The underdog in the personal-media market, Microsoft’s Zune, hasn’t had all that much publicity of late. Microsoft’s promises to their European fans of a Zune release over here and all-new, sparkly features seemed to have slunk back into that dark place where all the over-eager, unrealistic announcements go to when nothing happens. But it just so happens that Microsoft’s Zune announcement wasn’t at all unrealistic.
The device will be getting a new look and brand new features this autumn. Microsoft will be ditching the 
click-wheel interface made famous by Apple’s iPod, and will be incorporating a 3.6-inch OLED touch-sensitive screen. Zune will also be receiving a major software upgrade, which will add HD radio capabilities, a web browser and the ability to output HD video.
That’s not all, though. Zune’s facelift will come with a feature long-awaited for by the media player’s fans – integration with the Xbox Live service on 360.
Zune’s addition to Xbox Live will provide users with the ability to instantly stream video, NetFlix-esque, with content ranging all the way back to the late eighties. Users will also be able to download video for rental or to own to take on-the-go.
HDMI compatibility means that users with high-end, wi-fi compatible televisions will be able to stream HD video from the device to their television. There should also be an HDMI output socket on the Zune itself, so those with televisions without wi-fi will be able to plug their Zune in for 32 inch viewing through an old-fashioned cable.
“The Zune experience is growing beyond a music player in the U.S.” says Chris Stephenson, General Manager of Consumer Marketing for the TV, Video and Music Business, talking on their first foray into the European market. He continues by explaining the goal of their connected experience across TV, PC, and mobile screens, “Zune’s international expansion starts with video on Xbox LIVE; eventually we’ll offer the full digital entertainment experience spanning screens, devices, platforms and geographies.”
Microsoft will be showing off the new integration at E3, where attendees will be able to see just how the additions will make a “game changing entertainment experience”. The new version of the Zune should be released over here in Europe this autumn, and is slated for release in 4GB, 8GB, 16GB and 32GB flavours.
Linford
Labels: E3, E3 2009, Information, Linford Butler
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