There aren’t many unknown aspects about the latest Microsoft PMP, namely the Zune HD, but what has yet to be revealed is equally important, if not more so (release dates, pricing and capacities). And here's where the rumor mill steps in with something straight from the factory.

According to Neowin, the Zune will be sporting two sizes: there will be a 16GB version and a 32GB one as well. The 16GB model is said to be priced between 249 and 279 USD, though it is not “set in stone;” thus, it could get lower or higher than the specified margins. As for a 64GB version of the player, Microsoft is reported to have one planned as a possibility later after releasing the Zune. A price for the higher versions of the Zune HD has not been specified.

Although some say that pricing the Zune in that range might hurt the Zune HD sales, I tend to disagree, especially since the latter will be Tegra-powered, will have 720p decoding, HDMI output and a new piece of software, namely the Zune 4.0. This is said to expand beyond the Zune HD itself, becoming some sort of an entertainment-centered application. Perhaps this is what that rumor about the Microsoft device blending the Live universe was all about.

We already know that the Zune HD will integrate with other Microsoft services, all that remains to be seen is how far it will go. An interesting thing to mention is that the source claimed Microsoft was aware of the leaks but that it did not intervene, perhaps seeing it as a good publicity stunt. Whether the leak is true or just a Microsoft stunt, I don't care. All I care about is for it to release the Zune HD so I can buy it!


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