Earlier this month, Microsoft made headlines with the announcement of a new generation of Zune portable media players sporting a new design, new features—including worthwhile Wi-Fi functionality—and new software. The company also promised to deliver a million DRM-free MP3 tracks on the Zune Marketplace and to back-port new software features to first-generation Zunes. However, despite the hype, the company only mentioned a vague "November" release time frame for the new devices, software, and music.
Luckily for Zune fans longing to upgrade either their software or their devices, the folks at Engadget have learned of a specific date for the new Zunes' retail introduction. Engadget's information doesn't come from shady insiders or moles, but from an old-fashioned print ad for the new Zunes. The ad clearly states, "new 4, 8, 30, 80 GB zune. begining [sic] 11.13.07."
The new 4GB and 8GB flash-based Zunes will cost $149.99 and $199.99, respectively, while the new 80GB hard drive-based Zune will be priced at $249.99. The old 30GB player had its price cut to $199 last month, but places like Woot.com are already offering heavily discounted versions of the player.
