smartech

After so many rumors and speculations floating around, Microsoft has finally announced the Zune HD, which suppose to make its first appearance somewhere this fall, competing head-to-head with Apple’s popular iPod Touch player. Regretfully, there’s nothing much to share in terms of specs or features, but from the very few fragments we’ve managed to collect, you briefly can figure out it’ll probably pack a 3.3-inch 480 x 272 OLED capacitive touchscreen, together with a built-in HD Radio receiver, 720P HD output (via dock station), integrated WiFi connection and accelerometer sensors for landscape usability. Additionally, you might find a designated Explorer browser for internet surfing purposes and hopefully, a mashup interface with Xbox / Xbox Live gaming consoles. Still, no pricing or capacity details to write about, although one should expect either 16GB or 32GB flavors inside, but this way or another those rumored images earlier published, make no place for mistakes – Zune HD is live and kicking. Full press release after the break.

Update1: The guys at Gizmodo have managed to put their hands on the freakishly new Zune HD while hanging around D7′s conference hall. First images indicate an incredibly thin-and-light design, combined with a stunning 3.3-inch OLED touchscreen, basic Zune UI, adjusted to the touch navigation mode and rounded edges, build with a big “Home” button placed at the bottom lefte.  Hit the jump to watch the video or their link for even more images.

Update2: Zune Insider has officially confirmed that Zune HD will be running NVIDIA’s Tegra chipset inside, which means – full high-def video compatibility in the palm of your hand. Still no word about final release dates, but we’re following.

Update3: Rumors around claim the new Zune HD will be priced somewhere betweem $249 and $280 for the 16GB version, while a 64GB modelis on the prep for a late release. Stay tuned.

Update4: Both BestBuy and Amazon have just listed up the Zune HD on their inventory system , priced at $220 for the 16GB model, and $290 for the 32GB version, coming on September 8th. It’s less than a month to go, so stay tuned.

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According to a tipster, Microsoft will presumably release a new Zune player with HD capabilities, somewhere this year. Naturally, we have no other details, nor any specs of the new device itself, but if this info is correct, and it sure looks reliable, the Zune 4th Generation should be available with a wide and sharp touchscreen, supporting high-def video and some other features, which you can find in the iPod Touch players. Stay tuned for more to come.

Update1: More uncertain specs show up across the cyber world, revealing a 16:9 AMOLED display with multi-touch usability (capacitive), joining the mini-HDMI output and the HD Radio feature, both bundled inside, along with a full HTML browser, to wirelessly surf the web. And while we have no special ability to determine “details accuracy”, you should take our word when we say it’ll be offered either in 16GB or 32GB capacities. However, In case you look for even more speculative rumors, Zune fanboys will also tell you the new HD device might support 3D XBox games, thanks to the integrated NVidia chipset, which we really hope to see included. Other than that, a worldwide release is said to take place somewhere around September, so stay tuned for real things to come.

Update2: May 12th 2009 – According to ZDNet, the next Zune / Windows Mobile device (AKA: Chassis 1) will feature a whole bunch of top-notch specs, including a 3.5-inch multi-touch display along with ARM v6+ processor, 1GB of RAM, OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics hardware, 3 megapixel camera, GPS navigation system, WiFi / Bluetooth connections, built in accelerometer and even Nvidia’s Tegra platform, integrated with TI’s OMAP 3  and “Qualcomm 8k” chipsets, to handle those strong requirements. Of course, these are just rumors, and we can’t take them that serious, although we do hold an opinion that Chassis 1 will be strong enough to match market demands.

[Via Engadget]

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I’m sure Microsoft is planning a portable Xbox 360 device; after all, if Sony can develop one, Redmond can do it as well. Meanwhile, until it happens, we have a chance to look at an interesting portable concept that was emerged on T3 magazine, opening our appetite and our gaming imagination. This handheld concept features an all-in-one device, including a Microsoft Zune, XBox 360 and a mobile phone, packed in a sexy slim and sleek case, with gaming buttons on the right side and directions pad to the left. Honestly, I will be stoked having only an Xbox 360 portable device without the phone or the Zune included, so if people from Microsoft are listening, we do yearn for one of those.

[via yanko]

I must admit, i’m not a modding aficionados, but this new glowing green Xbox 360 neon case from XCM looks great, specially with the semi-translucent look that provides inner glance at the console itself. There’s no word on price but it should be available soon, so if you’re looking for a unique design for your gaming box, this might be a nice solution.

[via Technabob]

I don’t want to put you into panic, but i guess it is important for gamers to be aware of the possibility that game consoles might contain some hazardous chemicals with an impact on their memory and learning capabilities for the long term. The source for this latest alert is Greenpeace, who tested 3 major gaming consoles, including Xbox, PS3 and Nintento Wii. The organization has found those dangerous materials, like phthalates and bromine, in each one of the consoles, on different parts, so next time you crash your car on GTA IV, just think of the consequences. Mind you, Greenpeace offers a direct contact to the manufacturers in order to put some pressure and demand a clean up consoles. Interestingly, only Nintendo’s email has worked out.

[via slashgear]

I don’t really like this whitish Xbox 360 color, i think it’s dull and pale. To serve my desires (and others), XCM has created a really cool chrome Xbox 360 case, compatible with the HDMI ports. This new metallic mirrored shell will shine on your desk for merely $60, but if you want a matchable skin for your controllers, it should be $25 each, which makes this  escapade a bit expensive and very smudgy.

[via slashgear]