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We all know that Apple is the obvious leader and a pioneer in MP3 player innovations.  They have enjoyed that seat for many years now, meeting limited competition.  No matter what other companies such as Samsung, Microsoft, SanDisk, Sony, Archos and others create, Apple is still the favored brand in the eyes of the consumer.  A few days ago, Engadget had received some artwork claiming to be the newest member of the Microsoft Zune lineup, the Zune HD.  Without specs, all we had to go on was the name and pictures.  Many are claiming that the Zune HD is the real deal and not just some person playing around with Photoshop and coming out with something that looks good.

Just by the name of it, the newest Zune would obviously come with HD playback.  With today’s advanced technology, it does make sense for a player to come with HD playback, but of course, there are many factors that dictate the success of such a player.  I’ll admit it right now, I like to support the underdog so in this case I would want the Zune HD to succeed, but I have to think about the timing.  Is now the right time for the Zune HD? 

Why they should launch the Zune HD as soon as possible

No matter what type of device Microsoft creates, they never seem to hit the magic formula Apple is able to consistently hit.  Don’t get me wrong, they create some respectable products, but Apple has always been one above them.  Microsoft has long enjoyed the popularity of Windows, but even that is coming back down fast.  Microsoft needs to bolster their reputation in the MP3 player department, otherwise the Zune can be considered a waste.  The only way to do better than Apple is to design a product that meets the public’s needs in an affordable manner.  The device they release should contain features that the leading iPod does not.  For instance, if Microsoft were to launch a Zune HD, it would already contain features that the iPod does not, HD playback. 

In addition, rumor has it that it will be a touch device, with only one button, and it will be smaller than the iPod Touch in terms of size, but right up there in capacity.  I imagine there to be Wi-Fi connectivity as well as a built-in browser, again, similar to the iPod Touch.  In terms of availability, word is floating around that it will be available sometime in September-October.  A Fall release would mean it after all the Palm Pre hype as well as iPhone 3.0 software hype, and the hype of the T-Mobile launch event.  However, the timing could conflict with something, which I will get to in the next part. 

Why Microsoft should hold off on the launch of the Zune HD

The main concern here is with the launch of all the phones, Microsoft making Windows 7 available and ready to go, as well as the possibility of there being a new iPod in September, a Zune HD could get lost in the shuffle.  The whole idea is to go head-to-head with Apple, but if the Zune HD will not be ready in time due to Microsoft’s focus being divided among other products, then there is no point in producing a product that is not game-ready.  Microsoft needs to product the best Zune they can, containing all of the necessary components that make a superb MP3 player. 

Now, you have to consider that with the emergence of the Palm Pre sometime soon, the iPhone 3.0 software, and the T-Mobile private launch event, consumers are going to be purchasing either a Pre, an iPhone, or a new T-Mobile G2.  Would they want a Zune HD on top of it all?  Especially if they have a good working iPod/Zune already?  The worst thing Microsoft can do is release the Zune HD right after Apple either releases a totally new iPod or upgrades an old one.  If Apple chooses not to create a new device, or upgrade an old one heavily, then the timing would be right for Microsoft to go ahead.  However, the summer looks to be an interesting one with all these new gadgets in a slumping economy.  Companies, especially Microsoft, are going to have to play their cards exceptionally well in order for their respective products to succeed. 

I, for one, can’t wait to see what Microsoft will do with the Zune HD, hopefully they release some details soon, because they really have started getting people excited.  It may just be the ticket Microsoft has been looking for all these years. 

Read [Engadget]
Read [Technologizer]