginning Sept. 15, at http://www.ZuneOriginals.net, both 16GB and 32GB capacities of Zune HD will be available in five different colors with the option to customize your player with one of 10 new engravings designed by guest artists.
WHAT: With a sleek and stylish design, Zune HD is the first to combine these features:
Built-in HD Radio™ receiver. Allows you to listen to higher-quality sound than is available from traditional radio channels, as well as access additional programming through HD2 and HD3 multicast channels from many of your favorite local FM radio stations at no extra cost.
HD video output capabilities. Supports HD video playback from the device through a premium HDMI A/V docking station (sold separately) directly to an HDTV in 720p, making it easy to enjoy better-than-DVD-quality video on your own big screen at home.
OLED touch screen. Allows you to easily flip through music, movies and other content. The 3.3-inch glass screen and 16:9 widescreen format display (480x272 resolution) offer a premium viewing experience.
Built-in Wi-Fi. Allows for browsing, streaming or downloading new music from Zune Marketplace.
Internet browser. Full-screen Web browsing, optimized for the multitouch screen with zoom-in and zoom-out gestures.
Accessories, at home and on the road. Zune HD and AV Dock charges and syncs players while playing supported 720p HD videos on HDTVs. Play HD Radio, music and podcasts from your Zune HD device through your car stereo using the Zune Premium Car Pack.
WHY: Pre-order now to be one of the first to experience the new Zune HD's advanced design, innovative technology and rich multimedia capabilities powered by the NVIDIA Tegra ™ chip ultralow-power HD processor.
PRICING: Zune HD 16GB: $219.99 (estimated retail price); Zune HD 32GB: $289.99 (estimated retail price)
WHEN: Pre-order starting Thursday, Aug. 13. Purchase in stores on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
WHERE ONLINE: http://www.zune.net/zunehd
WHERE IN STORE: Place a pre-order in person at Best Buy beginning Aug. 16. If you want a sneak peek, visit select stores in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C. areas on Aug. 22 and 23.