The iPod touch has been for some time now the undisputed king of media players, with the Zune usually ranking second. Microsoft seems to have decided to give the iPod touch a real fight this time with the announcement of the new Zune HD. No, it is not the revolutionary xYz we were all hoping for but don't despair since Microsoft hasn't exactly denied the rumors either.

The Zune HD will have a much simpler, classy design than the previous models. It will feature a 3.3 16:9 Widescreen OLED sporting a resolution of 480 x 272 and, of course, multitouch capabilities. It will also have an accelerometer, Wi-Fi and multitouch browsing via a browser based on Internet Explorer. Though I'd rather not pass judgment so early on, I am not sure modding Internet Explorer (maybe the quirkiest browser in the world) is such a great idea.

Enrique Rodriguez, corporate vice president, Microsoft TV, Video and Music Business Group, had a few words to share with us, “The Zune music player is an integral part of the overall Zune experience, and we're proud to be growing and extending our offering beyond the device. […] Delivering on Microsoft's connected entertainment vision, this news marks a turning point for Zune as it brings cross-platform experiences and premium video content to living rooms around the world.”

If you're still reading this, it means you are still curious to see what HD stands for. Well, HD means the Zune will be coming with an HD radio, as well as HD video-out, though only through the use of an optional docking station. Like I’ve said, don't count the rumors about a new Microsoft device to be just that, since the Redmond-based company is bound to have a few aces up its long sleeve. E3 is just around the corner, isn't it?


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