Hasta La Gadget!

Earlier this year, Microsoft announced that it would introduce new features to the Zune HD with a firmware upgrade in the spring. No, it’s not ready yet, but Microsoft is back to tantalize with details.

Here’s what you can expect with the free download, which will be available in the next few weeks:

• Smart DJ: This feature is already available on the Zune, and now it’s coming to the Zune HD. With it, you can create an instant playlist mix in seconds by selecting a song or artist from your collection or the Zune Marketplace and pressing the Smart DJ icon. The software will create a new mix based on your selection. If you have a Zune Pass music subscription, it will pull music both from your collection and the Zune Marketplace catalog.
• Picks: Another music recommendation feature now coming the Zune HD, Picks analyzes what you listen to and compares that to millions of other Zune users to deliver personalized recommendations. You’ll be able to listen to these recommendations on your Zune HD or on your computer.
• Zune Marketplace improvements: You’ll now be able to browse and stream music from the Zune Marketplace on your TV when using the Zune HD A/V dock. It sounds like a great way to add a soundtrack to any party.
• Expanded Video Codec Support: The Zune HD will now play MPEG-4 Part 2 Advanced Simple Profile (ASP) videos, and includes Xvid and AVI support.

Attention, movie buffs and audio enthusiasts: Harman International introduced its new spring line this morning.

Action movie fans will want the Harman Kardon HKTS 20 and HKTS 30 (left), two new 5.1 home entertainment solutions. Both offer a 200W powered, 200mm subwoofer and two-way loudspeakers. The package also includes a dual-driver center channel speaker for distinct movie dialogue. Look for them this month for $699 $799 and $899 $999.

The JBL MS-8 is a clever system integration digital processor that can optimize a car’s audio performance in only 10 minutes, Harman Kardon says. Use it to maximize frequency response, bass performance, dynamics, clarity, and more. You’ll find it in April for $799.

Old favorites are back, as well, with new versions of the Harman Kardon Go + Play Micro ($399), the JBL On Time 200P ($249), the JBL On Time Micro ($249), and the JBL On Stage Micro II ($129). Improvements include iPod and/or iPhone compatibility.

Easily lost among the slew of announcements made by Samsung today: The company has two new modestly-priced portable media players, the R1 and the R0. The R1, which should be shipping any day now, comes in 8GB ($149.99) and 16GB ($179.99) and the R0, which will be
available in April, comes in 8GB ($99.99) and 16GB ($129.99), as well.

I got a chance to play with both players briefly today at the Samsung event in NYC. The R1 is minute and features a touch-screen, while the not-quite-as-small R0 uses physical buttons below its display. These are simple players meant to compete with the iPod nano; don’t be fooled by the touch-screen–this is not an iPod touch competitor.

There are so many sounds you might want to block out during a flight. First up is the droning captain’s announcements telling you how high you’re cruising, when you’re going to land, or what the weather will be like when you get there. Next comes babies on board, stewardesses with drink carts, and, of course, engine noise. If someone could just block that out, flying might be a little more bearable.

For fellow travelers who crave silence, Sennheiser introduces the PXC 250-II Travel Headphone. This compact pair builds upon the original PXC 250 with improved NoiseGard technology, which reduces all types of ambient noise. Your music is delivered with high-performing neodymium magnets for a detailed sound with a frequency response from 10 to 21,000 Hertz. An included adapter cable lets them work with in-flight entertainment systems. The $259.95 price tag sounds well worth it for the peace of mind they’ll bring.

Marking one more step in our journey to a completely wireless world is the Sennheiser PX 210 BT (catchy name), a set of Bluetooth-enabled mini-headphones with a range of 33 feet. Roam where you want to and don’t worry about a cord bogging you down. If you’ve been disappointed with Bluetooth headphones in the past, you may want to give these a try: Sennheiser has equipped them with licensed Apt-X coding technology, which is designed to create flawless sound that’s free of interference.

Stow your music player in your bag when you use the PX 210 BT, since audio controls are right on the headphones. You can turn the Bluetooth on or off, change volume, and move back and forth in a playlist all from the included controls. The company promises 12 hours of continuous operation with the rechargeable lithium polymer battery. These headphones are available now for a list price of $299.95.