Microsoft’s latest Zune portable media player, the Zune HD, is now available for purchase. 

Many in the tech world are raving about the new player, which boasts a new Tegra mobile processor, a 3.3-inch OLED touchscreen and the ability to output 720p HD video to TVs with an optional dock.

Other features include HD Radio support, built-in Wi-Fi, a web browser, up to 8.5 hours of video playback and wireless syncing. The Zune HD is available in two capacities, 16GB and 32GB. 

We doubt the Zune HD will prove much of a treat to Apple’s iPod touch, irrespective of how well it performs in consumers’ hands.  Microsoft will need a line of winning media players to compete with the ubiquitous iPod.  However, the new Zune may provide some insight into how Microsoft plans to beef up its future Windows Mobile devices’ multimedia experience.

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