Out with the Old Zune, In With the New Zune HD

The Zune is joining the ranks of cast-off technology as Microsoft rearranges its product line to keep pace with morphing media consumption. Paul Thurott recently blogged, “I met with the Zune folks today and one bit of information than I can discuss immediately is that the Zune HD will be the only device type going forward.”

Microsoft currently produces several models of the Zune: 4GB Zune, 8GB Zune, 16GB Zune, 80GB Zune, and the 120GB Zune. All models wil effectively be discontinued. A backward glance at Zune’s history reveals a rocky three years of difficult competition with other media producers. Launched in an unsuccessful attempt to dethrone Apple’s domination of the mobile media market (still unsuccessful), the Zune somehow managed to gain a sizeable following.

For those handkerchief-wielding, tear-dabbing Zune fans, fear not. While the classic Zune is passing away, a new Zune generation has emerged to take its place. If the obliteration of the old is what we have to experience to get the new, then bring it on. The Zune HD offers a spate of appealing features that media lovers would expect from a pricier device, plus extras. Zune HD (high-definition) is exactly what it claims to be: a high-definition multimedia experience.

The new Zune HD will be launched on September 15, a date which also marks the official end of the old Zune. While none of the old Zunes will ever grace the assembly line of a factory again, the present stock will continue to sell until depleted.

Microsoft’s strategy in eliminating the old Zune line is obvious: clear aside the clutter for better technology. While the Zune HD takes center-stage as the multimedia device of choice, Microsoft has better chances for a more lucrative online store and other services. Zune software and Zune video hail a coming day of “great entertainment experience through software and services across multiple screens and devices,” according to a Microsoft spokesperson. Microsoft intends to unify and centralize their media approach. The Zune HD will share features with Windows Mobile devices. Media from Zune Marketplace can also be used on the Xbox.

The company has drawn criticism for this strategy. If left with only a $230 device, what happens to consumers who want a lower-end option? For mere music listening, what does one buy? Thankfully, Apple still sells iPod classics (sans video), but that will effectively draw a few of Microsoft’s potential customers away from Microsoft and over to the competition.

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