As expected, Microsoft has released a new firmware of its Zune HD music player. The v4.5 brings in some handy features like SmartDJ, additional codecs and access to Marketplace on TV-out via the connected AV dock.

Zune HD users can get the update from the Zune PC software. For now, check out this small walkthrough of the latest firmware.

Microsoft has officially announced the 64GB Zune HD, which we saw a few days back. The device will be available for $349.99 from April 12 through Zuneoriginals.com or about $50 cheaper than the iPod touch with the same storage. The new Zune HD will store double the content and can store up to 16,000 songs, 25,000 pictures of 20 hours of hi-def videos.

As for the 16GB and 32GB variants, Microsoft will now sell them at a lower price. The Zune HD 16GB will go for $199.99 and 32GB for $269.99.

Microsoft will also release a new v4.5 firmware in few days that will bring in support for new codecs, SmartDJ and Marketplace access via the AV dock.

Zune HD is currently available in 16 and 32GB capacities and if this accidental appearance is taken into account, Microsoft will sell a 64GB variant soon. The release date is not known but since Microsoft hasn’t taken the text down despite the discovery, it possibly hints that the launch could be sooner than expected.

Zune HD is a formidable PMP from Microsoft and with the new storage option it will go head to head with Apple’s iPod touch.

[Via Engadget]

Zune HD users can connect with friends on world’s largest social network. Microsoft has released the highly anticipated Facebook app (after Twitter) for Zune HD and is now available for download from the Zune Marketplace.

The app allows user to view/update their status, post photos, videos, view profiles as well as receive messages through the app. Another nifty feature the app adds is the integration of a Zune icon that allows to update the Facebook status to Zune’s currently playing track.

[Via CNET]

Zune HD hits US retail shelves tomorrow and if you haven’t pre-ordered but wanting to buy it on the launch day, here’s a deal that offers a good discount. Dell is offering a 15% discount on both the Zune HD SKUs along with free 2 day shipping with the 16GB will cost a nice $187 while 32GB Zune HD will go for $246.

Zune HD 32GB

[Via Gizmodo]

With Microsoft’s decent effort to pull some off iPod market share, it was certain that Microsoft would launch its Tegra rocking Zune HD outside their homeland. Well, guess what? They confirmed to Ars Technica yesterday that Zune HD will be sold only in US. Ok, it’s initially but still.

“For the time being the Zune HD device will remain US only. Right now we are focused on deploying an exciting service in the form of Zune Video to 18 markets. We are looking at potential future hardware experiences for these markets, but do not have anything to announce right now.”

A shocker is all I can say. Zune HD is one of the few devices that has made so many excited and I think by the time Microsoft makes their move to go international, Apple might already have something on the plate to offer its customers. Come on, MS cash in on the opportunity. And fast.

Sure, we know almost everything about Zune HD but if you want more of it, you can check out this 6min long video. Brian Seitz from the Zune Team gives the demo who explains the UI in detail, reveals the browser, keyboard and finally plays HD Radio.

[Via TechFlash]

Microsoft has put an end to all the rumors surrounding Zune HD by announcing the release date as well the price. The D-day is set for September 15 and will come in capacities of 16GB and 32GB which will cost $219.99 and $289.99 respectively. To sweeten things up, Microsoft Store and other retailers have started taking up pre-orders for the device in five different colors.

Zune HD packs a Nvidia Tegra chip capable of outputting 720p video on HDTV via an AV dock, has a 3.3-inch OLED 16:9 display, HD Radio, Wi-Fi, internet browser etc.

Product Page

Press Release

After looking into the Best Buy system yesterday that revealed the pricing, Gizmodo received new images that shows Zune HD’s packaging along with the release date. The new date is September 15, a week later than what we believed to be. The pack also suggests to pre-book the device by paying just $25, which I presume could start from September 8.

[Via Gizmodo]

Microsoft was playing coy with Zune HD’s pricing but it looks like the American retailers have spilled the beans. Best Buy’s inventory system and Amazon’s site have listed 16 and 32GB Zune HDs. The price quoted for 16GB and 32GB are $220 and $290 respectively. Best Buy’s system even reveals the release date, which jibes with the rumored Sept. 8 date.

Meanwhile, CNet who recently got a hands-on have published few more pictures showing Zune HD’s browser and keyboard. The browser is said to be developed by Microsoft’s Internet Explorer team, will support portrait or landscape surfing and understandably have Bing search integrated. The keyboard too, supports landscape and portrait views and with the brief time CNet’s reported spent with the device, he found it as speedy and precise as the iPhone. Check the pictures over here.

[Via Gizmodo]