5 Directions That Microsoft's Zune HD Needs To Take

Details of Microsoft's next Zune device have emerged on the web over the past few days with some exciting new features already appearing.

Here are five features or directions that Microsoft should be integrating in the Zune HD gadget to make it a viable (and potentially profitable) alternative to the Apple iPhone.

(1) A Phone. Not A Player

Stand alone Portable Media Players are passé now. The fact that the iPhone emerged from the iPod Touch means illustrates the need for Microsoft to come up with a more elaborate version of the Zune. If Microsoft wants to pit the Zune against Apple's iPod, it will have to challenge four versions of the popular media players which are themselves pitching at different price segments. 

Should the Zune become a phone, it will allow Microsoft to focus on only one competitor - the iPhone. That said, it is likely that the Zunephone will be a template and a model for other other manufacturers (and partners) like HTC.

(2) Gaming Features

There are rumours that the new device will support 3D XBox Games which would explain why Microsoft has apparently been looking for a new Halo developer. It is extremely important that Microsoft comes up with a solution to fill the huge (and growing) gap in its gaming portfolio. Sony and Nintendo already have portable gaming consoles and with Apple already turning the iPod touch and the iPhone into a very capable gaming smartphone, Microsoft will need to up the Ante. 

Amongst the proposed features that the ZuneHD is said to have, there's a large feedback capable, multi touch HD OLED touchscreen, wireless capabilities, HDMI support, the use of the Nvidia's Tegra platform (which is ideally suited for the gaming market).