Microsoft officially lets the new Zune details out

I suppose this post comes as a little bit of bittersweet news considering we have already seen the details, but that said, Microsoft has chosen to officially unveil the details for the new Zune hardware and software.

So just for a quick recap, the new model of the Zune will be the black 120GB hard drive based model which will retail for $249 along with a 16GB flash based model which will retail for $199. Additionally the Zune 16 will also be available in blue. The Zune 8 will be priced at $149, and Microsoft also plans to lower the prices on some of the older models.

As for the software side, it looks like software version 3 will be available with those features that we mentioned earlier, which include Buy from FM, Device to Cloud, Channels and Games. Currently nothing was mentioned about when the new software will be made available for current Zune owners. Personally although I like the blue Zune 16 and the black backing on the Zune 120 I am more excited by the new software features and hope that will be ready soon.

If nothing else, I guess Amazon can go ahead and add that Zune 120 listing back to their website now.

[CNET]

Comments

[bob e]

I synced my Zune 80 last night and a really cool screen saver was installed. It was a full screen video - amazing. Anyone else see this?

[John]

I'm still disapointed with Zune lacking to make an appropriate Itouch rival. the Zune really needs something more appropriate to reel me in again like it did when the 1st gen came out. DO SOMETHING MICROSOFT...like make a clock for it.

[Civisi]

To John: The new Zune firmware DOES include a clock.

http://www.zunerama.com/2008/09/zune-30-has-a-clock/

Regarding hardware, here's my prediction:
Fall 2008 update = software only.
Spring 2009 update = hardware refresh and software update to support new hardware and features (i.e., touch screen, Zune-on-Windows-Mobile).