Microsoft has released the all anticipated “Zune HD” the new music device on the market. A real competitor towards apple ipod touch , though lacking some of the features compared to the touch it does bring some new things to the table.

Technical Specs:

HARDWARE:

3.3 Inch OLED Screen

16 or 32 GB Hardrive Option

HD Radio & 720p Video Output

Software

-zune software

* Zune.net , offers a pass called “Zune Pass” offering unlimited downloads of music for only 14.99$ though you don’t own the music and only keep it while your a zune pass subscriber.

The zune is a thin, portable and a powerful device. It’s offers features like

- Media Player

-Apps

-Social

- HD Radio

comparing it to the ipod touch it almost matches the touch in features just lacks developer hands in the device since no SDK has been released meaning less applications.

PROS: Zune HD is thin and light , OLED Screen is sleek and high quality plus saves on battery consumption, Zune pass offers tons of music to be downloaded for you music junkies all for 15$ a month.

Cons: No built in speaker , Barely any apps at all, Applications have commercials/Ads

As Donald bell stated in his review of the Zune HD it’s really more a MUSIC device while the ipod is for everything else. The application market on the ipod just dominates the zune hd market place and will seriously need some picking up in the development area if it wants to compete against the ipod touch.

Microsoft has a promising product that i think paired with the Zune Pass & marketplace software would satisfy a music fanatics needs all while carrying a stylish, sleek, thin device. Lots more progress will come along the way and I’m looking forward to see what else the Zune HD will bring to the table and how it will stack to apple’s ipod line.

Price Point

* 16 GB = 219$

*32GB= 289$