Microsoft taking pre-orders for next-gen Zune HD

REDMOND (WASHINGTON): Microsoft Corp said on Thursday a new generation of its Zune music player will go on sale September 15, but eager customers can pre-order the gadget online now.

The Zune HD has a touch screen, built-in Wi-Fi and a Web browser, much like Apple Inc.'s iPod Touch. Zune users can stream and download music from Microsoft's Zune Marketplace.

Unlike Apple's device, the Zune HD also has a built-in HD radio receiver.

Zune HD is the company's third line of the media player, but so far the Zune has attracted only a tiny slice of a digital media player market dominated by iPods.

A 16-gigabyte model will sell for $220, and a 32-gigabyte Zune HD will be $290. A docking station for sending high-definition video from the gadget to an HD television will be sold separately.

Microsoft is taking pre-orders now at www.zune.net/zunehd.