Microsoft’s Zune HD, revealed this week, is no comparison to Apple’s iPod Touch or the sleek iPhone. However, just because it isn’t made by Apple, doesn’t mean it hasn’t got a large following. A nice bit of news for the Zune HD may entice new followers for Microsoft’s media player - it is to offer a few extra features, including the oh-so-popular touchscreen.

Apple has been making products with the touchscreen for years and is still dominating the market, but Microsoft hope to gain a better share of the customers by improving the Zune’s Xbox 360 capabilities. Zune HD owners who have an Xbox 360 at home can connect to Xbox Live and stream and download videos from the Video Marketplace in the near future.

Other main improvements for the Zune HD include:

• Wireless Capabilities - The Zune HD can connect to nearby Wi-Fi hotspots wirelessly and update, purchase content and stream millions of songs directly to the media player to turn it into a digital jukebox.
• Web Browser - Wherever you are, if there is a Wi-Fi connection nearby, you can connect to the Internet and surf the world wide web, all with tap-to-zoom functions and a touchscreen QWERTY keyboard.
• HD Radio - You can tune into a wide selection of radio stations and listen with crystal-clear reception. With no extra cost, you can access HD radio stations with the built in HD Radio receiver.
• HD Out - The Zune HD can support 720p HD movies, TV shows and videos on your HDTv, using the AV Dock. You can also download them and take them wherever you go - the toilet, long journeys, anywhere!
• Touchscreen - A 3.3 inch screen with a 16:9 OLED display (480×272 resolution) is available, to allow you to access your content quickly and easily.

North Americans will be the first proud owners of the Zune HD, which is set to debut in the region this Fall, though unfortunately for the rest of us, no future plans for PAL regions have been announced, possibly because Microsoft hope to see how well the media player sells in America before selling it internationally.

More details are set to be released at next week’s E3, keep your eyes peeled!

( For more specific technical information on the Zune HD, please visit the Zune HD website).