Redmond (WA) - Microsoft is putting the last minute touches on the new technology we’ll see tomorrow, that of the next generation of Zune portable media players. These new products include redesigned software, online services including a marketplace and user community. Microsoft’s latest players will be available at several retailers beginning November 13, 2007, in Zune 80GB, 8GB or 4GB formats in various colors.

ImageZune was Microsoft’s basic answer to iTunes. As the Zune rolled out and people got their hands on the first-gen players, the different communities of users began to solidify. It appears Microsoft is attempting to rectify that, while also building upon it, with the new Zune players. These come not only with several new abilities or features, but also there is a rather unique service in that people can get their Zunes etched with custom images via a laser etching service. And example of the handywork is shown to the left.

According to Microsoft, the Zune development teams worked with 18 artists to create 27 designs, called the Artist Series. These will be available through a website called Zune Originals. There’s also a Tattoo Series featuring 20 different graphics that can be laser-engraved onto the Zune with an optional three lines of text, or five lines of text if no image is engraved. The Zunes Originals website is the portal to getting all of these customizable Zune features.

Microsoft will be selling the Zune 4 GB for $149.99, and the Zune 8 GB will fetch $199.99. The Zune 80 GB will top out at $249. These are available in pink, green, black and red. They comes with a 3.2" screen, noise-isolating in-ear headphones, a touch-sensitive navigator for selection or volume control. In addition, each Zune has wireless syncing and sharing, a built-in FM tuner and the ability to play music, show pictures, play videos and watch podcasts. Existing Zune customers can download all of the new software features for a free upgrade.