This January it was reported that Microsoft’s Zunes division lost 100 million dollars, and even to Microsoft thats no chump change they can afford loosing. I was thinking about this because I recently acquired one of the 1st generation Zunes. Now I did not pay for this of course, I would never drop any money on a Microsoft product like that, I got it for free so I was pretty happy about it and more than willing to take. Playing with it I don’t really understand what made people want to buy them, they are clunky, the interface is no where as near as good as the iPod (and I don’t say that because I am bias toward macs, if you use both its pretty hard to argue that Zune’s UI is better). It is no wonder Microsoft is failing in this area, its a pretty ugly piece of machinery with so much potential, good hardware, and good usability, so with that, is Zune savable?  Some prototype images of the up and coming Zune HD have been released, it is reported to have an HDMI output to hook up to a TV, HD radio, a 3.6 inch screen, and Wi-fi connection with web-browsing, and a full touch screen with multi touch, and available in 8GB 16GB and 32GB.  Are people going to run from their ipod touches to snach up these new devices suposedly coming out this fall, or will people look at this as a touch ripoff?  The HD feature is pretty cool but I don’t see anything that makes it better than an ipod touch, and  radio is no convincer for me to buy it, who cares about having a radio, I have radio apps on my iPhone and I really never use use them, having a built in radio doesnt really ooh and awe me.  There are also reports that the interface is getting a complete overhaul, maybe in line for the rumored Zune phone that many talk about?

Now I am not saying this device will be bad, I think it will be pretty cool to see how it functions.  I just think Microsoft got on the music market a little too late, especially since Apple has such a strangle hold on it.  If anything can save the Zune division this device would have to be it, because I know Evan would be sad if he had to start using his wife’s ipod!  Let us know what you think about the Zune HD, and if it could sway you away from your ipod or if you are a Zune fan are you getting one?  I will give the Zune one piece of credit, the sound quality output is far better than that of any ipod, or iphone I have ever heard, that is one good thing it has going for it.