Technologizer has learned that rumors surrounding the fourth third generation Zune model are indeed true, and Microsoft’s music player would be getting a high-definition upgrade sometime in the fall, most likely in September or October. Sources close to the Zune team indicate that Engadget’s shots of the marketing materials are indeed authentic, but are fairly tight lipped on exactly what the player may have.
What we do know is this: the size of the device is set to come in smaller than the iPod touch (although we believe in size, not in thickness). Capacities should be competitive with that of the iPod touch, and like the touch, it would sport a touchscreen interface. The old click wheel would be replaced with a single-button as the pictures show.
We’re still trying to source out more information on it, but we do know with a good deal of confidence that this information is correct — these sources have accurately called the launches and specs of two previous launches (see my stores at Betanews: here and here).
More as we get it…
New Details: We’re being told that the Engadget marketing materials are likely not the final art for any advertising. So while the device is real, this art is probably just a draft.
Update 2: We made a bit of a mistake. While generally every year since their launch there has been some type of revision, this is technically the third gen model, not the fourth.
April 10th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Funny how you called the touch/Zune pad a “click wheel” (: . Great to see the ZuneHD [nearly] confirmed, though.
April 10th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
This looks good. Finally! If the specs hold up I may throw my iPod Touch in the trash. That way I can finally get rid of iTunes.
April 11th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
DOA.
No App Store.
April 11th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
^^
The ipod touch didn’t have an app store until about a year after its launch.
April 12th, 2009 at 9:15 am
“The old click wheel would be replaced with a single-button as the pictures show.”
Huh? The Zune has never had a wheel and it’s definitely never had that stupid clicking.
April 13th, 2009 at 3:44 am
@ Dave Barnes: You sure about that? Is it unreasonable to think that Windows Mobile apps will work on the Zune? The Marketplace accompanying the release of 6.5 is slated for about the same time that this new Zune would get out to market (or at least very shortly thereafter); surely that isn’t just a coincidence.
April 14th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
OK… the last person who posted saying something about the click wheel… when they said that they meant it… idk if you knew but the older version (30gb) had a click pad… and oh boy, was that annoying :P
It’s good to see zune is still progressing even though the economy is making it hard… keep up the good work!
April 14th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
OH… btw, update… for those who actually care, this release would technically be the 4th gen… Microsoft considered the 120gb and the 16gb its 3rd gen…
1st gen- 30GB
2nd Gen- 4gb 8gb 80gb
3rd Gen- 16gb 120gb
4th Gen?- Touch!
April 17th, 2009 at 7:17 am
Before September, Apple will just probably release a new iPod touch that will outshine the Zoon, again.
August 17th, 2009 at 11:38 am
One thing that I want to know is if the 16 GB black Zune HD will come in a matte finish or if the two models only come in the brushed metal surfaces.