Microsoft has announced plans to release a 64GB Zune HD model to compliment its current 16GB and 32GB models.
The new Zune HD 64GB will cost $350. It will be released on Monday, April 12th.
In addition to the new product announcement, Microsoft will also lower prices on the other two models by $20 -- the 16GB model will be available for $199.99, and the 32GB model for $269.99. The company offered lower prices through its own online store previously, but not at other retail locations.
There were rumors of a 64GB product announcement brewing over the past couple of weeks, but Microsoft remained quiet about the possibility until now.
Although the majority of the MP3 player market is controlled by the Apple iPod, Microsoft says they are still pleased with the success of the Zune HD product lineup. Its business is small compared to Apple, but Microsoft admitted it is willing to take it slow and slowly creep up in the market.
I'm not the biggest fan of the iPod -- or iTunes -- but it seems my MP3 player collection continues to add iPods at an alarming rate. A 64GB Zune HD is more appealing than the 16GB and 32GB models, especially since Microsoft expects its portable product lineup to heavily feature movies and other media on top of playing music.
However, I'm disappointed the company didn't release a 64GB model in time for the 2009 Christmas holiday shopping season -- or during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January. Consumers demand lower prices and constant innovation from tech companies, but Microsoft is taking a snail's pace with the Zune line.
