News - Microsoft confirms Zune HD, fails to clarify global availability

[HEXUS]

Microsoft's Zune HD handheld is real, but it's on course for a US-only launch later this year.

Read more.

[TheAnimus]

US only

I wounder why they don't support other teritories, is the cost really that high, or is it lack of faith in the product?

Tieing in with XBox live is gnarly, there must be plenty of people who still don't own a PC, or those who have low specced ones watching iTunes grind at relatively small collections!

Still OLED screens are just loverly, the walkman X is just a pleasure to look at when put next to a mobile phone or ipod touch.

But it still dosen't have much in the way of differentiation from the heard, the reason i like the sony offering is the noise canceling is very good, and when you consider the cost of the headphones they ship with it, the total cost seams quite cheap. I think they can sell quite a few on that alone.

[TheBloodyNine]

Looks like Ill have to import one then.

Like the styling a lot, and with the xbox live intergration it makes it much more tempting, although that does mean Ill probably have to buy more MS points.

Not sure if they should replace Xbox Live Marketplace with the Zune Marketplace, especially if this isnt availible outside of the US, if they want consitant brand identity across the platforms they should go with something like the "Microsoft Marketplace" or something similarly seperate from individual products.

[Singh400]

It's not US only. The ZuneHD will be released in Europe too. Can't wait.

[superscaper]

It's not US only. The ZuneHD will be released in Europe too. Can't wait.

Are you privy to some information the rest of us aren't? Every press release says US only for the Zune HD and no firm indication of anywhere else. Do you have a link?

[Singh400]

Are you privy to some information the rest of us aren't? Every press release says US only for the Zune HD and no firm indication of anywhere else. Do you have a link?

Pretty sure I've read several press releases that stated that it will be available in Europe after the US release. Gotta dig them out though.

Edit* Quick google revealed this. Although, Wikipedia now says that it is a US exclusive only! There were several articles in April stating that Microsoft would release the ZuneHD in Europe too. Hope they haven't backtracked on that.

[superscaper]

"Eventually we'll offer the full digital entertainment experience, spanning screens, devices, platforms and geographies," says Microsoft's Chris Stephenson.

This isn't really a definitive statement on anything, it doesn't even specify the Zune HD. Which basically supports the Microsoft quote in the Hexus article "Zune is currently available in North America, and while we don’t have details to announce on a global availability...".

Which is a shame as I'm really looking forward to its' release as well (if it ever makes it to these shores).

[beanbandit]

There were several articles in April stating that Microsoft would release the ZuneHD in Europe too. Hope they haven't backtracked on that.

Lesson for the day. Take rumours with a pinch of salt. Until MS make an official statement over a worldwide release then its all bull****.

The new Zune does look good, with some very nice features, but the big question is.....why won't they release this outside of the states? Are they afraid of something? Poor reliability? other? Answers on a post card to Bill Gates.

This will be another none product in the Zune range then.