iPod Touch Outsells Zune HD

If online sales are any indication, then the Zune HD isn't helping Microsoft close the gap with Apple in the lucrative MP3 music player market.

Apple's 32GB iPod touch was the second top seller (behind Kindle) in Amazon's electronics category as of Thursday, while the 32GB Zune HD ranked only seventh. The 16GB Zune HD was a lowly 16th on the list. The 32GB iPod Touch and 32GB Zune HD are both priced at $289. The 16GB Zune HD sells for $219.

Several users chided Microsoft for failing to match the iPod's rich application selection—a fact that could limit the Zune HD's appeal.

"If you expected a ton of apps on the Zune marketplace then you will be disappointed," an Amazon customer who goes by the name Gadgetzrock wrote on the company's online review forum. "No one in their right mind would give up the thousands of apps" available for the iPod Touch, wrote another user, G. Vernon.

Most of the Amazon reviews for Zune HD were positive, however.

Microsoft formally unveiled Zune HD Tuesday. It features a touch-screen interface powered by organic, light-emitting diode (OLED) technology and Nvidia's Tegra HD graphics processor for fast action. It also includes a new Quickplay menu that puts consumers a click away from favorite tracks, videos, and other content, according to Microsoft.

Microsoft also launched a companion service that allows consumers to download HD movie files from the Zune marketplace for purchase or rent. The files can also be played on consumers' televisions or PC screens.


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