The first details of the upgraded hard drive Zune have escaped, according to an inside contact at Microsoft. Nicknamed "Scorpio" in keeping with the Greek-themed "Draco" codename for the flash-based Zune, the full Zune will jump from 30GB to 80GB of storage to help cope with videos. The revamped player is also near-complete, the source says. Production will reportedly begin in late July, indicating a launch towards the end of summer that promises healthy stock in time for the holiday season.

While added features and international launches are unavailable, Microsoft has previously vowed to upgrade the functionality of the player over time and expects to launch the Zune in Europe by the end of 2007 along with access to the company's Zune Marketplace online music store. [via Zune Scene]