Taking obvious hints from the Zune HD’s interface, Microsoft have managed to create a clean and modern OS. If it is based on previous incarnations they’ve hidden it well enough that no one would care.

Definitely aimed more at the casual user than the older versions, great emphasis on integration with social networks and Xbox Live is evident. This as well as a media player based on the Zune and lots of swanky graphics certainly markets it as a device for pleasure as well as productivity. Assuming they manage to keep the old functionality they’ve done well to encompass two very different markets.

Trying to describe the interface would be next to impossible (well succeeding would be anyway), its nothing like anything you’ll have seen before, but will certainly feel familiar to any fellow Zune HD users. You’re much better of checking out this video:

Shexy no? (that’s my Sean Connery on the internet impression by the way) As you’ll now know it’s certainly different to anything currently on the market and does extremely well in the eye candy front. In terms of functionality I’m going to sit on the fence, it certainly looks like it’ll be good but until I’ve had a go on it myself I could never be sure. Things can look good on paper but be horrible to use and vice versa. Add the fact that as yet we don’t know what hardware will be running it (please be something nice as fast so it doesn’t lag) I’ll be waiting until release before I make up my mind.

So Microsoft have certainly improved their offering over the last 12 months, I for one can’t wait to check this out once its released. My contract even ends at the appropriate time, may be tempted! What are your thoughts? What needs changing/adding before release? Let us know in the comments below.