Microsoft's Zune HD Is For Real, But Where's The Beef?

Microsoft on Tuesday debuted a high-definition version of its Zune media player, Zune HD, confirming what several weeks of rumors and leaked photos had suggested.

Microsoft didn't make all that much information available besides the basic form factor and HD capabilities of the Zune HD, but from the outset there's plenty of questions as to whether Zune HD can be considered a serious contender for the much-sought-after title of Apple iPod killer.

In other words: Is that it, Microsoft?

Granted, "it" is definitely something. According to Microsoft, Zune HD sports a 3.3-inch, 16:9 widescreen format OLED display with 480 x 272 resolution. The Zune HD's touchscreen does include multi-touch technology, and the Zune's WiFi functionality remains for users to download music and content from the Zune Music Store.

Zune HD also sports a built-in HD radio receiver and enables supported HD video files through a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) audiovisual docking station -- sold separately -- to HD TVs in 720p.

Unconfirmed reports from earlier in May put the Zune HD's storage capacity at 16 GB and 32 GB versions, but Microsoft did not confirm as much in its release. It also did not confirm prices for the Zune, but did say Zune HD will start shipping this fall. The only other detail to emerge is that the Zune HD can be integrated with Microsoft's Xbox console -- which does say a lot about Microsoft's plans for gaming on its new device.

"The Zune music player is an integral part of the overall Zune experience, and we're proud to be growing and extending our offering beyond the device," said Enrique Rodriguez, corporate vice president of the Microsoft TV, Video and Music Business Group, in a statement. "Delivering on Microsoft's connected entertainment vision, this news marks a turning point for Zune as it brings cross-platform experiences and premium video content to living rooms around the world."

The release date comes two weeks after rumors began circulating on Twitter that the Zune HD would see a June release -- rumors that, at the time, Microsoft was quick to shoot down, with a spokesman officially calling them "bunk."

That same week, however, Microsoft launched another ad campaign for Zune Pass, its subscription music service, suggesting in sharply worded attacks toward its competition that the Apple iTunes Store price of $1 per song meant users would "run out of money before they run out of space" if they're using, say, a 120 GB iPod.

Credit Microsoft for getting its new Zune player time in the spotlight: the buzz was built through photo leaks and blogosphere speculation, the release date was rumored to be summer, and then Microsoft headed that buzz off itself by dropping Zune HD just after Memorial Day.

But will a compact, solid-state media player boasting Xbox integration, HD capabilities and WiFi be enough to reinvigorate a brand that's already miles behind Apple and its iPod empire? Given Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference is mere weeks away -- and every day, it seems, brings a hot new rumor about iPhone and iPod upgrades and tablets -- the fact that we're already searching for the "aha" moment with Zune HD doesn't bode well.