Flash Zune in FCC Leak

The flash-based Zune has had some of its last details confirmed, thanks to a newly published FCC filing. New diagrams reveal that display mockups sent to a retailer yesterday are legitimate and also confirm that the flash player will only be available in 4GB and 8GB variants, matching Apple's iPod nano but falling short of the 16GB of storage available with Creative's most recent ZEN players. Frequency tests make no mention of the 2.4GHz band needed for Wi-Fi but do make reference to an antenna, suggesting either Wi-Fi or at least a basic form of wireless connection. "Premium" earbuds would be included with the player, Microsoft says.

As with most FCC releases, the publication gives no clues as to a precise launch date and will keep many of the most significant details confidential until the new Zunes are officially revealed. However, the tests also partially confirm early leaks, proving that the player codenamed "Scorpius" is the flash-based player and not the expected hard disk model. The larger player is now believed to be codenamed the "Draco" and would hold 80GB in a thinner design than the existing 30GB version. An announcement of all models is expected as early as this week.

By Electronista Staff