Zune HD News Bits: Amazon confirms pricing and special Zune HD features

Recently, the Zune HD has appeared on many tech blogs and websites in terms of pricing and some initial impressions. Let’s see what we know so far about the device touted to save Microsoft’s MP3 player ambitions.

Best Buy shows off Zune HD prices?

This morning, I wrote an article which featured images from Best Buy’s inventory. Basically, those images revealed some very important information: pricing and an availability date. A September 8 release date was revealed, as well as a $220 and a $290 price tag for the 16 GB and 32 GB models, respectively. While Best Buy is a good source to confirm rumors, it would be better if Microsoft could officially state something like, “Yes, these are the prices for the Zune HD and it will be available on September 8.”

Amazon leaks Zune HD price, same as Best Buy

Of course, that would be too easy, but today Amazon posted the pricing of both Zune models on their product listing. As you can probably imagine, the prices they listed match with the $220 and $290 originally listed by Best Buy. So what does all this mean? Chances are these are the real prices for the Zune HD and they compete very well with the $275 16GB Apple iPod Touch and the $370 32GB iPod Touch. It’s important to keep in mind September is traditionally the month where Apple reveals new iPods and slashes the pricing of old iPods.

Bing in the Zune

Switching gears slightly now, it has been confirmed the Zune HD will have integrated Microsoft Bing searching. While this isn’t exactly breaking news, it is nice to know Microsoft didn’t do something bizarre like have Google Search as opposed to Bing.

Zune HD refresher

In case you forgot what makes the Zune HD hailed as the Microsoft savior, here are some enticing specs. For starters, the Zune supports HD output, meaning it can output HD video up to 720p. In addition, the type of screen the Zune HD uses is another strong point. Microsoft decided to go with the OLED screen which allows for deeper colors and a more vibrant screen. Unlike traditional LCD screens, OLED screens don’t rely on backlight, rather the organic elements within the OLED screen create its own backlight. Furthermore, the Zune HD features FM radio, which isn’t all that impressive until you consider the fact that it features HD radio – a feature not commonly seen in MP3 players.

With all the features listed above combined with a cheaper price tag, the Zune HD is one of the few true competitors to the iPod Touch. It will be interesting to see how the public views the Zune HD when it is officially made available.

Images via [Gizmodo] and [Cnet]