Zune HD at FCC

The FCC has likely spoiled Microsoft's launch plans by posting test info for the player's wireless behavior. While the NVIDIA Tegra processor, Wi-Fi and Windows CE foundations are all public information, the filing specifically shows models with 16GB and 32GB of storage and confirms at least one rumor regarding Microsoft's strategy for the touchscreen media player. The company has previously acknowledged the Zune HD would replace flash players but has never specified how much storage they would have.

Tips corroborating that level of storage have suggested that prices might start at $249 for a 16GB model and that the players will ship in early September. Much of the as yet unofficial price has roots in the use of both the Tegra and of the multi-touch OLED display, which let it play 720p video on a TV using an HDMI dock (also shown by the FCC) and give it more vibrant color on its own 480x272 screen. An HD Radio tuner also adds slightly to the price.

While less expensive than the equivalent iPod touch at the moment, Apple is widely expected to revise its player in the fall and typically doubles the capacity of its flash-based players with each annual update, which would give it a 16GB iPod for $229. Rumors have also circulated that Apple's player will gain a video camera with mic that could offset limits on its video playback abilities. [via Engadget]

By Electronista Staff