Thanks Brian for the awesome news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So how will the HD Radio work outside the US?  Given that DAB and HD Radio are incompatibke?  en.wikipedia.org/.../HD_Radio

Huzzuh! Where can I preorder?

Absolutely amazing. You guys hit it out of the park this time.

The link to www.zune.net/zunehd  gives

HTTP Error 404 - File or directory not found.

Internet Information Services (IIS)

If Zune is taking over the media services for Xbox, does this mean the Zune will now have the ability to download movies?

good job guys, good job.

Couldn't be more thrilled with both announcements.  Will I see you at the press briefing Monday, Brian?

Paul

I'm excited and I know you guys are definitely glad to be able to talk about this.  Unlike my kids, I'm ready for Summer to be over and for Fall to arrive!

Anybody know what will be the available capacities?

I can only say

THANK YOU!

good news

Still no release in Australia? Ok I'll keep spending my money on itunes music and TV shows to play on my iPod Touch and apple TV

doesnt it have a camera ?  pictures and video ? sucks . i thought you guys will revive zune with a big bang.

zune hd is not hd

The OLED screen fills me with sheer glee.

Any chance we can get a size?

iPod touch is the supreme ruler over all Microsoft products!  PS you know it's true.

Now its time to upgrade my Zune.... Zune HD will feature a HD Radio receiver, HD video out capabilities

Anyone know if Zune content will be available inside Media Center?!?

Time to upgrade my original 30gb Zune finally. Thanx guys. I can't wait to see it.

This might be the first non-Apple music player I buy. I way prefer the look of this device to the look of the iPhone/iPod Touch.Give me a $200 option and I'm sold!

I thought it couldn't be true, But its true, Saving up my mony!

is that mean the Netflix's ending?

Please please please can I use my Zune on my Mac?! I'm begging you!

Please announce one way or the other whether this is going to be available in Australia (or any other non-North American countries).

If not, I'm afraid I'll have to stick with my old 30GB Zune and miss out on this awesome new model.

this is awesome news like to know more on storage size and price points, hopefully it will be cheaper than the iTouch I really don't care about HD radio but more curious on is there any more integration between Xbox and Zune than just videos.

Hey guys! I'm really proud of you! This is great! I can't wait!

Please make the Zune-software available for Mac OSX. If you do, my next device will be the Zune HD. If you don't.. I'm really sorry (also for myself) but I have to choose an Apple device.

i just hope that North America does means all of it and it includes Mexico. but even if it don't i have had all the Zunes so far so i am not going to stop now. i bet the workaround will continue to be easy

potentially good product pity it has such limited geographical distribution.If you want to compete with Apple you have to learn away from your home ground.  

I love the Ipod Touch but it's starting to act up and I just got it about 2-3 months ago, they also claim my warranty expired already so when it breaks I'm screwed..... I waited so long hoping a new Zune would be announced then I caved and got my ipod. I knew it was coming eventually but I needed a new mp3 bad. This will definitely be my next MP3 player, as long as I can do the basic things my Ipod does(Mail,Notepad, etc) and more I'm sold. Of course the price will be a factor but I don't think they would over do it when trying to compete with other company's.

@Sean

why the HELL would you want a camera on a media player?

Im pretty sure if the next ipod touch was released without a camera, no-one would complain.

This will without a doubt make my year.

I would like to see a Zune pass for movies or a free movie/tv shows options with commercials kind of like hulu.

I'm really excited about this.  I seriously thought that there would never be a touch-screen Zune, and assumed I would never want one.  Now, looking at it and reading about it, I'm really excited.  This is awesome.  Congratulations, Zune Team!

If Zune is coming to the Xbox does it mean Xbox is coming to the Zune too? Would love to play XBLA games on the Zune :P

This is great news. The only thing I hope for the Zune now is to go globally. Great Job.

Zune on XBox?  That's fantastic!  Glad to hear it and you can bet I'll be keeping up with my Zune pass.

Nice looking piece of equipment. I owned a first gen Zune and the software (for the PC) sucked. Hopefully the Zune software can really compare with itunes and this device's software can compete with the already established and ever-improving Iphone OS. This does look like a step in the right direction for Microsoft.

Great day!  I really appreciate the aesthetic design.  I believe you are making the right move by making ZuneHD your flash device replacement.  Now the question is what will happen to Zune 120. Will it get a refresh OR will you opt to have NetBooks/large Windows Mobile devices fill that need?  

It will be interesting to see to see how upcoming Zune Software will stack up against Windows 7 Media Player.  Media Player has received a substantial upgrade in Windows 7.

I want one.

This seriously just made my day. Yay for xbox and zune integration!!!!!

Lack of international availability at launch = another product failure.

so will my zune pass get me an XBOX gold account or will I still have to buy both?????

I have to say that I would choose it instead of an ipod any day!

Fantastic news. It must have been immensely difficult for you guys to sit on this information for so long without letting us know.

I'm hearing rumors that the device will be released next month. This seems unlikely. Even if you can't confirm a price, could you confirm a release *season*?

according to Paul Thurrot (winsupersite.com), it will be launching Sept 5, 2009.  I really hope that they add the ability to play XBLA games.  Either way I will be driving to the states to get one that day.

My pal Brian Seitz over on the Zune Insider revealed a brand new (and very awesome looking) Zune yesterday

Will this and the marketplace be coming to Canada? If so, I'm in! Looks amazing

This looks fantastic.  It's funny reading all the Apple fanboys getting defensive.  Why should Microsoft make OSX software for zune? You know they aren't going to do that so stop asking. Learn to dual boot, Windows 7 is free for a year go try it out. :P

so when do the preorders kick in and where do we preorder???  I want my hands on one like now!  I have had my zune 30g for since forever.  NEED TO UPGRADE!!

Pretty much a no-brainer given the GPU / CPU in the ZuneHD, but can you confirm if the ZuneHD supports Media Center Extender Functionality?

This is sorely needed, as Linksys and HP have killed their extenders off, and we are only left with an *extremly* loud Xbox360 as the choice.

Letting the ZuneHD with it's small form factor and quiet running seems obvious.

Success and Failure.

Successes:

Design - sexy and sleek.

Screen - great call, lower power consumption. Multitouch is good.

Integration - excellent for Xbox users

Failures:

Device launch - won't be available as widespread as could be... major bad.

Confusion - folks will be confused about where and how.

Possible Success/Failure:

XBL support?  This is MSs moment to shine if there was anytime.  XBL would leverage their already impressive Xbox subscribership...thus driving the desire for said device.  The device has no ideal buttons for gaming which makes it very very limited.  Achievements on the go?  Do folks actually know/care about HD Radio?  The jury is out on that one.

They say 5 million Zune users, but with the basic info already out... I'm going to guess that they won't sell more than 7 million devices.

Of course, there's supposedly more to speak of at E3... this is where they can put dents into iPods, DSi, PSP if they offer the right services and capabilities.

But overall, I'm excited.  E3 will determine if many of us will drop out iPod Touches or even upgrading Zunes...

AWESOME THANK YOU!!!!! XD

What's up with the 4 big screw hole at the back? Is it a retro style design?

The functionality can be more complete if there is a camera

"And its the first Zune to make an appearance in germany!"

Come say it. PLEASE!!!

Zune Marketplace has (I think) all the same TV content but am I just missing the movie portion of the marketplace? Or is MS going to move the Xbox movie selection into the Zune Marketplace? Other than that concern I'm very happy about the announcement.

Man if you guys release this with a hard drive and not the meager 32GB i AM TOTALLY IN. Otherwise I hope you cut the price of the 120GB

Zune Team,

Ya'll have an opportunity with the Xbox/Zune integration to really make some magic happen if you integrate them properly. I hope you have kept this in mind as you get ready for next week and this launch.

Also, what kind of client-side Zune improvements can we expect, and what will the storage capacity options be for the Zune HD?

this is definatly an i-pod killer.... its just what I've been waiting for!!

XBLA gaming, please. come on.

I have a third Gen Zune and I'm getting the HD for sure.

and the xbox 360 integration

will be awesome. It will only

get better over time. When you

tie all of it together it will

destroy apple!.

You already sold one!! Here's an awesome zune fan!! Love ya ZUNE!! XD I want it right now!!

This is Just a copy of iPod Touch......iPod Touch has the coool appstore,Coooool multitouch,32 GB,,Microsoft just copies what apple makes....ipod touch has the best screen and alllll cooool features....... YOU MICROSOFT......PLEASE DONT COPY APPLE.......

Still not coming to Europe?

Nice but:

480x270 is NOT HD.  If you take an HD signal and reduce it....how is that HD?  What is "high Definition" about 480x270?  Last I checked NTSC was higher res. than that.

That said, this does sound nice.  I'm hoping for a few more features in the next anouncement, otherwise I think this falls a little short.  Especially for a product that took so long to come out.  Last year, this would have been great, but this year...by the time this is out, Apple will have a whole list of new features.  I shake my head and wonder when the Zune will die....and I own one.

The specs are good, but still lack of design concept. Really poor design, sorry to say that

It is nice to see that Microsoft is trying to keep up with Apple, but they need to come up with some different features than the iPod Touch. I will immediately give up my iPod Touch for this if something else is added (say a phone!!!). But Microsoft should not try to copy Apple, or else they will always be one step behind.

YAH! Finally Microsoft got it right by putting in a touch screen! I gave up my Zune 80 for a ipod touch, but I would love to go back!

By the way, Microsoft should beat Apple to the punch and create a large multi-touch tablet PC (or have someone create it). It would be a huge success with the new Windows 7.

If they allow the Zune HD to add Netflix app OMG! That will be so sick! Ever since Nexflix came to xbox live I hardly ever watch tv!

I have a 30g Zune but the new zune is sooooo cool, it realy makes the ipod tuch look wimpy.  Just dont make it too expensive so i can buy one.

Great! Seems wonderful, though I was hoping it could one up the iPod Touch a lot more, so that iPod users will be more inclined to switch to Zune before the next iPod Touch version comes out.

I just want all of you guys to imagine if this has wireless capiblities through mabey a cell phone service like the Ipoop Touch does then imagine downloading songs anywhere for the cheap price of a Zune Pass!!!

I know this Zune will ship with a Zune edition of WinCE.

But will this thing PLEASE have Windows Mobile 7. Even a PDA version is fine.

MSFT shouldn't stop at ZuneM/XBLM integration, or at Win Marketplace for Mobile for Zune, but rather push for this:

-WM7 Classic w/ most emphasis on zune app, but keep .NET CF, office mobile, Windows Live. In other words, a cell-phone-less analog of WM7 with a prominent Zune system.

-Crazy integration between Zune, 360, and MSFT Mediaroom (AT&T U-Verse).

-Sync w/ Live Mesh.

I'll understand if WM6.5 isn't on the device- it would be a horrible mistake. But, MS should start on a clean slate for WM7, and use the (new sensor API) on this thing.

Will it only be available in the US or also Canada? Any clue?

It looks nice... can you ad phone capabilities!?

I agree, it would be nice if they added some sort of camera, and microphone/speaker to take still and videos with.  That would be a selling point for many people (including myself.

wow this is awesome! cant wait for the ms press conference. Btw zune team bring zune to Australia! I have at least 20 of my friends that wanna throw away their itouchs right now for an HD! You can do it!

I recently switched from a Zune to an iPod touch, mainly because I wanted the PDA features (I don't use a mobile phone).  The features that would be great is integration with Exchange and Office Communicator.

zune hd support unicode?

I want to know that

Im Sold already, and i will pay any amount for this beauty.

it has amazing features that yes...apple fans...microsoft didnt copy from the ipod touch, i find it annoying when they are sayin that always to make themselves feel better. they didnt invent touch screens, and im shure that other things had them before too....anywho. GOOD JOB MS looking forward to E3 and the release of this product (in canada) but if not, ima drive all the way to US for you.

Hey, just a quick Question... does anyone know size capabilities or pricing yet???

email me if ya do-

unicycler3003@hotmail.com

I hope they include bluetooth compatibility, and like a vibrating motor.

oh! and an accelerometer would be amazing.

This is amazing, and I hope MS does allow netflix and full integration with the 360. If you add a camera to this device it would be awesome, and you guys really need to do some more international distribution, a lot of people world wide seem to be interested in this product. Hopefully the price range wont be to much, and if you can deliver the zune HD with 80GB+ of storage it would be a serious blow to apple. however i am going to miss the buttons simply because they were so easy to use through my coat pocket as i was walking, well still got a use for my 30!

Keep up the good work guys!

If I ask real nice can I buy one now!!!!!  When can we get some real detailed specs and I hear rumors of a zune pass for video????

Thanks everybody at Zune for this! Can't wait!

This thing is goona take down that annoying piece of crap "iTouch".

When will the new Zune HD be available?!! I want it!! ^_^

how much will the zune hd cost and people that have the old 30 gb zunes should be able to get a free upgrade to a new one with more memory

so, watched the E3 conference from microsoft, after reading " stay tuned for more details at E3!" but was quite disappointed. It seemed like all we saw was a zune logo slapped onto the video section of the marketplace. Whats up with that?

This system is based on the Windows CE would it be able to download applications to it? Like for the WinMo O/S

if you do that would be a great step, and a step closer to catching the iTouch

i was so excited to watch the e3 press confrence. but at the end of it, i got mad that they didnt say a thing about it. they only mentioned the zune video marketplace but thats it. i really want to know the storage capacity and price. and if were lucky a coming app store

What is going to be the next event that Zune IS going to represented at?

My bigs hope for the Zune HD are A2DP Bluetooth Stereo and the ability to play the digital copies of movies that come with alot of DVDs now.

Hello, My name is Ophelia and I have a suggestion, don't be plain like the IPOD touch be colrful. If you add new bright colors like a brigt bubble gum blue, pink, apple green, and maybe even purple.THINK ABOUT IT.

miserypoizon@gmail.com

I have 3 Zune's .  Will I be allowed to have another on the software? or will we get new software, etc?  Advise please

I'm so excited. I'm going to have to buy it the first day it comes out! Nice job Microsoft!

head up that the usa is not actually the centre of the worlkd. I cant see that the new HD will be a hit unit its available to the rest of us! I love my old zune but not being able to use marketplace in the UK means that I will soon be switching to the dreaded ipod rather than shelling out for an HD.

hey bra, thanks a bunch for this, i cant wait, release date? price? and where do i sign....

Thank you Microsoft. It's a good improve to Zune. Keep going on...

I would love to get this an am willing to wait to get this if they are able to announce that it will work with OS X, but if they don't then sadly i will have to buy an I touch :(

will the new zune software finally be able to read avi files?

Please tell me there will be a 120GB version or at least a close to 70 if they want to keep it flash based. After all if they want us to put HD content besides ALL my music 32GB is going to be laughable

Good job Microsoft! Thank you

i just wanna know if it will have games and a speaker like ipod touch, although i love the look of it

That is going to be the sickest thing on the market

Definitely outstanding news.  Can't wait to get my hands on that baby.

What i think they should do with this so that it fits more people is make a wide range of storage like a 16g, 30g, 60g, and a 120g from a range starting at $220 for 16g and $300 for 120g

The Zune HD is the best thing around next to sex!

Only thing that matters whether the ZuneHD will fail or not.

Pricing and Capacity.

How long are you guys gonna keep us waiting until we find out prices and capacities on this thing? I'll tell you right now my minimum requirements. I want at least 16 GB and I don't want to have to pay more than $250 for it. $300 for 16 GB is way too much. Actually I'd really prefer to get 32 GB for $200, but I imagine that's probably way too much to ask.

Is the Zune 120 capable of storing data files?  If so, how?  If not, are you working on including this option in the future?

man does anyone know how much it is going to cost? because i want to sell my zune 120 any buyers? i am going to put it up on ebay soon

hey guys just wanted to say. thanks for coming out with the new zune. I'm the only one of my riends that doesn't have an ipod or a touch. I have to Questions, how much will one cost? and how can i get one?

Nice, but not good enough I'm afraid. You need some revolutionary improvements not just a few incremental ones to remain a player in this space (pun intended). Think about 3D projection, voice reco, gestures, etc. to make the leap. You're already a minority participant in this space, bringing out a new Zune with the features you've described so far will make just it another yawner. Where's the creativity? Want more ideas? Just ask.

So when will the next firmware update come out?

Can I use WMP to sync my Zune HD (when I get it)?

Also what will the sound be like? iPod has no balance control aside from some presets, if you gave us both presets and freestyle control it would be a real leg-up.

Will the Zune HD's web browser support Flash? Will it have built-in speakers?

when will i be able get on my xbox in australia????

I bought the V1 Zune when it first came out and now its like watching the classic ipod become extinct. Excited for the move, but pissed at the loss.

I've got a 4gig and an 80gig... would like to have an HD - but there'll be no more zune hardware for me until the Marketplace and Zune Pass is available in Canada... c'mon guys... Zune was launched in Canada in Jun2008 with a promise that the Marketplace would be available later in the year.... then revised to sometime in 2009.... then.... silence.  Zune's nice - BUT it's really just another mp3 player without the zune pass.

Why doesen't xbox get blue ray capable ps3 and ipod really got yall $buy$ the nuts. just make a different version of blue ray to play the same disc and maby one day my zune will be worth using and where is the web brousing ?????? you tube face book all that good stuff i need i need i need entertain me monkey before i go find me another bananna  LATER YOU CORPERATE SCUM!!!!!!!

Never have I seen such a room of fanboys,the ZUNE is just a useless MP3 player outside the USA.........I own 2 zunes because they promised to brig marketplace outside the USA  EPIC FAIL microsquat

Zune Is Way Better than I-Pod. I Listen to a Lot of Spanish Artist and I'm Able to get  the Album Information from all artist with zune,I-Tunes Doesn't do that, It gives you a few artist info only. I-Tunes and I-Pods Suck

I just have to say that I've been very impressed with the Zune ever since I got my 80G a year ago. I owned iPods (shiver) before and had nothing but problems. Not only that, but for the life of me could never figure iTunes out, and I'm a tech geek!

Even without all the fancy apps that Apple has for it's i*Products, Zune is still superior. It offers so much more and is far easier to use. I've converted a few people from their iPods to Zune and each one of them wouldn't turn back.

I'm very excited to see where ZuneHD takes us. Infact, I'm already contemplating re-enabling my ZunePass just based off of what I've read about the new Marketplace offerings.

Well now that I've possibly embarrassed myself and put my geekiness out there, let the HD evolution begin!

Now, when are we going to see Zune compatible car decks, the USB kind, not the aux kind

EUROPE IS SCREAMING FOR ZUNES!!!!!!!

DON'T  WAIT ANY LONGER...

oled screen is amsnzing but release the appstore already

I wonder if there will be an IPOD HD to combat this?