Does Zune HD Have a Prayer?

Microsoft has been dreaming of beating Apple iPod in its own game for years. We all know how the previous generation Zunes worked out. Microsoft Zune has always been considered to be second at best. Zune HD is Microsoft’s latest effort to make an impact in the digital media players market.  The device, which comes with a Nvidia Tegra processor, may not be an iPod Touch killer, but it does provide Microsoft options to build business in the mobile gaming and digital media markets.

I have not been a fan of playing games on Zune HD. While the device is capable of handling 3D graphics and can potentially be a player in the mobile gaming market, Microsoft will have to make some modifications to Zune’s design if it wants to attract serial mobile gamers. In fact, it’s not out of the realm of possibility for Microsoft to come up with a Zune/X-box hybrid handheld in the near future.

Zune gets the same grief from mobile gamers that iPod Touch does. It doesn’t come with a dedicated controller to make playing games easier for serial gamers. The game library is not as large as it needs to be. There are a lot of free games available for Zune but those mostly can’t compete with premium games on iPhone. Microsoft may be planning to expand Zune’s platform in the near future, but it will need fierce competition from other players on the market.

Is Zune HD hopeless? I wouldn’t go that far. At the same time, Microsoft is still way behind in the game. Apple has built a huge library of apps to enhance the functionality of its mobile gizmos. Microsoft has made a few good steps forwards, but Zune HD is not at a point where it can go toe to toe with iPod Touch. The device does have its advantages but is behind in many other areas. Zune HD may have a prayer after all, but don’t count on it beating the iPod anytime soon.