The latest Zune HD touch screen media player has been released along with a great software update. Now for the first time on Zune both standard and also HD (high definition) movies can be purchased or rented through the Zune provides comprehensive music and video experience across mobile devices, PCs and the TV to give consumers anywhere access to the music and video they love.

A new online Zune marketplace allows Zune subscribers instant access to their favorite music and videos anywhere, across their mobile device, PC and TV.

Enrique Rodriguez, corporate vice president of the TV, Video and Music Business at Microsoft, commented:- “With today’s announcement, the Zune business is growing into a comprehensive entertainment service that’s no longer tied to any one screen or device. Zune lets consumers connect to their music, TV shows and movie content and enjoy it on the three screens they use every day.”

With Zune HD, consumers now have the ability to store and play back 720p HD video files to an HDTV using the new Zune HD AV dock accessory. Consumers can buy or rent HD content from the Zune Marketplace, sync that content to a Zune HD device, and take it with them to play back on a large-screen HDTV in the home or on the road.

Microsoft said that a Zune video service would be launched for the XBox 360 in the autumn. It will allow users to watch films and TV shows on their games console, PC and Zune HD.

The Zune HD is currently only available in the US and the company has not confirmed plans to sell it elsewhere. However, it did announce plans to launch the Zune video service in 17 countries, later this year, which suggests that the Zune HD player may be released internationally.

Coming after the poorly received original zune, the new version comes in 16GB and 32GB models. It has a touchscreen, wifi internet access and FM radio tuner. The smaller of the two costs $219.99 and the larger version costs $289.99. This pricepoint is important because it makes the Zune a lower cost item than Apple’s iPod Touch device.

Many people consider this device too little and too late. Lacking the vast number of apps and software that Apples machines have, it seems that Microsoft have have missed the boat.

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