iPod touch gets US price cut in time for Zune HD launch
Apple device undercuts Microsoft at the 11th hour
It was a bold move on Microsoft's part to position the forthcoming Zune HD at a price point of around $100 cheaper than the 32GB iPod touch.
On the eve of the Zune HD's launch, however, Apple has stolen its thunder back by slashing the prices of second generation iPod touches in the US.
TechCrunch reports that the 32GB iPod touch is now priced at $279 (down from $399). The 16GB model has dropped $50 to $249, while the 8GB iPod touch is now $189. This places the $289.99 32GB Zune HD slightly above its iPod touch equivalent.
As well as hoofing bitter rival Microsoft in the virtual nads, Apple is presumably making space for a third generation iPod touch, expected to be announced this evening, probably around the $399 price point.
But what of a UK price drop? So far, the range of iPod touches hasn't changed. This suggests several possible scenarios. Either the third generation iPod touch isn't coming here quite so soon, or Apple sees no need to drop our prices given that the Zune HD has no release schedule outside of the US.
Hopefully we'll know Apple's plans by the end of the day, so stay tuned.
