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Zune video coming to Xbox Live

Film, TV offerings for Microsoft's new Zune HD portable will appear on console's online marketplace this fall; more details to come at Microsoft's E3 press conference June 1.

Two weeks after less-than-credible rumors about a special game-enabled Zune phone, Microsoft has officially announced the first nonmusic crossover functionality between its multimedia handheld and game console.

As part of an announcement this evening for the Zune HD--which can browse the Internet, play 16:9 movies in 480x272 resolution, and tune in to digital radio--the company revealed that the new device will have interoperability with the video marketplace on Xbox Live starting this fall.

"The Zune music player is an integral part of the overall Zune experience, and we're proud to be growing and extending our offering beyond the device," said Enrique Rodriguez, corporate vice president of Microsoft's TV, Video, and Music Business Group. "Delivering on Microsoft's connected entertainment vision, this news marks a turning point for Zune as it brings cross-platform experiences and premium video content to living rooms around the world."

Unfortunately, other than saying that both films and television programs for the Zune would be available on Xbox Live this fall, Microsoft revealed no details about the service. It only promised that attendees at its Electronic Entertainment Expo would "see first-hand how Zune integrates into Xbox Live to create a game-changing entertainment experience." GameSpot will be live-blogging and streaming the event on Monday, June 1 at 10:30 a.m. PDT from Los Angeles.

The release also did not mention when--or if--Microsoft will announce the gaming functionalities that it promised would arrive on the Zune by the end of 2008. So far, the device offers only five casual games for owners to play: Sudoku, Space Battle, Hexic, Checkers, and Texas Hold 'Em.

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SSBFan12 5 pts

@Armydillo978: I agree with you it does make it look lame.

msudude211 5 pts

@g_max_ - Er... where do you live?

Armydillo978 5 pts

Lame...lame...lame....no Xbox games makes the Zune lame and nothing special compared to other products out there.

gmax 5 pts

I still don't think I've ever actually seen a Zune user in person.

borninvincible 5 pts

not really into the Zune movement... im more of a iPod guy, but this looks alright.

Gamer4Iife 5 pts

Only video? Would've been much cooler, if it could play games as well.

shinian 5 pts

The regular zune looks IMO better.

CDWJUSTIN 5 pts

would be a good one if i could watch my netflix on my zune then id buy one

darklord_dragon 5 pts

ok i have never heard of the zune can some one help me out on this one

BigGhost_AJT 5 pts

I just bought my Zune last year so I don't know if I'd go rushing to the store for this one. A few make or break questions: Price? Memory capacity? The digital radio feature sounds sweet though since the radio tuner on my current 80gb is pretty much worthless.

taj7575 5 pts

If it doesnt have things like Apps, good games, etc... ..Im probably not buying it. Ill just stick with my old zune or get an I-Touch.

Mark-Mortem 5 pts

I think the ability to play Adobe Flash content alone makes the Zune HD far superior to IPod touch. I've been following the possible integration of Flash into the IPod's browser for about two years. Sadly, I have yet to see Adobe and Apple cooperating, or making any official progress. Thankfully, the wait for Flash support in a nifty touch screen all in one portable music device is almost over! That OLED and HD Radio they're featuring in Zune HD is also.... A VERY NICE TOUCH. :3 And just to think a month ago I was about to let loose and buy one of those crummy I-Pod things. They're pretty though... :\....

93soccer 5 pts

i need a new ipod touch but maybe i might get this instead

dont_know_2 5 pts

i like a regular zune or ipod better

hhap52 5 pts

close to getting an ipod. Maybe this will change my mind

izmickey 5 pts

i hate to admit this but i would definitely buy this zune over an ipod. For one thing is that i hate the fact that ipod has been out for so many years yet it lacks a RADIO. For me thats a big deal and to hear zune will have a HD radio, even better. If this zune has compatibility with bluetooth headphones, i will be sold. I dont care for the XBL stuff since i have a ps3. Yes bring on the thumbs down you fanboys.

MetalZombieII 5 pts

totaleklypse, why would you by a 30gig Zune and just let it sit there? I bought mine almost two years ago and I use it every day. Seems silly to buy an mp3 player and then use it for a paper weight, sell it and find a pretty rock to look at.

mastodonfatguy 5 pts

yay i have teh old zune. im getting this !!

Junior_AIN 10 pts

Good, another feature for XBL. Things just gets better.

RAGINGxPONY 5 pts

Damn i want to get this , but i just got a IPOD touch not to long ago.

pagla07 5 pts

ehh...jus got n ipod touch and im loving itunes!! apps store!! hope this isnt any better :P!!

Autolycus 5 pts

if i cant use this as a universal TV/entertainment system remote, I wont buy it.

indstrlmunky 5 pts

Another thing I would like to know is if I could transfer my home movies to the device like I can transfer my cds, or will it work similar to the "Digital Copy" used for Ipod and PSP?

totaleklypse 5 pts

desperate cash grab comes to mind. already have a 30 gig zune that sits there. not interested with a hd mini screened gimmick. thanks though i guess its the thought that counts

indstrlmunky 5 pts

I think it is funny how many people are dissing the look of the new Zune, thankfully it does not look like the Ipod, that would be pointless (because it has been done). And based on some of your comments, I realize not many people really know how easy the Zune is to use compared to an Ipod, it terms of transfering your files to it (yes, I have used an Ipod). Do not get me wrong, the Ipod is really cool, but I'll keep my Zune over getting an Ipod (call me crazy). I am just wanting to know how Microsoft is going to appeal to existing Zune users as to why they should make the switch, especially if they do not own an Xbox nor plan on getting one.

prioritymail 5 pts

I hope that the zune/360 interaction is more than just an ipod/itunes interaction. Basically, I don't plan on buying video for any mp3 player, so I want to see some other kind of function there. (Navigate xbox live guide on the zune screen perhaps)

sequekhan 5 pts

lol at Microsoft trying to control the world. I'll stick to my home theatre thank you very much.

llakallaka 5 pts

[This message was deleted at the request of a moderator or administrator]

chickenfeed9 5 pts

I have a zune and a ps3. oh dear.

Shtinky 21 pts

those Zunes look like those ugly pocket calculators from the 80's

asian_pride69 5 pts

Wow. I thought Zunes died a long time ago... And there's actually some people who still own one? Surprising indeed.

damaster101 5 pts

Never even heard of a zune before thank god it started to seem like ipods were the only mp3 devices available.

neoand12 5 pts

I'm not too excited for the Zune HD unless the gaming specs are good other then that I can't see me buying this when I have a iphone, PSP and a DS. And since its HD I can tell the battery life is going to kill after just one movie like all mobile devices. I really wish they added a phone into the thing to go against HTC phones...I will like to add that IMO HD Radio/radio in that thing is pointless when Pandora on the iPhone/iPod touch is better then any radio station.

ColtFanTim 5 pts

maybe i'm behind the times here but why would one want a zune over an ipod touch? please enlighten me

Metroid827 5 pts

My zune is awesome and I can't wait for this. I hope it's good

xxxAdvocatexxx 5 pts

I bought a 30gb Zune when if first came out about a month ago it died. For almost 4 years that mp3 player was a luxury that I took for granted. I've always loved the 360 integration and this new marketplace Feature is just an added bonus. Look's like i'll be first in line for the new zuneHD.

XanderZane 41 pts

If M$ could add a phone service, add on applications, all the blackberry features, a full browser and make it a decent portable game systeme where you could download some of the XBox and XBLA games onto it, it might be worth a look. Right now, it's now worth my time. I already own a DS, PSP and Ipod. What else do I really need?

Flipyap28 5 pts

even though I love Ipod, I am just thinking of this as XBL gets itunes (in zune)

Moofey 5 pts

Great. Now Micro$oft should get off their asses and launch the Zune marketplace in Canada like they had promised to have up six months ago.

GuilSSJ 5 pts

Its realy hard find a Zune in Brazil

andrew_ribbons 5 pts

I'm from England, UK and i picked up a 4Gb Zune from Boston when i was over there last November. I have to admit it's a fantastic little system, it's reliable and the screen quality is excellent. I'm really looking forward to when Microsoft opens up the Zune to Europe, it'll be an excellent and worthy competitor to the iPod. Apple-fan naysayers can whine about it being inferior as much as they want, it's cheaper and has better features out of the box. In my book, that's superior.

happyfatman021 5 pts

I read somewhere that you will be able to pay an additional monthly fee for unlimited video downloads on the Zune Marketplace on the Xbox 360. If this is referring to the Zune Pass, that would make that the best value I've ever seen. Imagine: unlimited music, movies, and TV shows for $15 a month. How awesome would that be, huh?

Fleeman6019 5 pts

wow hd movies on screen smaller then my hand

BullDog45 5 pts

I like the Zune but it seems to me there could be just a little something more added to it but i'm not quite sure what.

DoMiNiC147 5 pts

Can't wait to get this even though I have one but it has a creak on it.

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