FAIL!

Yeah, that's just silly. I think they were trying to hide the fact that Apps and 3D gaming were going to be available. But the press release saying that was just issued, much to Microsoft's dismay, so that certainly didn't work out in their favor. Ha! :)

Regardless, dang that thing looks slick!

Hahahahaha!

I've mixed feelings on this..

On one side I am the impatient sort that when they buy a new piece of kit want to use it straight away. However knowing that you have the most up to date software is important too.

According to a Patent App Apple were looking at something similar where by a device could be updated whilst in the box meaning the software would always be up to date - but they'd never ship a product without the operating system - would they?

Never one to defend the Windoze boys as I am a 100% Mac Lover but this could start a trend. Think about it, it removes a stage from the manufacturing costs and time.

Like I said still in two minds - part of me thinks (like a lot of you) this is retarded - the other part of me thinks it could be the way to go as you have to plug it in and sync it before use anyway so why not update it then!

The MS hating Mac Lover in me wants to believe MS dropped the ball and the software is just late (as usual). Either way I wont be getting rid of my iPod Touch anytime soon!

...And that is Microsoft's way of "raising the stake?!?!?" - Well done!!! You just added another EPIC FAIL to your 'portfolio'...

They released it by an extra day. So what? I would want it early too.
That way we would have it connected to our computers the moment the zune software was available online.

Now that everyone has them synced I would like to see some hands on reviews. Maybe I might buy one if the average owner likes it.

The packaging is identical to an iPod/iPhone. A complete copy, not even a little different.

I'd like to see a side by side of the OLED vs. an iPod Touch. It's a buzzword but OLED is really not that great. It's typically washed out, not particularly bright, and works best in dim lighting.

The Tegra uses generation old ARM technology, unlike the iPod/iPhone and the Pre. Apple has the top of the line mobile graphics chip with PowerVR, though NVidia has a bigger name because of their desktop products.

HD Radio? Do people even know what that is? Will they even use it? It's not "high def", it means hybrid digital. It's like the first digital TV broadcasts, simply more sub channels squeezed into the same space. Is there any value to those sub channels?

Can these Zunes still squirt?

Hahaha, that is another Steve Balmer mess up. How long can a company like MS continue to fail miserably? Who wold buy a car and not have the engine installed?

This is pathetic.

I am sure you Apple _ _ _ kissers are fair and unbiased in your postings.
As a user of both platforms I prefer competition. I do not like to pay for software upgrades that most of the time add functionality that should have been there in the first place or fix critical security issues (with no separate free fix).
I think Zune HD looks sleek and it will have some technology advantages. It will not have the app. store advantage and head-start. On the other hand let's not forget the Playstation Xbox story.
If we get some better cheaper deals out of the competition it will be better then what will come out of a monopoly situation.
Come one guys, get a life!

The so called dual platform user who calls everyone Apple Fan Boys!! OK then why did you post your unbiased opinion three times.

As far as the subject goes, I assume that your warranty starts when you have working software NOT! It will start when you buy the non working product. Thank you Microsoft for my new non working Zune HD. I use many Microsoft products and I haven't had to much luck with their hardware. But I must admit that when my two Microsoft Wireless keyboards and mice failed they shipped new replacements out the same day.

I am looking forward to seeing the result of this new method of marketing.

Didn't MS do the same thing with Vista?

I actually think the Zune looks good and I agree, the iPod Touch needs competition just as the original iPod did. Microsoft will take a little market share off Apple, but Apple will still dominate simply because 7/10 normal consumers own an iPod and have their music organised in iTunes. They aren't going to switch to a Zune.

This is their usual 'ship now, fix later' M.O., just taken to a new extreme.

Relax relax relax... like many other devices this simply means that when you buy the device you have to connect it to your computer and update the firmware. What were you planning to do with a device like this before you connected it anyway. I suppose you could browse the web or listen to the radio but really you bought it so that you could carry your media around with you in your pocket. On the day it was released the software update was also available so this would only have been a problem for anyone who somehow got their hands on the device before they were supposed to be able to. Sounds to me like a bunch of people here have never seen one much less own one.