Microsoft launches Zune HD

Microsoft announced the introduction of the Zune HD, a touchscreen media player enabling consumers to purchase or rent high-definition (and standard-definition) feature films from the Zune Marketplace online store. According to Microsoft, Zune HD combines hardware components including an organic light-emitting diode multitouch screen and Nvidia Tegra HD processor with software enhancements including the new Quickplay menu--promising one-touch access to favorite content, recently-played items and newly-added media--as well as a web browser and new music and video playback features. In addition, consumers can store and play back 720p HD video files to an HDTV using the new Zune HD AV dock accessory.

The Zune HD also offers a portable HD Radio receiver promising access to more than 2,000 U.S. stations--users can tag songs they hear on supported HD Radio stations for immediate purchase via WiFi, or complete the purchase later using Zune PC software. Zune HD additionally features new casual games and an MSN Weather application--later this year, Microsoft will roll out mobile social networking apps such as Twitter for Zune and Facebook for Zune, in addition to a series of 3D games. Microsoft also will expand Zune video to Xbox Live users, combining the Zune and Xbox video stores.

Zune HD is available in a black 16GB version for $219.99--a platinum 32GB version sells for $289.99.

For more on the Zune HD:
- read this release
- watch a slideshow

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