If the Zune HD isn't a portable Xbox I will slap Robbie Bach in the teeth

Microsoft hasn't put the Zune out to pasture yet, announcing yesterday the upcoming availability of what is known, for the moment, as the "Zune HD". As far as portable media players go, it's a contender: a bright OLED screen, HD video output to larger screens, and most importantly, a multitouch interface with a version of the Internet Explorer web browser that can handle Flash.

The company will also be moving the Zune video library service to Xbox, finally wedding the two services that are already under the same corporate banner.

I suspect that also means the Zune HD will be Microsoft's foray into mobile gaming, first with casual 2D games from the likes of PopCap and other vendors that already provide downloadable games through the Xbox, as well as original titles designed to work specifically on the mobile device.

It would make sense, at least. Ever since Microsoft first dipped its toe into the gaming waters, many have wondered when the company would also try its hand at portable gaming. While idle speculation (including my own) isn't worth the phosphors it's written on, seeing the two biggest home entertainment brands that Microsoft owns (besides what it is arguably its biggest entertainment brand, Windows) being knit together certainly allows for the possibility. And it would be so dumb for Microsoft to let another market slip through its fingers.

Even without a do-all device like a Zune Phone to go up against the iPhone platform, the Zune HD could be a useful adjunct to those already heavily plugged into the Xbox. While I would prefer to see the full force of Microsoft's hardware and software development unified behind a single mobile platform, the millions of Xbox gamers provide Microsoft with at least a few million potential customers—a rare few who have had a generally positive experience with a Microsoft platform.

⌦ Would Microsoft make a handheld gaming system without a phone?