Microsoft launches new player, the Zune HD

Microsoft launches new player, the Zune HD A new version of Zune will be marketed. It has a touch screen and can project HD video on a TV.

Microsoft has launched in the U.S. a new version of Zune portable media player. This is the latest attempt of the software giant to enter the supremacy of Apple's iPod.

Thinner than predecessor and features a touch screen, an HD radio receptor and a wireless Wi-Fi, the Zune HD makes appearance on the U.S. market at a price slightly lower than rival the iPod touch, hoping to nibble market share during the holiday season.

Microsoft claims to have taken a ahead of point of view on Apple technology by equipping device with a screen LED art and allowing it to project high-definition video (720p) - to buy or rent on the Zune Marketplace - an HD television.

But the Zune HD, have much risk to cope with the iPod and ultimate design. Launched in 2001, the digital music player reigns over 70% of the market, a stronghold that has not shaken the launch of the first version of Zune in 2006.

No "Zune phone" in preparation

Microsoft announced last month the price of new range, which selling of 219.99 dollars (224.977 USD) for the black model with 16 GB of memory to 289.99 dollars (299.865 USD) for the platinum version equipped with 32 GB colors red, green and blue are also available.

In time of this announcement, the prices were well below 399 dollars displayed by the iPod touch and 32GB But Apple has responded by launching a version equipped with the same memory capacity for 299 dollars and also iPod touch 64GB iPod nano and equipped with a video camera.

Facebook and Twitter expected on the Zune Marketplace

He nevertheless announced that devices running Windows Mobile or other operating systems could take over the functions of the Zune.

The player is based on Microsoft's booth online Zune Marketplace, established to

make room for the Apple iTunes Store.

It has for Currently only a few applications, such as portal MSN Weather forecast and video games. In November, programs dedicated to online community sites such as Facebook or Twitter should start to appear.