Zune 80 to come in red in time for Valentine's Day

In what it calls a response to the "consumer excitement" for the Zune 80, Microsoft said Tuesday that it will ship a red colored model in time for Valentine's Day.

Along with the debut of the red Zune, Microsoft also has made available 20 different Valentine's Day themed engraving options through its Zune Originals program. The company will also offer special playlists for the holiday through its online store.

Among the playlists to be offered include "Hip Hop Valentine," "80's Love," "Broken Love," and a Barry White themed playlist appropriately titled "Talk to Me, Barry."

The artist collectives featured in the Valentine's Day artwork include Colorblok, Friends With You, PSYOP and Studio Play Pretend, and will be available exclusively through the Zune Originals program until February 14.

In addition, the company will take out the task of wrapping the gift, offering that service for free for a limited time.

Microsoft said the player will be available immediately at a street price of $249. There would be no change to the Zune 4 and 8GB models as the device was already available in red.