Microsoft has finally gone ahead and confirmed the recent slew of rumors surrounding the Zune HD. The Zune HD in 16GB Black and 32GB Platinum is available now for preorder from Amazon.com, Best Buy, Wal-mart, and the Microsoft Store. The device will be officially available on September 15, 2009. ZuneOriginals.net will then offer both 16GB and 32GB capacities in five different colors with the option to add one of 10 new engravings designed by guest artists to the back of the device. The 16GB version will be priced at $220 and the 32GB will go for $290.

Microsoft's biggest competition will undoubtedly be Apple, which currently prices its similar product significantly higher. The 16GB iPod Touch goes for $300 while the 32GB iPod Touch will set you back $400. Apple will likely slash its prices soon though, and given how pricing usually works in the iPod lineup, our guess is that the 16GB will soon go for $230 while the 32GB will be at $300. Microsoft is likely expecting such a move, and if we're right, Redmond will only be undercutting Cupertino by a mere $10.

Apple currently also offers an 8GB version of the iPod Touch, and again looking back at what history has shown us, if the 16GB will take on the 8GB version's price, and the 32GB version will take on the 16GB version's price, the company will likely put out a 64GB version (and the rumor mill agrees) for $400. Microsoft doesn't have a 64GB version planned for the launch of the Zune HD, though whispers claim that one is one the way.

We've heard lots about the Zune HD, some fact, some speculation. Now that the release is just a month away, it's important to get official details. Here are the six areas that Microsoft is underlining:

Built-in HD Radio receiver : Allows you to listen to higher-quality sound than is available from traditional radio channels, as well as access additional programming through HD2 and HD3 multicast channels.

: Allows you to listen to higher-quality sound than is available from traditional radio channels, as well as access additional programming through HD2 and HD3 multicast channels. HD video output capabilities : Supports HD video playback from the device through a premium HDMI A/V docking station (sold separately) directly to an HDTV in 720p.

: Supports HD video playback from the device through a premium HDMI A/V docking station (sold separately) directly to an HDTV in 720p. OLED touch screen : Allows you to easily flip through music, movies, and other content on the 3.3-inch glass screen and 16:9 widescreen format display (480x272 resolution).

: Allows you to easily flip through music, movies, and other content on the 3.3-inch glass screen and 16:9 widescreen format display (480x272 resolution). Built-in Wi-Fi : Allows for browsing, streaming, or downloading new music from Zune Marketplace.

: Allows for browsing, streaming, or downloading new music from Zune Marketplace. Internet browser : Full-screen Web browsing, optimized for the multitouch screen with zoom-in and zoom-out gestures.

: Full-screen Web browsing, optimized for the multitouch screen with zoom-in and zoom-out gestures. Accessories: Zune HD and AV Dock charges and syncs players while playing supported 720p HD videos on HDTVs. Play HD Radio, music, and podcasts from your Zune HD device through your car stereo using the Zune Premium Car Pack.

Two days ago, the flash-based Zunes (Zune 4, Zune 8, and Zune 16) disappeared from the Zune Store and Zune Originals, though they're still on Zune.net. Microsoft hasn't yet disclosed their fate, but we'll know soon enough if they're getting the axe (most likely), or if they'll return with some small hardware update.

In April 2009 we learned that the next generation of the Zune would be an international release. Microsoft officially described the Zune HD in May 2009 as a multitouch device with a 16:9 OLED screen, Web browser, HD radio support, and full support for 720p video though its HDMI out port. In June 2009, Redmond confirmed that the device would be powered by the Nvidia Tegra.