Zune HD: U.S. Only?

Sep 11 2009, 11:28am CDT | by Robert Evans

Bad news, people everywhere-but-the-United-States, you can't get the Zune HD. If you've had your hearts set on some OLED-packin' media player goodness, you're going to have to come over here to get it. According to Ars Technica Microsoft's last-best hope for the Zune line won't be available anywhere outside of the 50 states.

And why is that? Apparently, because Microsoft isn't very optimistic about their new product. Redmond has already cancelled all other Zune models, the HD is their final try to make the line work. The U.S. is going to act as a testing ground for the Zune HD. If it sells well, they'll continue to support the line and expand overseas. If it doesn't justify its existence soon though, we'll probably see Microsoft pull the plug before too long.

So does the Zune HD have a prayer of success? I'd say the odds are about 60/40 against, right now. The HD is a very cool product, and anything with an OLED screen and 720p out makes me very, very happy to see. For some people, the new Zune is vastly preferable to the iPod touch. Most people, however, will get far more use out of an iPod touch than they will out of a Zune HD.

When you add that to the increased brand recognition and lower price that the (8 GB) version of the touch brings, you've got some serious hurdles for the HD to jump. I think the Zune line still has a hope of solvency, but I'm not holding my breath either. Only time (and a $50 or so price reduction from Microsoft) will tell.

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Robert Evans
The excitement about new smartphones, tablets and anything mobile drive Robert to unearth the latest rumors and developments in this fast moving space. He adopted 4G as soon as it become available and knows where the mobile market is going.
Robert can be contacted directly at robert@i4u.com.