Zune HD details continue to leak out

Microsoft may have chosen silence regarding its latest Zune media device, but the rumor mill is in overdrive yet again.  Rumors allegedly by a Microsoft employee — although his statements aren’t confirmed, they’ve been accurate in the past — noted several new details about the device, including its price and release date.

The somewhat anticipated Zune HD device could be released as early as Sept. 8, and will have increased battery life, full touchscreen, better video support, and multitouch, the source indicates.  It’s also possible the Zune marketplace will have movies available, including 720p HD films, offering consumers another reason to show interest in the Zune HD device. 

At least one Microsoft source said the new Zune HD device is best media device the company has worked on, and should be able to double sales of other Zune models.

Microsoft is expected to launch three versions — 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB — with the 16GB and 32GB models expected to be launched first.  The 16GB model is expected to cost between $249 and $280, but the price also hasn’t been confirmed. 

I’m looking forward to seeing how Microsoft handles marketing the device, as consumers will be more inclined to purchase the Apple iPod Touch specifically because of the much better Apple marketing machine.  Even though everyone wants to compare the Zune to the iPod, Microsoft has been continually happy with how its Zune has sold — it’s still no overall threat to the iPod, but has carved out a niche market for itself among consumers.