Are Microsoft Stores Code for Zune Promotion?

Ian Paul at PCWorld had a great catch yesterday with pricing for the new Microsoft Zune HD media player appearing briefly on Amazon. Depending on the model, the price may be $70 to $100 less than a comparable Apple iTouch. Maybe the price was a mistake, but I'm thinking maybe not. And that got me wondering a bit more. Could the new Microsoft consumer stores, which I and others have roundly mocked sight unseen, largely be a platform to promote the Zune?

First looks at prototypes suggested that Microsoft had finally gotten it right:

Early looks at the new multi-touch Zune are getting a surprising number of raves, including an editor at Gizmodo saying that it looks better than the iPod Touch and, here's the real interesting note, has a better interface and works better. Microsoft trumping Apple in a consumer product show down? That's a new one to me. It also makes you wonder what might be up the sleeves in Redmond when it comes to new smartphone designs. Could Microsoft have something that could give the iPhone a run for its money and then some?

• Microsoft will launch stores in the fall.
• The opening time coincides with the beginning of the holiday buying season.
• The Zune sounds like a strong competitor to the iTouch.
• Microsoft is one of the big players in cell phone operating systems.

Image courtesy of Microsoft.