It looks like Microsoft has stepped it up a notch with the latest Zune portable media player. Photos were released yesterday of the new Zune HD model expected to ship in September. The player supports 720p output via HDMI, however its 3.3″ screen only reaches 480×272.
A CNET early review says “The Zune HD feels expensive, solid, and sexy.” From the photos it doesn’t look quite as streamlined as an iPod but comes with plenty of functionality.
The review describes several improvements including a better playback interface, the return of EQ and a mobile browser apparently based on IE. Other features include HD radio integration, social networking capabilities and marketplace.
Check out a few of the pics below.