MS intros red Zune 80, love-themed Originals art

Timing its release just a month ahead of Valentine's Day, Microsoft today released the red Zune 80. The new version is the first for the 80GB player to ship outside of black and matches the same color scheme available for the flash-based Zune 4 and 8. The device should cost the same $249 as the standard model and will share the same Wi-Fi sync, Zune-to-Zune sharing, and FM radio. It should be available now in shops and online, though the company has not said whether the new color will be a permanent option or a special edition.

Accompanying the new Zune are 20 special Zune Originals art engravings for every Zune model's aluminum back, Microsoft says. The collection is love-themed and is said to be made by art collectives Colorblok, Friends With You, PSYOP and Studio Play Pretend. Each allows enough space for three lines of text on top of the actual art. These specific Originals designs will only be available up to Valentine's Day but will be free on top of the cost of a Zune 4, 8, or 80.