Microsoft has yet to confirm details via its official channels, but the company is reportedly cooking a major hardware update for its line-up of Zune digital media players. Reports indicate that a Zune HD is in the making, and that the device will be unveiled in the fall of 2009, with the next generation of Microsoft’s digital media players. Images from a marketing campaign the Redmond company is preparing for the end of 2009 have been leaked in the wild, featuring a new device that moves away from previous releases, and references to HD capabilities (via Engadget).

There are no specifications associated with the leaked Zune HD information, but the images indicate that Microsoft has opted for an entirely touch-based user interface when it comes down to the next generation of Zune devices. By replacing the 'click-flick' hybrid interface that current Zunes feature, Microsoft is making yet another step further embracing Natural User Interfaces, and also making sure that iPod touch has a direct competitor on the market.

At the same time, reports indicate that the Redmond company is also looking to update the services associated with Zune. Even in the fall of 2008, as the software giant launched Zune 3.0, a strong focus was placed on the service side. This tendency will continue in 2009, with this year’s update, as Microsoft’s chief executive officer revealed to analysts on Wall Street that the Zune Entertainment Services would span across the TV, the PCs and phones.

Still unconfirmed at this point in time is the fact that Microsoft will launch Zune internationally. The move was expected in 2008 but never happened. However, such a tactic will open new markets for the software giant, in its race against Apple and the iPod. At the start of 2009, the Zune software and services was moved under Enrique Rodriguez, corporate vice president, Microsoft TV Division, while Zune hardware now reports to Tom Gibbons, corporate vice president, Phone Strategy and Commercialization, Mobile Communications Business.


The Zune 3.0 software is available for download here.