Engadget got some time with the new Zune HD.  I’m not sure why they say it “kind of rocks”, it looks pretty weak to me.  Not as slick and modern as an iPod design nor light weight even.  We’ve got a bit of a conversation going on the forums, and you can click over to Engadget to check out some more images.

image source: Engadget

Lets hope the “host” of new options aren’t just aimed at getting your money. How about added an EQ back into the Zune and a drag and drop feature from the desktop. Some one really needs to take on Apple’s iPod in a smart and functional manner, but I don’t see MS doing that any time soon. Guess we’ll find out next week.

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Come next week, owners of Microsoft Corp’s portable music player Zune will be able to download music wirelessly and tag and buy songs they hear on the device’s built-in FM radio, Microsoft said on Monday.

The software company is introducing a host of new features on September 16 for the Zune, its answer to Apple Inc’s iPod digital music player, which dominates the market and has sold more than 100 million units since its 2001 launch.

Microsoft will also introduce Zunes with storage capacities of 16 gigabytes and 120 gigabytes, with two new color schemes — blue on silver and black on black.

The news comes one day ahead of an Apple event, where the maker of the Mac, iPod and iPhone is expected to roll out a new iPod Nano and may give an update on iPhone sales.

The new Zune feature, called “Buy from FM,” lets customers tag and purchase songs they hear on FM radio stations using the FM tuner and the device’s wireless capability.

The 16-gigabyte Zune will be priced at $199 and the 120-gigabyte Zune has a price tag of $249.99. Microsoft already sells Zunes in 4GB, 8GB and 80GB sizes.

(Editing by Richard Chang)

source: Reuters