We know already that the Zune HD, Microsoft’s rather nice-looking iPod Touch competitor, is due in stores September 15th. We also know that it will cost $220 for 16GB and $290 for 32GB, prices which undercut the current iPod Touches (although Apple is likely to change that with its September 9th announcement).
What we didn’t know was that the Zune HD will be the only Zune you will be able to buy. Microsoft has discontinued all other Zunes, and if you want one (hint: you don’t) then buy now before stocks dwindle. Or wait until they show up in some dime-store clearance sale.
It’s hard to work out why this is. On one hand, Apple’s figures show dwindling sales for old-style iPods and increasing adoption of iPod Touches and iPhones. And seeing as Apple sells the majority of MP3 players, this market trend makes sense for Microsoft to get out early, especially as the Zune was not a great success.
On the other hand, Microsoft is again playing catchup. Its obsession with fighting Google is not Gadget Lab subject matter, but that, combined with the Laptop Hunter ads and me-too products like the Zune (and the Xbox) show a company rattled and desperate to keep up.
Also, as commenter Freakyfelt remarks on Paul Thurrrot’s Supersite for Windows: “Well that’s a dumb move. Not everyone wants a touch screen device with all the bells and whistles.”
Current Zunes are discontinued. Zune HD is it going forward [Supersite for Windows]
See Also:
- Microsoft Confirms Zune HD Launch, Pricing
- Hands-On With the Zune HD
- Zune HD Priced Cheaper Than the iPod Touch
- Zune HD Official: Multi-Touch, OLED and… Radio?
Photo: Dylan Tweney / Wired.com
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