Zune 2 to launch tomorrow? New Zune 1 firmware to follow

Microsoft Zune

If BetaNews is right, Microsoft will unveil its second generation of Zune digital media players tomorrow. Citing sources close to the situation, Microsoft will release its first flash-based players as well as new hard-drive based players.

The flash-based players are expected to measure 3 by 1.25-inches and look very much like the iPod nano (presumably the 2G if leaked pictures are real). They are expected to support video playback and Wi-Fi (Will Microsoft announce a Wi-Fi Zune Marketplace?) and sport higher capacities than similar products from competitors. Previous rumours suggested that they would come with 4GB and 8GB capacities in army jeep green, pink, red, and black though.

The HDD-based players will look much like the first Zune but should be thinner and offering 80GB of storage. Previous rumours indicate that it will be available in black.

The new Zunes are expected to be available in November.

Microsoft is also expected to announce a new firmware update for the first Zune to deliver the same functionality as what will be unveiled in the 2G Zunes.

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