So was the Zune news leaked or announced via a gadget blog? Either way, tidbits are pouring out.

Enthusiast blog Zunescene started the ball rolling when a tipster dropped the basics: Being prepped for an Oct. 16 launch are flash memory models (code named "draco") with 4 gigabyte and 8 gig capacities and an 80 gig hard-drive model (code named "scorpio").

Images show a smoother, less chunky looking device with a new control interface switch/wheel thing called the "squircle." Here's how the source described it to the blog:

It doesn't have a center button, but it has a dome underneath so you can push it from any side, its really cool.

Also new is an olive drab color the source described as an "old army jeep green." I wonder if it's the same color as the special edition Halo 3 Xbox.

Next week Microsoft is participating in DigitalLife, a big press event in New York where computer and electronics companies show off their holiday offerings. Maybe we're seeing buzz-building ahead of a Zune unveiling at the show.

But the big question is pricing. Will the new Zunes be cheaper than the new iPods with comparable storage?

First-generation Zunes seem to be selling well since the prices came down. You can now get one for $149 at Amazon.com, where they've been the top-selling hard-drive based media player and top of the portable media player category.