Photo leaks confirm new Zune, near-term launch

New photos have all but confirmed the imminent arrival of new Zune models within the month, says an unnamed employee from a major American retailer. The worker notes that his store has received "cardboard cutouts" that are exact matches for the photos leaked last month and already reveal key features. A smaller, flash-based model is now certain and will have video playback as a cornerstone. The circular directional pad has also been replaced with a less misleading beveled, square pad, the photos show. Microsoft is now known to be producing pink and red colors on launch rather than withholding them for special editions, as with the original version.

Although a specific release date was not provided with the leak, the mockups are part of a display set intended for unveiling on October 7th, suggesting an announcement before then and a ship date on or shortly after that period. Previous reports have suggested that devices might be available by October 16th, though one had a release as late as November.

No specification sheets have accompanied the leak, though again previous reports have suggested 4GB and 8GB flash players at $150 and $200 with an 80GB model selling at the $250 price occupied by the original 30GB player before a price cut meant to clear out stock of old models.