Can the new Zune HD compete with the Apple iPod Touch?
The Zune HD is shaping up to be everything the original Zune was not. HD video and radio are added to a bigger high-quality touchscreen. And the addition of the Nvidia Tegra chip with built-in graphics processing means the Zune HD is a powerful bit of kit. But will this be enough to allow the Zune HD to compete with the Apple iPod and iPod Touch?
The original Zune completely failed to set the world alight. Microsoft had hoped the Zune would fly off the shelves and become an instant hit. Instead, it sold in OK quantities. Microsoft had also hoped the Zune would become a name synonymous with a quality portable media player in a similar fashion to what the iPod has achieved. Instead, most people looked interested for a while before shrugging their shoulders and returning to the comforting arms of Apple.
The Zune HD was rumored for months before finally being announced in May. The product is here to stay, as is the name. But everything else has changed significantly. As well as the high-definition aspects which give the device its name, the Zune HD is the first device to be built with the Nvidia Tegra processor at its core.
CNET has given its seal of approval to the processor and the Zune HD, while our own Dave Jeyes dismissed the product and its chances of competing with the iPod Touch. But how true is that conclusion?
I don’t expect the Zune to immediately challenge the market-leading iPod Touch for control of the PMP sector. However, the Zune HD looks to be an astonishingly powerful and well-designed product that is sure to increase the Zune’s fanbase from the niche following it currently enjoys.
The iPod is unlikely to lose its crown as the most popular mainstream media player in the world purely because the brand association is so strong. But the Zune HD can clearly compete on performance and possibly just needs a big marketing push to open people’s minds up to the possibility that the world isn’t reliant on Apple for quality media players.
Oh, and releasing it outside the States would be a good move as well. If it comes to Europe, I’d buy one.
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August 14th, 2009
Zune only competes with the iPod in the USA market. It is not available anywhere else. So, it is hardly fair to compare their relative strengths etc in that one market.
August 14th, 2009
I doubt Zune HD is gonna do any harm to iPod Touch or any other MP3 player. Microsoft fails at almost everything they have always done. The company is too stupid.
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August 15th, 2009
As much as I like the second gen Zune, and it’s advantages over the Ipod, but this won’t stand a chance in the current market. What does it offer that the Ipod Touch or Sony’s X-series. And how about creative’s Zii Egg? Expandable with SDHC cards & 32GB onboard memory, 1080p output and large multitouch screen. Sorry, MS, but this new zune is too little too late.
August 17th, 2009
“Microsoft fails at almost everything they have always done. The company is too stupid.”
Yeah, what failure. Step away from the Sony and hunt for reality.
September 16th, 2009
I’m not understanding the whole “microsoft (zune in particular) fails” statement. I purchased my limited edition pink 1st generation [i think...the larger one] the summer before my junior year or highschool and now i’m a sophmore in college. It’s still working quite well and still is cute as ever but i’m about to go pick up the new one today! Can’t wait! IDK why there’s so much bashing about zune…i <3 them. Never had any problems!