I just got an email from Microsoft this afternoon, informing me that they will be performing some system maintenance on all Zune services.  From 11:00 PM Pacific (2:00 AM EST) on September 14 until “the early hours” of September 15, Zune.net, Zune forums, and Zune marketplace will all be unavailable.  We can only speculate as to what might be happening during that period of time.  though considering the Zune HD is set to be released immediately following that down time on September 15, I am pretty sure you are thinking what I am thinking.

So, bottom line, if you are a fan of Zune.net, Zune forums, or Zune marketplace, then get ready for some downtime between late Monday night and early Tuesday morning.  But watch out, because after that slight inconvenience, it will be a whole new online experience…or so I suspect as Microsoft launches the new Zune service.  As for me, I will be anxiously awaiting what Microsoft refers to as, “the next level of Zune entertainment” when I receive my Zune HD on Tuesday.  The full text of the email follows:

As we work to bring you the next level of Zune entertainment, we want to inform you the Zune service will be down starting at 11:00 am (PDT) September 14th until the early hours of September 15th. During this time you will not be able to sign into Zune.net, Zune forums, or Zune Marketplace. We’re sorry for this inconvenience, but come back to www.zune.net on September 15th and get ready to experience a whole new world of Zune

You’ll receive an e-mail update on 9/15 when the new service goes live, giving you the highlights of the new Zune update.

I’ve always found the Zune interesting, but I’ve never been fascinated by one…until now. Come September 15 I’ll likely be visiting my local Best Buy to take a look at the launch of the Zune HD. I’d seen our coverage of the device earlier on and I had read the press releases, but the latest videos on Engadget finally tipped the scales and got me excited about Microsoft’s newest device. I’m really excited to see another mobile product that is really paying attention to a quality look and genuinely interesting user interface.

A new exterior

The brushed metal look on the Zune HD puts the older models to shame, and I’m really liking the transition from that “music playing toy” look to a tempered, high definition portable media machine. The Zune HD looks a lot more serious than its predecessors, and it’s really taken me over. Realistically speaking, I don’t think I’ll be going out and buying one at $219 for 16GB since I already own an iPhone 3GS with a similar capacity, but it’s got me dead-to-rights in the techno lust category. If the old Zunes were Smarties, then the Zune HD is an M&M — and everyone knows that the shell is superior on the latter.

Texty!

One thing that the first Zune nailed was an interesting interface. Doug wrote an extensive review of the device for JAMM, and one thing that stands out is the huge text-based interface. The really striking factor here is the typography of the UI. Instead of using a lot of fancy colours and menu systems, a lot of the Zune HD’s UI seems to be composed of gorgeous and gigantic text — and it works! I never knew that letters turning and tumbling about the screen could be so sexy, and I really can’t wait to try the thing out for myself come September 15.

If you’re looking for more Zune HD details, I definitely suggest you hit up Engadget’s Zune HD hub for some fantastic pics and video demos.

Newegg is selling a re-certified black Zune 4 for $49.00 plus free shipping!!!  That is $50 under the normal price.  I LOVE my Zune 4.  Its small, but packs a wonderful music punch.  Absolutely perfect for the gym!!!  Our very own JAMM bossman Doug did a flash player competition a few months back, and the Zune won his heart.  So, if you are not sure if you want to buy, read his thoughts.  If you need a player, this is a great choice at an awesome price!!!

Unbelievable but true, starting today it is possible to pre-order a Zune HD.  Click on the picture below to run out and order yours! 

For more details on the Zune HD, head on over Heather’s link from last Tuesday, <Zune HD Pricing News and Video>

The Full Press Release can be found below the picture:

Microsoft’s new portable digital media player available for online pre-order at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Microsoft Store

REDMOND, Wash. – Aug. 13, 2009 – Zune HD, the next generation of Microsoft Corp.’s portable digital media player, is available now for pre-order and is set to hit store shelves on Sept. 15. The player, available in 16GB and 32GB capacities, is the first touch-screen Zune and includes powerful playback technology to give you a different way to experience media on the go. Combined with unparalleled PC software and online services such as Zune Pass, Zune provides a rich and meaningful connection to music, videos, podcasts and more.

Pre-order Zune HD in 16GB Black and 32GB Platinum through http://www.zune.net/zunehd from Amazon.com, Best Buy, Walmart and Microsoft. Beginning Sept. 15, at http://www.ZuneOriginals.net, both 16GB and 32GB capacities of Zune HD will be available in five different colors with the option to customize your player with one of 10 new engravings designed by guest artists.

WHAT: With a sleek and stylish design, Zune HD is the first to combine these features:

• 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 from many of your favorite local FM radio stations at no extra cost.
• 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, making it easy to enjoy better-than-DVD-quality video on your own big screen at home.
• OLED touch screen. Allows you to easily flip through music, movies and other content. The 3.3-inch glass screen and 16:9 widescreen format display (480×272 resolution) offer a premium viewing experience.
• Built-in Wi-Fi. 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.
• Accessories, at home and on the road. 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.

WHY: Pre-order now to be one of the first to experience the new Zune HD’s advanced design, innovative technology and rich multimedia capabilities powered by the NVIDIA Tegra ™ chip ultralow-power HD processor.

PRICING: Zune HD 16GB: $219.99 (estimated retail price); Zune HD 32GB: $289.99 (estimated retail price)

WHEN: Pre-order starting Thursday, Aug. 13. Purchase in stores on Tuesday, Sept. 15.

WHERE ONLINE: http://www.zune.net/zunehd

WHERE IN STORE: Place a pre-order in person at Best Buy beginning Aug. 16. If you want a sneak peek, visit select stores in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C. areas on Aug. 22 and 23.

Raise your hand if you hate, Hate, HATE, that ugly slap that Microsoft calls the Zune.   OK…now put your hands down, because you ain’t seen nothing yet.    I’ll admit that as much as I love listening to the Zune, its beauty is most definitely on the inside.  Well, like the ugly duckling becoming a beautiful swan, feast your eye on the new Zune HD…coming soon to a store near you (we hope).

How awesome does that interface look?  Check out the complete gallery at Engadget.