The Zune has generally been a half step ahead of the iPod from a technical standpoint up until recently. It could output 720p video to a TV nearly a year before the new iPod Touches gained the ability, and its HD Radio tuning capability has yet to be matched by Apple's media players. However, with the new iPod Touch getting a 3.5-inch, 960 by 640 resolution Retina screen, the current Zune HD's 3.3-inch 480 by 272 resolution OLED screen isn't going to cut it.
At this point, the Zune's future looks grim. Microsoft has already thrown a lot of tech and marketing money its way and barely chipped at the iPod's undisputed domination of the portable media player world. For the Zune to have any chance of getting a decent market share, it's going to have to accomplish three things. First, it has to offer some new features that the iPods don't have. Second, it has to be cheaper than the equivalent iPod model. Third, and perhaps the most difficult, it has to overcome the stigma of being the iPod's unwanted cousin.
Do you think the Zune has a chance against the iPod? What can Microsoft do for the next generation of Zune HD to make it successful? Discuss below.
Image credit: Flickr user Deggle
